E3 2004: Nintendo DS Set to Rule Show?

The Kyoto games giant says more than 100 companies worldwide have received software development kits and are planning games for Nintendo DS, including THQ, Electronic Arts, Activision, Atari, Ubisoft, Majesco, Capcom, Sega, Konami, Hudson Soft, Namco, Bandai, Koei and Square Enix. Which is just as well, because they're all making games for PSP as well.

• EA's Nick Earl enthused: "The Nintendo dual screen is something that we're really excited about developing for. It's very innovative, which is classic Nintendo."

• Atari's Yves Blehaut offered: "Nintendo DS is going to push hand-held technology to uncharted territories. It's going to energize both developers and consumers with amazing new game mechanics and new game design. Once more, Nintendo leads the way with something unexpected and totally innovative."

• Nintendo's George Harrison tied up: "It's exciting to see so many publishers are as inspired about the Nintendo DS as we are. The creative contributions of the publishers will reinforce Nintendo's reputation as the industry's leader in innovation."

The jury is obviously still out on Nintendo DS, until we hopefully get to play in next week - although Nintendo claims it will "revolutionize how people approach, perceive and enjoy video games, while including additional options that enhance the game-play experience."

The announcement also reitterated an important fact, as if preparing for the massive chunk of handheld market share about to be swiped from them by Sony: "Nintendo owns the current hand-held video game market: The Game Boy line has sold more than 168 million units worldwide during the past 15 years. And with the introduction of the revolutionary Nintendo DS, Nintendo's dominance is certain to continue in the future."

This is going to be interesting.

Adam Doree
Director, Kikizo.com