Download 'complete' DS games through Wii, NY Times reports

by James Ransom-Wiley { Jan 2nd 2008 at 12:15PM }

In addition to demos, "complete" DS games will be made available for download onto Wii, Reggie has told The New York Times. It's the first time Nintendo has confirmed plans to offer full, Wii-channeled DS games, but the revelation lacks details.

In late November, "Everybody's Nintendo" channel launched for Wii in Japan, highlighted by wirelessly transferable DS demos. While this technology has yet to be released in other regions, it's apparently on the agenda. DS will be more "tightly integrated" with Wii in the future, reports The NY Times – and that could include portable extensions of Virtual Console, WiiWare and Wii Shop Channel too. But how will Nintendo reconcile the obvious limitations? DS can only temporarily store and play downloaded content, which is fine for demos (or single cart multiplayer), but what about so-called "complete" games? Perhaps Nintendo is also developing a memory expansion cart in conjunction with the proposed service. That's one way to re-sell old Game Boy games...

Tags: everybodys-nintendo, reggie, Reggie-Fils-Aime, wii-ware

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Jerk Face @ Jan 2nd 2008 12:19PM

Ooh.. awesome! Perhaps a memory card that plugs in the GBA slot? As long as it fit flush to the system I'd be fine with that. Then we could perhaps download classics and new games?

I'll give that a w00t!

Obie @ Jan 2nd 2008 12:55PM

Hmm, maybe you're right. An SD card slot adapter that plugs into the GBA port, so you can either download the games via wifi or SD card...that would be sweet.
This is all speculation of course.
Now where is the "everyone Nintendo" channel? Get on it Reggie!

B1gC72 @ Jan 2nd 2008 3:28PM

yea that would be the easiest way to do it. just turn the GBA slot into some sort of flash memory for the VC and you would be set.....well as long as they dont try to settle for 512MB in that too lol.

Zertoss @ Jan 2nd 2008 12:26PM

Correct me if I'm wrong, but don't both systems use SD flash memory cards? Wouldn't going from Wii to DS be as simple as putting the necessary software on an SD card to either let the DS recognize it as a Wii-bought DS game or Virtual Console/Wii Ware/etc. content?

Jerk Face @ Jan 2nd 2008 12:29PM

Yeah, I sure as hell don't see an SD card slot on mine anywhere. Unless it's in the little hatch on the back where the battery pack is.. I don't have a screwdriver here at work to check that. But I would doubt that, anyway.

Fernando Rocker @ Jan 2nd 2008 12:33PM

The DS cards are like a modified SD card, same size, but different connectors.

jamma @ Jan 2nd 2008 12:34PM

The DS uses cartridges, but although they are a similar size they are not SD cards.

BPM - The 3rd Strike @ Jan 2nd 2008 12:46PM

DS Game Cards are solid state ROM chips, with some flash memory or EEPROM for game saves.

They are bigger than SD cards (at least twice as big).

Zertoss @ Jan 2nd 2008 12:49PM

D'oh! You're right, the cards are about the same size, but the connectors are different. Weird that I never noticed, I mess with both of them all the time.

So, maybe a blank DS cartridge you can load up with games and demos would work. Seems like Nintendo had a similar idea in Japan with the Gameboy, I think, where people could buy blank cartridges and load them up at a sort of vending machine.

Rich @ Jan 2nd 2008 12:33PM

Sounds promising, even if it's only for demos, I'm looking forward to it...

synner @ Jan 2nd 2008 12:40PM

Nintendo did recently announce an official nintendo licensed product similar to the M3 flashcard system which is basically a mini SD adapter for the DS.

The M3 system allows homebrew DS games as well as using the DS for movie and MP3 player, as well as other more nefarious deeds which we all know I am referring to, but am not going to discuss here.

StrangeBum @ Jan 2nd 2008 1:30PM

Please expand on these 'nefarious deeds'.
You couldn't be talking about...*snicker*..boobies could you?

Whatever the deal is. I'm excited to see this. I really hope that they do end up making it some sort of GBA plug-in that you can put SD memory cards in. I've got so many laying around this could be awesome.

ssuk @ Jan 2nd 2008 2:22PM

You're incorrect. AM3 is releasing an officially licensed product entitled; the "DS Vision" which uses MicroSD cards to store data and can play a range of image, movie and music formats. However, not at one point does it enable a user to play Nintendo DS ROMs or anything to that effect.

Website: http://www.dsvision.jp/

synner @ Jan 2nd 2008 4:11PM

Pretty sure that a simple firmware flash will allow it to do this. The comparison was the general size and shape of the cart, because I couldn't be bothered to find the link you provided. And if this thing will be allowing you to play games you download off of the wii, then it is in fact playing DS roms.

mr mobius @ Jan 2nd 2008 12:41PM

Should really be fun. I'd love to be able to reply some of the old Gameboy games without having to stand within 2 ft away from a flood light to vaguely see the screen. I still have a Gameboy and it still works but 1. I can't be bothered going and getting 4 batteries for it (better used for the Wii - I need to go buy a battery recharge pack). 2. I have enough gaming already that I can't manage to complete, without going back to the early 90s games I need to finish. I really should finish Mario Land: 6 Golden Coins though as its easy but never finished the castle section at the end.

Farseer (GDI) @ Jan 2nd 2008 12:51PM

James,

You say: "Perhaps Nintendo is also developing a memory expansion cart in conjunction with the proposed service. That's one way to re-sell old Game Boy games..."

I seem to recall a joystiq article by Scott from about a month ago which talked about that...

http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/03/ds-gets-downloadable-content-with-dsvision-flash-card-peripheral/

GoldenS1104 @ Jan 2nd 2008 3:15PM

I was just about to make the exact same comment.

chispito @ Jan 2nd 2008 1:04PM

Wish you didn't need a Wii for it. I mean, I'd love a Wii, but I bought a DS because it was so affordable--both the console and the games.

Fernando Rocker @ Jan 2nd 2008 1:10PM

Well... you can always go to a DS Download Station.

dan stabbingworth @ Jan 2nd 2008 1:19PM

You can download a DS?

ssuk @ Jan 2nd 2008 2:23PM

Dan, you're as witty as a brick wall.

VeganTnT @ Jan 2nd 2008 1:29PM

This could also have something to do with the next DS system.

GameInformer did a little article talking about Nintendo having already finished the new DS, they are only waiting for sales of the current console to die down.

They said that it was thinner and lighter, thanks to the gba slot being taken out.

The other important part was that there was plenty of onboard memory for downloads AND an expansion slot for sd cards.

This would explain a lot if they were really planning full ds game downloads. I already have two 6gb micro sd cards sitting around that I can put to good use with this

Raikage (Wii FC 5508 0487 4434 0992) @ Jan 2nd 2008 2:03PM

Take the GBA slot out?... NOOO!

I buy more GBA games than DS games... Is that strange?

Is the GI your talking about have C&C Tiberium on it?

Emceay @ Jan 2nd 2008 2:49PM

When you can get your DS for $89 it won't matter that the new DS doesn't have a GBA slot. I have like 3 DSes and an advance.. You'll work something out, and I'm sure that's what Nintendo is betting on.
Really though, it doesn't make business sense to make things backwards compatible for more than a generation, but the time generation 3 is around, generation 1's prices have fallen below the cost of implementing backwards compatibility.

Orenthol James Simpson @ Jan 2nd 2008 1:43PM

Nintendo will never allow that to be used with SD cards, just like they won't allow data to run off of SD cards on the Wii.
Just think of this way:
If it makes sense, Nintendo won't do it.

Superstar90 @ Jan 2nd 2008 1:54PM

swinging a controller like a tennis racket makes more sense than pressing a button...

i'm juss sayin

bm @ Jan 2nd 2008 8:06PM

Umm... yeah.

Seeing how the competition has pretty much copied two thirds of everything Nintendo has ever come up with, I'd say a lot of what they do DOES make sense.

James @ Jan 2nd 2008 2:04PM

I'd like a way to play my VC games on the go, make it so Ninty.

Adv2k1 @ Jan 2nd 2008 2:18PM

Next week is CES, Nintendo give me this channel and tons of stuff. Hardcore gamers like myself are not happy with you Nintendo something like this will help turn around bad moral.

James @ Jan 2nd 2008 2:31PM

I'm a hardcore gamer and I'm happy with them...

bm @ Jan 2nd 2008 8:15PM

lol "hardcore gamers like myself"

Spoiler: that sentence alone makes it pretty likely that you aren't.

Emceay @ Jan 2nd 2008 2:46PM

yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes! Clean up on aisle pants!

Cesaria @ Jan 2nd 2008 3:11PM

Wow, I'm not even sure what to respond to that. LOL.

Anticrawl @ Jan 2nd 2008 3:09PM

They have an accessory that is an SD adaptor for the GBA slot. They have one for both the Phat and Lite DS and it comes directly from Nintendo. Though this is only in Japan of course and it is originally just for MP3s, Videos, and text documents if memory serves me.

Cesaria @ Jan 2nd 2008 3:13PM

This is a great idea. I would easily go out and purchase one. The lack of GBA slot isn't a big deal to me when I can go hock my Phat, and buy a GBA Sp or something. I hope this is a reality.

That_One_Guy @ Jan 2nd 2008 5:27PM

I honestly think people should care less weather they open this up for reselling game boy games. I've been playing Paper Mario, OOT, and SM64 on my computer with an emulator...and I wonder, why are people still gullible enough to pay for this? Yikes! That's 30 bucks saved right there! I'd rather break a few laws and get outdated software for free, than suck up to Nintendo's rip-off prices...

Yoshi Likes Boys @ Jan 2nd 2008 8:00PM

An epic lawl for you, my friend. By that logic, the only system you should ever buy games for is the PS3.

After all, with a simple and inexpensive modchip install, PS2 and Wii games can be downloaded off the internet with ease. In fact, if you have an old fat PS2, all you need is HDloader! A SATA connector and a DOS PC can get you access to any XBox 360 game, AND allow you to play your backups on live. The PC has ALWAYS been rife with piracy, and now is no exception. A memory stick and a battery can get you every single PSP game ever created for your enjoyment, plus as many PS1 games as you can rip. And finally, the aforementioned DS is completely unlocked with a $30 R4, DSX, EZ5 or M3 perfect.

So, by your douchebag deadbeat logic, the only games worth buying are PS3 games because you can't "break a few laws" and steal them. You know, now that you mention it, what the hell am I doing working for a living? I'm MUCH better off breaking a few laws and just printing my own money. I have a DS and everything! This argument seriously needs to start warranting a ban because I'm fucking sick of it. SURE IT'S CHEAPER TO BOOTLEG IT. YOU'RE BOOTLEGGING IT. For fuck's sake.

bm @ Jan 2nd 2008 8:36PM

Yeah. Why pay for something when you can steal it? Get a fucking job.

I agree with a ban for retarded comments like this.

ThornedVenom @ Jan 2nd 2008 6:55PM

You say gameboy, I see pokemon all over again.

bm @ Jan 2nd 2008 8:40PM

Reggie says "download full -DS- games", and Joystiq assumes it'll only be used for GB games, complete with snide comment?

Oh wait, it's JRW again. Nevermind.

That_one_guy @ Jan 2nd 2008 9:17PM

@ Yoshi Likes Boys

I'd probably do all that, except that'd be way to much effort. It's much easier to just mooch off someone elses work of enterpreting machine instructions on a different hardware platform (emulators). In fact, I probably wouldn't do this if it was me who had to do all the transcribing for such software, but since someone else did it, and put it up for the internet for everyone to see, I'm game.

As a matter o'fact, I've noticed a few flaws in my Paper Mario rom, the screen flashes in funky phycedelic text before shifting to a battle scene. Oh well, the mantra "you get what you pay for" holds more true than ever.