News: Swapnote 3DS Messaging Application to Arrive in December Page 1

Swapnote 3DS Messaging Application to Arrive in December

21.10.2011

Swapnote 3DS Messaging Application to Arrive in December on Nintendo gaming news, videos and discussion

During Nintendo's live conference, which was broadcast live earlier today, the company revealed a new application for the 3DS. The application is called Swapnote and will enable 3DS owners to send messages via Streetpass and Spotpass. Messages can be handwritten, just like Pictochat on the Nintendo DS, but in 3D or you can also choose to send pictures and voice clips.

Messages sent to online friends can be sent even if the other isn't online and they will still receive it as soon as they turn their 3DS on. If they happen to be online though, they will receive the message instantly.

The application will be free to download this December.

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WP-Final 21.10.2011#1

It's taken almost a year but the 3DS is finally starting to resemble a device it should have launched as. Smilie

RudyC3 21.10.2011#2

Ifrit XXII said:
It's taken almost a year but the 3DS is finally starting to resemble a device it should have launched as.

No it's not, because that function should be part of the system menu, like the internet browser or the notepad.

This is a 3DS "channel", as in "You can't use it while running another game". Meaning : you won't be able to use this to chat while waiting for your pals to get online in Mario Kart 7. That also means that you won't be able to send messages to your pals if they didn't download the channel themselves, since this won't be part of a system update, but rather a new app made available on the eShop.

Cubed3 Limited Staff :: Review and Feature Writer

WP-Final 21.10.2011#3

Well I never said it was perfect. Smilie

Nintendo messed up. I think we should just be happy we're even getting a way to communicate. Nintendo aren't exactly ones to get these things spot on.

RudyC3 21.10.2011#4

Ifrit XXII said:
I think we should just be happy we're even getting a way to communicate. Nintendo aren't exactly ones to get these things spot on.

Well the point of being able to communicate on a video game console is to organize online plays, but how do you want to do it if you need to leave the game, launch the other app, then get back to the game ? it defeats the whole point IMHO.

If I want to communicate in the way that this app implies it, I already have a PC that does a much better job of doing it. I'm also ready to bet that this app won't be made available for free whereas on PC you have plenty of apps that do the same thing for free (though admittedly probably not in the same user-friendly way)

Cubed3 Limited Staff :: Review and Feature Writer

SirLink 21.10.2011#5

Kafei2006 said:
I'm also ready to bet that this app won't be made available for free whereas on PC you have plenty of apps that do the same thing for free (though admittedly probably not in the same user-friendly way)

Seems you already lost that bet since this app has been confirmed to be free. Smilie

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Marzeee 21.10.2011#6

I wrote it was free in the news post (I even made it bold). Smilie

crackedthesky 21.10.2011#7

Kafei2006 said:
Ifrit XXII said:
It's taken almost a year but the 3DS is finally starting to resemble a device it should have launched as.

No it's not, because that function should be part of the system menu, like the internet browser or the notepad.
This is a 3DS "channel", as in "You can't use it while running another game". Meaning : you won't be able to use this to chat while waiting for your pals to get online in Mario Kart 7. That also means that you won't be able to send messages to your pals if they didn't download the channel themselves, since this won't be part of a system update, but rather a new app made available on the eShop.

I disagree. The only way this could be used to organize friends is if they happen to be online anyway, and if that's the case, they'd probably already know what you're playing since they can see it on your friend card. I mean, if this app could run in the background, that would be WAY better, but I don't think lack of that functionality exactly renders this app useless. I mean, the DS had Pictochat and it also couldn't run in the background, this isn't much different from that.

I really wish the 3DS could have new apps run in the background. Pokedex 3D is kind of pointless since it can't; I know there aren't any 3DS pokemon games anyway but when there are, I'd love to be able to back out real quick and check a pokemon's type/move list etc without opening the browser and searching online.

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Darkflame 21.10.2011#8

I dont see much downside myself - if I'm playing a game myself I dont want to have messages popping up at all.
If I'm not playing a game, Id welcome a little light telling me of an incoming message inviting me too one....so this seems pretty perfect.
At least from how I use devices.

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

Jman (guest) 21.10.2011#9

I was excited until I read the details. Nintendo is so behind the times when it comes to this sort of thing, that it's ridiculous.

00000 21.10.2011#10

Quite nice may i say,
due to the reason that the person can receive the messages sent once connected online.
It's like setting up a date for a game.

Phoenom 21.10.2011#11

Sounds good, should be fun to send doodles. ^^

Glenjamin 22.10.2011#12

After reading some of these posts, I only have one good question to ask:

"Who's to say that Nintendo won't be able to give us a new system menu update (or version) later on down the road that would make apps like "Swapnote" and "Pokedex 3D" embedded into the 3DS's Home? I'm sure they could make that happen if they wanted to right?"

I mean, in the mean time, I'm happy to get things like "Swapnote" period then not at all, but a future major update for the 3DS Home Menu with these apps installed would be awesome! Smilie

Supa_hyped 22.10.2011#13

Gamers these days r spoilt. They expect way to much for nothing.I'm sick of reading them say we should have this or if it aint got this then... The system costs �£150 quid. Ok the messaging system should hav been implimented from the start but hey its on its way stop complaining. U brought the console to play games not send notes. Its Nintendo they make games consoles not multimedia devices.

Darkflame 24.10.2011#14

"Who's to say that Nintendo won't be able to give us a new system menu update (or version) later on down the road that would make apps like "Swapnote" and "Pokedex 3D" embedded into the 3DS's Home? I'm sure they could make that happen if they wanted to right?"

Remember you also have the camera usable at all times even though its not in the menu. Sometimes just a shortcut is enough, tied to a cut down version.

This might be possible with swapnote, but I dought the Pokedex would work - that probably uses a fair bit of ram due to the really nice models it has. (and the game you have paused is probably using that ram up).

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

Andre (guest) 25.10.2011#15

Bout time! They needed a way for friends on the friends list to talk and not just see if the other persons online!

Random 3ds lover girl (guest) 28.10.2011#16

8) OMG!!!!!!! DIS IS SO COOL!!!! AND ITS FREE!!!! WOOHOO!!!!!! Smilie

Vring ding (guest) 29.10.2011#17

MiiWiiKing said:
Gamers these days r spoilt. They expect way to much for nothing.I'm sick of reading them say we should have this or if it aint got this then... The system costs �£150 quid. Ok the messaging system should hav been implimented from the start but hey its on its way stop complaining. U brought the console to play games not send notes. Its Nintendo they make games consoles not multimedia devices.

I kind of agree with you. I have the 3DS and I think it's actually a pretty fun handheld. To add to your comment about gamers being spoiled, they also only look for the things it doesn't have. Yes it should have already had a better messaging system than the friend list but why do you buy the 3DS early? Because it's overpriced and not updated? Gamers are such idiots.