How did the Nintendo DS kill the GameBoy?

Could have just called it Gameboy DS.

Basically when the DS first launched it didn't even seem probable that the DS would completely take over. At one point I think even the PSP was outselling it, or at least was very close, but once the DS took off, and began selling every console/system by such incredibly large margins Nintendo cut the cord on the possibility of a new Gameboy.

I really don't see what they were trying to see when they decided on this three pillar philosophy. The DS played newer games with better hardware, and could play GBA games, so why would they not think it'd take over?

I'm sure the DS is also a name that doesn't alienate potential customers. When people read "Gameboy" they probably immediately think of a kid-oriented system. DS has broadened the handheld gaming market, and therefore it only makes sense to continue with the DS, and put the Gameboy to rest.

Some people still call it a Gameboy, but I hate when they do.

Maybe they will bring the name back next generation.

The Gameboy died after the GBA release IMO.

The GBA had some great games, but it didn't keep me interested at all after playing through Golden Sun, Wario, Advance wars and a few other games.

The Gameboy and GBC had dozens and dozens of memorable classics.

Maybe Nintendo just wanted a fresh start with the DS.

*typo*

Well Nintendo said they would continue supporting the GBA micro, but the DS sold so well, so they didn't bother.

I reckon they changed the name to tap into a much larger group of people (i.e. old folks and non-gamer types). "Gameboy" sounds like a child's toy. The DS (and Wii for that matter) appeal to a much larger group of people. So, in short, they did it for money. Which is a shame. The GB, GBC and GBA were awesome.

Nintendo originally intended for the DS to be a "third pillar" between its handheld (GameBoy) and console (GameCube/Wii) platform. Shame they had to give up the GameBoy name... I take it the DS kind of made it obsolete?NicAgent

i think nintendo was thinking of keeping the gameboy name after the ds came out with the sp2 and micro but since the light came out they said **** it and stop selling the gb name because of the low sales of the micro

when it first came out everyone thought it was pretty gimmecky with 2 screens and a touch screen and all that jazz...they didn't wanna lose everything so they called it a "third pillar" and said it wasn't replacing GBA and then they made it also play GBA games just to be safe. then the rest is history and i guess they realized 3 pillars was pointless

well i wouldnt say the DS killed the Gameboy in the first place. Nintendo just decided to call the new "gameboy" a DS (then DSi)instead of calling it the Gameboy Advanced2 or something. They already had Gameboy, Gameboy pocket, Gameboy Color, Gameboy Advanced, SP, Micro........ I'd say Nintendo just decided they had think of a new name, thats all. The gameboy advanced sp was already aging by the time the DS was realeased. They never really competed. But it's pretty lame that the DSi doesnt have the GBA slot anymore.....

It shouldn't have killed it. I hate the DS so much,I snapped my lite in half. Gameboy should return next gen. It was revolutionary and the DS was not. Touch screen,ooooo so awesome (sarcasm). 4 good games for the entire system,Mario Kart,New Super Mario Bros,Pokemon Diamond,and Custom Robo. I can't even list how many good games there were for the Gameboy,thats how much better it is.

I loved the GBA. It's great the DS did will but unfortunately they decided to kill the GBA because of that. I would love to see an upgraded GameBoy come out.