Though we usually talk movies here on Box Office Prophets, this week is a pretty big deal for people interested in the gaming industry. E3, an expo where the various developers and programmers unveil their latest games and playing systems, is taking place out in California this week. While the Playstation 2 and the Xbox have their uses (i.e. Final Fantasy and Kung Fu Chaos, respectively), I'm all about Nintendo. Over time, my GameCube has seen tons of action (Animal Crossing alone took up literally months and months of gameplay), but I'm even more devoted to my GameBoy Advance SP. It's such an exquisite little toy - the clamshell design, the tiny size, the convenience, and the fantastic game library have made the little device one of my favorite little shiny things. Despite the fact that I just can't beat the final chapter of Fire Emblem, it's one of my favorite electronic items ever.

So naturally, I've been anxiously awaiting the very first look at Nintendo's brand new handheld system. Codenamed "DS" (for Dual Screen), the new toy is being unveiled during a presentation at E3 today. USA Today has the first look at the new system, and I want one right now. It maintains the easy functionality of the current GameBoy, but also adds a second "touch" screen that can be controlled via stylus. The game that you see in the picture is a Mario Kart racing game - the top part is the actual in-game action, while the bottom shows the race track and the position of all the various competitors. The DS will have Bluetooth wireless communication so that various units can communicate within short range and even offers such innovations as the ability to draw as part of game strategy.

The new system is scheduled to hit the US market in the fourth quarter of 2004, just in time for the holidays. I can't wait.