Post by: StrikerObi on April 19, 2004, 09:43:32 AM
As reported on Slashdot.org, Tim Schuerewegen has figured out the code system used in Nintendo's e-Reader cards. By cracking the Reed Solomon error correction he has enabled homebrew game makers to print out their games in e-Reader dot codes. The codes, which much be printed out via a special program, can then be swiped into an e-Reader and played on a Game Boy Advance.
There is a homebrew clone of the classic Game & Watch game Bombsweeper available for download. There are also a few other programs and documentation on the site.
Post by: gwgtrunks on April 19, 2004, 11:03:57 AM
This is really cool too. I just hope Nintendo think's it's legal too.
Post by: Ian Sane on April 19, 2004, 11:07:39 AM
Nintendo should make the N5 come with an e-Reader built-in and make documentation on how to work with it readily available. They should then host a web site with downloads of fan made games to be printed out in e-Reader format. Since e-Reader cards are small at best these would be glorified mini-games so they shouldn't have to worry about people using it to pirate current games.
However Nintendo probably HATES this because they don't have 100% control. If good homebrew games are available people may be less likely to buy official Nintendo e-Reader cards and we can't have that. Plus odds are someone will end up making copies of games like Donkey Kong and Mario Bros which would piss Nintendo off (and technically would be piracy). Nintendo probably is working on a new e-Reader that blocks these homebrew cards out as we speak.
Nintendo should seriously consider the advantages of this though. Giving fans the ability to make homemade levels and items, etc for Nintendo games would be offering something legitimately interesting that the competition wouldn't have.
Post by: Bill Aurion on April 19, 2004, 11:09:48 AM
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Originally posted by: gwgtrunks
Maybe we'll see a boost in e-Reader sales now?
This is really cool too. I just hope Nintendo think's it's legal too.
Unless people try selling their games, I really doubt Ninty will have a problem with this...
Post by: StrikerObi on April 19, 2004, 11:36:18 AM
Post by: Jonnyboy117 on April 19, 2004, 11:54:59 AM
Post by: mouse_clicker on April 19, 2004, 12:01:49 PM
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This really is what Nintendo should have implemented themselves a long time ago.
I completely agree- in fact, before I read the article itself and had just seen the headline, I thought this was an official Nintendo product for making your own e-Reader cards.
Post by: cubedcinder128 on April 19, 2004, 12:04:47 PM
That is... once people start coding their own levels. Until then, I wait in anticipation.
Post by: Illustrious Chen on April 19, 2004, 12:31:41 PM
At any rate, how the hell do you print them? With a inkjet or laser printer?
Post by: Ian Sane on April 19, 2004, 12:40:08 PM
No the average person isn't going to make their own e-reader cards but then again the average person doesn't make mods for PC games yet those are pretty popular. The average user may not make cards but it would be incredibly easy for them to use the cards that others do make. That is if Nintendo ever did anything like this officially. If there was an official web site made by Nintendo where people could download fan-made content it would be widely used if marketed right.
Post by: StrikerObi on April 19, 2004, 01:14:26 PM
For reference, I had to set the Y-Axis to 15 to get it right.
Post by: mrbojangos on April 19, 2004, 03:02:06 PM
Post by: Djunknown on April 19, 2004, 04:10:48 PM
Post by: ThePerm on April 19, 2004, 06:04:39 PM
Post by: Knoxxville on April 19, 2004, 07:54:28 PM
Post by: KDR_11k on April 19, 2004, 09:18:59 PM
As for homebrew development, they're working with tools like a PC-GBA cable to inject code into the GBA (like your GC does when you link up the system) or even more capable things that I'm not allowed to get into here.
Now imagine what would happen, if people were to release large games on multiple cards... A new way for young people to experience the good ol' times when every program came on hundreds of punchcards...
Post by: Nephilim on April 19, 2004, 11:54:56 PM
personally I think this is help e-reader, since in reality its not really usefull to the average gameboy advance owner
Post by: ruby_onix on April 20, 2004, 02:25:04 AM
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All of a sudden, my opinion promptly changes from this being another semi-usless novelty to almost must-own status!
How can a semi-useless novelty NOT be "must own"? You're crazy.
I like gimmicks. I wanna see a controller extension cable hooked up to a Wavebird.
Of course, I'm not always motivated to "pay" for cool gimmicks. And "usefulness" does help some gimmicks to override the need for other gimmicks.
Post by: ATimson on April 20, 2004, 04:48:38 AM
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Originally posted by: ruby_onix
I like gimmicks. I wanna see a controller extension cable hooked up to a Wavebird.
Oh, come on, at least make the gimmick useful! For example, they should've made the wireless adaptor compatible with the Wavebird reciever....
Meh. Anyways, I've seen several reports of failure (and suffered it myself); has anyone actaulyl gotten this to succeed?
Post by: cubedcinder128 on April 20, 2004, 09:57:17 AM
But I'll keep plugging at it. It's fortunate that I know how to change a variety of settings on my printer.
Post by: caitsith2 on April 20, 2004, 10:27:58 AM
The cartridge type the printer uses is HP #56 black cartridge. Any printer using that cartridge should be able to print the dot-codes, if the right settings for the printer are found.
Again, because I currently don't have access to my printer, I am not able to print the latest released dot-codes, but the dot-codes I have printed successfully, are most of the mini-games / nes classics I own, plus the Jumpman mario e-reader card, and the Airship's Revenge SMB3 card (don't have either, but was provided the dot-codes for the cards)
Post by: ndean27 on May 08, 2004, 11:42:34 PM
Post by: Halex on April 25, 2008, 06:14:08 PM
