[Mock-up DS by gamesradar.com]
Nintendo’s EVP of Sales & Marketing Reggie Fils-Aime announced today that the DS is official for E3. When asked about a 2004 launch, Reggie Fils-Aime hedged a bit and said, “As we’re sitting here, that’s the plan.”
Not to seem harsh, but Nintendo should probably “plan” on losing serious ground to the Sony PSP if the DS isn’t launched in the States by Christmas.
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Why would they lost out to Sony if it’s not out by Christmas? Sony just said the PSP won’t be out in the US until March 2005 (and I wouldn’t be surprised if they push it back again).
Sony’s hype machine has unfathomable power. I know at least a dozen people who did NOT buy a Dreamcast because they were ok with waiting an entire year to buy a PS2! Christmas is the biggest season for retailers, and consumers (who fall into the handheld buying target market) are itching to get their hands on a new handheld gaming system. No system at Christmas, and those with the dollars to spend may say “Oh well, I’ll just wait for the PSP.”
Now if Nintendo has a HUGE Christmas launch, and sells OUT of the DS, while the units sold only generate more hype and consumer demand (those who see one will want one) then Nintendo would gain SIGNIFICANT ground over Sony by establishing a sizeable launch base. Nintendo needs to realize how serious getting out by Christmas is, and how seriously important beating Sony’s “hype machine” is. Not getting out by Christmas could possible hurt them more than not getting out first, IMHO.
Besides, aren’t you always broke after Christmas? I know I am. Without a DS to put under the tree, people will spend money on other things, which means credit card debt and less money to spend on a DS after Christmas.