Cameras, music and touch games – Oh my!

According to a DS Fanboy post, there’s a new Nintendo DS on the horizon.  Other sources have been reporting very similar news, stating that the new Nintendo handheld will be the same core console as before with a few nifty upgrades.  So far, a camera and built-in MP3 player are the most note-worthy additions.  However, I speculate that Nintendo will slim down the form factor some more also.  If they’re smart, they’ll keep the screen brightness the same.

Sony pulled a really silly move with their PSP.  By improving the screen brightness, they reduced the battery life by a whopping 20%.  It wasn’t like the display needed an upgrade… is Super High Def so necessary on a 7″ screen?! Being the dictatorship in the handheld gaming community, I’m sure Nintendo wouldn’t take such a step.  I mean, the DS Lite’s screen is perfect.  Don’t fix it if it ain’t broke, Nintendo!!

The true challenge Nintendo faces is making this new incarnation of their handheld worth buying over the DS Lite.  Not only is it priced to please, but the DS Lite is also a great form factor, has a great set of displays, and is all around what I would demand from my Nintendo DS.  Maybe a color selection would help sell this line?  Although, an MP3 player alone (with added microSD support for capacity! please!) may put this one in the running.  With the rumored upgrades, a longer battery life will be necessary, and ultimately appreciated by the customer.  We’ll know by Thursday if this is all a big joke… but if it isn’t, the new DS could be released before the end of the year.