hotspotbloc's Journal: A request for Nintendo to open up the GB DS

(Is this possible?)

(Please note that while there is some comparisons between the Nintendo DS (DS) and the Sony Personal PlayStation (PSP) my comments should not be construed as a judgment on which unit has better games or is better for gaming. My comments and ideas are limited to the DS' ability to be expanded past it's current usage, which could possibly expand it's total customer base, and not about corporately generated games. While I mention Python as the interpreter of choice, Ruby should also be strongly considered. BTW, I know the name sucks but I'm sure someone will come up with something better.)



The "App-Yan"

I propose that Nintendo makes or allow someone else to make a device that fits into the DS game slot on the DS which allows users to run Python applications. Applications would be stored and loaded from a removable SD card.

The "App-Yan" parts:

Hardware:

External housing design and dimensions: the dimensions would very similar to the "Play-Yan", Nintendo's mp3/mpeg4 player that fits into the GBA slot on the DS.

SD or SDIO slot: Python scripts and/or related data files would be stored here. No propriety software should be required to copy files to and from the SD card. Open data standards should be used whenever possible. Also somewhat similar to the "Play-Yan".

>256M non removable internal flash memory: This would be used for the storage of the Python interpreter et al and, at the user's choice, Python scripts or related data.

A/D converter on the "professional" model: It's about expanding the DS and a "professional" version with multiple A/D converters would expand the DS' use, for example, for automated data collection.

Software:

Python interpreter: the Python interpreter, a signed Nintendo application, would be stored on the App-Yan's internal flash memory. It could be updated by Nintendo to address security flaws and bugs. Scripts could be run allowing for a text output or with a full GUI. GUI objects could be accessed from either the DS' internal GUI widgets or from standardized custom widgets accompanied with the interpreter.

Signed script validator: Some groups have the need to ensure their scripts arrive at the user's DS unmodified. A built in public key signature system could be used to insure scripts arrive as they were intended.

Why the DS?

The DS, like previous versions of the GB, is well designed and a nearly indestructible device. They have been successfully used in environments that normally would kill off similar electronic devices. The closest example of a device that can stand up to similar abuse would possible be a "hardened" PDA (either Palm of PocketPC OS based in a custom enclosure) costing at least four times the cost of the DS/AY (DS with an "App-Yan" device). The DS' low cost, durability and touch screens make it an ideal candidate for this project over other portable devices. The use of a GB for nongaming use is hardly new. The Singer Izek sewing machine (now out of production) used a GB as a stitch and pattern controller.

What's the benefit to Nintendo?

This project would expand the current customer base and places used. Many would say the "holy grail" of a portable gaming system is to allow for its use in a public school setting. This might be possible using the "dynamically generated exams" example sited below. While the DS performs well as a portable gaming system added uses would generate additional console sales which would generate added games sales. While Nintendo is still the king of the overall handheld gaming market, the Sony PSP has presented itself as extremely strong competition. With Sony's lead in the home console market the success of the DS could be critical to Nintendo's future.

What applications do you see being created?

More than I can imagine. Python scripts have be used from embedded systems to enterprise size servers for countless applications. Here's a scratching of the surface:

Data collection for surveys. Imagine a scenario where a half dozen survey collectors need to interview people at a local mall. They need to ask a few questions and have follow up questions adapt to respondent's previous answers. The data then needs to be transferred to a single point where it is recorded, analyzed and the script possibly adjusted. In this scenario the survey collectors would use the DS' top screen to read questions and the bottom to record responses. Those answers would be wirelessly transferred to another DS where they would be collected and analyzed in real time. The collection point could also adjust the survey collector's script.

Dynamically generated static or progressive exams. A public school could use DS/AYs for class exams. A "wired" school would have a record of the MAC address of each student's DS. An instructor would send an exam to each of the student's DS. As an anti-cheating measure the exam question order would be pseudo-randomized for each student. Answers would be sent back to the instructor's DS or computer for correction. Results could be returned in real time if desired. This could also be used for overnight or "take home" exams. Besides tracking the correct answer, one could also track the amount of time taken to answer each question. Quick and correct responses might show a great proficiency than the same correct answers but answered at a slower rate.

Vertical market applications. Today many companies use PDAs or tablet PCs for their internal applications. While both offer larger screens this is sometimes not needed. The DS/AY system would be far less expensive. As many of these machines are assigned to people on an "as needed" basis they are sometimes treated rougher than devices that spend most of it's company life with one or two users. Most PDAs and tablet PCs were not designed for this kind of abuse. The DS on the other hand was designed for the use and abuse of children.

The other issue for vertical markets is application design costs. Python (and previously mentioned Ruby) have proven track records as stable RAD (rapid application development) platforms. Applications can be quickly built, tested and wirelessly deployed.

Electronic tour guides. Many museums have experimented with electronic devices as automated tour guides. While good software design has lead to successful use of such devices they have their limitations. Durability and cost per unit have restricted their widespread use. A DS console equipped with an App-Yan unit would allow institutions to quickly develop and distribute such guides. If students were equipped with DS/AY an instructor could create a custom tour guide suited for their students.

What about game piracy?

The App-Yan could only run Python scripts with a Python interpreter which would be a signed application from Nintendo. The interpreter would be able to access all parts of the DS except for the running Nintendo signed applications. Piracy IMO is a "make or break" issue for the App-Yan. If it can't be designed to protect against the unauthorized use of licensed games then I see little interest in Nintendo developing or supporting it. There must also be a social contract that programs using the App-Yan will not try to bypass copyright controls. This device is about expanding the uses of the DS, not a game backup device. One of the "sacred cows" of this project is that the App-Yan should never be able to play copies of commercial DS or GBA games. While to many this seems like a draconian move IMO it's the only way to keep a project like this alive. If it can be used to bypass Nintendo's copyright protections then IMO they will have little recourse other than to stop supporting the App-Yan.

How can you ensure against the App-Yan running game backups?

I have no idea. Someone, somewhere will somehow figure out a way around the propose ban. Software only mods have been created for most of the advanced game consoles and it would be foolish to think it couldn't be done for the App-Yan. It comes back to the social contract that would help in the slowing of the proliferation of such a program. The lifeblood of the DS is in the sale of officially licensed games and Nintendo has a responsibility to insure they protect against the illegal use of said games. Damage that revenue stream and IMO the App-Yan is dead.