Will we see a DS MP3 player this October?

by Joystiq Staff { Sep 3rd 2006 at 12:35PM }

An image and info has been floating around various Web sites pointing to a Nintendo leaflet that said a DS MP3 player -- similar to Japan's Play-Yan -- will be coming to Europe only (at the moment) for about 30 Euros in early October. It is said to be packaged with the upcoming DS browser software. Here are the features mentioned:

For Nintendo DS (to be inserted into slot 2) and Game Boy Advance hardware
To store music you need SD cards. Up to 2 GB cards are supported, this equals to 500 songs (best sound quality)
Choose between different skins (including one with Mario)
The interface shows all important information
The unit itself features another headphone port

If this turns out to be true and a version does come to the U.S. for somewhere around $40 or less, it would seem that Nintendo would have all their bases covered with the DS. Basically having the same features now as a PSP but slightly cheaper, which would you choose?

[Thanks, Ian]

Tags: DS MP3 player, DsMp3Player

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)

Denji @ Sep 3rd 2006 12:43PM

Obviously if both systems have the same capabilities then it comes down to the games, which the DS wins hands down.

EP @ Sep 3rd 2006 12:44PM

I already chose the DS. :)

Jay @ Sep 3rd 2006 12:51PM

Yea, obviously the DS. It's already in all the homes. So added features like this will go down a huge storm. Though with the M3 adapter you can have MP3 playback, I'd still like something a little more simple. Ease of use in an MP3 player should be the key priority, just look at the iPod.

I love the use of SD cards too. I mean, Memory Stick Pro Duo Ex Alpha Upper? No cheers. Give me 2 consonants of cheaper, more widely used storage please.

Jason W @ Sep 3rd 2006 12:52PM

I already have an after market player that does 100 times more than that. It came from play asia and plays videos, MP3s and roms. All it good in DS lite land.

Rob @ Sep 3rd 2006 12:55PM

uh oh! looks like a handheld suffering from an idenity crisis!

i'd probably buy it for my girlfriend's DS though. except i think we both have the same thoughts on the DS's volume control. really, really sloppy.

simon @ Sep 3rd 2006 1:00PM

Video will always be more enjoyable on the PSP screen. But then again that's not what I'm looking for.

And if you go homebrew you can already play MP3s on the DS. You need a Supercard and the Moonshell software. It works with SD cards too, and the DS slot is still free.
Need to FlashMe or something like it though.

darryl @ Sep 3rd 2006 1:02PM

"Basically having the same features now as a PSP but slightly cheaper, which would you choose?"

A sleek PSP ofcourse... Unless you're poor and like clunky add-ons.

Rob @ Sep 3rd 2006 1:08PM

"A sleek PSP ofcourse... Unless you're poor and like clunky add-ons."

gps and camera. thats all i have to say.

i have a psp and love it. but i just needed to point that out.

Striker Dude @ Sep 3rd 2006 1:12PM

Well, I know of one friend who will go crazy for the feature. I probably would have liked this feature more had I not gotten an MP3 player like 7 months ago. Anyways, this is great news for the people who still dont have an MP3 Player, but for some reason have a DS.

Tobor @ Sep 3rd 2006 1:13PM

Whats that smell? The pungent odor of rotting flesh is wafting through the air. (breathes deeply) Oh, I recognize it now. darryl has posted. Luckily, Dead Rising has taught me how to handle the undead.

Back on topic, if this is flush with the Lite, I will buy it.

darryl @ Sep 3rd 2006 1:16PM

"gps and camera. thats all i have to say."

I don't need these for basic functionality which should be standard, to play media (video/audio). Thus, the PSP is sleek out-of-the-box without the need for any add-ons. The PSP doesn't need an add-on to play tunes, video, or check email.

Nintendo owners won't buy this add-on anyway, it goes against their mantra. A hand-held should only be used for gaming... You should carry seperate devices for listening to music, and watching video.

good morning @ Sep 3rd 2006 1:25PM

Since you all repeat I'll join in the fun

The PSP has a lot of great games, as many if not more as the DS has. Here are some reviews of both systems games:

http://psp.ign.com/index/reviews.html

http://ds.ign.com/index/reviews.html

When people say the PSP doesn't have games or doesn't have many games or doesn't have many good games or anything of the sort they are in fact lying.

mello @ Sep 3rd 2006 1:33PM

Coughcough*Psp fanboy*coughcough

Dux @ Sep 3rd 2006 1:38PM

Its kinda like the 360 and PS3 anology, where the DS is the 360 and the PSP is the PS3. The 360 is cheaper, and you have the options too add on functionality later, but at a higher cost. The PS3 is more expensve, but it all comes in an all in one package. A bit like the PSP and DS.

Marc @ Sep 3rd 2006 1:41PM

darryl,

All I'm gonna say is that if you have a DS, having OPTIONAL add-ons is good.

The reason why most people are turned off by the PSP is because of it's steep price. Keep in mind that the PSP could be the same price, or cheaper than the DS, if it wasn't for all those extra features.

If you have a DS and also want a MP3 player or web browser that is user friendly (we can agree on that cuz which is easier to type in a web address, DS touch screen or PSP buttons?) having the optional feature keeps the main hardware at a lower, consumer friendly, price range.

GunForHire @ Sep 3rd 2006 2:02PM

Ah, but will it work with the DS Lite without sticking out? That's the main question for me.

Grant @ Sep 3rd 2006 2:03PM

Music and video should be standard for a games system? That's a pretty bizarre opinion. Anyway, I don't think not having the OPTION to do more with our system is any Nintendo fan's mantra, but rather not having it as a mandatory part of the system, thereby increasing price dramatically. If I want to hear mp3s, I can now buy the ability to do so, and I don't have to also buy internet capabilities since I don't need them on my system. Same can't be said for PSP.

hemmy @ Sep 3rd 2006 2:16PM

I enjoy the psp for its games and media abilities on that large screen, so I'd lean toward the psp. Not that I have a problem with the ds at all. I have one and enjoy the hell out of it too.

Jay @ Sep 3rd 2006 2:17PM

Personally I think it's a great optional extra. I won't be using it (along with the DS web browser) but other people will use it. and theres the key issue with all this! I don't want to pay extra for something I wont use (PSP), I just want the guts of the system. I had a PSP, I now have an M3 for my DS Lite. I've yet to watch a single video on either.

Optional will always be better, it saves money for those who don't want it.

oh, and like I already said up there - DS Lite clearly wins with the SD card usage. Before I got my PSP I never had dealt with Memory Pro whatever cards, and since selling it I have never used one since. -1 to Sony for not using SD or a more popular memory card format.

mike @ Sep 3rd 2006 2:25PM

I've owned both ds and psp and wouldn't use either of them as a primary music device. As a gaming device, they are different animals. PSP gave me console games on a handheld. GTA:LCS was great fun, and much deeper than any DS games I've played.

That said... I sold my PSP and bought a DS for a couple reasons. First- I don't have time for long boot times and immersive games. I'm a father of two young kids. My 3 year old girl can get around in Mario DS like nobody's business. The touch screen is great for kids. I like being able to power the DS on, and be racing my Mario Kart ONLINE in less than 2 minutes. To play a multiplayer game of Twisted Metal took 10 minutes just to get going.

They are 2 very different platforms- for two very different lifestyles.

Rita @ Sep 3rd 2006 2:26PM

Not all that interested..But atleast I'll have the option of not having to pay for a shitty-quality media feature. My GP2X handles all that, anyway.

Senshida @ Sep 3rd 2006 2:26PM

Brad Lee @ Sep 3rd 2006 2:27PM

@ darryl

This is hardly an addon, at least not in the traditional sense. The SD cards are placed into a GBA cartridge, and then the GBA cartridge is inserted into the GBA slot. It isn't any more of an addon than a GBA game.

By your definition you could call Memory Sticks for the PSP addons. They don't come with the original package (at least not large enough for video or for storing more than 5 MP3s). The PSP's memory sticks are just as much addons as the DS's new MP3 player. It's just that, with the DS MP3 Player you'll need an SD card, so if you don't have one already you have two 'addons' to buy.

@ good morning

There is no fact in an opinion, and saying there is no good games for the PSP, or saying that there are many good games for the PSP, are both opinions. Most people who say there are no good games for the PSP probably just mean there are no good, ORIGINAL games made specifically for the handheld. That's why I probably haven't bought one yet. Practically all of the PSP's library are ports from consoles, or if not ports than just another soulless sequel that happened to be on the PSP instead of another console. In other words, there aren't any original, fun titles for the PSP. At least, not enough to pay more than a DS for.

Frn @ Sep 3rd 2006 2:38PM

Seems cool. Maybe there could be a DVD reader you clip onto your belt which sends the video to the DS! :) That and the MP3 player would totally smash the PSP. (and save me plenty of money on a portable DVD player.)"

You're probably joking..But decent portable DVD players can send you back less than $100. Better than either the DS or PSP's screen, too.

Night Elve @ Sep 3rd 2006 2:42PM

Let me think ... let me think ... i would choose an Ipod or a Nomad :D

Babylonian @ Sep 3rd 2006 2:43PM

"Basically having the same features now as a PSP"

Come on now, Joystiq, that's just silly. I mean, I play my DS Lite daily and play my PSP maybe once a month, so it's pretty obvious which is the better system, but I don't think any amount of external additions to the DS will make it a better PMP than the PSP. However, I have to admit that I would buy a simple, easy-to-use video player for my DS Lite, just because the DS is more portable than my PSP and has a bigger and better screen than my Vision:M.

OyoyoY123 @ Sep 3rd 2006 2:47PM

I'd go with DS.
...but then if you really think about it. The PSP has everything in one neat package, so you don't need to change the carts and add-on, which can become annoying. IF you wanna go online, and listen to MP3 you gotta take out two carts and insert another two carts.

.........but then the DS has touch controll, which makes going online so much easier.

HMMM... i think both handhelds are great LOL

MysticX @ Sep 3rd 2006 3:04PM

The Nintendo DS, because Nintnedo actually lets you choose the add-ons you actually want. I for one see no point in rebuying movies to watch them on that tiny PSP screen. If that option would have been removed from the PSP, then it would probably be like 50$ cheaper. But, they just keep stuffing useless stuff into their computers.

Btw, is it possible to change the way we reply and have a registration? I´m getting pretty annoyed of waiting for the e-mail all the time. And besides, you could then collect stars, and the start of the month could get a game or something like that. Just a thought.

s @ Sep 3rd 2006 3:07PM

I remember when dvd players were cool. started noticing that everything began integrating them in. people knocked the dreamcast at that time cause it didn't have one. I remember saying who f***ing cares. games were good. already owned 5 variations of the "dvd" player.

nowwwww. MP3 players are "cool". Everything I own plays them. IPOD Shuffle, my RAZR V3m, ipod Nano, my desktop, my laptop, my car's cd player, my f***ing digital camera, the 10 dollar cd player I bought my 4 year old for road trips, every dvd player in the house. personally I couldn't care less wether my PSP or my DS plays them cause when it's all said and done I use my shuffle at the gym and my nano everywhere else.

I use my phone to call people. My dvd players to watch movies. My computers to do work and see when the Wii comes out. Video game systems to... wait for it... play video games.

Until they infuse all of the above into a microchip in my brain that allows me to do all those functions without any external displays, I won't be looking for all of my toys to do the same thing. Then I'll be reduced to just one (probably ugly) toy. WHO WANTS THAT? ONE TOY?? I call bs on any company who tries that.

sockatume @ Sep 3rd 2006 3:16PM

It's not said to be packaged with the browser (if it was, why would it have its own price and packaging?) but is said to be released on the same date.

JRM @ Sep 3rd 2006 3:17PM

Though I already imported a Play-yan months ago, this add-on is a great buy (if it has the same functionality as the Play-Yan). Ironically, though, playing music on the Play-yan is a bit of a pain, as you're always opening and closing the DS to choose songs, or to turn it off. It wouldn't be a problem with the DS Lite thought. Also, it works great in the car.

I use the play yan nearly every night. I watch a movie before I go to sleep. And because the DS and the screen is small, I can place the screen close to me and I don't need to have my glasses on to watch. It's the best "add-on" I've ever purchased.

I hope this has the Mp4 functionality, though. That is absolutely key!

H-QB @ Sep 3rd 2006 3:29PM

Hurray for Nintendo for having a good handheld plan. DS is a portable gaming system, therefore focus on gaming and gaming related things and portability first, then once thats done ... move on to nongaming stuff that isnt as important but something interesting nonetheless such as basic webbrowsing and music.

Call it blatant fanboyism but the PSP's plan was probably to throw everything at the wall and see what sticks. Then throw more stuff at the wall and see from that what sticks. lol

Pince @ Sep 3rd 2006 3:36PM

@ good morning
I don't even have a PSP or a DS but the DS interests me more. I think these links are a little more accurate representation.

http://psp.ign.com/index/reviews.html?constraint.floor.article.overall_rating=9&constraint.return_all=is_true&sort.attribute=article.overall_rating&sort.order=desc

http://ds.ign.com/index/reviews.html?constraint.floor.article.overall_rating=9&constraint.return_all=is_true&sort.attribute=article.overall_rating&sort.order=desc

The DS has almost twice as many true A-list games as the PSP. Also, GTA is available for PS2 (and many people, I think, would rather just play GTa on a big ole' TV anyways) so the DS does have many more exclusive properties.

Lastly, the range of genres represented on the DS list is slightly more diverse, with a better mix of puzzlers, platformers, and strategy which are sort of the staples of the handheld world.

I'm not saying you dont have a point. There are some decent games for PSP, but the numbers speak better for DS.

Disco D @ Sep 3rd 2006 3:38PM

re: "S" ... I completely, completely agree with you man. It's going to get to the point where if you are walking down the street withOUT headphones on, people are going to be like: "What the hell is wrong with that guy?"

All I care about is when the DS browser comes out. Sure it's not going to be integrated, but oh dear, I'm sorry your too lazy to pull out a cartridge that weighs nothing and put it into your DS! For the flash GBA cartridge, I'd just leave it in there all the time since I use my DS for DS games, and my SP for GBA games.
Having the touch screen is what it's all about. Your not going to do internet research on your DS (or even your PSP). It's going to be for the times that I have wifi and I just want to check my email and or new news at Joystiq, without pulling out my laptop. Since I already carry my DS Lite everywhere since it's small enough to actually fit in my pocket, unlike the "sleek" PSP.

Jim. @ Sep 3rd 2006 3:52PM

Can I close the lid and still listen to the music? If I can sign me up.

Silver R. Wolfe @ Sep 3rd 2006 3:52PM

I'd rather have a PSP. For the cost of all these add-ons and the DS (for people who don't already own eith handheld) the PSP would be the better deal.

Coupled with the fact that the PSP has a stellar fall line-up right now, and more games rated 8 and up than the DS does, it just seems to be the all around better handheld in my opinion.

My DS is fun, but I need to give credit where credit is due. Third party developers for the PSP are really starting to step up and design games that are made for the PSP, not just made on the PSP.

hmmm @ Sep 3rd 2006 4:11PM

A lot of you that are talking for the psp are saying that it has no good games. I'm very happy with my psp and I really love the games. Of course, what else do I expect from Joystiq?

obo @ Sep 3rd 2006 4:15PM

I wish Nin would get on this instead:

http://grey.drunkencoders.com/projects.php

"This is the beginning of my internet radio client for DS. Version 0.2 features a new name, and greatly enhanced utility. It now plays a single internet radio station (the only one you need, in my opinion). This program does require you to have configured your DS for Nintendo WFC with an actual online game beforehand however."

Joe @ Sep 3rd 2006 4:22PM

I would LOVE to see a "Gameboy Camera 2" come out, but hey that's just me.

As for witch to choose the DS has more (in my opinion better) games.

J @ Sep 3rd 2006 4:29PM

Whether I get one or not will probably depend on how good the interface is and how well it utilizes the touch screen. I've already got 2 mp3 players, so it's gotta be pretty sleek to win me over.

Frn @ Sep 3rd 2006 4:31PM

S got it right. I'll spend slightly more money if it means getting high quality entertainment instead of a half-functional all-in-one attempt. PSP and DS are equally great as gaming platforms, and it's all I looked for when buying them.

Ritz @ Sep 3rd 2006 4:33PM

http://ds.ign.com/index/choice.html
vs.
http://psp.ign.com/index/choice.html

Not that IGN is the end all, be all and it's just one network's oppinion, the DS is winning in the games department there anyway.

If I wanted everything the PSP wants, I would go with that. But I don't. I /may/ end up getting the DS MP3 player if it sits flush with my lite /and/ allows me to play music while it sits closed. Otherwise, I'm happy with my current audio player.

For my tastes, the DS still wins.

terrania @ Sep 3rd 2006 4:39PM

if that's the actual price, ill consider it. i already bought a few cheap sd cards for the wii, my camera, and my gp2x. useful fuckers.

Mindstormy @ Sep 3rd 2006 4:42PM

Can we please ban darryl already?

Leper Messiah @ Sep 3rd 2006 4:44PM

"gps and camera. thats all i have to say."

Thats exactly what I buy my video game systems for, to tell where I'm driving and to take pictures.

Fuck games, seriously, who buys a video games system to play video games on it? Sony's clearly got it right with GPS and camera.

And just you wait, I hear rumblings of a possible depth finder add on, and you know if the PSP had a depth finder, boaters and video game fans alike will buy a psp.

terrania @ Sep 3rd 2006 4:46PM

didn't darryl have -5 stars or is that just another poster mimicking him?

JimmyHACK @ Sep 3rd 2006 4:47PM

ohhhhhhhhhh they stole this from sony...
haha

haha

Will @ Sep 3rd 2006 5:21PM

The fact that it uses SD cards intregues me, as the Wii will also support SD cards. I am thinking maybe Nintendo will include a ripping feature in the wii, to rip CDs to SD then place them in your DS all without a computer.

rubaiyat @ Sep 3rd 2006 5:35PM

@ Silver R. Wolfe.

Actually, by my count DS has more.

Sure, JUST in the 8 category...but in the 8+ category including the 9's DS has more.

Which is pointless cause it's just IGN's rankings which are hardly all inclusive.

The fact that a cripplingly buggy game like Madden on the PSP still made it to an 8 is evidence enough.