It makes sense that Nintendo would want to use their portable, wireless touchscreen device for things other than gaming. Nintendo President Satoru Iwata outlined a couple of ideas that they're working on for the DS.
Iwata says that the DS would be useful in places like train stations, museums, and amusement parks, although he didn't give specifics. We're guessing they'll be used for localized uses like information, directions, and even something like food menus. These applications are expected to roll out in 2008.
"This is the first device that is portable and wireless and anybody can use," said Iwata to the Wall Street Journal. "With so many devices out there, it would be wasteful to not turn it into a tool."
It's not a bad idea, especially for a country like Japan, where the population is so dense, and so many of that population are already DS owners. For people like me, it's going to take some self-restraint to be in a museum with my DS and not play a game.
[Via Game|Life]
Dale North is Destructoid's Editor-In-Chief, a founding editor, and specialist in Japanese gaming. An accomplished musician, Dale was reporting from Japan during the earthquakes of 2011. Luckily, he got the fuck out alive and is home in America now with his wife and beloved corgi, Einstein. Dale is also a co-founder of Destructoid's sister anime site
Japanator. Likes Corgis, Sega Saturn, PSP, iPhone, Photographic tools.
Meet the rest of the team
| BBcode help |
| [b]Bold text[/b] |
Bold text |
| [i]Italic text[/i] |
Italic text |
| [url]http://www.dtoid.com/[/url] |
http://www.dtoid.com |
| [url=http://www.dtoid.com/]Web link[/url] |
Web link |
|
| [img]http://www.example.com/robot.jpg[/img] |
 |
Post a comment! You can also post a photo below:
Comment with Facebook
Click connect and comment instantly!
|
Comment with Dtoid
New? SIGN UP - it takes 5 seconds
|
16 comments | showing # 1 to 16
|
Comment with Facebook
Click connect and comment instantly!
|
Comment with Dtoid
New? SIGN UP - it takes 5 seconds
|
Comments policy
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!
Contest:
10:09 AM on 10.31.2007
| 
It seems like a good idea, but it probably wont take off. Most people will be like "lol gameboy" and ignore it
On second thought I think most people dont say lol in their head...
I do...
I kinda glad the DS has these aps options. I'm considering buying some of the My French/Spanish Coach series, to help me learn a new language. Spanish is one of those languages that's very useful.
I'm sure if a learn japanese cart comes out, it'd sell like hot cakes.
You hear me Nintendo?? I said the possibilities are endless! So don't screw it up! I know the DS already prints money, and everyone and there dead grandmother has one, but make your customers happier! We heart you if you do things right and please us!