Game Boy Evolution

By .edDotEd. Wednesday, February 28, 2007 7:56:43 PM

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We all think about it in the back of our minds. What is going to happen to the Game Boy line of handhelds?

Recently Seaempty explored the possibility of a storage based system with downloadable content from WiiConnect24 or the Virtual Console, and I agree this is an excellent idea. I envision a sleek flash memory based Game Boy with a form factor similar in size to the original iPod nano but held sideways as the Game Boy micro is now. [With more] flat light up buttons and a QVGA screen. With an SD card slot and mini USB charge-syncing port for Wii. The device itself has recently been bestowed music, movie, and simple downloadable 'Garage Games' playback features with add-ons officially released by Nintendo (Play-Yan, Play-Yan micro). Could Game Boy become the TinyPocketPSP? God I hope so, but the name may have to change... perhaps 'Game Boy E' for Entertainment/Evolution?

Others believe the DS has out shined and replaced the feasability of a second handheld, and that Game Boy brand should be retired. This does make sense, as Nintendo would be splitting the market within themselves if they had multiple devices and had difficulty differentiating the two or justifying a purchase of each, especially with convergence devices like PSP trying to pack every device into one.

Then there is the possibility of the continued merge of Game Boy and DS. The obvious problem here is that DS has proven that there is barely room for the larger GBA style cartridges in a handheld system anymore and that flash memory based Cards are superior.

What direction should Nintendo take with Game Boy's evolution?

N+ Members can vote in the poll in the blog side bar for their choice and everyone can leave comments with their thoughts.

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Comments

.edDotEd Wednesday, February 28, 2007 9:25:13 PM

Despite the fact that I'd love for there to be a Game Boy E, I voted that Nintendo continue to merge the systems. Mostly for fear of a misplaced product in the non-target consumers' eyes, which can really damage a product's reputation and make it hard to ever really bring to market in the first place.

Ericairman360 Wednesday, February 28, 2007 9:33:13 PM

That sounds like a neat idea. The gameboy E should be fold out (like the DS) and have a toch screen (like the ds). But it should have a different title.

.edDotEd Wednesday, February 28, 2007 9:41:36 PM

.... like ....game boy ...ds?

Geoff GirardinG-off Wednesday, February 28, 2007 10:07:45 PM

Why make a gameboy that has a touch screen and folds if they could just merge the systems further?

Giovanni MedinaWiidark Thursday, March 1, 2007 1:48:51 AM

Just call the next system the "Nintendo Gameboy DS Evo".

MK-MK Thursday, March 1, 2007 3:44:32 AM

I think they should just improve the DS even more. Such as sensing multiple points of pressure.

AntonCaptainSeagull Thursday, March 1, 2007 5:41:13 AM

and both screens feel your arms around it, and both can feel your touch. and it would be neat if instead of picking one screen for gameboy games, they both show you the same thing.

Unregistered user Thursday, March 1, 2007 7:35:18 PM

Pedro UK writes: I think a "Gameboy" cart for the DS would be a better implementation. Make it the size of the DS Browser Memory Pak with a reasonable storage capacity and/or Micro SD slot. Then Download older GBA, GBC and GB games to your hearts content...

MCMC2Kool Friday, March 2, 2007 2:09:37 AM

I voted for: Nintendo should continue the Game Boy evolution. I've been a fan of the Game Boy line since I was 8 (that's when I got my Game Boy). I loved the 2-D style of the games (and still do) and I know that games will just go farther 3-D then ever. But I hope that the Game Boy line will continue the unappreciated 2-D art.



-MC2Kool

.edDotEd Friday, March 2, 2007 3:27:40 AM

that's a good point, MC2Kool, the GBA is one of the strongest proponents for 2D ever, and may be one of the main reasons 2D is still around

Geoff GirardinG-off Friday, March 2, 2007 3:52:58 AM

I'd like them to continue making Gameboy games, so long as it isn't this "Dogs" stuff and games based off of Disney shows. I think that they should stop making systems though. You can play them on the DS, what's the point?

Games = good. Systems = no.

Dark FurieFurie Monday, March 5, 2007 10:17:26 PM

I have a dream of a future version of the DS with expandable memory like today's mobile phones. Added file manager functionality would allow transfer of game saves, from both DS cards and Gameboy cartridges, to the memory card for backup. The online store could host extra programs such as MP3 players and instant messengers to be downloaded as well as expanded content for games (sort of like the Xbox live marketplace). More games could be launched with either extra content available online, or expansion packs available as gameboy cartridges. It may not be a realistic dream on all points, but it's still a dream.

VG_recycler Wednesday, March 7, 2007 1:25:45 PM

The Game Boy line used to be the best handheld. Yet look at it now: it plays nothing but cheap ports. I think the GBA is no different from the Gamecube right now. They've both surpassed their own predecessors, but now the same has happened to them. Sure, the Game Boy line was great. I loved almost everygame I bought from it. Yet the same relationship that the Gamecube has with the Wii is the same as Game Boy to DS. Check my blog's post about my recent embarkment to old school gaming.

Unregistered user Wednesday, July 11, 2007 1:41:24 AM

Anonymous writes: i like to party

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