Will the Nintendo DSi move the video-game maker's stock?

Nintendo (OTC: NTDOY) has had incredible success with its Nintendo DS hand-held gaming device. Sony's (NYSE: SNE) PSP just doesn't have the same heat. And now, the DS is getting an upgrade. It's to be called the Nintendo DSi. The new version is going to have a camera and an SD slot. You'll be able to play music on it. The system will debut in Japan on November 1. For a look at the specs, and a comparison chart that includes the Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL) iPhone, check out this item at Joystiq.com. In terms of North American availability, it has been reported that it will be released in this territory sometime in 2009.

So, what does this mean for those who may own shares of Nintendo? Well, in case you haven't noticed, the price of the ADR's are sitting a little too close to a 52-week low. And quite honestly, I think they're going lower. The reason I think they're going lower is exactly the reason you think it is: the market for equities is awful. The financial crisis has become a global-sized blob, consuming everything in its path. It's a shame, too, because I think Nintendo has a decent shot at doing well with the Nintendo DSi. Even if it does, though, there's no way anyone could say "buy Nintendo now" ahead of the roll-out since the technicals on the stock, and for the market indexes at large, aren't too pretty.

Nintendo closed at $46.26 on Thursday. The 52-week low is $45.80. The shares are in bear mode for certain. I was really hoping to have an excuse to dive back in for a holiday trade. Now, that hope is deader than a mortgage-laden financial stock. Longer-term, I think Nintendo will do just fine as an investment vehicle. But, you'll be waiting a while, I'm afraid. And even if you want to buy for a long-term portfolio, like I say, you'd probably do well to remain patient for a lower entry price. How low do I think it's going? Below $40 looks to be a given, but I wouldn't be surprised to see Nintendo's ADR's dip under $30 at some point. Now that would be one heck of a compelling price, wouldn't it? All depends, of course, on what the macro situation is at the time...

Disclosure: I don't own any company mentioned; positions can change at any time.