New DSiWare Edges into PDA Territory

Fresh details on upcoming software to be made available for download to Nintendo's DSi are set to nudge the platform further into the multi-functional world of the PDA.

Among the new DSiWare, which has sprung up on Nintendo of Japan's website and is set for release on Wednesday are an Alarm Clock programme and Hobo Nichi Rosenzu, a train line guide.

The alarm clock (at 200 Nintendo Points) enables users to record their own alarm sounds with which to drag themselves kicking and screaming into the day.

The train line guide, meanwhile, features lines in Tokyo, Osaka, Kobe, Nagoya, Sapporo, Fukuoka and Kyoto. It enables users to mark the map with photos to customise the application. It costs 500 Nintendo Points.

The practical software is another clear move away from Nintendo's games-only strategy for the DS, following on the heels of the inclusion of cameras and audio playback in the DSi, as well as the availability of the Opera Browser and Moving Notepad.

Also set for release are Solitaire DSi, PicoPict and Somnium (two new Art Style games), Chotto Asobi Taizen Jikkuri Trump (which includes five card games), Chotto Panel de Pon (a mini version of block-based Planet Puzzle League), Chotto Suujin Taisen (a mini version of Suujin Taisen, a number-based puzzler).

^{Via IGN}