Nintendo DS blocks PassMe

Planning to buy a new Nintendo DS to get in on the homebrew scene? Think again.

In a surprising move from Nintendo who hasn't really fought the homebrew scene that became so huge on the GBA in the past, they have decided to block use of any PassMe device in the latest production models of the Nintendo DS. So far, only the new Red DS and China's iQue DS have been reported not to work with PassMe, but whether or not the latest batches of all DS colours/variations have had their firmware upgraded is still unknown since there have been no reports of compatibility issues beyond the two models mentioned above.

It is likely that Nintendo has decided to take this approach now before these methods used to run homebrew games & programs lead to piracy via Wi-Fi, which could potentially become huge after online hits later this year and emulation becomes more imminent if not stopped. However, it seems that this won't be enough to stop the homebrew scene because it has already been reported that a working PassMe for these new DS revisions has already been made and will be released shortly. Hopefully such devices will remain used for only homebrew applications and not for emulation in the future. This probably won't be the last of Nintendo in the homebrew scene now that they have started taking action against it so make sure to check back for more updates on the issue as it breaks.

src: GBAtemp

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Comments

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  If Nintendo allows "homebrew" ROMs to exist, then anybody can just download any NDS ROM off some Chinese websites and play them by using the same design.

  LeSomeGuy, 30-11--0001 at 00:00
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  They already have a way to make it with the IQue DS!

  joe_news, 30-11--0001 at 00:00
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  still shows that Nintendo is taking an active stand against the piracy. Something they didn't really do with the GBA.

  Dennis, 30-11--0001 at 00:00
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  I think it's a smart idea. There's no need to promote illegal actions, and if you can stop them, all the better.

  Nintendude, 30-11--0001 at 00:00
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  Hey, I just stopped the PSP Smash Bros. project by emailing Nintendo, there going to take "further actions required for this sort of..summin" (i made up the 'summin, i couldent remember).

  skarma, 30-11--0001 at 00:00
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  Go Skarma. So they are jealous...

  Nintendude, 30-11--0001 at 00:00