The above video shows a gentleman loading up a Commodore 64 with some software off an old-ass floppy disk. This C64 software is actually homebrew Twitter software used to send tweets. Believe it or not, you can actually tweet (albeit it very slowly) with it. It’s amazing how you can do so much with a C64 and the C64 Ethernet Card. Too bad I have no interest in learning legacy system programming. I have a hunch you feel the same way.
If you’re one of many Wii owners that are tired of using it at as a DVD player or a dry-erase board, then you’ll be happy to know that the homebrew scene is still going strong with innovative concepts that are pushing the capabilities of the Wii more than Nintendo ever attempted to do. Wii Physics is one of the newer homebrew apps that almost makes the Wii seem enjoyable to play. Using your trusty Wiimote you can place objects on a stage and adjust their size and rotation.
Sounds boring, huh? I’m not finished, asshole. Pulleys, ropes, gears and joints can be used to connect objects together and when all is said and done, you press the play button. That’s when the magic begins and The Incredible Machine turns on, causing the objects to fall and interact with each other. It’s free to download and the source is also accessible in case you want to expand upon it.
If you’re a Twitter whore and you just so happen to own a Nintendo DS, then you’ll be pleased to know that accessing Twitter is now possible on your portable gaming system. Unfortunately, it’s only in Spanish at the moment, but if you’re desperate to let everyone know when you’re eating and shitting then I’m sure you can get around the language barrier. DSTwitter is free, all you’ve got to do is follow these steps:
Prepare a memory card (R4DS) and the DS’s WiFi connection. Register to the Scene Beta website. Username and email required. Download the DSTwitter 1.3 .RAR file. Extract the contents “in the root of the memory card.” Input Twitter login. Run the program.
Before you know it you’ll be Twitter-ing it up at a McDonalds WiFi hotspot, letting all your friends know that you just ate three big macs in a row. It’s interesting to see what fans will come up with in terms of development for the DS. As for myself, I’m waiting for the TumblrDS in English, so thanks but no thanks.
We’ve talked previously about how the Nintendo DS can be used in all kinds of fun ways, including both homebrew and music. The fine folks over at Remaincalm.org have rounded up 25 pieces of audio software for your enjoyment. You’ll find everything here: drum machines, sequences, mixers, loopers, bit crush filters, trackers, MIDI interfaces, samplers, synths and so much more.
After giving this list a go, you’ll be creating so many beats on your DS that people are going to start calling you Fatboy Slim. It’s probably due to your addiction to cheese puffs, though; not because you’re producing good music.
It’s no mystery that the Wii is the biggest disappointment since Dr. Phil getting his own TV show. If you are one of many unfortunate owners of one, you’re probably looking for some application that might be of more use than flailing your arms around during Wii Sports tennis only to have the ball be hit the same way every time.
Many deserve credit for their contributions towards the homebrew scene for the Nintendo Wii; Johnny Chung Lee receives the credit for coming up with the idea of turning your Wii into Pictochat for the DS. Now, if only we could get some games that aren’t WarioWare.
Looking to get the most out of your DS? DS Fanboy has compiled a great homebrew guide for all you coders and hackers who are interested in using the Nintendo DS as a development platform. We’ve dabbled a bit in DS homebrew discussion, pointing out accessories like the N5 loader and the KORG DS-10 software, which, without a doubt in my mind, probably started off as a homebrew application.
There’s a glossary in case you’re not familiar with some of the terms and the read is pretty straightforward. We highly recommend you check it out if you’re a fan of the DS. Top rockin’ a PSP or Amstrad GX4000? No brew for you!
