Pokemon DS Title Includes VOIP Element

Via Joystiq , a press release that reveals a new feature for the upcoming Pokemon Diamond/Pearl titles. In addition to new graphics, the title offers a new twist for the gotta-catch-em-all set: voice communication via wireless networking. You'll only be able to talk to people you've exchanged friend codes with, so there's no chance for an anonymous player to traumatize younger players. The PR release they link to mentions that the game will also have a world-wide trader board: "For kids, it's like having a cell phone that can only connect with their friends. The Nintendo DS Headset, sold separately, makes these conversations a breeze ... Players can trade Pokemon or battle with players anywhere in the world, even without voice communication. The Global Trade Station allows players to post Pokemon they want to trade on a board and browse through Pokemon other players have posted."

Metroid Prime Hunters has voice chat

[goodenoughnickname]

However, in MPH you could only speak to your friends before and after a match, while the article states in Pokemon "players talk with friends before, during and after battles". It's a nice touch, though. MPH voice chat works great and I hope more DS games include the feature.

Re:OT: Turn it into a PDA!

[Ilium9]

You can already, and quite literally, turn your DS into a PDA with homebrew software called DSOrganize. http://www.dragonminded.com/?loc=ndsdev/DSOrganize [dragonminded.com] Although, in order to use this software you have to dish out anywhere from $30-$130 or more for the development cartridge (there are many to choose from, all with different features). Read more here http://wiki.pocketheaven.com/Category:DS_Flash_Car ds [pocketheaven.com] or http://scdev.org/ [scdev.org]