Nintendo DS lookalike app hits the App Store
Apple might have let one slip by. An app that looks awfully similar to the Nintendo DS is now available in its App Store.
Does that look like a Nintendo DS to you?
(Credit: ZM2 Dev)Dubbed DS Double Sys, the iPhone app from ZM2 Dev "can turn your device into a 'Handheld Game Console.'" When users boot up the app, the DS's familiar design is featured on the screen, including its dual displays. App owners can change the color of the DS to match their real-life version, zoom in on individual screens, and even play games. ZM2 Dev said that gamers receiving higher scores on its Pixel Mania title will be able to unlock more DS colors and a "secret game."
According to the app's App Store listing, more games, case colors, and microphone functionality will be made available at some point in the future.
After fielding several complaints over its app-approval policy, it seems rather ironic that Apple would allow an app that looks (and works) exactly like a Nintendo DS into its App Store. That said, it could have something to do with the way the app works.
Early last month, Apple rejected a Commodore 64 emulator called C64 that was trying to gain entry into its App Store. The app, which allowed owners to use Commodore BASIC, also allowed users to play authentic Commodore 64 titles. In a rejection notice sent to the app's developers, Apple cited section 3.2.2 of its iPhone Developer's Agreement, which states that "an application may not itself install or launch other executable code by any means."
DS Double Sys is not, theoretically, an emulator. The game is a simulation of a Nintendo DS. That might have helped the app gain admission into the App Store.
Regardless, it should be interesting to see how long it stays in the store. Nintendo can't be happy about an app that costs $4.99 depicting its hardware. And if more games are made available, it might cause even more trouble for the app's developers.
Look for more news on this once Nintendo catches wind of it.
Via Gizmodo (Link)
Don Reisinger is a technology columnist who has written about everything from HDTVs to computers to Flowbee Haircut Systems. Don is a member of the CNET Blog Network, and posts at The Digital Home. He is not an employee of CNET. Disclosure.
Anyway, I've heard about enough of Apple's silly policies for one week :-)
I can see Nintendo having cause to complain, but it's not even comparable to the C64 emulation case which could hypothetically let you play copyright protected games illegally.
- by daverage August 15, 2009 10:01 AM PDT
- I am typing this on a non hacked stock tmo g1 aka htc dream runing android 1.5. I have a fully functioning nes emu with onscreen keyboard,and lightgun support. And at the same time I am also running a genesis emu snes emu and yes a fully functioning gameboy advance emu! Not to mention I have downlaoded and used the c64 emu available in android market. On top of all the other things android does and the release of multiple android phones in the next few months I don't think apple will have aleg to stand on anymore. Regardless of cnets bias.
- Like this Reply to this comment
-
-
- by Akiba August 17, 2009 1:27 AM PDT
- I have the G2 and as great as it is, the market share isn't just about the things that you mentioned. The buzz and the luxury factor just isn't there with android the way it is with the iphone and thats whats really drawing the non-techies. Most people can't compare the different platforms feature for feature before or after they buy a smartphone. Some of the people I know with iphones still think it was the first touch screen smartphone. Apple will be fine regardless. When I tell people what phone I have to call it the Google phone before they realize its supposed to be any different than my other HTC phone with WinMo on it. Basically if it's not branded and marketed as well as the iPhone and the OS is used by multiple OEMs people identify more with the hardware like they currently do with Samsung phones.
- Like this
-
(13 Comments)