In addition to stand alone GPS, recordable optical discs, e-readers, low-end digital cameras, and DVD players, Yahoo Shopping predicts video game consoles will also be extinct by 2020.

Popular video game systems such as the Wii, PlayStation and Xbox may still be in homes next decade, but they will look much different. Rather than buy a separate console, Enderle expects that consumers will instead buy smart televisions with a gaming system built into it, not to mention tablets and smartphones that will continue to ramp up their gaming options.

“It looks like analog game systems won’t make it until the end of the decade,” Enderle says. “You are already seeing the Wii have a tough time holding on to the market and PlayStation has been struggling for a while.” The gaming systems that will succeed in the future will be those that manage to move away from being focused solely on video games and more on other entertainment options such as movies, evolving from a traditional game console into more of a set-top box.

Thanks, Ben.

Imagine: suddenly you’re in charge at Nintendo. You’ve got just 24 hours to order any course of action, and the deal is, once you’ve ordered it, the company will do its best to carry out your wishes for the next year, no matter the cost or consequences.

Here’s what I’d do, right now: (more…)

Infendo reader Smitty tipped us off this morning:

Nintendo announced today that it will hold the “Nintendo 3DS New Information Internet Presentation” this coming Friday (Oct. 21). This pre-recorded presentation, hosted by Iwata, will cover details that could not be covered during the September event. As an example of what to expect from the event, Nintendo mentioned details on the 3DS system’s November firmware update and Mario Kart 7′s wireless play support. The presentation will be held at 20:00 and will be broadcast online. Here’s the official link for verification.

Thanks, Smitty.

It’s in Japanese, but there are some nice visual effects. I totally want to jump in that water fountain.

Here’s another sign that developers are doubting the 3DS’s future as a mobile gaming device: Long-time Nintendo second party developer Level-5 has announced they’ll start porting and/or shifting development to iOS devices. Ouch.

Could this be one last hooray?

Thirteen months ago, I posted an article praising my old fat blue DS and its incredible durability; I never felt a need to buy another portable until 3DS arrived. I was certain, at the time, that the then-new Professor Layton and the Unwound Future would be the last game I played on Ol’ Blue before I put the venerable, aging handheld out to pasture.

Over a year later, Ol’ Fat Blue still works like I bought it yesterday, my 3DS is still waiting for a great game that’s not a remake, and Professor Layton and the Last Specter is about to grace our lives with another round of classy cleverness. I intend to play Layton 4 on Ol’ Blue. Partly out of sentiment, partly because the battery lasts longer than the 3DS’s…even after seven years!

So, here’s a toast to the best, most hard-working game machine I ever bought: the original DS. Don’t get me wrong, I love my 3DS and can’t wait for the upcoming big titles, but…

Will my original, first-model 3DS still be functioning perfectly seven years from now? I hear Ol’ Blue laughing…

Most of us are eagerly anticipating the arrival of Zelda and Mario (on foot and kart) as the Holidays approach. Are any less-discussed 2011 games on your radar? I have a very short list, all on DS or 3DS, and all but one come with a big IF….

Professor Layton and the Last Specter (Oct. 17) — This one’s an instant buy for me.

Doctor Lautrec and the Forgotten Knights (Dec. 6) — If it’s at least half as entertaining as Professor Layton, I’m aboard.

Pokemon Rumble Blast (Oct. 24) — The previews look fun. I’m hoping it’s got some depth.

The Adventures of TinTin (Dec. 6) Though it’s a long shot, I hope this one bucks the movie game curse while capturing the fun of the books.

Sonic Generations (?) If it actually gets released before 2012, this could be the Sonic game we’ve been waiting for since the 16 bit days.

How about you? Are you planning to purchase any titles without plumbers or rupees for your Wii, DS or 3DS in 2011?