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Iwata Speaks On New Nintendo Handheld, Zelda Iteration
Speaking to Japanese newspaper Ashahi Shimbun, Nintendo president Satoru Iwata let loose some new details about the company’s game plan for 2010.
Iwata divulged that one of Nintendo’s larger priorities for the new year is to augment the number of DS WiFi hotspots throughout Japan, partnering with companies such as McDonalds to do so. The lure of greasy food and free downloadable content may prove difficult to resist, a fact that Nintendo is probably banking on.
But details about the newest Zelda iteration and the future of Nintendo’s handheld sector are what most interested us in the article. With four variations of the Nintendo DS already (or soon to be) on the market, Iwata seems to be thinking beyond the dual screens. Speaking about a new handheld system altogether, Iwata was sparse with particulars, saying “[It will have] highly detailed graphics and it will be necessary to have a sensor with the ability to read the movements of people playing.” No other details, including a possible launch window, were included.
Lastly, the paper confirmed that the newest Legend of Zelda game will hit retail before the end of 2010. We are unsure if the promised window is exclusive to the Japanese market, however, since the game is already deep into development we wouldn't be surprised by a holiday release. Bets around the office are that Nintendo will continue to remain quiet about the game until E3, where it will position the title alongside Super Mario Galaxy 2 as the pillars of their portfolio.
What would you like to see from a new Nintendo handheld? Do you hope Nintendo maintains it's dual screen approach, or are you looking for something entirely fresh?
[via Kotaku]
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