In a bid to kick start sluggish demand for video games in Japan, gaming console manufacturer Nintendo Co on Tuesday announced the launching of the new version of its popular handheld device called Nintendo DSi, which features a larger screen.
However, the gaming giant failed to mention the exact date of the release, saying that it will be as early as this year.
It will be recalled that Nintendo has slashed the price of its Wii videogame console early in September and it is now looking forward in boosting demand for its new DSi, which has seen significant slow down in sales.
The new Nintendo DSi features a 4-inch LCD interface, much larger than its predecessor (3.25-inch). The previous model of the handheld device faced tough competition from Apple’s iPhone, which aside for the same screen size; also features mobile phone capabilities.
With a bigger screen, the new DSi gaming device can also go in a head-on-head battle with Sony’s Playstation portable, Nintendo officials said.
But KBC Securities analyst Hiroshi Kamide said that Nintendo will need more than big-screen feature in order to oust PSP in the top position. He added that DSi lacks graphic punch and powerful chips that users look for in new devices.
Asked whether Nintendo is threatened by the recent climb of iPhone and iPod Touch in the market, officials declined to comment, adding that gamers will have to wait and see what is in stored inside the new DSi.
Nintendo Spokesperson Yuka Tanegashima said that they have retrofitted the new DSi a more powerful chip that would allow it to play more technical and more graphic heavy games.
Also, she said that the new version of the Nintendo DSi will host a more robust antipiracy features, which will be launch in South Korea and China following its release in Japan.
“It will soon be available in the the Korean and Chinese Market by the end of our fiscal year in March 2010,” she added.
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