What is the ideal lifespan for a handheld console?

We hear that gamers, as a group, are getting older and by that token we have to assume that there is every chance that you lot are getting a little bit more forgetful by the day.

So this is just as a little reminder about this week's Loose Threads discussion topic which is: 'What is the ideal lifespan for a handheld console?'

Sony has claimed that ten years is a good round number while Nintendo has been more tight lipped (though in the past has shown that it likes to get considerable mileage out of its handhelds, albeit in a surprising number of iterations).

But does that fit with what you want? Would Microsoft's touted (and once typical) five- to six-year home console life cycle be better suited to the handheld market? Does the DS have an unlimited shelf life by virtue of its games and innovation over graphics approach? If handheld gaming shifts closer to mobile phone technology, will you be happy to change your handheld console as often as you change your handset?

Big questions in need of big answers, people. Should you have any, kindly direct at the Pocket Gamer forum. Happy posting and have a good weekend.