We know Nintendo likes giving its newly released systems a facelift from time to time to try and spice up sales. Many times, they can do it simply through colors. However, we saw Nintendo replace the toy-like look of the original Game Boy Advance from 2001 with the sleek clamshell-designed Game Boy Advance SP in 2003. In 2005, they went after the iPod generation with the minimalist design of the Game Boy micro. 2004’s clunky Nintendo DS was, as we all know, replaced by the super sexy DS Lite model in 2006.

Gamelabo magazine is adding fuel to the fire that a new DS is on the way. However, instead of shrinking the screens as they did on the third GBA, the rumor says that the screens will be made larger to help make games easier to read (as some of the new, older gamers don’t have quite the vision they used to have). In addition, the rumored redesign is supposed to sport a more “adult” look. Take that as you will.

There’s no doubt that Nintendo’s tossing around ideas for another redesign, especially since the DS looks like it will enjoy a lifespan well beyond that of the GBA. I don’t believe, though, that it would be revealed anytime soon (like E3) unless it was being launched right after. Nintendo has figured out that when it releases new models of the same hardware, it has to do it without slowing sales of the older model leading up to the new one. In addition, larger screens with the same resolution doesn’t seem like a good idea, unless they intend on doubling the resolution and simply making each pixel in games take up four (thus making it easier to read, yet keeping things crisp). If you’ve played on a Game Boy micro constantly for months, and then try to play the same game on your Game Boy Advance SP, you’ll know why I don’t like the idea of just making the pixels bigger.

Gamelabo