News: Skype on DS? Nintendo Hangs Up Page 1

Skype on DS? Nintendo Hangs Up

23.04.2009

Skype on DS? Nintendo Hangs Up on Nintendo gaming news, videos and discussion

Recent rumours about Skype heading to the DS have now been shot down by Nintendo. The application that connects people around the world using Voice Over IP calls is already an integral feature of both Sony's PlayStation Portable and Apple's iPhone, but it seems Nintendo will not be following suit with the DS.

A Skype spokesperson recently stated,

"Whilst we can't comment on any future plans to bring Skype to Nintendo's DSi, it would technically be possible. [ The company has a strategy of ] extending the Skype infrastructure and platform to bring Skype functionality wherever, whenever, and on whatever device or site people choose to use it."

This obviously led to all sorts of speculation. However, a Nintendo representative responded very quickly and concisely by saying there are no plans as of now on either the standard DS or the DSi, "We have no plans to release a Skype application for Nintendo DS or DSi.

With over 17,000,000 concurrent users online since launching in 2003 it would be a missed opportunity if Nintendo opts to skip using the service.

Would you like to see Skype come to DS, or should Nintendo continue making its own VoIP service?

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Darkflame 23.04.2009#1

The two arnt really contradictory...Skype might be looking into it, but that dosnt mean Nintendo are going to publish it. (or have even been contacted by skype yet).

That said, I'm not bothered.
It would be sort-of usefull about the house to have a free phone without booting the pc, but its not a big issue.

http://www.fanficmaker.com <-- Tells some truly terrible tales.
Last update; Mice,Plumbers,Animatronics and Airbenders. We also have the socials; Facebook & G+.

Sonic_13 23.04.2009#2

Darkflame said:
The two arnt really contradictory...Skype might be looking into it, but that dosnt mean Nintendo are going to publish it. (or have even been contacted by skype yet).

Agreed. That's the first thing I thought of when I read their statement. Everyone is interpreting it as Skype will never get to the DSi, when it seems that Nintendo is simply saying they aren't involved in any potential release.

J4K 23.04.2009#3

I wish Nintendo would open up DSiware a bit, like the iPhone apps. To me it seems like they're a bit closed off...they're is awesome potential here but Nintendo doesn't seem willing to take advantage of it.

Lynk 23.04.2009#4

Everything Nintendo does has enormous potential, its just Nintendo never take full advantage of everything. Just look at WiiSpeak, and I fear MotionPlus may follow the same path (although EA's and SEGA's support is making me feel better about it).

The DS and Wii have the potential here to revolutionise the game industry through online services by allowing small developers to make applications for the consoles, but, like Microsoft with its XNA Community, Nintendo is keeping an iron grip on things, and not letting real creativity flow (outside of games).

Add me on anything. I'm always looking for new friends/opponents/town visitors/chances to appear more popular than I actually am.

Darkflame 24.04.2009#5

I think its a bit early to say WiiSpeak isnt using its full potential.

" and not letting real creativity flow (outside of games)."

But they are a games firm. They seem to be doing a very good job with small developers on WiiWare, and (by all reports) developers are very happy with the WiiWare platform.

I'm all for more software releases (Software DVD player, for example), but it dosnt seem fair to critise Nintendo for mostly focusing on games. Thats where their expertise lie, after all.

http://www.fanficmaker.com <-- Tells some truly terrible tales.
Last update; Mice,Plumbers,Animatronics and Airbenders. We also have the socials; Facebook & G+.

thisissuperk 24.04.2009#6

Jacob4000 said:
I wish Nintendo would open up DSiware a bit, like the iPhone apps. To me it seems like they're a bit closed off...[there] is awesome potential here but Nintendo doesn't seem willing to take advantage of it.

Agreed completely.
My complaint doesn't pertain to just this specific application.
If Nintendo was as open, they could be even more successful!
Obviously, not too much DSiWare is proving itself very well.
There's always some kind of part to it that could be expanded upon.
If they went down this open app path, they would be reaching to the casual market they've been at the heels of this generation MUCH better than they're doing now.
People buy iPod Touches and iPhones mainly for their ability to use various applications.
If they brought that sort of technology to the DSi then everyone would be wanting one more than they do now, agreed?
Excluding those still complaining about the lack of GBA slot.