The E3 hyperbole has started, and not a moment too soon. The annual Electronics Entertainment Expo is creeping up fast (July 15-17), and while the industry still works towards balancing the difference in time for release of information regarding their products (the event used to be held every May until last year where it debuted in June), the industry at large clutches to any type of news they can get - especially rumours.

Every year prior to the massive event, the rumour mill begins its rounds with whispers of everything from the smallest, most likely outcome to the absolutely ludicrous (anyone remember the Phantom Console?). As you would expect this year is no different and so we'll start our own rumour coverage with a reasonably likely concept.

Bloomberg Japan is reporting that Nintendo will likely unveil brand-new DS technology at the event in the form of an update for the uber-popular hand-held sans GBA slot (to reduce size), with potentially bigger screens and improved overall sound. It makes a lot of sense for these changes to be made to the system, which is why we're hoping the rumour is true. Apparently the Bloomberg source is none other than giant Japanese gaming magazine Famitsu (who themselves are well known for crafting pretty decent rumours).

As is the case for anything of this nature, proof will come when the event arrives, however, if any evidence should rear its head before July 15-17, we'll let you know.

So long as they keep the GBA slot, I don't see the issue with removing it from a new version.

But I never really 'got' DS. It's just... I dunno. Too big to carry, for one, IMO.

So long as they keep the GBA slot, I don't see the issue with removing it from a new version.

Is it just me, or does this sentence make no sense at all? So long as they keep it, they can remove it?

I'd prefer they announce the successor to the DS, not just a redesign.

Is it just me, or does this sentence make no sense at all? So long as they keep it, they can remove it?

Nope, amkes no sense to me either...

Sorry, you're right, it makes no sense. What I meant to say was so long as they keep a model available that has the GBA slot, it's not an issue.

I too never 'got' the DS. Just like I never 'got' highschool, or 'got' driving or 'got' eating food. Its all too confusing for me. I think I'm retarded, because a DS is nothing more than a handheld and theres nothing really to get.

Denied