TOKYO (AP) — The newest version of Nintendo’s popular hand-held game console, with its large screen that’s easier on the eyes and bigger stylus similar to an ordinary pen, has led some to assume it is intended to lure older gamers.

But Satoru Iwata, the company’s president, said the new Nintendo DS is designed to let small groups gather around a single device, watching and participating in game play. This would be a dramatic change — gaming on portable consoles, a popular category that also includes the rival PlayStation Portable from Sony, has until now been a private affair.

“It is bigger and s heavier, so it is a little less convenient to carry around, but in exchange we hope it is accepted as a DS that is left on the kitchen table, which is bought for each household and shared among the family,” said Iwata.

The new Nintendo DS, called the “LL” for its size, is being sold in Japan for $220. It also has larger dual screens.