A poll of 1000 gamers brings up some interesting points and highlights the gulf between Japan and the West...

The continued success of the Nintendo DS in Japan has been a constant surprise amongst many. Undeniably as a result of such titles as Adult Brain Training, Nintendogs and classic Nintendo franchises, C-News recently carried out a survey of 1000 DS owners (500 male 500 female) from a broad demographic to gauge their opinions of the device.

1. Besides being able to play new kinds of games that you can't play on home consoles, what was the main reason you bought a DS?

30.6% - A game I wanted to play had been released or announced 4.0% - A large volume of games had been released or scheduled for release 11.8% - I can play my GBA games on it 11.7% - I wanted a new game machine 3.7% - I wanted to play games outside 3.3% - It's easier to play than home consoles 3.8% - It has two screens 13.4% - I can play games using the touch panel 3.2% - The screen is better than previous handhelds 0% - The sound is better than previous handhelds 0.5% - You can play multiplayer games using wireless 0.8% - The design is good 3.8% - I like Nintendo products 9.3% - other responses

Unsurprisingly this highlights the importance of the games, something that Nintendo has always recognised and one that is causing Sony a few troubles with the PSP at present. Of more surprise is the fact that the innovative features of the Nintendo DS haven’t exactly sparked the imagination, with only 3.8% of those asked admitting that the dual screens were a major reason behind buying the handheld and 13.4% claiming the same for the touch-screen control.

2. Which Nintendo DS software have you bought so far

40.4% - Nou wo Kitaeru Otona no DS Training [Adult Brain Training] 31.8% - Super Mario 64 DS 30.2% - Yawaraka Atamajuku [Brain Softening Exercises] 27.7% - Sawaru Made in Wario 20.0% - nintendogs

This highlights the huge difference between Japan and the West; such titles as Adult Brain Training and Brain Softening Exercises are looked upon with contempt by a gaming audience outside of Japan, yet in that territory they’re helping to drive the DS way beyond expectations and bolstering its position against the PSP

3. What kind of game would you like to play on DS in the future?

Male responses: 483 people

34.6% - Strategy, problem-solving, or some other type of game that makes me think 34.0% - A game I can play for a long time 34.0% - A game I can enjoy alone 33.3% - An easy-to-enjoy game I can play in short doses 26.3% - A game with a high level of difficulty 26.3% - An easy, light-hearted game

Female responses: 483 people

43.2% - An easy-to-enjoy game I can play in short doses 41.7% - A game I can enjoy alone 33.0% - A game I can enjoy when I'm in a relaxed mood 32.0% - Strategy, problem-solving, or some other type of game that makes me think 30.9% - An easy, light-hearted game

4. After listening to an explanation of the Revolution, do you think you'll buy it?

15.1% - I definitely want to buy it 32.1% - I would like to buy it somewhat 32.% - I can't say either way 8.1% - I don't want to buy one so much 2.9% - I don't want to buy one at all 9.8% - I don't know

Perhaps the most revealing of all the answers shows a somewhat positive reception to the Nintendo Revolution, however it appears that Nintendo still have some way to go before convincing a significant audience currently sitting on the fence.