New Dual-Screen Nintendo DS

Nintendo recently introduced the Nintendo DS. With its two screens, the DS forever changes the way people play games. Capabilities like a touch-screen input, voice recognition and wireless communication set it apart from every other game device on the market.

Code-named Nintendo DS, this "Developers' System" provides developers a newfound canvas not only to create new games today, but also to shape the future of the entire industry. Developers -- and the public -- need only use their imagination to see how the DS promises to transform the portable game industry by changing the way gamers relate to their games -- and each other. Two screens offer two perspectives on the action at once. The touch screen could make accessing items, moving characters or navigating menus as easy as a tap or drag on the screen. Voice recognition could let players simply tell the game what they want it to do. Chat software will let users transmit text messages, handwriting and even drawings to one another. And wireless functions could link players in the same room -- or across the country.

Nintendo DS also will include two processors, 3-D capabilities on both screens, 16-channel sound and a rechargeable battery that features a low-energy-consumption design. One media bay handles new DS game cartridges that hold one gigabit of information and more. The second media port allows for compatibility with Game Boy Advance games, as well as future accessories.

Nintendo DS is on track to launch in Japan and North America before the end of the year, and in Europe the system will launch during the first quarter of 2005.

The system's official name, price and launch lineup will be announced at a later date. For more information visit www.nintendo.com