The Nintendo DS is a very cool toy. I bought it on a whim, but I'm glad I did. Sure the PSP is sexier, but it's more expensive and there are a limit to the number of games it can play.
This is where the M3 comes in. It's a naughty piece of equipment that allows you to play the all the following game types:
I'd say that all that seriously outweighs any additional sexiness that the PSP offers.
LEGAL NOTE:
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Let me clearly state that I neither take part in, nor condone the use of illegal ROMs or other piracy. I just use mine for legal stuff like homebrew. Remember kids, Big Corporate Lawsuits are for life, not just for Christmas. |
Oh, and add to that some other features of the DS with M3:
- Movie viewer
- MP3 player
- Ebook reader (although the built-in version sucks - Bookreader is much better)
- Web browser and TV Tuner (see here)
- VOIP
- Personal organiser (very well made)
- POP/SMTP Email + RSS feed reader
- MSN Messenger (though I don't use it myself)
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Comic book reader, which in theory allows you to read any PDF on your DS.
I use a program called " FinePrint" which prints out PDF pages as large JPEGS. Stick these in a folder, and convert to .nds with comic Book DS.
This is a fantastically cool thing. As a geek I get Scans of the New Scientist magazine sent to me ( www.newsstand.com). I am now able to read this on the DS which is amazing. You can obtain scans of many real magazines and now you can view them all on you DS.
In theory, with FinePrint + ComicBookDS, ANY file becomes viewable on your DS (print to Jpegs then convert). FinePrint isn't free, but maybe a freeware homebrew version exists, other than Bittorent that is!
This really opens up the entertainment possibilities of the DS I'd say. Sure Moonshell did it before, but this is so much easier to use.
- Put Linux on your DS
- Homebrew games
- Can't get past a certain level? Two options:
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Download a savegame from someone else who has completed it. Instant access to every level. |
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Use the M3's built in cheat code function (haven't tried this yet). |
More info:
Update:
Because my fiancé Tina is really, really nice, she bought me a DS Lite for my 29th Birthday (July 7th people! I accept cash or credit card).
I was torn over buying one, as the original DS (now called a DS Phat) is a bit of a clunker physically. The DS Lite is very very sexy and the screen is amazing. Want proof? Well have a look at these excellent videos (not mine):
- Video 1: Comparison between DS Phat and DS Lite.
- Video 2: More size and brightness comparisons between old and new.
- Video 3: DS Lite vs. PSP, and the DS Lite has a day out.
Unfortunately the M3 does stick out a bit more from the Lite, although it doesn't get in the way at all. Actually it can be useful; when you're lying in bed the M3 rests on your stomach taking the weight off your hands. Handy:
External Skins for DS Phat:
I bought the Red DS bundle, which was good for getting a copy of MarioKart DS for $10. The downside is that it's very, well, red.
I did look into buying a skin to cover it up, but decided against it as; A) I'm too tight, and B) nothing looks good on a red DS.
Whilst browsing around one day I found this though, which show's a great skin for the DS. I liked the idea so much I made my own version. See it below, or download a copy that you're welcome to print off if you like:
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