#37497 - darkfader - Sat Mar 12, 2005 5:23 am
At first sight, the major change seems to be the board number and difference brand touch-screen controller. Any other changes?
#37512 - ampz - Sat Mar 12, 2005 11:56 am
Are the USA and EUR games compatible?
USA and EUR games are not compatible (for multiplaying purposes).
#37520 - wintermute - Sat Mar 12, 2005 3:30 pm
| ampz wrote: |
Are the USA and EUR games compatible?
USA and EUR games are not compatible (for multiplaying purposes). |
they're not?
considering there's no region protection in the NDS that's a bit shit
#37521 - dagamer34 - Sat Mar 12, 2005 3:43 pm
| wintermute wrote: |
| ampz wrote: | Are the USA and EUR games compatible?
USA and EUR games are not compatible (for multiplaying purposes). |
they're not?
considering there's no region protection in the NDS that's a bit shit |
They change game code between regions. The European version usually has the least amount of bugs, so trying to play multiplayer with a USA version will probably mess things up.
_________________
Little kids and Playstation 2's don't mix. :(
#37522 - nix - Sat Mar 12, 2005 4:35 pm
| dagamer34 wrote: |
| wintermute wrote: | | ampz wrote: | Are the USA and EUR games compatible?
USA and EUR games are not compatible (for multiplaying purposes). |
they're not?
considering there's no region protection in the NDS that's a bit shit |
They change game code between regions. The European version usually has the least amount of bugs, so trying to play multiplayer with a USA version will probably mess things up. |
Im fairly sure its because for all intents and purposes, a USA version should be played only in the USA (or other retail countries in that same area, like Canada and Mexico), and European versions will only be played there. Thats in a perfect world.
However, as you said, less bugs and all. But thats not really what would keep them from communicating (thats like saying older versions of web browsers cant view webpages published today... of course they can). Its more likely they changed the code (read optimized), or changed the way the games communicate with each other.
Now, correct everything I just said, because I am just guessing here.
#37526 - tepples - Sat Mar 12, 2005 5:06 pm
Remember the "protocol version" issue back in the Quake III days? It's the same issue here, and it's the same reason why you can't trade between Pokemon (J) and Pokemon (U).
In addition, the USA version will probably try not to communicate on Wi-Fi channels 12-14 that aren't available in the United States.
_________________
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-- Who?
-- You know, the human.
-- I think he moved to Tilwick.
#37530 - ampz - Sat Mar 12, 2005 5:52 pm
| ampz wrote: |
Are the USA and EUR games compatible?
USA and EUR games are not compatible (for multiplaying purposes). |
I see I left out one word, it should be:
"USA and EUR _GBA_ games are not compatible (for multiplaying purposes)."
And the question is: Is the same true for the DS?
I think it probably is.. And that sucks. But can someone verify that?
#37538 - kwayle - Sat Mar 12, 2005 9:27 pm
my canadian ds can connect to uk ds's and the download play works from my canadian mario. Not tried any games that need more than one copy of the game though.
#37541 - Kingyo - Sat Mar 12, 2005 9:55 pm
Let's not forget that some Game Boy Advance games DO Link up over region - for example all of the Pok?mon games. There are only one feature, if I remember corectly, that doesn't work over region in those games.
As I've heard from various sources, there's no problem in linking. At least not with the games out at the moment.
Again, I've got no real proof.
EDIT: I can now confirm from a friend, that a US and EU Metroid Prime First Hunt will NOT connect.
#37551 - nix - Sun Mar 13, 2005 1:50 am
It is probably safe to say that some games will link up, some wont. I have to assume that would be a decision made by the developer.
#37555 - Sebbo - Sun Mar 13, 2005 2:58 am
i have a Jap DS, a US version of Super Mario 64 DS and i played multiplayer fine against an Aussie DS (basically the same as the euro one)
i would've thought the only differences between the USA and EUR versions would b the EUR would have more languages built in to each game (english, french, german, spanish, italian) while US would just have english and maybe japanese (like feel the magic)
#37562 - dagamer34 - Sun Mar 13, 2005 4:15 am
| Sebbo wrote: |
i have a Jap DS, a US version of Super Mario 64 DS and i played multiplayer fine against an Aussie DS (basically the same as the euro one)
i would've thought the only differences between the USA and EUR versions would b the EUR would have more languages built in to each game (english, french, german, spanish, italian) while US would just have english and maybe japanese (like feel the magic) |
We are not talking about the DS system itself, but the regions from which those games come from.
_________________
Little kids and Playstation 2's don't mix. :(
#37564 - darkfader - Sun Mar 13, 2005 4:57 am
But I don't give a damn about region incompatiblities on the games... I wanted to know if the system was any different :P
Another example... The crystal oscillator in a USA DS has D164J on it, but EUR DS has value 16.756 on it. Also, the displays in USA DS might be somewhat better.
#37567 - Sebbo - Sun Mar 13, 2005 6:04 am
i was talking about the games. so far the only problems i've had with multiplayer games is actually finding someone to play against :-P
i would've assumed that region free means that the device/game would work with any other device or game of the same type, no matter where it was bought
#37575 - Filb - Sun Mar 13, 2005 10:23 am
| tepples wrote: |
| ...and it's the same reason why you can't trade between Pokemon (J) and Pokemon (U). |
You *can* trade between Pokemon (JPN) and Pokemon (USA), even trade between Pokemon (JPN) and Pokemon (EUR). I own all three languages of that game and it works fine.
#37579 - walkir - Sun Mar 13, 2005 1:49 pm
| darkfader wrote: |
| But I don't give a damn about region incompatiblities on the games... I wanted to know if the system was any different :P |
Same here. I guess that the US and JAP versions are the same though?
#37583 - floatstarpx - Sun Mar 13, 2005 3:20 pm
pictochat works between JAP & Europe DSes (tried it)
when a game uses 'DS Download play' between two regions - this also works fine (obviously....)
whether a Eur & US 'multi-cart' game will work between two regions is down to the developer and how much they change between regions - or whether they impose any limits to make sure it can't happen...
#37620 - Darkain - Mon Mar 14, 2005 9:03 am
| tepples wrote: |
Remember the "protocol version" issue back in the Quake III days? It's the same issue here, and it's the same reason why you can't trade between Pokemon (J) and Pokemon (U).
In addition, the USA version will probably try not to communicate on Wi-Fi channels 12-14 that aren't available in the United States. |
A) at least in the GBA versions, the US and Jap versions of pokemon CAN trade. at least, on link cable trades. they WONT trade over the GBA wireless adapter. (tested w/ ruby US, sapphire US, LG US. LG Jap, FR US, Emerald Jap)
B) yes, the US DS will use channel 13 as one of its channels.
_________________
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http://www.darkain.com
DarkStar for Nintendo DS
#37627 - ampz - Mon Mar 14, 2005 12:14 pm
| walkir wrote: |
| darkfader wrote: | | But I don't give a damn about region incompatiblities on the games... I wanted to know if the system was any different :P |
Same here. I guess that the US and JAP versions are the same though? |
Well, it just so happens that you can usually save some money by importing games rather than buying them in a local store. It would be nice if I were able to play against local friends with my imported games.
#37655 - Filb - Mon Mar 14, 2005 8:45 pm
| Darkain wrote: |
| A) at least in the GBA versions, the US and Jap versions of pokemon CAN trade. at least, on link cable trades. they WONT trade over the GBA wireless adapter. (tested w/ ruby US, sapphire US, LG US. LG Jap, FR US, Emerald Jap) |
Trading via GBA Wireless Adapter works just fine across different language versions.
--> http://www2.filb.de/misc/forums/IMG_1287.jpg
--> http://www2.filb.de/misc/forums/IMG_1294.jpg
(Leaf Green Japanese and U.S. here)
#37676 - manicdvln - Tue Mar 15, 2005 12:29 am
There is one thing that supposedly they hadded on the European DS, is that if your DS is in sleep mode and someone is pictochatting nearby, it will wake up and make noise or something.
Can anyone confirm this with 2 european DS'es?
#37680 - dagamer34 - Tue Mar 15, 2005 1:17 am
| manicdvln wrote: |
There is one thing that supposedly they hadded on the European DS, is that if your DS is in sleep mode and someone is pictochatting nearby, it will wake up and make noise or something.
Can anyone confirm this with 2 european DS'es? |
The real problem with that is that it requires constant signals to be sent to and from your DS, completely wasting battery life for no apparent reason. Your DS also wouldn't be able to be used in any place that bans cell phone usable (such as airplanes), so it does little good if such a feature existed anyway. Wireless communications on the DS are limited to 100 feet anyway, so more likely than not, you will see someone playing a DS before your DS would receive any signal that another DS is in the vicinity.
However, if Nintendo were to implement a GPS addon which tells you the location of the nearest person with a DS (also with a GPS addon), that would be completely different. You can turn it off whever you don't feel like playing, but when it is on, you can EASILY find other people, and not just randomly walk by them.
_________________
Little kids and Playstation 2's don't mix. :(
#37687 - Sebbo - Tue Mar 15, 2005 2:52 am
[quote="dagamer34]
The real problem with that is that it requires constant signals to be sent to and from your DS, completely wasting battery life for no apparent reason. [/quote]
the DS would just have to check for pictochat signals, wouldn't need to send anything at all. but something in the DS itself would have to interrupt the sleep mode and game, which means your gonna lose your game data when it quits the game to enter the pictochat room
Last edited by Sebbo on Tue Mar 15, 2005 3:00 am; edited 1 time in total
#37689 - Darkain - Tue Mar 15, 2005 2:55 am
| Sebbo wrote: |
| the DS would just have to check for pictochat signals, wouldn't need to send anything at all. but something in the DS itself would have to interrupt the sleep mode and game, which means your gonna lose your game data when it quits the game to enter the pictochat room |
right... the DS doesnt transmit... but only recieves these signals? where would they be coming from? SOMEONE would have to be transmitting them, meaning SOMEONE is wasting batteries.
_________________
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http://www.darkain.com
DarkStar for Nintendo DS
#37691 - dagamer34 - Tue Mar 15, 2005 3:00 am
| Darkain wrote: |
| Sebbo wrote: | | the DS would just have to check for pictochat signals, wouldn't need to send anything at all. but something in the DS itself would have to interrupt the sleep mode and game, which means your gonna lose your game data when it quits the game to enter the pictochat room |
right... the DS doesnt transmit... but only recieves these signals? where would they be coming from? SOMEONE would have to be transmitting them, meaning SOMEONE is wasting batteries. |
That's the main point I was trying to make, it is pretty much a waste of battery life. A GPS add-on would make things much easier and better. Heck, you could easily locate people who have GBA's, Gamecube's, DS's, just about anything. It would make for a really nice network of gamers.
_________________
Little kids and Playstation 2's don't mix. :(
#37692 - Sebbo - Tue Mar 15, 2005 3:02 am
the signals are coming from another DS which is already in pictochat. your DS only has to check for anything coming in, doesn't need to send anything until it comes out of sleep mode
even so, i don't think they implemented this
#37703 - manicdvln - Tue Mar 15, 2005 4:59 am
I dont care if this has a purpose or not. They removed this feature from US version of DS and i think japan as well. But I heard they would add it back to Euro version.
I just need a confirmation if this is true or false.
#37706 - dagamer34 - Tue Mar 15, 2005 5:12 am
| Sebbo wrote: |
the signals are coming from another DS which is already in pictochat. your DS only has to check for anything coming in, doesn't need to send anything until it comes out of sleep mode
even so, i don't think they implemented this |
Why would you keep your DS in PictoChat? Again, it just wastes batteries.
_________________
Little kids and Playstation 2's don't mix. :(
#37714 - ampz - Tue Mar 15, 2005 7:34 am
| dagamer34 wrote: |
| Sebbo wrote: | the signals are coming from another DS which is already in pictochat. your DS only has to check for anything coming in, doesn't need to send anything until it comes out of sleep mode
even so, i don't think they implemented this |
Why would you keep your DS in PictoChat? Again, it just wastes batteries. |
Yes, why would anyone ever use pictochat?
#37717 - Sebbo - Tue Mar 15, 2005 9:05 am
i meant there are already ppl in a 100ft radius of you chatting in pictochat, so there's gonna b pictochat packets flying all around the place
i know there are a couple of lectures at uni where pictochat would've been nice, cos some of these lecturers r just plain boring
#37718 - TJ - Tue Mar 15, 2005 9:21 am
This isn't rocket science here people, all the DS would have to do is receive signals from PictoChat or multiplayer games already in session by other users.
#37720 - NMcCoy - Tue Mar 15, 2005 9:23 am
Two points: Sleep mode, and waking from it, is handled entirely in software - compare the delayed sleeping of Mario, the hardly-at-all sleeping of Metroid Hunters, the special sleep mode of Band Brothers that keeps the software running and the headphone port powered on but shuts everything else off, if you're on the song select screen...
Also, there's no reason that a particular region's DS hardware would be incompatible with another - different versions of the software for different regions are different versions of the software; it's up to the game developers whether they want to preserve compatibility or not.
#37732 - StuMcBill - Tue Mar 15, 2005 2:44 pm
So is it like this?
Hardware
JPN, USA, AUS and EUR DS's are basically the same! They will link up no problem providing the sofware allows it?
I know that EUR, USA and JPN games are compatible with a JPN DS as I have a JPN DS with 2 USA games, and 1 each JPN and EUR, so that is a not a problem!
But now onto.....
Software
I assume that you can play multiplayer with ANY DS and any game providing it has Single Cart Multiplayer, because the Downloading DS has no game in its slot to reference the region to, and will blindly Download and play the software?
However, if the Game has Multiple carts needed for multiplayer, playing between regions may or may not be possible depending on how the manufacturer has coded the game?
Are there any websites dedicated to testing and posting results for the multiplayer games?
I have the know how to make a website if there is demand for it, but it will be basic! And it may not be updated as often as I'd like, so if anyone else fancied it............
And finally onto......
Online
I am based in the UK at the moment, so if I buy Animal Crossing when it comes out in the US (before the UK) and try and link it up to play online with someone else, do you think it recognise that I was in the UK and I had imported the game and wouldn't let me play it online?
Sorry for the long post but I hope it was informative and someone could give some insight into my questions!
StuMcBill
#37736 - NMcCoy - Tue Mar 15, 2005 4:34 pm
There's no likely reason it would be have any problem connecting online, but you might not be able to link to EU versions of the game later.
#37739 - dagamer34 - Tue Mar 15, 2005 5:07 pm
Don't they hardcode which server you will play on in the game code itself? If you are from the UK, Nintendo just might decide to check your IP address to see where in the world you are and block you from accessing their US servers. It's not likely to happen, but it is a possibility.
In any case, it doesn't really matter which region's DS you are playing from. There is no real difference between them except for the sticker on the back of the system.
_________________
Little kids and Playstation 2's don't mix. :(
#37748 - ampz - Tue Mar 15, 2005 8:19 pm
| Sebbo wrote: |
i meant there are already ppl in a 100ft radius of you chatting in pictochat, so there's gonna b pictochat packets flying all around the place
i know there are a couple of lectures at uni where pictochat would've been nice, cos some of these lecturers r just plain boring |
I played GBA bomberman with a friend on a couple of really boring lectures... ;)
#37755 - walkir - Tue Mar 15, 2005 9:25 pm
| dagamer34 wrote: |
| There is no real difference between them except for the sticker on the back of the system. |
According to Darkfader the board number and touch-screen controller brand are different. The crystal oscillator is also different and the displays might be better in the USA version too. Guess the same applies to a JAP version.
Nintendo has probably found ways to produce the DS cheaper.
I think this is very interesting since I'm kind of a hardware freak :D
#37758 - dagamer34 - Tue Mar 15, 2005 11:06 pm
| walkir wrote: |
| dagamer34 wrote: | | There is no real difference between them except for the sticker on the back of the system. |
According to Darkfader the board number and touch-screen controller brand are different. The crystal oscillator is also different and the displays might be better in the USA version too. Guess the same applies to a JAP version.
Nintendo has probably found ways to produce the DS cheaper.
I think this is very interesting since I'm kind of a hardware freak :D |
Would you be able to tell the difference in code though? That's the real question.
_________________
Little kids and Playstation 2's don't mix. :(
#37768 - TJ - Wed Mar 16, 2005 4:55 am
Now you are just splitting hairs. The components are different, but the functionality to the end user is the same.
#37785 - tepples - Wed Mar 16, 2005 2:38 pm
| dagamer34 wrote: |
| Would you be able to tell the difference in code though? That's the real question. |
If the crystal is different, then the clock rate might be subtly different. Has anybody listened closely to the pitch of the BIOS chime on more than one region's DS?
_________________
-- Where is he?
-- Who?
-- You know, the human.
-- I think he moved to Tilwick.
#37788 - ampz - Wed Mar 16, 2005 3:57 pm
| tepples wrote: |
| dagamer34 wrote: | | Would you be able to tell the difference in code though? That's the real question. |
If the crystal is different, then the clock rate might be subtly different. Has anybody listened closely to the pitch of the BIOS chime on more than one region's DS? |
Different brand crystal, same frequency.
#38167 - the_angry_monkey - Wed Mar 23, 2005 1:39 pm
Back to the Pictochat wake feature the main reason I would like this is as follows (poeple seem to be getting the wrong end of the stick)
I could put pictochat on and put the DS to sleep (which lasts days) then go out wandering, and as soon as another DS on sleep or awake is in range it bleeps therefore not exiting any games and not really wasting much battery. If this was implemented then I think everyone would get in the habit of A: carrying their DS switched on and B: checking pictochat when turning on the system. Interestingly when using Pictochat when you enter it says "entering Room A" and if you sleep then resume there is not further message. If however you sleep, break comms and then resume you get a "Leaving" and "entering" message. This might indicate that sleep mode doesn't break comms.
I have a UK version btw so would also be interested to hear if there is a difference in screen quality
#38168 - dagamer34 - Wed Mar 23, 2005 2:22 pm
| the_angry_monkey wrote: |
Back to the Pictochat wake feature the main reason I would like this is as follows (poeple seem to be getting the wrong end of the stick)
I could put pictochat on and put the DS to sleep (which lasts days) then go out wandering, and as soon as another DS on sleep or awake is in range it bleeps therefore not exiting any games and not really wasting much battery. If this was implemented then I think everyone would get in the habit of A: carrying their DS switched on and B: checking pictochat when turning on the system. Interestingly when using Pictochat when you enter it says "entering Room A" and if you sleep then resume there is not further message. If however you sleep, break comms and then resume you get a "Leaving" and "entering" message. This might indicate that sleep mode doesn't break comms.
I have a UK version btw so would also be interested to hear if there is a difference in screen quality |
Yoshi Touch & Go pretty much has the same feature if you enable it. The only problem is that it constantly drains the battery as WiFi is turned on, even when you are in sleep mode. It says so in the game's manual.
_________________
Little kids and Playstation 2's don't mix. :(
#38171 - the_angry_monkey - Wed Mar 23, 2005 2:42 pm
That's quite cool - Pictochat would be better cos every DS owner has a copy of pictochat...hmmm