[Rumour] Leaked images of the Nintendo 3DS

[H.Bogard]

While not scheduled to be revealed until this year's E3, a Japanese website claims to have the first images of the upcoming DS successor.

The Japanese blog claims to be posting the images "without the manufacturer's permission" [source]... and while this may just be another (rather exceptionally done) mock-up, it might give a little insight on what the 3DS could actually be like.

The first thing you'll notice is the single, longer screen. It apparently simulates the dual screens this time around instead of being separated by the flap. The screen can be turned to it's side as well, or for length... which would make it the best platform for a fresh Ice Climber sequel.

Keep in mind that there's no official proof whether this is the real thing or not... But it does look as legit as can be, if nothing else.

You can hit up this link for the rest of the screens.
View the aforementioned blog post here.

[rein]

OMG let this be real!

[digitalErich]

Wouldn't that be stupidly top-heavy in portrait mode there (last shot)? That thumb stick has awful placement, too. I'm calling shenanigans.

In the third photo (landscape mode) the control surface looks like a decal.

Edit: Ok, looking at the Flickr stream, I take the decal comment back...I think that particular photo is just bad. I'm still calling shenanigans based on the control layout.

[Stoke]

That looks good. If it turns out to be true I hope the simulation of the dual screens is an optional thing for the developers. I'd love to have it backwards compatible with the DS (by simulating the screens) and still have the developers able to use the whole area as one big screen for games that have no need for a second screen.

[H.Bogard]

Originally Posted by digitalErich

Wouldn't that be stupidly top-heavy in portrait mode there (last shot)? That thumb stick has awful placement, too. I'm calling shenanigans.

In the third photo (landscape mode) the control surface looks like a decal.

Edit: Ok, looking at the Flickr stream, I take the decal comment back...I think that particular photo is just bad. I'm still calling shenanigans based on the control layout.

Check the gallery, you'll understand.

Dammit. You and your ninja edit! Anyway... the control layout may as well not be final, if this is real indeed.

[crazyD]

Where be the shoulder buttons? I'm calling it now as a fake.

[H.Bogard]

Originally Posted by crazyD

Where be the shoulder buttons? I'm calling it now as a fake.

[Sandman]

I only see one thumbstick. The correct number is either none or two.

[cassiusregicide]

I had trouble from telling on the pics, but does it have some flap to cover the screen when it is not in use? One of the things I love about the old DS is the fact I can toss it in my pocket without worry about damaging the screen. It's why my psp stays at home most of the time.

[crazyD]

Originally Posted by H.Bogard

Those look awkward to use.

[Satertek]

Judging by the aliasing on the device and shadows around it, they're very obviously 3D (hah) renders. If that's not what they meant by "mock-ups" then it's clearly fake. Either way, it looks much too unweildy to be real.

[DoctorFinger]

Even if this is real, it's probably a concept model and won't look that way when it launches.

[Widgetcraft]

It's fake, and probably one of the worst designs that I've ever seen. First of all, if you have human wrists, you could pretty much forget ever using something like that. On top of that, who is going to be able to pack that shit around anywhere? Might as well carry a laptop. Even if you could carry it around, the screen is always going to be exposed, something that Nintendo has avoided since the GBA SP.

[RandoM51]

Nintendo can't even make a hinge for the DS that doesn't break and you trust them for something like that?

I see lots of dead flat ribbon cables in the future...

[Hawkzombie]

Originally Posted by RandoM51

Nintendo can't even make a hinge for the DS that doesn't break and you trust them for something like that?

I see lots of dead flat ribbon cables in the future...

Wasn't that the quality of the white plastic? From what I recall the hinges were only bad on the white DSes and were perfectly fine on the other units.

I call fake. A good fake, or maybe for another product, but I don't think those even qualify as shoulder buttons, and the fact the controls are so tight at the bottom...I have enough trouble holding the DS Lite in my hands without cramping. That would be murder.

EDIT:

Yeah, I'm sticking with fake.



In the upper left corner is a very bright light source, which you can see is hitting the unit as well. Why isn't the screen affected?

[evilgoodwin]

I agree. Look at the thumb stick! It doesn't have nintendo's signature octagon bumps around it!

[JayK47]

Lets have MythBusters have at it.

[J Arcane]

That is so totally fake it hurts. The lighting on those buttons doesn't even match up with the surroundings. And the design would be the worst thing Nintendo has made since the Virtual Boy. Also, it's missing a camera.

[Siraris]

Wow, I can't believe how fake these look. I'm surprised it took 15+ posts before people started calling it out.

[KamaItachi]

No, no, no. Everything about that design is wrong. It's an ergonomic nightmare.