American DS piracy is rampant, according to the Entertainment & Leisure Software Publishers Association (ELSPA). The British industry body claims that as many as nine out of 10 DS owners in America own and are using the R4 chip, which allows pirate games to be played on the handheld.
John Hillier, the manager of ELSPA’s Intellectual Property Crime Unit, said of the chip, “The implications are massive. In America it’s thought 90% of Nintendo DS users are playing pirated games because of R4s. Takings from Nintendo DS games in the US are lower than any other console and no doubt it will have a similar impact here."
90% is a remarkably high number, especially given that a large portion of the DS's user-base is made up of casual gamers. SPOnG has contacted ELSPA for more information on where the figure comes from and to find out if a figure is available for the UK.
The R4, which can be bought on the Internet for around £40, allows DS games to be downloaded then transferred to the handheld using a flash memory chip.
Hillier also issued a warning on the dangers of piracy, saying, “That’s the real danger - you may think you’re getting a good deal but using the R4 is risking the future of the games industry. Crucially, the R4 has shifted balance of power in the piracy industry to the consumer - and that is hugely worrying. That’s why we intend to stop trade in these chips wherever we can.”
Nintendo, however, seemed a tad less concerned about the whole thing. “We are monitoring the situation closely”, a representative said.
Source: Sunday Post
John Hillier, the manager of ELSPA’s Intellectual Property Crime Unit, said of the chip, “The implications are massive. In America it’s thought 90% of Nintendo DS users are playing pirated games because of R4s. Takings from Nintendo DS games in the US are lower than any other console and no doubt it will have a similar impact here."
90% is a remarkably high number, especially given that a large portion of the DS's user-base is made up of casual gamers. SPOnG has contacted ELSPA for more information on where the figure comes from and to find out if a figure is available for the UK.
The R4, which can be bought on the Internet for around £40, allows DS games to be downloaded then transferred to the handheld using a flash memory chip.
Hillier also issued a warning on the dangers of piracy, saying, “That’s the real danger - you may think you’re getting a good deal but using the R4 is risking the future of the games industry. Crucially, the R4 has shifted balance of power in the piracy industry to the consumer - and that is hugely worrying. That’s why we intend to stop trade in these chips wherever we can.”
Nintendo, however, seemed a tad less concerned about the whole thing. “We are monitoring the situation closely”, a representative said.
Source: Sunday Post
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Comments
Showing the 20 most recent comments. Read all 21.
Alvis 31 Jan 2008 17:02
2/21
irritant wrote:
That 90% figure is bull. They must have asked a skewed sample group to come up with that.
I don't doubt that piracy is a big problem with these DS cards but the manufacturer of them claims to be making around 50,000 units a month and they've been available for around 18 months. Assuming they sold every unit to the US, that would mean that Nintendo have only sold about 1 million DS units in the US.
I have a real problem with articles like this as they effectively promote the illegal item which may lead some people to go out and buy them when they previously had no idea they existed.
I don't doubt that piracy is a big problem with these DS cards but the manufacturer of them claims to be making around 50,000 units a month and they've been available for around 18 months. Assuming they sold every unit to the US, that would mean that Nintendo have only sold about 1 million DS units in the US.
I have a real problem with articles like this as they effectively promote the illegal item which may lead some people to go out and buy them when they previously had no idea they existed.
I am, infact, going to buy one because of your post.
TigerUppercut 31 Jan 2008 17:34
3/21
90% is really a stupid thing to say. I'd be surprised if it were 9%. Or 0.9% for that matter.
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Plasmoid 31 Jan 2008 18:10
4/21
90% was just pulled out of the Air.
The R4 isnt even the most popular ds cart, the GBA Movie Player is. So if the R4 is owned by 90% of DS owners we can assume that the other carts are owned by the remaining 600%?
I have an M3, i have some pirated games but i mainly bought it to use it as a movie player and mp3 player. People buy things like the R4 because they want to pay €45 for a couple of 10 year old games.
The R4 isnt even the most popular ds cart, the GBA Movie Player is. So if the R4 is owned by 90% of DS owners we can assume that the other carts are owned by the remaining 600%?
I have an M3, i have some pirated games but i mainly bought it to use it as a movie player and mp3 player. People buy things like the R4 because they want to pay €45 for a couple of 10 year old games.
edsan 31 Jan 2008 18:25
5/21
I use Peer Guardian to block rogue inspections into my PC. When it is enabled, the SPONG web page is blocked..courtesy of a ELSPA tracking cookie.!!!
Joji 31 Jan 2008 18:29
6/21
I'm with you guys. Obviously ELSPA or whoever they got their info from is gonna ham it up, to make it look wosre than it actually is. They will no doubt blur the lines between actually piracy and actually homebrew development for DS, something that's never really talked about, as its a niche alley of the industry. I reckon its more like 10% of U.S DS owners, not 90.
R4 can indeed let you use downloaded games, but what ELSPA don't tell you is that the majority of those with one are using the to play homebrew games, as well as run cool aps like Colors, an impressive DS draw/paint software which was created by one person. This is possible due to the open source nature of homebrew, something Nintendo still fear so much, they might as well crap diamonds. You also need to be more techinically minded to use an R4. Many don't have time to do this and will play normal DS games.
Nintendo are obviously watching the situation to see how they can use it to their own ends. They'll plan an official N intendo version, but give you crap small memory and charge you the earth for it. Maybe that's what they are planning with DS Vision.
R4 and its import success is created by people out there with some degree of vision and talent. I don't condone piracy, but it has its uses like if you want the best games in your collection. We all know Nintendo fail to let us try japanese game demos and such for DS. R4 eliminates that problem, and if Nintendo were smart they'd watch what gamers are doing here and why they are doing it.
Get with the program Nintendo. We've had years of you guys selling us games at huge prices, on bloody cartridges. Did you really think gamers wouldn't get smart and do something in reaction to that?
Indeed, I may well buy one myself. The reason being is that we still miss a lot of japanese DS games officially. I'd like one to use and see what japanese games are actually worthy of my money, then buy them as you can't beat the real deal. If DS demos were more readily available for download via PC, R4 wouldn't exist. Because it exists, doesn't mean gamers will stop buying DS games though. I know that's what ELSPA fear, but just like import gamers, their aren't enough of us out there, for it to ever be a threat.
You want to see one of coolest creations due to R4 etc, check Colors for DS via the link below. Also check the gallery to see just how good this baby is, and the faq for any queries. This is the power of homebrew on DS we never hear about, something its unfortunate Nintendo will never open their eyes and see. I'm an artist so I'll be buying an R4 just for this.
As we've learned over the last few weeks, the negative will always be easily and quickly painted out of fear, while ignoring the positive sides of things.
http://www.collectingsmiles.com/colors/
R4 can indeed let you use downloaded games, but what ELSPA don't tell you is that the majority of those with one are using the to play homebrew games, as well as run cool aps like Colors, an impressive DS draw/paint software which was created by one person. This is possible due to the open source nature of homebrew, something Nintendo still fear so much, they might as well crap diamonds. You also need to be more techinically minded to use an R4. Many don't have time to do this and will play normal DS games.
Nintendo are obviously watching the situation to see how they can use it to their own ends. They'll plan an official N intendo version, but give you crap small memory and charge you the earth for it. Maybe that's what they are planning with DS Vision.
R4 and its import success is created by people out there with some degree of vision and talent. I don't condone piracy, but it has its uses like if you want the best games in your collection. We all know Nintendo fail to let us try japanese game demos and such for DS. R4 eliminates that problem, and if Nintendo were smart they'd watch what gamers are doing here and why they are doing it.
Get with the program Nintendo. We've had years of you guys selling us games at huge prices, on bloody cartridges. Did you really think gamers wouldn't get smart and do something in reaction to that?
Indeed, I may well buy one myself. The reason being is that we still miss a lot of japanese DS games officially. I'd like one to use and see what japanese games are actually worthy of my money, then buy them as you can't beat the real deal. If DS demos were more readily available for download via PC, R4 wouldn't exist. Because it exists, doesn't mean gamers will stop buying DS games though. I know that's what ELSPA fear, but just like import gamers, their aren't enough of us out there, for it to ever be a threat.
You want to see one of coolest creations due to R4 etc, check Colors for DS via the link below. Also check the gallery to see just how good this baby is, and the faq for any queries. This is the power of homebrew on DS we never hear about, something its unfortunate Nintendo will never open their eyes and see. I'm an artist so I'll be buying an R4 just for this.
As we've learned over the last few weeks, the negative will always be easily and quickly painted out of fear, while ignoring the positive sides of things.
http://www.collectingsmiles.com/colors/
reckless 31 Jan 2008 20:25
7/21
i've just bought one off amazon marketplace because of this XD
£34, bargain tbh
£34, bargain tbh
James 31 Jan 2008 20:37
8/21
This figure is a complete lie, they are using this as a scapegoat hopeing to get these carts banned. Perhaps they should blame falling software sales on the DS to the massive load of shoveleware on the system
95% of DS games are over priced crap, I have seen better quality mobile games at a fraction of the cost.
If it is true I can't help feeling Nintendo deserve their DS woes, Lets hope modders make something similar for the Wii, it will allow us to play the roms for VC we want (not the rip of crap thats on there, I mean mario kart snes, goldeneye etc) and it will allow europeans to play games that we don't see for sometimes 10 months.
Big companies have to learn if the don't give consumers what they want, there's a whole modding commuity who will. Lower price of DS games, treat europe fair, ramp up the VC collection and give us a bigger hard drive Nintendo.
95% of DS games are over priced crap, I have seen better quality mobile games at a fraction of the cost.
If it is true I can't help feeling Nintendo deserve their DS woes, Lets hope modders make something similar for the Wii, it will allow us to play the roms for VC we want (not the rip of crap thats on there, I mean mario kart snes, goldeneye etc) and it will allow europeans to play games that we don't see for sometimes 10 months.
Big companies have to learn if the don't give consumers what they want, there's a whole modding commuity who will. Lower price of DS games, treat europe fair, ramp up the VC collection and give us a bigger hard drive Nintendo.
James 31 Jan 2008 20:40
9/21
Can I also say the cyclods evoltuion is a far better mod card, if nintendo embraced the homebrew community who just want to unlock the DS's potential they wouldn't have this problem.
My DS is used 5x as much now that I have a mod card.
But if it's true that nintendo stopped Goldeneye appearing on xblarcade with HD graphics, then I'm laughing at this report
My DS is used 5x as much now that I have a mod card.
But if it's true that nintendo stopped Goldeneye appearing on xblarcade with HD graphics, then I'm laughing at this report
Joji 31 Jan 2008 22:05
10/21
I'll look out for the Cyclone then.
Its such a shame that Nintendo are so creative and brilliant, but when it comes to letting other be creative and explore their potential on their systems, Nintendo don't support you (unless you are loaded with money).
The homebrew scene has been bumrushed like this for far too long. I'd love to see that Colors DS application get an official release, as it beats Paint By DS into the ground, and its a great achievement for one person to pull off. Lack of Nintendo recognition and their stance to paint pirates and homebrewers with the same brush doesn't help at all.
If Nintendo really want to move forward, they have to conquer and shed this fear of the possible unknown, because its their only cancer like weakness that holds them from achieving so much more. They still fail to realise if they can't give us what we want, someone else will find a way and meet our demand.
Its such a shame that Nintendo are so creative and brilliant, but when it comes to letting other be creative and explore their potential on their systems, Nintendo don't support you (unless you are loaded with money).
The homebrew scene has been bumrushed like this for far too long. I'd love to see that Colors DS application get an official release, as it beats Paint By DS into the ground, and its a great achievement for one person to pull off. Lack of Nintendo recognition and their stance to paint pirates and homebrewers with the same brush doesn't help at all.
If Nintendo really want to move forward, they have to conquer and shed this fear of the possible unknown, because its their only cancer like weakness that holds them from achieving so much more. They still fail to realise if they can't give us what we want, someone else will find a way and meet our demand.
deleted 31 Jan 2008 23:40
11/21
spong wrote:
Nintendo, however, seemed a tad less concerned about the whole thing. “We are monitoring the situation closely”, a representative said.
could this be a reason that DS are selling faster than free gold bars? and in the end they are making money, ok stupid i know but if nintendo are making more money because these are around, would they be less concerned?
Joel 1 Feb 2008 00:16
12/21
Wow that number is so fake, they must ahve taken their survey at a local Pirating Meeting. of all my friends that have DS's I am the only one that has even thought of purchasing an R4.
Maybe i should check all the little kids running around with DS's at church on sunday and see if they all have R4's.
Maybe i should check all the little kids running around with DS's at church on sunday and see if they all have R4's.
Joji 1 Feb 2008 00:55
13/21
Must be very strange being Nintendo. Folk try to chip their Wii's to play import games they miss out on, and they are penalised for it, ''Why, hey you can't do that to you Wii, even though you own it''.
Seems a different story for DS though, how can that possibly be right. Maybe they R4 etc require a DS to work.
There's still a lot of confusion officially surrounding import gaming, homebrew coding and piracy (and their differences). Perhaps the likes of ELSPA cares little about the differences and prefers the brush and tar treatment for all.
I don't know, perhaps Spong should take a closer look at all three of these aspects of gaming in features or something. Perhaps Spong should talk to someone representing each camp. Maybe talk to the creator of Color DS or talk to import game stores, hopefully with the cue to understand these things without ruffling unnecessary feathers. Just a thought.
Seems a different story for DS though, how can that possibly be right. Maybe they R4 etc require a DS to work.
There's still a lot of confusion officially surrounding import gaming, homebrew coding and piracy (and their differences). Perhaps the likes of ELSPA cares little about the differences and prefers the brush and tar treatment for all.
I don't know, perhaps Spong should take a closer look at all three of these aspects of gaming in features or something. Perhaps Spong should talk to someone representing each camp. Maybe talk to the creator of Color DS or talk to import game stores, hopefully with the cue to understand these things without ruffling unnecessary feathers. Just a thought.
deleted 1 Feb 2008 08:07
14/21
Joji wrote:
Must be very strange being Nintendo. Folk try to chip their Wii's to play import games they miss out on, and they are penalised for it, ''Why, hey you can't do that to you Wii, even though you own it''.
Seems a different story for DS though, how can that possibly be right. Maybe they R4 etc require a DS to work.
There's still a lot of confusion officially surrounding import gaming, homebrew coding and piracy (and their differences). Perhaps the likes of ELSPA cares little about the differences and prefers the brush and tar treatment for all.
I don't know, perhaps Spong should take a closer look at all three of these aspects of gaming in features or something. Perhaps Spong should talk to someone representing each camp. Maybe talk to the creator of Color DS or talk to import game stores, hopefully with the cue to understand these things without ruffling unnecessary feathers. Just a thought.
Seems a different story for DS though, how can that possibly be right. Maybe they R4 etc require a DS to work.
There's still a lot of confusion officially surrounding import gaming, homebrew coding and piracy (and their differences). Perhaps the likes of ELSPA cares little about the differences and prefers the brush and tar treatment for all.
I don't know, perhaps Spong should take a closer look at all three of these aspects of gaming in features or something. Perhaps Spong should talk to someone representing each camp. Maybe talk to the creator of Color DS or talk to import game stores, hopefully with the cue to understand these things without ruffling unnecessary feathers. Just a thought.
The reason is by modding your wii you are actually hard modding it, and thats what is not allowed, if you had to solder these R4 to the DS motherboard then it would be the same for these but, as they are sold as software development tools there is no law to prevent it, although i would suspect so or later there maybe just be, its why it was legal to use action replay disc swapping tricks on ps2`s but wasnt legal to chip them.
TigerUppercut 1 Feb 2008 19:32
15/21
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oCGpoA2VU9E
I can't decide whether it's the lisp or the epic weakness of this child that makes this R4 video teh bestz! I mean Jebus, no wonder people like facepunching Nintendo fans...
I can't decide whether it's the lisp or the epic weakness of this child that makes this R4 video teh bestz! I mean Jebus, no wonder people like facepunching Nintendo fans...
Mark 1 Feb 2008 19:49
16/21
90% might be an overestimate, but I have to admit that I know a few who use it, and they're not exactly computer experts. In fact, it's the casual user that seems to use this more among my friends, the hardcore gamers I know are more likely to buy the proper game so they can use it online.
deleted 1 Feb 2008 21:09
17/21
Mark wrote:
90% might be an overestimate, but I have to admit that I know a few who use it, and they're not exactly computer experts. In fact, it's the casual user that seems to use this more among my friends, the hardcore gamers I know are more likely to buy the proper game so they can use it online.
as far as i know you can use these online, or so i have read, but i would reckon both hardcore and casual a like buy a mixture of both and its more likely 90% of ds owners have heard of R4 rather than own one.
deleted 1 Feb 2008 21:09
18/21
Mark wrote:
90% might be an overestimate, but I have to admit that I know a few who use it, and they're not exactly computer experts. In fact, it's the casual user that seems to use this more among my friends, the hardcore gamers I know are more likely to buy the proper game so they can use it online.
as far as i know you can use these online, or so i have read, but i would reckon both hardcore and casual a like buy a mixture of both and its more likely 90% of ds owners have heard of R4 rather than own one.
valsion 1 Feb 2008 23:38
19/21
But owning an R4 doesn't automatically = piracy. Several people use them only to play homebrew roms and applications.
voodoo child 1 Feb 2008 23:57
20/21
Several? Wow your right, they're harmless to the games industry!
deleted 3 Feb 2008 01:23
21/21
voodoo child wrote:
Several? Wow your right, they're harmless to the games industry!
yes several, the same several who bought a gizmondo and still believe sega will start making hardware again...