I don't normally post "news," but I'm scratching my head over this tidbit from Next Generation [link] buried in the nether paragraphs of an article about the rumored Animal Crossing Wii MMO:
Of similar import is the imminent arrival of an official DS flash card, which will initially just be available to allow Nintendo to sell the back catalogue of Game Boy and Game Boy Colour games. The uncontrollable homebrew and piracy communities that use the DS rely on similar devices for their more nefarious ends, but this should, in the long term, allow Nintendo to exercise some control over at least the former through the simple step of offering a path to publisher-supported content. Compared to the slightly vague WiiWare proposition, this has the possibility to revolutionise homebrew development – at least in terms of distribution and the possibility of mainstream success – but how far the notoriously controlling Japanese giant will allow that community the creative freedom it requires to flourish will only be seen in practice. And before getting too excited, the device will launch exclusively for old Game Boy content, initially.
Has anyone else heard of this? Apparently Next Generation either apparated this information from the ether, or they are too good to cite sources. Either way, they're certainly not above putting a Digg button on the story.
I'm calling a tentative WTF??rewmerz!1!! on this one until we get some better-sourced confirmation. Interesting if true, though.
It's not like flashcarts don't already exist. But Nintendo getting into the biz and trying to sell Gameboy titles? Most of those don't hold up as well as NES/SNES.
There's also the problem of loading games onto the cart. Perhaps you could use the Wii Shop Channel to download to an SD card, and then pop it in an adapter. But how would you keep it playable on only one DS? That would require quite a bit more -- dare I say it -- connectivity between the DS and Wii than we've seen.
Plus this info just pops out of nowhere with no attribution. Just seems... sketchy.
I've been saying they should do this since they first announced the VC.
They could use the DS's connectivity with the Wii to send GB & GBC games directly to the DS's flash cart, which would then be encrypted to only work with that cart.
Unless they were $1 each, I can't think of too many GB games I'd even bother with honestly.
Nintendo needs a more complex pricing structure if they are going to have GB games for download. Zelda and Donkey Kong might be worth $5 but games like Mario Land or Kirby's Dreamland should $3 or less. Most good GBA Games are worth around $8.
Destructoid is an open discussion community. You don't need to "audition" to post a comment - just speak your mind. We respect differing opinions on the site, so have at it. Be smart, funny, insightful, clueless, or cute -- but back it up with substance. Keep your cool, keep it fun. We only ask that you act respectfully and above all: don't be a troll and ruin it for everyone else. Don't bring down gamers or we'll, you know, gently shoot you in the face and stuff you into a flaming mailbox. Each comment is your opportuntity to make this community awesomer. Is that even a word?
Avoiding the banhammer only requires common sense: spamming, trolling, racism, NSFW stuff, and other forms of sucking will not be tolerated. If anyone is griefing please report abuse. Be good. Don't suck!
about me
It's only a model...
Uncommon, some wear on the edges.
First game: TI Invaders (Space Invaders knock-off) for the TI-99 "home computer". Either that or the Pac-Man built into the glass-top tables at Mr. Gatti's Pizza.
First console: NES
First world-altering game secret: JUSTIN BAILEY
First Arcade: Aladdin's Palace
First "mature" game: Leisure Suit Larry
First PC: 386SX 16 mHz w/40 MB HDD, Win 3.0, & 640x480 VGA baby!
First FPS: Wolfenstein 3D
First game mastered: Street Fighter II Turbo - Hyper Fighting (SNES)
First LAN deathmatch: Duke Nukem 3D
Great Game Reawakening: Living in an apartment with all sixth generation consoles and 3 gaming rigs.
New Systems: Wii, DS.
Somehow now owns: PS3
Randomly owns: SEGA Nomad, Game Gear, Genesis II, Sega CD
Cannot afford but is thinking about intercepting return RROD coffin: Xbox 360.
Currently playing: Rock Band, Zack & Wiki, Unreal Tournament III
Destructoid is an independently-run publication forged by our love of video games and the gaming community's need of accountable enthusiast press living the dream since March 16, 2006
MaxVest's blog
follow this blog
subscribe via RSS
send message
invite to meetup+play
someones been drinking the crazy sauce.
seems fake.
Layme
Seems fake, but would be cool. Wouldn't surprise me either. It'll be a mini-VC on your DS. In fact, I would like that.
Glad to see everyone else is skeptical too. I have gotten some memos in my day, and this was not on one.
I think Nintendo could do this and include some sort of drm to prevent coping. I can't think of any reason why they wouldn't do this.
It's not like flashcarts don't already exist. But Nintendo getting into the biz and trying to sell Gameboy titles? Most of those don't hold up as well as NES/SNES.
There's also the problem of loading games onto the cart. Perhaps you could use the Wii Shop Channel to download to an SD card, and then pop it in an adapter. But how would you keep it playable on only one DS? That would require quite a bit more -- dare I say it -- connectivity between the DS and Wii than we've seen.
Plus this info just pops out of nowhere with no attribution. Just seems... sketchy.
I've been saying they should do this since they first announced the VC.
They could use the DS's connectivity with the Wii to send GB & GBC games directly to the DS's flash cart, which would then be encrypted to only work with that cart.
Unless they were $1 each, I can't think of too many GB games I'd even bother with honestly.
Nintendo needs a more complex pricing structure if they are going to have GB games for download. Zelda and Donkey Kong might be worth $5 but games like Mario Land or Kirby's Dreamland should $3 or less. Most good GBA Games are worth around $8.