Nintendo DS New Toys

[clintcan]

---

Peace!

I don't usually dig portable gaming devices, but I really think DS is it.

http://ds.ign.com/articles/688/688911p1.html

Just today, DS will have a web browser and tv tuner for accessories. Browser is powered by Opera.

[darkwing]

eep the tv tuner uses a proprietary service in Japan, also the PSP already has the web browser, although typing in words using the pen is surely better, but i think the PSP screen is much better as it is much bigger/brighter with 16.7 million color support

[aljoriz]

Opera browser is a welcome addition to DS however the $30 price-tag is discouraging but the aiblitiy to surf the net without the wires (assuming you had a wirless router / hot spot / usb wifi) make it worth the purchase.

[clintcan]

Here's the video interview and announcement:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ogWgYF3r4M

Don't understand Japanese

[darkwing]

does the DS play movies/music?

[clintcan]

Peace!

Actually, the DS does play mpeg4 videos and mp3, through an accessory called Play Yan (it's available in the nintendo game site).

As far as I know, it sells for $45-$80.

Nice thing about it, the play yan is upgradeable through firmware flashing, and each upgrade brings about better audio and video quality. Also, the play yan allows mini freeware games to be downloaded from the nintendo website.

Nintendo DS is foremost a portable game console, not an all in one media center like the PSP is, with gameboy compatibility. The thing that irked my interest in it is that there is an upcoming PDA software for it, as well as linux can be run on it (obviously psp also has linux running in it but DS is much better suited for linux because it has a stylus and touch sensitive screen - definitely better suited as a pda than the psp).

I'm just looking at the possiblities that the modularity of the DS brings.

[aljoriz]

Unfortunately like the PSP there's already a "firmware upgrade" that would BRICK the DS, the programmer made it to prevent piracy.

[darthjaiz]

Unfortunately like the PSP there's already a "firmware upgrade" that would BRICK the DS, the programmer made it to prevent piracy.

where is this article about firmware upgrade on DS. nintendo does not upgrade firmwares in their hardware.

not unless you do a flashme on ds, that is you flash it. but if you are using only passcards. theres nothing to worry about.

[irangejuice]

what's so discouraging about a $30 price tag? sounds like a sweet deal for 30 bucks.