The rumoured DS2 development kits are in the hands of select developers in Japan - and include a motion-sensing function, CVG can reveal.
The biggest of the firms working with the device is The Pokemon Company, which CVG understands was the first business to be offered the dev kit.
A CVG insider at a third-party studio currently toying with DS2 said he was aware that "a handful" of other developers had been given the hardware on a trial basis.
However, Nintendo informed him that it was merely the first version of what will become the finished product. The platform holder is asking those trialling the hardware for feedback - but our man is certainly impressed.
"It's genuinely the best thing I think I've ever worked with," he said. "I can tell you that it's got a 'tilt' function that's not dissimilar to iPhone, but does a lot more. We know that The Pokemon Company are getting special attention with it."
However, before our source went tight-lipped, he said he didn't expect the hardware to be shown at GDC.
"Any kind of March announcement wouldn't fit with the timeline I understand the second DS to be on," he added.
He wouldn't tell us any more for fear of being rumbled, but we'll keep digging.
So there you are folks, a motion-sensing handheld with definite Pokemon goodies on the way.
Unsurprisingly, a Nintendo rep told CVG today that they wouldn't comment on "rumour or speculation".
I still think its too early to be announcing any new portable since the DS is still selling well. There's also the launch of the DSi XL coming soon and any new announcement could have an effect on potential sales for that and also affect the DS line itself (of cours there could be no announcment at all).
To be honest, I'd prefer a new Game Boy and not another DS. You know, like how the rumoured GB 'Evolution' was supposed to be like.
By the sound of it if its only trials they are running it means its a way off be announced. Normally they would ship Beta Dev kits a year in advance of the hardware being unveiled to the public etc.
I hope they don't announce this too soon. The old DS still has a lot of potential left in it, and I'll feel bloody stupid if my DSi turns out to be a waste of money.
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