I’m a little late in posting this news so forgive for that but I figured that this was newsworthy enough to post about anyway so here it is.

Nikkei Net Interactive, a Japanese business news website, is reporting that Nintendo are set to release a new iteration of the hugely successful Nintendo DS later this year. The updated version of the handheld will apparently feature a built-in camera and music playback, plus improved wireless capabilities allowing the handheld to connect to ‘information terminals’ in a bid to expand non-gaming features.

While a camera would open up new gameplay options I don’t see the point myself as the already installed mic is nothing more than a gimmick that many games don’t bother using or it’s not a massive part of gameplay when they do (plus it makes you look like an idiot when you’re shouting into it on the train). Plus, cameras and music playback are already basic features of any new mobile phone hitting the market - especially in Japan where mobile phone usage is extremely high.

In Japan the new DS will apparently be priced below 20,000 yen as the current DS price there is 16,800 yen. It will be launched in Japan first and will have to sell “several hundred thousand units” before being released overseas, which would probably be easy to do for Nintendo so I wouldn’t be surprised if we see one on our shores within a year or two.

Nintendo have not outright denied the rumor. Instead, they had this to say:

“We are always developing new products. However, since nothing has been announced officially, we are unable to comment at this time.” - Famitsu (Via Kotaku)

Take it as pure speculation right now, but I wouldn’t be surprised if it turned out to be true. With Sony having released an updated version of the PSP (and another update due for release in October) it would make sense for Nintendo to update their own handheld. We don’t even have to speculate how it would sell as anyone with common sense will know they’ll sell by the truckload.

Nintendo To Debut Camera-Equipped, Music-Playing DS In Late ‘08 - Nikkei Net [Subscription required] (Via Kotaku)