In 2005, Nintendo released the last Game Boy, the Game Boy Micro, which was an miniaturized version of the popular Game Boy Advance. That same year, the Nintendo DS had already began its surge as the most popular gaming system in the world. We haven’t heard a peep from the Game Boy since.
When the DS was first revealed in 2004, Nintendo said it would compliment its existing console and Game Boy line as a “third pillar.” Two years later, that rhetoric changed to, “I would think twice about using our resources on what would be the next generation of Game Boy Advance, considering the strong support DS is now enjoying,” according to president Satoru Iwata.
So what would you do with the Game Boy line now if you were Iwata. Revive it? Keep it in pasture? Virtual Handheld it? Speak up, man!
Time to put it on DSiWare! Roll 'em out steadily over the next few years so I can tote all my classic favorites around without the bulk and rattle of carts =P
Release a perfect emulator (for pc, mac, and linux) and use a proprietary type of a ROM file, and sell each game for $2 each (or go w/ the DSi idea)
I consider the DS part of the Game Boy line. Even though it's not technically called Game Boy it's a Nintendo handheld, and the two are really synonymous.
If they were to “re-vamp†the line though maybe they could do something that looks more like the Mirco…a little sleeker and a little more powerful than the DS. But with the sales of the PSP why would they do that. But it's Nintendo, so they'd some how figure out how to sale it, and it's Nintendo so some how I'd figure out how to justify buying it.
A really powerful, really pretty, built for 3D Nintendo handheld would be good, but they've never really focused on that, and I've loved them all.
A virtual handheld on DSi Ware is everyone's dream I think. As long as they don't go the download only route and release a system specifically for the service…ehem PSP Go.
I think once the DS has had it's time, the Gameboy will come back, it's only a title anyways. It would be nice if they'd offer old gb games for download on the dsi and wii though. Some of those games look amazingly good blown up on a tv screen.
If not on the DSi, as others said, then a new Gameboy hardware unit, for say – 50 dollars – that functions as a "VC to GO" unit, accompanied by a Wii System Menu software update that allows you to link your Nintendo Shop account to the new "Game Boy" unit, allowing you to take Virtual Console games on the Go.
But that would be silly and non profitable, so either name the successor to the DSi "game boy," or convert it to a digital name-brand.
Virtual Console Gameboy!!! What else is there?
I so hoping something to ask me this question!
Ok, not many might agree with me on this one but, I would bring out a portable called GameBoy Virtual . It would have on-board memory (like 4 gigs or something like that), an Wifi in it, 4 buttons (2 on the face and 2 shoulder ones), and maybe an expansion slot. With this device a gamer can log on to a GB Store and download/buy games and software. So this will have the ability to play all GB games (from the black and white days to the GBA games). So it's a gamers one stop shop for all games that were made for GB/GBA lineup!
Combine the two lines, very openly, with the next handheld: the GameBoy DSx. Two OLED screens with a touchscreen overlay, analog sticks (two of them), some form of integrated memory (enough for a substantial library), and begin digitizing the GB line.
Throw in the most powerful, energy efficient dual-core processor you can get your hands on, along with energy saving features like single-core mode when playing old roms and such, and you have a winner.
Time to start putting those GB titles on DSi VC! And convert the multiplayer so it can be played thru WiFi or Ad Hoc!
I'm with rockinghorsedreams: The DS is the GameBoy's legacy, the difference in name was just a marketing strategy.
And from reading these comments I think most people agree that the next step to bring back the GB library would be to put it on DSiWare downloads for the DSi. That just makes sense!
I would…
Make all Gameboy (Original, Color, and Advance) Games downloadable
However…
1) Any games that did not originally appear on a Mobile Console, will not be downloadable, so to promote the Console Type that they were originally intended for.
2) Any Game Series (Mario Kart, Pokemon), will be used as expansion Packs, you download (ex. Pokemon) Pokemon Ultra. When you have the game, you will drag the game onto the DSi shop, and the Shop will be redirected to the (ex. Pokemon) Pokemon Shop, that is where you will get the Expansion Packs
To clarify on the first bit of my first comment…
I would create several different libraries.
1) Gameboy
2) Gameboy Color
3) Gameboy Advance
But I wouldn't stop there.
Yes I know that this is Gameboy Exclusive but…
I would bring in the Sega Mobile systems' games, as well
Personally I never bought the logic that the Game Boy had it's own "pillar". I've always considered the DS as the "next" Game Boy. It's a handheld, and I don't think Nintendo needs to be going about competing with itself if they did release a new Game Boy that wasn't considered the successor to the DSi.
I wouldn't have a problem if the next handheld went back to the Game Boy moniker, but again I'd just consider the next gen of Nintendo handheld.
Having said all that, I would use the Game Boy line and make a DSi VC for all past GB, GBC, and GBA games. It's only logical.
I agree with pretty much everyone that it would be great to see the Gameboy games go to DSiWare, the only problem would be that Nintendo would most likely follow the same pattern it has with the Wii, and only release 1 new game a week. But I suppose that even that would be better than nothing.
They way I always looked at it: Gameboy was just a name. The DS is the new gameboy. Gameboy isn't dead, they just changed names.
Anyways, as far as what I would do? Nothing. The DS is destroying sales. No need to do anything. Why fix what ain't broken?
I know some people want a GB VC but I personally have no desire for that. I still own all my old GB/GBC/GBA games and they all still run. I can even play them on my TV with my gameboy player without paying a VC premium.
Not to mention a lot of the games I played as a kid were licensed properties that haven't even made it onto the VC whatsoever (Treasure's Looney Toons game, Nintendos old Popeye games, The Ninja Turtles games, Godzilla games) and have no hope of getting onto the service. Your best bet is owning hard copies, or getting an emulator. I have loads of my old GB games backed up on my R4 and play them whenever I want on my DS. Screw paying a premium for games I A) already own or B) could pick up for a buck on eBay.
Nobody (expect Blake) actually believed that "third pillar" nonsense. The Nintendo DS absolutely IS the current product in the gameboy line.
How many gameboy advance games have DS sequels? The answer: A ton. The DS is the new gameboy. They only mentioned the third pillar business, just in case the DS was a flop, they could come out with another handheld and not look like idiots. I think they were prepared to do the same with the Wii. I just wish I could see what they had lined up in case the Wii failed. I'd probably buy it too if it were available.
HOWEVER: a Gameboy Classics remixed line of Wii or DS titles that were remakes of classics like Warioland, Super Mario Land, and Game and Watch Gallery would be A-OK!
I called my DS a "gameboy" for at least a year after I got it.
Licensing !
Nintendo should create a new gaming platform (software/chipset) with a new brand like Toyota did with Lexus. Than license the platform to the mobile phone companies that would put Java to rest. It is common knowledge that Nintendo does not make software to have it run on a non-Nintendo hardware. That is not making sense anymore, everyone has a mobile phone now so even if Nintendo is not ready to sell it's own "mobile terminal" the market of mobile gaming is growing away from Gameboy. Nintendo has still an opportunity to manage a market place and to bring the publishers to this BRANDware shop. Though Nintendo do now a pityful job as marketplace manager on Wii and DSi, the window of opportunity is right there.
But if they do not move (and the offensive amount of R&D they spending makes me hope they are working on it), beware that Xbox Mobile and the Playstation (the grand brand) mobile are surely coming; that makes Nokia, Samsung and Motorola natural allies against Microsoft, Sony and that Apple thing that made them all look like fools. Nintendo has a headstart with an unmatched library to port to this hypothetical platform.
Nintendo would have no need to bring their prime franchise, with Klonoa, Sonic, Final Fantasy, every platform-less publisher would populate it just fine. Gameboy should land on this new platform and let DSi move upmarket on bigger software (in size and scope). Isn't it where the third pillar now stand ?
I still call my dsi my gameboy. Dsi sounds too much like a robot, I guess I'm just used to the original name.
The ds IS a gameboy, just a large leap from the former platforms. I believe they called it a 3rd pillat just to be safe.
I actually can see them making another gameboy in a few years…but it MIGHT still have two screens. Theyshould make a handheld with gamecube level graphics, and a store tied into the dsi store.
I say let the gameboy die… the DS has proven itself well enough, in dying though, like the old home consoles, they can come back on PORTABLE VIRTUAL CONSOLE!!! PLEASE NINTENDO 0.0;
I've always called my DS a Gameboy. The DS is the next Gameboy, and always was. They can always bring back the name to revamp the handheld line whenever the DS loses steam.
Oh, and a Gameboy VC is a must!
N has to already have secret plans/ideas for GB games. They never appeared on Wii nor on DSi, with the Reginnator shooting down the DSi VC idea.
Perhaps there can still be a third tower, if they release a brand new GB that does Gamecube graphics, analog pads, and new games, but also primarily uses a download service for old and new games like PSP Go. No retail/distributor involved, it would be a simple model. But would this GameBoy Cube replace DSi?
Tricky question, really. I think the GameBoy line has always been about classic, "core" gaming mentalities: continue making similar software with better visuals and more buttons. Not that this is a bad thing.
So if I were in control of the GameBoy line, I would do just that: create a handheld gaming device that is for gaming and gaming only, with better visuals than the DS but no touch screen or other major gimmick. The only online functionality would be for gaming purposes: "Virtual GameBoy" and online play. None of this internet browser stuff or facebook junk. All about the games. Similarly, no storage for music or pictures or video, just games downloaded on the aforementioned store service. Again, it's all about the games, hence the name.
Ah, but I'm sounding old now, and I'm only 20. But seriously, I'd love a new GameBoy like this. I feel like all of the non-gaming functionality of current-gen handhelds and consoles alike really sort of detracts from what should be the major focus: the games. I think a new GameBoy could really breath new life into old ideals.
Just call the next DS the DS Gameboy and call it a day. I don't feel like there is much change from the systems, don't need two portable lines.
Problem: What if you refuse to buy a DSi, hm?
I'd totally bring it back. I have so many nostalgic moments (although I am only 14) with gameboys, and I'd love to see more games for that. It's kind of a disappointment how nintendo made the DS with the GB in mind by adding the second slot, and they don't even make the games anymore. the DSi doesn't even have a gba slot anymore. I did and still do admire nintendo for making all of their new items compatible with old ones, but when they stop manufacturing them, it loses the purpose. Why not send out a new line of advanced-GBA games. Better graphix, a new look, all compatible with GB(A). That'd be mah dream.
I agree with most people that the "DS line" is just the continuance of the gameboy line with a different name. But "Nintendo Gameboy DS lite/i" would sound a little long…
First hint that DS wasn't a "third pillar": perfect backwards compatibility support for all GBA games. While DS had some experimental ideas, it wasn't a break from the Game Boy product line.
The best way to keep the Game Boy legacy alive now is through a digital download service. Nintendo profits, games can be distributed affordably (despite relatively low demand), and availability wouldn't be a problem for gamers. My only dream is that Nintendo would break the "trickle" release model established for Virtual Console and instead drop a sizable catalog of games as quickly as possible.
iTunes app store.
Virtual handheld exclusive to DSiware that allows the download and playing of classic gameboy, and gameboy color games as well as others like Neo Geo pocket, or Wonderswan or even Gamegear/Nomad.
That and with the actual next generation advancement of the DS, merge the Game Boy and Nintendo DS line into something like Game Boy DS or something like that. I still call the DS a gameboy because that's what it is in my opinion, a new Game Boy.
I just want them to return the GBA slot to the DSi. I'll deal with a bit more weight for that. I don't really want to see it trickle into a Virtual Console, I want a means of playing the titles I already own.
i would have engineers design a portable gamecube, and have that be the next generation game boy, whatever they want to call it… game cube boy. with an already spectacular built in library, developers can continue to make new game cube games for the new game boy. so people can delve into the old library or buy the new ones. of course this would up the ante quite a bit for handheld performance. and obviously built in wifi is a given. just make sure that they open up the servers again for phantasy star online, the first and only game cube game online. that would be cool shi*.
DSiWare, helloooooo
I'd rerelease all the top tier games on the DSi with proper adjustments to the resolution so that the games filled the screen. I'd love to have the original Warioware and both Fire Emblem games in this form.
I still call my DSi a gameboy, but I don't think Nintendo will ever go back to the name. They worried about their PR and don't what to offend their casual female fan-base with the masculine name.
I would just get rid of it if I ran Nintendo. The DSi and those are way more popular now.
What Nintendo needs to do is add more performance to their consoles. Every game console they have is the weakest in terms of graphics. I mean look…compare the PSP to the DSi, the graphics are no competition. Compare the Wii to an Xbox 360 or PS3, yet again no competition. Heck, even the Xbox might be better than the Wii in terms of graphics.
I think they should upgrade the GBAsp, as in, really utilize the technology we have today. I mean like, the GC disk is frickin small!!! If they can do THAT they can shurely do something for the GBAsp. But I do like the idea of a virtual GBA console. Plus, what else can pleh ur GBcolor games? MOd ur DS? Heck if I knew…