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Nintendo DS News is a News and downloads site for All Nintendo Handhelds and Consoles including the Gameboy, NES, N64, Snes, Gamecube, Wii, WiiU, NDS, 3DS, GBA and Snes, We have all the latest emulators, hack, homebrew, commercial games and all the downloads on this site, the latest homebrew and releases, Part of the
DCEmu Homebrew & Gaming Network.
THE LATEST NEWS BELOW
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March 19th, 2005, 00:11 Posted By: wraggster
Desktopman has released updated versions of his 2 homebrew Nintendo DS Games, Nibbles DS and Tetris DS, heres the news from this release:
<BLOCKQUOTE>Minor update to both Nibbles and Tetris. Both now uses the template from bottledlight, although with a different makefile for the arm9 part. You can now compile both emulator (arm9) binaries and hardware (passthrough) binaries easily.
Also fixed some logic bugs in Nibbles, and slowed it down a bit. And now you can eat cherries aswell  Nibbles now comes with (messy) source, due to requests. </BLOCKQUOTE>
Download <a href="http://nintendo-ds.dcemu.co.uk/nibblesds.shtml" target="_blank" >Nibbles DS</a> and <a href="http://nintendo-ds.dcemu.co.uk/tetrisds.shtml" target="_blank" >Tetris DS</a>.
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March 18th, 2005, 23:09 Posted By: wraggster
Yoshi's Touch and Go is very nearly the best thing on DS. For all its charm it is just a bit too short to beat Wario and Mario.
Still, if you can't wait until May (when it hits the UK) and you're toying with the idea of importing it, you'll find a minor classic and one of Nintendo's most original games of recent times. Fact.
It's a game of two parts, reuniting Yoshi with Baby Mario in similar fashion to Yoshi's Island on SNES and GBA. The first part of the game is an extension of the old DS demo that showed clouds being drawn under a plummeting Mario to break his fall. Here you've got to draw clouds with the stylus to avoid enemies and collect coins.
The second part of the game has Baby Mario being carried by Yoshi and, again, you've got to draw clouds and platforms so Yoshi can continue on his merry way.
The Yoshi bit has more to it though, as tapping the stylus over an enemy lets you chuck a saurian bum-egg at them, a move that can also be used to collect coins and egg-bestowing fruit. Tapping on Yoshi makes him leap, and doing so again enables his flutter jump. Finally, blowing into the microphone destroys all the clouds you've created.
It's all incredibly simple and brilliantly implemented, offering both unparalleled use of both the touch pad - there's absolutely no way you could control this game in any other fashion - and the dual screens. Enemies, coins and fruit appear over both screens, so you'll be frantically drawing platforms and egging things. It all gets very hectic.
It's also a game of great subtlety, as going for high scores (which is pretty much the aim of the main mode) requires lightning-fast stylus use and dazzling accuracy.
To be the best you'll need to egg-snatch, dispatch enemies and grab coins with a single projectile. It's the very paragon of the Nintendo ethic - anyone can play it but it's as deep as an ocean and very challenging.
Where the game falls down, though, is that it's small. The main mode contains only two levels - the Baby Mario and Yoshi elements we've just discussed.
This isn't a sprawling adventure at all, and as such seems a little mealy-mouthed, offering the unique experience you can only get with DS on the one hand, but a jarringly small portion of it with the other.
It's a disappointing realisation, but that's not really the be-all and end-all of Touch and Go, as the three other modes - Endless, Time Attack and Challenge - offer distinct riffs on the main template.
Endless is particularly good. You take Yoshi on an endless and increasingly difficult journey, with every 1000 metres reached seeing you swap over to a differently hued Yoshi. Like tackling Tetris' Marathon mode, it's hugely addictive and brain-meltingly enjoyable.
Touch and Go is a new breed of platformer, and while it doesn't quite reach the heights of Wario Ware and Mario 64 DS, it is still an essential DS purchase.
Yoshi's Touch and Go is out now in Japan and will be out for DS in the UK later this year
Overall: 4/5
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March 18th, 2005, 23:07 Posted By: wraggster
Mobile Nintendophiles who fancy poker and off-roading got a double dose of godo news today. Majesco has announced that it will be releasing two titles for the DS, Texas Hold 'Em Poker and ATV: Quad Frenzy. Both titles are slated for release "later this year".
Texas Hold 'Em Poker follows the Game Boy Advance game of the same name, also from Majesco. The card-slinging game features no limit and limit variations, as well as competition against 10 computer opponents or five human opponents in a tournament via the Wi-Fi capabilities of the DS.
ATV: Quad Frenzy brings four-wheeling action to the dual-screen DS. Gamers will race across 40 different tracks and upgrade their ride using the DS's stylus. The racer will also feature Wi-Fi support for multiplayer racing.
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March 18th, 2005, 23:03 Posted By: wraggster
News from <a href="http://www.lik-sang.com/news.php?artc=3597&lsaid=219793" target="_blank" >Lik Sang</a>
<BLOCKQUOTE>Big and hairy, he's been around since the dawning of videogame history, a famous Nintendo in-house creation and for that as much a recognizable character brand as superstar Mario. No surprise, since it all began with a standoff between Donkey Kong and the cheerful Italian plumber (initially called "Jumpman") in the arcades of 1981 on a dedicated machine named after the famous ape. None other than Nintendo mastermind Shigeru Miyamoto was responsible for the birth of these characters, which should appear in a myriad of games on many different systems over the years, never losing their tremendous appeal for gamers.
Now Donkey Kong is back on GameCube again, with two titles that make use of the official Tarukonga Controller, a Bongo drum-like peripheral that provides a whole new take on how you navigate the action on screen. While the music game Donkey Konga 3 naturally asks for a great tool like this to handle the groovy rythms thrown at you, Donkey Kong - Jungle Beat lets you have a go at a frantic Jump'n Run in a very unique way: your drum beats and claps guide the big gorilla through the lush, level based environments! Let us give you the gist of these beauties below, where we talk about features, gameplay and more...
Note: Both games are in stock and shipping within 24 hours, while all preorders have been cleared and new orders are very welcome, of course eligible for our Free Shipping Worldwide promotion.
So Hot it's Cool: Bang Away with Donkey Konga 3 JAP
Similar to the Taiko no Tatsujin line of games where you follow and try to match the in-game music, Donkey Konga allows you to manage the on-screen rythm frenzy with the above mentioned Tarukonga Controller, representing a Bongos peripheral that features a microphone for picking up clapping sounds along with your drum beats. Apart from Mr. Big Ape himself, Donkey Konga 3 stars monkey celebrities Diddy Kong and Funky Kong, the latter turning his back on the travel service he's heading to join his mates, who devote themselves to spinning conga beats. Some of the included mini-games will see the appearance of Funky as well.
Players can indulge in a variety of modes in Donkey Konga 3. Shuffle Mode presents you with a tricky challenge, since the notes of a given song change each time you have a go at it. Or nourish a tree by playing well in a mode called Rythm Banana Island. Here you're able to unlock a new Taru-taru mini game, allowing you to fly through the air and hit a tree. Save data (such as bought patterns) from the first two Donkey Konga games can also be accessed via a memory card. Please watch the recently posted Donkey Konga 3 TVCM or head over to Nintendo's DK3 site to view another wierd Japanese commercial which was just released.
The colorful graphics sure match the superb music in this ultimate edition of Donkey Konga released so far; it's a great opportunity to obtain fresh song material to bang your bongos to. Gameplay is straightforward enough to guarantee an easy entry to Donkey Konga 3, while Bemani veterans will love to squeeze every drop of game content out of this more than worthwile expansion.
Ideal for any music game and Donkey Kong fan alike, the third installment of the series offers an enormous update through a huge songlist of 50 fine tunes now, even more than the first expansion, Donkey Konga 2: Hit Song Parade. You can take a look at the list of melodies on Nintendo's official site, or view the translated version here:
Donkey Konga 3 songlist:
J-Pop:
1. Hana
2. Kimi ni Bump
3. Happy Days
4. Rokoroushon
5. Ignited (Gundam Seed Destiny opening theme)
6. Start (Detective Conan opening theme)
7. Seishun Kyousou Kyoku (Naruto opening theme)
8. Baka Survivor (Bobobo-bo Bo-bobo opening theme)
9. Relight (Fullmetal Alchemist opening theme)
10. Go!!!
11. Kore Ga Watashi no Ikiru Michi
12. Tomorrow
Anime:
1. Kite Kite Atashinchi (Atashinchi ending theme)
2. Mezase Poke-Monster (Pockemon opening theme)
3. Ora-ha Ninki Mono (Crayon-shin-chan opening theme)
4. Cha-la Head-cha-la (Dragon Ball Z opening theme)
5. Touch (Touch opening theme)
6. Ashita ni Nattara (Donkey Kong opening theme)
7. Banana Tengoku (Donkey Kong ending theme)
TV:
1. Doremifa Daijoubu (Hajimete no Otsukai theme song)
2. Fire Emblem
Variety:
1. Youderu Tabe Houdai
2. Iiyuudana
3. Makkensanba II
Western:
1. Entertainer
2. La Coocoo Racha (I can't figure out how to spell this)
Classic:
1. William Tell
2. Aine Kuraine Nahatomajiiku
Games:
1. Smash Brothers DX
2. Kochira Monopiza (Mawaru Made in Wario)
3. Jungle Beat
4. Star Fox
5. Donkey's Groove (Donkey Konga 3 theme song)
Children's Music:
1. Te no Hira wo Taiyou Ni
2. Bingo
Famicom:
1. Super Mario Brothers
2. Mappy
3. Zelda no Densetsu
4. Tower of Doruga
5. Hoshi no Kirby: Yume no Izuumi no Monogatari
6. Doctor Mario
7. Pacman
8. Digdug
9. - 15. unlockable songs
Jump'n Drum: Donkey Kong - Jungle Beat US
It's a whacky concept Nintendo's Tokyo Studio has came up with: lead Donkey Kong through wild jungle environments relying entirely on the DK Bongo Controller! Tapping the right conga makes Ninty's hairiest mascot go right, left conga makes him go left, while hitting them both triggers a jump and clapping (or hitting the rim) initiates a wave that attacks enemies or helps him gather bananas.
Director Yoshiaki Koizumi unmistakenly made the developer's focus on the main character clear, saying, "The only thing Donkey Kong needs is to be the best, and to become the king of the jungle." That might explain why this absolutely original title won't need a deep storyline to impress; it does so with its superbly detailed character models (the fur, for instance, has to be seen to be believed), gorgeous, colorful surroundings and intriguing gameplay. Finally a game where the massive polygon count doesn't just serve to hype the product with meaningless specs, but actually shows in the truly magnificent visuals.
While the Tarukonga Controller makes Donkey Kong run, jump, punch and grab beats, you can also link together moves to earn combos in order to maximize these beats. There are over 16 levels of varying areas to explore, all with their different challenges and difficulties. Ride animals and vehicles, battle enormous beasts or get into boxing matches with rivals! Watch out to knock over bosses without losing any beats and earn bronze, silver, gold and platinum medals in order to receive even more stages to explore.
A stunning GameCube title like this screams for Progressive Scan and Dolby Pro Logic II support; luckily, Donkey Kong Jungle Beat offers both. If you've been on the lookout for a different gaming experience the Nintendo way, this is as non-generic as it can get: a brave, successful attempt of venturing out into rendering the Jump'n Run genre a remodeled edge. Donkey Kong Jungle Beat US is available for Free Worldwide Shipping within 24 hours for only US$ 59.90, as is the Japanese version of this title, which was released some time ago. Also in stock is a bundled pack of the Japanese copy including the Tarukonga Controller, shipping for just US$ 74.90.
</BLOCKQUOTE>
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March 17th, 2005, 21:27 Posted By: wraggster
The gamecube emulator for windows has seen a news update from the official site
Hey all, first bit of news from me, eh? I'm the new Webmaster here and I've just finished Dolwin's new site design.
Either way, hotquik has completed his new input plugin for Dolwin. [Located here in the additional files.] It features controller input and rumble, so enjoy!
Oh, there's a problem with Mozilla's / Firefox's javascript viewing for screenshots. You'll get an error every time you view a screenshot, however it doesn't affect the javascript window. I'm trying to fix it, but I can't find the problem. It works in every other browser I've tried; Netscape, IE, Opera..
Vile324
http://dolwin.emulation64.com/index.php
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March 17th, 2005, 21:09 Posted By: wraggster
Square Enix announced today that it will release the sequel to its Slime Morimori Dragon Quest: Shougeki No Shippo Dan on the Nintendo DS. The game is tentatively set to be named Slime Morimori Dragon Quest 2, and no release date or price has been provided for it yet.
The original Slime Morimori Dragon Quest was released on the Game Boy Advance in November of 2003. Gamers controlled the Dragon Quest series' Slime character--a ball of sludge--and adventured using various actions that took advantage of its elastic form, such as stretching out and recoiling.
Specific details and screenshots on Slime Morimori Dragon Quest 2 haven't been released yet, but the game will play like the original and will take full advantage of the DS's double screen. More details will be released in this month’s V Jump magazine, which is set to hit stores on March 19.
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March 17th, 2005, 02:20 Posted By: wraggster
Aaron Rogers posted this news at <a href="http://forum.gbadev.org/viewtopic.php?t=5206&sid=01cc5840f16d8fa2621183e00 865e1a3" target="_blank" >GBA Dev</a>
<BLOCKQUOTE>Okay, so I now give you a second way to quickly get up and going with NDS Devlepement... a single setup file.
This is currently in BETA! It will probably work, but who knows?! This will only install on Windows 2000 or Windows XP. Make sure you do NOT have DevkitARM or MSys already installed. Do not use any spaces in the directory name.
NDS Dev Env currently includes:
Software
DevkitARM Release 11
MSys 1.0.10
ndslib
Dualis Release 3
dsemu 0.0.1e
Template
Updated version of Joat's template
Demo Roms
davr's draw
DesktopMan's Nibbles DS
DesktopMan's Tetris
PongDS
http://www.aaronrogers.com/nintendods/ndsdevenv.php
- Aaron Rogers</BLOCKQUOTE>
Good news for Nintendo DS Developers
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March 15th, 2005, 18:59 Posted By: wraggster
Devkit.tk has undergone a bit of a facelift, hope you like the new look. Please switch on javascript and help support devkit development by clicking on some adverts.
Xboo Communicator and libgba have added keyboard handling code. This update was inspired by Torlus and his rather fun PandaForth implementation.
http://www.devkit.tk/
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March 15th, 2005, 18:58 Posted By: wraggster
A new kernel Expansion Interface subsystem is available on CVS. It is a code rewrite based on apgo's original driver model framework and some of Scream|CT's recent contributions. The good news is that the RTC and BBA drivers are using now the new framework and cpu usage is much lower. The not so good news is that we've dropped temporarily the memcard and SD drivers while they get reworked. The new stuff is already included in the Latest Kernel Build, updated to 2.6.11.
http://www.gc-linux.org/
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March 15th, 2005, 18:19 Posted By: wraggster
Late last month, Nintendo president Satoru Iwata stated that his company would create games for the DS that target a nongaming audience. Among the examples Iwata gave were a game that employs an electronic dictionary and a game that enhances brain activities.
While Iwata's comments were somewhat vague at the time of the announcement, gamers in Japan discovered today that Nintendo will soon be releasing three edutainment games. Details on the scope of the games aren't presently known, but we did receive a brief description of each game from Nintendo:
Nou o Kitaeru Otona no DS Training
The game roughly translates to Brain Training on the DS for Adults (and it doesn't take a genius to figure out the game's goal). The game has been created under the direction of Professor Ryuta Kawashima of Touhoku University. In the game, players will use the stylus and the DS's microphone to answer math problems and read text that is displayed on the screen. The game uses technology such as character and voice recognition to process answers. The game is due at a price of 2,800 ($27) in May.
Yawaraka Atama Juku
The quirky game's English translation is Prep School for Brain-Flexing. Unlike Brain Training, the questions in this game are entirely graphical and are designed to appeal to all ages. A competitive multiplayer mode allows support for up to eight players via the game's wireless capabilities. This game will be available for 2,800 ($27) in June.
DS Rakubiki Jiten
DS Rakubiki Jiten, which roughly translates as Quick-Finding DS Dictionary, is more of a utility software than an actual game. This title includes three of the most widely used dictionaries in Japan (published by Sandeido Publishing)--The Daily Concise Japanese Dictionary, The Daily Concise Japanese to English Dictionary, and New Global English to Japanese dictionary. The software comes with a character recognition system, letting you easily search for a word by scribbling it on the DS's touch-sensitive screen. This dictionary program also lets you send words to another DS, challenging the recipient to correctly guess its pronunciation or definition. DS Rakubiki Jiten is slated for release in June and will retail for 4,800 ($46) yen.
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March 15th, 2005, 18:15 Posted By: wraggster
The Nintendo DS got off to a flying start last weekend in the UK, becoming the fastest-selling console ever with sales topping some 87,000 units in the first two days at retail, according to Chart-Track data released this morning.
Compared to previous console sales over the years, the DS was well ahead of the original GBA's launch statistics, which managed 67,000 back in June 2001, while the remodelled GBA SP debuted with 47,000 in March 2003.
The cheap and cheerful DS even smashed sales of fully-fledged consoles, beating the Cube's record debut week of 69,000 back in May 2002, with the likes of Xbox (52,000) and PS2 (46,000) selling decent numbers despite £299 price points.
Software wise, the DS launched with an impressive 16 titles, 12 of which made this week's Top 40 All Formats - although with PS2 titles such as Gran Turismo 4 and Metal Gear Solid 3 ruling the roost at the top of the listings, the best the DS could muster was a No.4 entry with Super Mario 64 DS, closely followed in the Top 10 by Wario Ware Touched! At No.6 and Rayman DS at No.10.
Ubisoft also scored a surprising No.12 entry with Asphalt: Urban GT, EA's multiformat pair of The Urbz: Sims In The City and Tiger Woods PGA Tour move up to No.15 and No.16 respectively, Pokemon Dash made it to No.18, Spider-Man 2 moved up to No.19, while the multiformat Robots (No.25), Project Rub (No.29), Zoo Keeper (No.39), and Polarium (No.40) also made it into the Top 40.
That left four of the 16-strong line up outside the Top 40, meaning the likes of Mr Driller: Drill Spirits, Retro Atari Classics, Ping Pals and Sprung were lower down on gamers' shopping lists.
Nevertheless, given the crowded release schedule on other platforms, strong hardware sales and 12 titles in the Top 40 in the opening weekend represent a very strong early showing for the DS in a territory where many in the industry were unsure of how well Nintendo's new machine would be received.
The challenge now for the system will be to continue its sales once the first wave of early adoption has died down - and to build strong momentum and expand its software base in Europe before the PlayStation Portable arrives in a few months time.
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March 15th, 2005, 18:12 Posted By: wraggster
Development kits for the next-gen Nintendo Revolution console are "already out there," according to Nintendo president Satoru Iwata, who has promised that the information developers need to start work will be available "in the near future."
Speaking in an interview with BusinessWeek, Iwata said, "Development kits are already out there, depending on which stage you're talking about. All I can say right now is 'in the near-future' for the basis platform information they will need to get started on games."
Iwata also spoke briefly about the Revolution interface, and said it will "allow some new forms of innovation". "We have a number of candidates for a new interface but are not ready to reveal them. All I can say right now is that whatever we choose will be intuitive and easy to use for everyone," he said.
"We may or may not use the microphone in the new interface," he added, but said the inclusion of a microphone would "not be a defining feature of the new console".
Other than that, Iwata's comments toed his company line about not "simply relying on sheer horsepower" in the race for the next-generation. Nintendo is expected to unveil the Revolution console at E3 this year and launch in late 2006 - although Nintendo of America's Reggie Fils-Aime last week described that date as "an assumption" when quizzed about launching later than rivals PlayStation 3 and Xbox 2.
The majority of publishers have yet to officially declare their interest in developing for Revolution - with several announcing projects for "next-generation consoles" but most of them opting not to identify the individual target machines.
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March 15th, 2005, 18:05 Posted By: wraggster
News from <a href="http://www.lik-sang.com/news.php?artc=3594&lsaid=219793" target="_blank" >Lik Sang</a>
<BLOCKQUOTE>Nintendo's Play-Yan is an SD Card based MPEG4/MP3 player for your Gameboy Advance or Nintendo DS. The unit is normally only available through Nintendo's online store in Japan, and comes with Japanese display, instructions and software. Unfortunately, Nintendo had to call back the first batch of units in Japan, due to a technical problem with the sound output.
Lik Sang now has the newly released units in stock and we took some extra time to compare it with the other available movie players, give it a try from the non-Japanese user perspective, and point out what's good and not good about it.
Play-Yan vs. The Rest
As you might know, Nintendo's latest addition to the accessories market is not the first movie player for handheld systems. The officially Nintendo licensed and Smart Media Card based AM3 Player was a big disappointment and failed to impress international and Japanese users when it was released. The unit started off with a couple of Detective Conan cartoons for $25 more than 18 months ago, and in the meantime they have a hand full more including Pokemon. Unfortunately it doesn't let you create or convert your own content, and if you are not a big fan of Detective Conan or Pokemon (and you are not near one of the Kiosks in Tokyo to download stuff), it is basically useless to you.
Majesco Inc in America went another way with their "movie players". They released 24 movies so far, in the shape of standard GBA cartridges for $19.99, which are available in US retail chains. Unfortunately, this was invented for parents who want to keep their kids quiet on the backseat of a car, not for multi media applications and people who want to watch their own content on the go.
Nintendo Play-Yan
Unlike one might believe, the Play-Yan was not released by Nintendo to compete with the MPEG4 capabilities of the Sony PSP. Ken Toyoda, PR head of Nintendo, also confirmed that the Play-Yan was designed for the Gameboy Advance and that it works with the Nintendo DS is a coincidence. The fact that Nintendo announced the Play-Yan just a week after the Sony PSP was released does not relate, according to Toyoda. Don't take this wrong, the Play-Yan and any other movie players for the GBA or NDS are great devices on their own, but comparing it with the huge and expensive display of the Sony PSP, with its Universal Media Disc, the Memory Stick which is accessible through USB2, and many other multi media capabilities, is simply impossible. It's two different things for two different applications and different uses.
The GBA/NDS Movie Player
The only item that you can really compare the Play-Yan with is the Compact Flash Card based GBA Movie Player. While the GBA Movie Players was originally not designed for the Nintendo DS, it is 100% compatible, and does exactly the same as the Play-Yan: it works in the GBA mode of the Nintendo DS. Both devices, Play-Yan and GBA Movie Player, don't make use of the Nintendo DS capabilities and are native Gameboy Advance units. We will compare these two from the technical standpoint and the usefulness standpoint.
Play-Yan GBA Movie Player
Release March 2005 September 2004
Compatible GBA SP, NDS GBA, GBA SP, NDS
Media Type SD Card Compact Flash
Video Format SD-VIDEO (ASF) GBM
Sound Format MP3 GBS
Software MediaStage Media Converter
Language Japanese English
Mini-Games Yes Yes
Firmware Upgradeable No Yes
Image Viewer No Yes
E-Books No Yes
Demo CD w/ Movies No Yes
Direct Headphone Yes No
Price $79.90 $24.90
Using the GBA Movie Player
As you can see above, the GBA Movie Player retails for US$ 24.90, which is way cheaper than the Play-Yan. For $24.90, you receive a player that comes with English instructions, English Windows Software, and a demo CD with some trailers and other demo movies. All you need to do to get up and running is hook up a Compact Flash Card Reader to your PC and store some of the demo movies on your Compact Flash Card. If you want to convert some of your own movies, you can simply install the slightly engrish Windows Software and use one of the easy options to convert your movies into the right format. Apart from just playing movies, you can also convert music, e-books and pictures to be displayed on your GBA Movie Player. Of course this is just a quick summary and the world of the GBA Movie Player is much bigger, there are many options to convert media one or another way. For detailed information, we suggest to check out one of the reviews of the player, or talk to others on the GBA Movie Player Forums.
Reviews of the GBA Movie Player
• Video Review: GameSpot On The Spot
• 199+ Reviews by Lik-Sang.com Customers
• Many other reviews by the best videogame web sites are here
Using the Play-Yan
Now using the Play-Yan is a little bit more complicated. The unit has been designed by Nintendo for Japanese people, to be sold in Japan, with Japanese Windows PCs. To use the Play-Yan, you have to be either Japanese, or be someone who has no problem using Japanese Software and to get it to work on your non-Japanese PC. Once you got it working, you will have to make a guess when you use the software to convert movies. But because the SD-VIDEO standard seems to be something that will eventually be possible to create with the right specifications using third party software, such as one of the many tools you can find through Videohelp.com, this should hopefully soon change.
Unfortunately, at the point of writing this article, MediaStage in its Japanese version is the only way to get movies to your Play-Yan. MP3's however, work without problem and can be saved on a SD card without converting them through MediaStage or any other software. There are also a few mini-games that Nintendo released on the official web site. These work without problem as well, but they are unfortunately really very small (thumbnail size), which means they will not really make you very happy. Some of the available e-Reader games are pure luxury compared against the Play-Yan mini-games.
Although we still hope that the users will soon figure out a way how to convert movies without MediaStage, the menu will always remain in Japanese. There are not many options, so for import gamers it's not a big problem to handle it.
Reviews of the Play-Yan
• IGN Review by Anoop Gantayat (IGN.com)
• Review by DSGaming
• Play-Yan Forums
Here is a quick summary of our first comparison:
Play-Yan Pro
• Real MP3 playback with ID3 tag support
• Shows thumbnails of movies
• First party product
Play-Yan Con
• Software Japanese only (difficult to run on non-Japanese Windows)
• Not really as open as hoped for (SD-VIDEO MPEG4 only)
• No control over songs when lid closed
• Expensive
GBA Movie Player Pro
• Price
• English Software
• Huge user base and lots of free content on Internet
• Homebrew applications and games available
• Firmware updateable to add features
GBA Movie Player Con
• Video format not open (GBM/GBS)
• No real MP3 playback
• "Engrish" software and manual
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March 15th, 2005, 18:01 Posted By: wraggster
News from <a href="http://www.lik-sang.com/news.php?artc=3593&lsaid=219793" target="_blank" >Lik Sang</a>
<BLOCKQUOTE>Gamers on the Nintendo side of Nextgen handheld play are having a blast with the current high-quality releases for the NDS. While Sony's PSP rightfully impresses with hardware power and big screen goodness, Nintendo's latest mobile device offers a different kind of gaming heaven. The touchscreen and stylus way of managing things gamedesign-wise seems to ignite developers' imagination and appears to produce one innovative top title after the other. For instance, blessed NDS owners will have the pleasure of devoting themselves to Rez architect Tetsuya Mizuguchi's latest masterpiece, Meteos.
It comes as no surprise that this NDS title received a well deserved 38/40 score in the latest Famitsu, since it delivers outright, cleverly designed puzzle action. Knowing that the Famitsu jury is not exactly handing out high scores by the truckload, it hints at how impressed they must have been with this game. But there are three other great games for the Nintendo DS available now (or will be shortly) that we'll introduce you to below: Yoshi's Touch & Go, Pokemon Dash and Pac Pix. So read on, if you please, to learn why NDS lovers are presently experiencing nothing but the good life:
Meteos JAP
Acclaimed developer Tetsuya Mizuguchi, responsible for Space Channel 5, Rez and Lumines on PSP, graces the Nintendo DS with another of his original twists on the puzzle genre... before heading to Microsoft, according to the latest games industry rumors. In his effort to come up with another cult classic, he was joined by Kirby creator Masahiro Sakurai in the design department. Meteos sees you wielding the stylus to move around fragments of a detonating planet, lining up three or more blocks of the same color in the process. This will group pieces together (creating one meteor lump) in order to be sent flying back into space.
A stylish CG video intro aims at making you familiar with the 'explosive' background story, subsequently you are presented with various modes to choose from. An intriguing take on the addictive Tetris gameplay, Meteos can be experienced solo in "Star Trip" (story mode), "Simple" and "Time Attack". The added multiplayer option will guarantee for frantic block-dropping mayhem: four players can join the fun via a single cartridge, dumping built-up items like bombs over to opponents' screens to disrupt their clearing up strategy. Definitely more than just another puzzle game, the intuitive touchscreen use renders Meteos a fresh and irresistible feel, perhaps making it the most engaging title the genre has seen yet.
All preorders for this recently released highlight have been shipped out last week already, new orders are of course welcome for only US$ 49.90, eligible for our Free Shipping Worldwide promotion.
Yoshi's Touch & Go US
Initially a mere impressive tech demo shown at E3 2004, what was before known as Balloon Trip headed soon straight to full production title due to its irresistible blend of beloved Nintendo characters and pure innovative gameplay design. Yoshi's Touch & Go welcomes Baby Mario (oh, sweet memories of retro gem Yoshi's Island) back into the gaming scene, where he fearlessly takes to skydiving. Gamers guide his floating path via the stylus pen in order to return Baby Mario safely to his guardian Yoshi. Collect coins and dodge Shy Guys and other renowned Nintendo foes, while drawing clouds to cushion Baby M's fall. You can also blow at the NDS' built-in micro to see a wave of clouds flying up the screen.
After the fun of vertical blue-sky and Baby Mario being back on top of Yoshi again, the game switches to a horizontal view of the action. The cute green dragon just runs like there's no tomorrow; you are responsible for making his way through this stylus-adapted Jump'n Run. Use the touchpen to make him jump or even attempt to fly when you catch Yoshi again in mid-air. Second nature to Yoshi, eggs can be used to destroy enemies or collect coins. Clouds can still be drawn during this phase, building pathways for the dynamic duo all the way. Yoshi's Touch & Go features two-player wireless play as well as surround sound and promises one hell of a good time for NDS and Nintendo fans in general.
The US version is expected to be in stock shortly this week, while the Japanese one has been released over a month ago, with great Famitsu scores of 34/40, and is also still available. Both qualifiy for Free Shipping Worldwide of course.
Pokemon Dash US
The first Pokemon title to hit the Nintendo DS is a racer that utilises both screens of the handheld brilliantly: below, gamers slide the stylus to guide Pikachu from one Poke Ball checkpoint to the next, while the upper screen displays a radar where you can monitor your progress in comparison to your opponents. Beat other Pokemon to the finish line in a heated competition by racing Pikachu across land, sky and sea! The faster you rub on the touchscreen, the faster he runs. Pikachu moves quickest if you stay on paved roads and slows down when traveling on sand or through the forest, but special power-ups exist that help you manage tricky terrain too. Along the way, on-screen arrows guide you to the next checkpoint in your path.
Faced with impassable terrain like large areas of water, you might need to locate a hot-air balloon and explore the sky in order to reach the next checkpoint. Main mode consists of Grand Prix, which challenges you to clear five cups with five unique courses each. If beaten, hook up with GBA Pokemon versions Ruby, Sapphire, FireRed, LeafGreen and Emerald to create new tracks in the shape of your GBA Pokemon. Multiplayer lets you compete against your friends in up to six player battles!
Pokemon Dash US will arrive this week, shipping through our Free Shipping Worldwide offer for only US$ 39.95. The Japanese version is also in stock still, (free shipping here also) available for US$ 49.90.
Pac Pix JAP
Namco's most famous videogame icon invites you to pick up your stylus, aka "Ghost Pen", and go hunting the eerie ink apparitions that have mischievously invaded books and paintings. Draw Pac Man characters on the touchscreen to do away with these evil spirits. Starting with the mouth, then the circle, all in one go, the drawing will come to life and munch anything in his path. Players can maneuver these in different directions, strategically seeking out ways on the screen that your drawn characters can follow. By sketching walls in your creation's way, you make your evoked designs head in another direction.
Furthermore, gameplay allows you to send your Pac Man scribbles to the upper screen using warp tunnels, while the Boss Battle challenges require huge drawings to defeat the giant ghost monsters. Don't run out of ink when chasing the specters: the top screen keeps track of the time, score and how much ink is left. If you screw up your Pac Man sketch or ghosts run over an unfinished drawing of yours, it won't spring to life and thus the ink is wasted. Pac Pix delivers a fantastic all-new take on a videogame idea that once helped build the foundation of the videogame industry and equals nothing short but pure fun in its current form.
All preorders for the Japanese version of Pac Pix, which arrived last week, have of course been shipped out in due course. The US copy is still some way off, but open for preorders at US$ 49.90, both versions certainly eligible for Free Worldwide Shipping. Also worth mentioning is the upcoming Pac'n Roll from Namco (expected release on May 2nd), where the little yellow guy pays the Nintendo DS a visit in full 3D, a design that also represents an homage to another grand classic of yesteryear, Marble Madness. </BLOCKQUOTE>
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March 14th, 2005, 21:57 Posted By: wraggster
Mic has released the 3rd version of his Nintendo DS emulator for windows, heres whats new:
<BLOCKQUOTE>CPU: Fixed ARM->Thumb changes on LDR
CPU: Fixed SP-relative Thumb stores
GPU: OBJs with the "OBJ disable" bit set are not rendered anymore
GPU: Fixed some OBJ clipping issues
GPU: OBJs are now checked for display priority relative to BGs
GPU: Added optional Direct3D rendering (D3D8)
GUI: Made touchscreen IPC address selectable (Memory tab)
GUI: The Run, Pause, and Reset keyboard shortcuts now work even when the video output window has focus
</BLOCKQUOTE>
Download from http://nintendo-ds.dcemu.co.uk/dualis.shtml
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March 14th, 2005, 19:33 Posted By: wraggster
Nintendo "hopes" to announce more about its new Legend of Zelda GameCube title at E3 in May, the company said today as it dismissed reports that game would be released in October as "speculation".
Last week's GDC trailer for the game, which adopts a more mature graphical approach than its predecessor The Wind Waker (pictured), has re-ignited interest after its first appearance at last year's E3 trade show - and in particular fans are now drawing attention to a US retail posting of a 1st October release date.
Nintendo unsurprisingly distanced itself from the date this morning. In a statement the company said: "We haven't announced any potential release dates for the new Legend of Zelda title. Everything published to date is entirely speculation and we hope to announce more about the game at E3 in May."
This is hardly surprising as retailers regularly add speculative release dates to game postings. Although some turn out to be true, more often than not a prospective release date is just designed to encourage pre-orders.
In Zelda's case, Nintendo has said the game will appear in 2005 on GameCube, but other details - including the full name of the game, the nature of the story and gameplay changes - have yet to be announced.
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