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Nintendo 3DS outed by Japanese media pressure - Analyst

M2 Research's Billy Pidgeon claims last week's handheld reveal was to preempt an unauthorized report in the press.

The past several years have seen leaks preempt major game announcements. One of the biggest happened just before last year's Electronic Entertainment Expo, when a leaked video revealed the PSP Go three days before it was officially unveiled at Sony's press briefing. Microsoft saw something similar occur at the Consumer Electronic Show in January, when another leaked video preemptively confirmed the Project Natal motion-sensing system would arrive this year.

The 3DS announcement may have cost Nintendo DSi XL sales.

The 3DS announcement may have cost Nintendo DSi XL sales.

Now, M2 Research analyst Billy Pidgeon is claiming that last week's unveiling of the Nintendo 3DS was done in order to head off an unauthorized media expose. "Apparently, the Japanese press was all over it and talked with suppliers there and Nintendo just wanted to get out ahead by breaking the news to prevent a leak," he told CNBC.

The timing of the announcement had raised many eyebrows, as it came less than a week before the DSi XL launched in North America. Pidgeon believes the announcement may hurt sales of the super-sized handheld with consumers, especially since the 3DS will be shown off in just two and a half months at E3 2010. "Does it clash with the DSi XL? Yes it does," summed up Pidgeon.

156 Comments

  • darkraiders

    Posted Apr 12, 2010 5:05 am GMT

    @Pipluplikeslink I'm pretty sure they will be released before the 3DS.But if by chance they r released after 3DS i think it would be more logical of nintendo to still released them on the DS since 3DS is compatible with DS card and 3DS wouldn't have been out long enough to have good sell for pokemon Black and White.

  • sonicwii

    Posted Apr 10, 2010 7:22 pm GMT

    It's starting to seem as if Nintendo is always using some new feature into the their consoles to try and steer people away from the better, more advanced systems (exempli gratia PlayStation and XBOX). When I first heard about it in a 2004 issue of a gaming magazine, I wanted the original model of the PSP. Then, two years later, I wanted the DS Lite. Four years after that, I was faced with the choice of the DSi or PSP go, and chose the PSP go.

    The touch screen, dual cameras, motion sensing remotes, photo editing…to play games, all you need is a normal game system, and to do all the other stuff, you can bring your ipod/Mp3 player, cell phone/camera, and a computer with Photoshop. I don't see much worth in the DSi XL, and I'll admit that I was thrilled with the unveiling of the DSi, but I'll stick to my PSP go and DS Lite until I get the 3DS. My DS Lite has taken quite a beating since I got it in 2006 (all these Pokémon battles and Need for Speed races that I've lost aren't helping my DS Lite), which means that I should be hoping to get the 3DS soon.

    But, that doesn't mean that I dislike these excessive re-iterations of the same system. It almost seems as if Nintendo won't be satisfied until every human being is in possession of some version of the DS system. With each version, the price of the new DS goes up, and, to some good, the prices of the older versions go down. So, all these new DS models could actually help of of us that want a newer version at a lower price.

  • Pipluplikeslink

    Posted Apr 10, 2010 8:55 am GMT

    Pokemon Black and White are going for the 3DS in 2011, NOT JOKING!!

  • AlphaLeviathan

    Posted Apr 7, 2010 9:17 pm GMT

    **RUMOR** 3ds is supposed to have graphic capabilities similar to gamecube **/rumor**

    In all honesty, as long as it has better graphics and does NOT make me nauseated or give me a headache... I'd buy it in a second. but, it probably won't be for another 2 years. I'll wait until the second edition of the 3DS comes out (usually the best).

  • KieranCottrell

    Posted Apr 6, 2010 2:58 pm GMT

    @ DSfanatic5: I agree with you, but I don't think Nintendo is completely unaware of the core gamers still interested in their output. It's become pretty obvious with the release of the DS and the Wii that Nintendo's new economic strategy is all about audience expansion, but I think their creative production is still top-notch, and still satisfies the most 'hardcore' (not just FPS superfans) gamers. I mean, games like Metroid Prime 3 don't appeal to the casuals they're intent on catching, but they released it to the core, fundamental demographic that will keep video gaming from becoming just some 21st century fad. Everyone loves Mario Galaxy, yeah, but you'd be blind not to see the love and attention to detail that went into making that such a precise and satisfying platformer. I don't think Nintendo's forgetting anyone, but they're looking at a lot more people now. The concentration of resources has to change as a result, and no we don't get as many truly ace first party titles as we used to, but their games are so richly Nintendo. The effort is there.

  • diggyman

    Posted Apr 5, 2010 10:45 am GMT

    but I'm not interested in the DSi XL at all. I'm not spending almost $200 on a product I pretty much already have. I'm ready for a NEW product with NEW tech. I don't think i'm the only one who's thinking like this, and I think Nintendo knows it. True, it isn't like 'Ninty' to announce something like this in such a manner, so maybe it was to beat a leak, but maybe they're just smart enough to release the info now to keep the interest of guys like myself.

  • DSfanatic5

    Posted Apr 3, 2010 9:26 pm GMT

    Core gamers are so silly. You'd like to think that Nintendo is targeting you with the DSi (XL) but you're wasting your breathe. Are the Imagine series for you? (Think baby raising, ballarinas, model fashion, etc.) Nintendo isn't worried about the hardcore gamers, or mid-range gamers. If those people are smart they own a DS Lite for obvious reasons.

    Look at Nintendo, and if you know their business model, you already know that they are TRYING TO REACH THOSE THAT HAVEN'T BOUGHT INTO THE HYPE. Nintendo is simply "reaching out" to try and nab that last 20% market share that hasn't bought a DS yet. That is why we're seeing the DSiXL and such. Nintendo doens't care about the hardcore gamers that are already satisfied, they're after the rest of the casual cows.

  • 64-bit

    Posted Apr 3, 2010 1:20 am GMT

    nintendo announced many times that they are always working on new hardware.

  • S_Pac_316

    Posted Apr 2, 2010 5:10 pm GMT

    This is no surprise. I sort of not want to get the DSi or the XL version.
    With the features they made for the DSi, they probably should've waited to put them in their next handheld.

  • atopp399

    Posted Apr 2, 2010 5:47 am GMT

    The new 3DS will probably only have a 3 inch screen when it is released if it is anything like Sharps mobile phone screen. There is a 3 inch limit on it because of the type of technology right now. The article even names Nintendo.

    http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Sharp-shows-3D-displays-for-apf-1099255211.html?x=0&sec=topStories&pos=1&asset=&ccode=&sec=topStories&pos=8&asset=cb91de565c3eb6b76c020f51150fa4a4&ccode=mp

  • fester420

    Posted Apr 2, 2010 4:25 am GMT

    @SuprSaiyanRockr

    I agree. I still have my original DS from launch day and it still works as good as ever, why would I need a new one.

  • SuprSaiyanRockr

    Posted Apr 2, 2010 4:04 am GMT

    Why do they feel the need to keep releasing new versions of the DS? I've still got the original. There's nothing wrong with it.

  • LorenaLarue

    Posted Apr 2, 2010 12:57 am GMT

    The DS XL is targetted at people with pooer eyesight so I am expecting the 3DS to have a smaller screen and is targetted at people who still don't own a DS or have a DSi or lower. It shouldn't cut in to DS XL sales by so much I think.

  • comachrissie

    Posted Apr 1, 2010 9:54 pm GMT

    I'm wondering how and why Nintendo think releasing 3 DS models in the last 3 years that basically have cosmetic "upgrades" is good sense. Surely it's just pissing people off that just laid out over $300 for a new machine to see it basically superseded within 12 months.

  • drivemuse

    Posted Apr 1, 2010 9:19 pm GMT

    How could anyone consider getting a DS XL when the 3DS will obviously be superior? (and likely backward compatible...to some extent). I think the DS XL will become something like the Gameboy Micro or even the Virtual Boy (to a lesser degree)

  • slimify-d

    Posted Apr 1, 2010 7:12 pm GMT

    to be honest i got to say im liking the look of this, although i must also say if i had a bit more cash i would have probably pick up a DSi XL wasnt too fussed until i saw them and then my gooey nintendo eyes kicked in and i thought about link, mario or even my pokemons on that nice big screen then i snapped out of it and said but wait there is a new one coming soon, so yeh it definately cost them at least one sale!

  • yabbal

    Posted Apr 1, 2010 6:22 pm GMT

    I'm definitely going to buy this new DS. I am amused by all the people complaining that they are releasing a new one so soon. My DS is 5 years old and I think its about time Nintendo released a successor, as I have no interest in buying the same thing again, even with a couple of extra features!

  • PDCollins6

    Posted Apr 1, 2010 4:31 pm GMT

    I would rather they make newer revisions that are OPTIONAL and play the same games than if they had just the original one and have it be outdated.

  • King_Gamer19

    Posted Apr 1, 2010 4:14 pm GMT

    Another system I won't buy

  • zelosphia_8

    Posted Apr 1, 2010 3:49 pm GMT

    Just bought a DSi XL. Plan on buying the updated version of the 3DS when it's released a year after the original.

  • meke186

    Posted Apr 1, 2010 3:05 pm GMT

    if the 3ds does have gamecube power im definitely getting i mean just think about playing like twilight princess on a ds. and No this isnt april fools since the announcement of 3ds was a week ago. but its hard to imagine the game cartridges, will they get smaller i mean the ds's are already small or will they have downloadable like psp go

  • Crossel777

    Posted Apr 1, 2010 2:49 pm GMT

    Of course it will effect the sales of the DS XL it's a frikkin handheld with gamecube power and 100% Backwards compatibility, who could possibly turn that down.

    An no it' ain't a april fools joke. It was announced before April.

  • Franzkill

    Posted Apr 1, 2010 2:45 pm GMT

    @DemonChris.

    If DS owners stop buying revisions of the SAME CONSOLE then Nintendo will stop making a NEW REVISON every year. People rip themselves off yet instead blame the company?!

  • vader501st

    Posted Apr 1, 2010 2:26 pm GMT

    I could not care less about Nintendo's lack of personality, always changing the DS and ignoring the models that came before.

    If they keep acting like that, they'll soon be the next Activision.

  • zomglolcats

    Posted Apr 1, 2010 2:06 pm GMT

    I bought a DS Lite to replace my fat DS because I liked the form factor of the Lite. Have no interest in a DSi, or DSi XL. I'll most likely get the 3DS however.

  • DiscGuru101

    Posted Apr 1, 2010 2:00 pm GMT

    Sepewrath: Agreed. I have not fallen for any of Nintendo's remodel efforts except for on the Gameboy color. They got me on that one! I bought the DS Lite first, when they came out, and I'm still happy with it. -I won't give up the GBA slot any time soon either.

  • EvilestToNkA

    Posted Apr 1, 2010 1:17 pm GMT

    Hope this is an April's Fools joke, if it isn't i won't buy it anyway

  • violentmonkey

    Posted Apr 1, 2010 1:15 pm GMT

    I 100% agree with sepewrath. If you wanted a bigger DSI then go for the XL. If you want something more sturdier for the phat. If you want a more compact system with longer battery life and can play gba games then go for the lite. It's that simple people. People who complain about different models are just wasting their time thinking of a way to put down Nintendo. If people are caring sooo much about different models why don't people ever complain about the 360 and PS3's several model changes over the years? O yea that's right, they not "kiddy" thus making them "cool".

  • Sepewrath

    Posted Apr 1, 2010 12:31 pm GMT

    Personally I don't see why people feel the need to buy every remodel and then complain when an actual successor comes out. If you just bought a DSi, I don't see why you would be that interested in the XL anyway. So the timing of this announcement should really make no difference if you already own a functioning DS.

  • memu591

    Posted Apr 1, 2010 11:58 am GMT

    @Dr_Bob_UK

    Maybe the 3DS will have a feature that is much like the Wii's VC. It will be able to download the original GB games and possibly GBA games. Just a thought. However, they are easily emulated.

  • Jag-T1000

    Posted Apr 1, 2010 11:57 am GMT

    I bought a DSiXL and returned it today. It was a little to big for my taste. When you hold it close to you (maybe 12inches) everything is so pixelated. You have to hold it far from you (at arms length) so you don't notice.Nobody plays with their arms extended. One screen maybe, but two big screens right in your face was too much for me. I already have a DS and DSlite and after playing the DSiXL for a while, I realized I wanted my $200 back.

  • Halo2298

    Posted Apr 1, 2010 11:55 am GMT

    I don't know how people can complain about the DSi XL taking away value from older models. I mean, if there were games that became only DSi or DSi XL compatible that'd be one thing (and really, only if they were big games that everyone wanted to play), but really, it's just a new model of DS that may or may not suit you better. I'm personally very happy with my DS Lite as it does everything I want it to. If I want to take pictures, I have my phone and two cameras. I don't need my handheld gaming system to do that also. I doubt I'd get an XL also as I like the portability of the DS Lite. I mean, this is why we all switched from Phat DSes to DS Lites to begin with.

    I'd very much liken this to iPods and iPad. I mean, you can do everything with an iPod Touch that you can do on an iPad. The only difference is that one of them won't fit in your pocket and sounds like a feminine hygiene product.

  • Magic0909

    Posted Apr 1, 2010 11:36 am GMT

    its all an april fools joke

  • DemonChris

    Posted Apr 1, 2010 11:32 am GMT

    They shouldn't have even made a DSi XL. It has annoyed DSi owners to know that within a year of buying a brand new console that has already outdated by a new one. They could have saved their money and time and brought the 3DS to us sooner.

  • thenephariouson

    Posted Apr 1, 2010 11:08 am GMT

    Must..milk.........ev..ery.....penn..y : )

  • Serious

    Posted Apr 1, 2010 11:06 am GMT

    I traded my DSi for the DSi XL. The cost was about 120 with tax and extended warranty. The retail cost would have been 189 w/o tax. I can only guess that the 3DS is going to be $199 or more retail. I got the DSi XL cause I really like the large screen and louder speakers. With the larger screen I can do flipnotes much easier. However, I'm really satisfied with this current version and don't see myself upgrading for anything less that recording video feature and being able manipulate it the same way I can the pictures. For example, colors, slow mo, reverse, motion blur and stop and go animation effect, and other special effects that are common on most video PC programs. Then I'm sold. but to get another upgrade for just a one new feature isn't enough next time.

  • swamptick

    Posted Apr 1, 2010 11:03 am GMT

    Lol. Handheld games. Lol.

  • The_Dragon_Born

    Posted Apr 1, 2010 10:28 am GMT

    I will buy the 3DS not an oversized DS sold for a lot more than the original. Can you see grandma forking out the cash to get herself a DSXL? LOL! Well the news does hurt them. I own the original DS and I won't buy another till they actually make something worth buying the same hardware. Hence I'll wait for the 3DS. I'm not stupid enough to buy a modified version of the same system. Maybe I should wait for the 3DS 2nd edition..............

  • cajunstrike

    Posted Apr 1, 2010 10:24 am GMT

    Agreed. A 'Nintendo does not comment on future products' response may have sufficed.

  • lilmp89

    Posted Apr 1, 2010 10:23 am GMT

    There was no point in preventing the leak with a sloppy announcement that only confused everyone. It was really out of character, they should have just went with the leak and then showed it off with some pizzaz. Not to mention, the DS XL is now left in Limbo...

  • Barighm

    Posted Apr 1, 2010 10:23 am GMT

    And they deserve it. They should know better than to shaft customers by keeping a handheld with a new and very cool feature secret just to ensure they maintain sales of their older models. If maintaining profits is such a big problem than they should know better than to run a company that only makes money on high profits than a company designed to break even during the worst of times. It's poor money management like this that caused titanic corporations to go bust during the recession and why we're forced to deal with greedy pricing schemes.

  • Get_Shorty

    Posted Apr 1, 2010 10:19 am GMT

    I'm going to wait for the 3DSi XL in Pokeman yellow!

  • paxv1

    Posted Apr 1, 2010 10:06 am GMT

    i see what every one is trying to say that the 3ds is the next nintendo hand held but because its the next one, no one is going to buy the ds or dsi or the xl. why would you want to by a last gen system when you could wait for the the new one which is coming out soon.

  • RufusChambers

    Posted Apr 1, 2010 10:04 am GMT

    This constant DS BS needs to get out of my grill. It's as if Nintendo believes the only way it can turn a profit is through hardware sales.

  • Sethbeastalan

    Posted Apr 1, 2010 9:42 am GMT

    Again, to reiterate for those who have missed it.
    The 3DS is not another DSi or DSlite. It is a completely new system based off of the DS. It's just like how game boy advance is based off of the game boy color. Hopefully it'll also be like GBC to GBA in ways of backward compatibility.

  • superjon6

    Posted Apr 1, 2010 9:22 am GMT

    It will hurt sales but less people will feel that they were ripped off because nintendo announces the new system 2 months after the launch of the DSi XL

    Another thing people need to understand is this isn't just a remake of the DS, it is a new system that can play games that aren't possible on the DS

  • wolfgang_amon

    Posted Apr 1, 2010 9:20 am GMT

    Sounds like a good reason. I don't believe them, tho. Either way, they're starting to f#%$>^ with so many versions of DS. From a business perspective, however, it makes sense to have so many versions. Time goes by then tech advances make it cheaper and easier for Nin to make a better version. They have their eyes set on the fresh meat with each version but they know millions of the "previous sku" owners will jump on the bandwagon as well. Yes a good & greedy plan. Anyway, I'll be more interested when i see some worthwhile games for the 3DS.

  • gonzalezj1

    Posted Apr 1, 2010 9:18 am GMT

    It seems as though this will have to be said every couple of posts:

    3DS = DS2
    The 3DS is not another version of the DS hardware. It is the successor to the DS. It is the sequel. It is a new system.
    Here's an analogy - DS is to 3DS as NES is to SNES.

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