Nintendo 'localizes' DS systems for Asia

by Candace Savino { Jul 7th 2008 at 4:15PM }

We may not be getting a redesigned DS in the near future (if you believe the company line), but there will be some "localized" DS systems flooding the markets in the near future. We're not sure what the differences are between a "localized" handheld and a good old-fashioned DS Lite, as Nintendo hasn't offered any specifics. What we do know is this:

They'll be releasing in Taiwan, possibly South Korea, and (eventually) China
They'll be sold in mobile phone stores
They'll be available by the end of the month

We wonder if the fact that these ~~redesigned~~ localized DSes are being sold in phone stores is an indication of cell phone support (or, at the very least, connectivity). We think guessing "yes" is a pretty safe bet, but in any case, we're waiting to hear more details from Nintendo itself before going crazy with speculation. This is certainly an interesting move on the Big N's part, though, in the company's attempt to revive sales and fight the popular PC beast in Asia. Being the analyst wannabes that we are, we can't wait to see if this has any impact on the hardware market.

Tags: asia, cell-phone, china, localization, mobile-phone, south-korea, taiwan

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Pizza Pasta @ Jul 7th 2008 5:14PM

Isn't the DS already out in China under the iQue name?

Pizza Pasta @ Jul 7th 2008 5:21PM

I wish we could edit comments.

http://www.play-gadgets.com/2006/06/23/nintendo-ique-ds-lite-launch-in-china-on-26th-june/

Jamar @ Jul 7th 2008 11:56PM

The iQue is annoying. It's region-locked (supposedly to prevent piracy- FlashMe + slot 2 card fixes that right quick) and there are only 10 games officially out in Chinese (all JP launch titles- I believe half are Nintendogs variations). Phoenix Wright, Rockman EXE 5, etc were all fan-translated and released that way (after which Capcom/Nintendo. et al. promptly start the merchandising).

anthony @ Jul 8th 2008 3:12AM

This is for the comment regarding the "iQue DS IS REGION-LOCKED!" What a nonsense! I have several iQue DS lites including the Dragon one. First, it's not locked at all. 2nd, flash card works perfectly fine on it. You need to get your fact straight before spreading the rumors.

Jamar @ Jul 8th 2008 11:34AM

Yeah- I have an iQue DS (dark blue, like my first Japanese DS). I had to use FlashMe to get my flash card working (FlashMe helps with lots of other things too; I get multiple languages). I'm going to shell out extra to get a JP model next time, because iQue doesn't seem to feel like standing behind their product properly (why isn't Nintendo directly selling here?).

Kimiko @ Jul 7th 2008 5:41PM

Going up against that iPhone thing? Please, Nintendo, just stick to making gaming consoles, and leave the annoying gadgets in the dust. We don't want yet another mobile phone that does everything, poorly.

moo @ Jul 7th 2008 5:56PM

i don't see them trying to compete with the cellular market. we would have seen much bigger buzz if that were the case. at best, i would see them releasing a DS localized to Taiwan using traditional chinese characters (assuming that iQue uses simplified), and maybe splash a new coat of paint on the thing.

Pie Pants @ Jul 7th 2008 6:28PM

Yep, apart from the fact it's already out in China, I'm guessing "localized" just means native language. There's nothing different about the iQue other than Chinese language support.

precognitro @ Jul 7th 2008 7:13PM

You all may not believe me, but I have a friend who's name you've probably heard(no I will not tell you) who has seen the new DS redesign, he got it from a friend at Nintendo, unfortunately he no longer has the email, but he told me he would try and get it. I am still debating whether to leak it if I do get it.