Computer&VideoGames.com' Wrote:Its web browsing software will be provided courtesy of Opera, enabling users to surf the 'net using both screens via the Nintendo Wi-fi Connection service. The software will be sold on a DS cart for 3,800 Yen, roughly equating to 19 GBP. Interestingly though, and not mentioned in the initial press release, it seems that a DS RAM expansion card will also be bundled into the pack, which slots into the GBA port for a more pleasurable browsing experience.

We asked Nintendo whether we can expect to see DS titles utilising this additional RAM in the future but were told no plans are currently in place. If this turns out to be the case though, it wouldn't be much of a surprise, given that Nintendo chose to release a similar expansion for the N64 back in the day. Then, the RAM expansion was used for a variety of functionality upgrades including higher resolution textures, increased anti-aliasing and more enemies on screen for games like Majora's Mask, Donkey Kong 64, Perfect Dark, Turok 2 and Banjo Tooie. Who knows what Nintendo might have planned this time around?
As part of its announcement avalanche, the company also revealed a 1Seg Digital TV Card, enabling Japanese users to watch TV on the burgeoning handheld. However, given that 1Seg is a mobile terrestrial broadcasting service in Japan, it's unlikely we'll ever see the peripheral in the West. In fact, Nintendo confirmed that the device is unlikely to leave Japan when we spoke to the company earlier.

As for the web browser, it's currently hoped to make a European appearance, but an official announcement has yet to be made. We'll keep you posted.

Computer&VideoGames.com' Wrote:Datel is planning to release a 4Gb hard drive for Nintendo DS in March that'll turn the handheld into a portable mini-media marvel.
Already available for pre-order from our pals over at Lik-Sang, the MAX Media Player HDD unit slips snugly into the DS's cartridge slot and allows you to watch movies, play music and view images on the machine - think an advanced version of Nintendo's own Play Yan peripheral. It uses the DS's own power supply - so no batteries required, although we hope it manages to provide several hours of use.

In order to stuff the hard drive full of media, you need to hook it up to a PC via USB (cable supplied), boot up the Media Manager PC software (also supplied) and use that to transfer files across. Datel assures us that the operation is easy peasy, with the PC application happily handling conversion of "movies to a format your MAX Media Player can understand, and resizes your digital images so they fit perfectly on the DS screen."
Lik-Sang is flogging Datel's MAX Media Player HDD unit for DS for 179 USD - not the cheapest of peripherals then, but we'll be getting hold of one as soon as possible so we can put it through its paces and let you know if it's worth the money.