DS Daily: Download stations

by Eric Caoili { Jan 30th 2008 at 9:00AM }

With Majesco's environmentally aware RTS, Eco-Creatures, scheduled for the next DS Download Station update, we're reminded of how great it is that we can actually try out some handheld games now before buying them. And it's not all Nintendo-developed titles, either -- third-party manufacturers are putting out demos for quality titles, too.

So, have you taken advantage of Nintendo's DS kiosks yet? Or are you waiting for Nintendo to finally bring Everybody's Nintendo Channel to North American Wiis so you can download demos without ever leaving home?

Tags: demo, downloadstation, eco-creatures, lightweight, majesco, rts

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

AoOs @ Jan 30th 2008 9:26AM

I live in Copenhagen, Denmark.. I wouldn't know where to go to download anything for my DS.. (except for the stuff I'm already downloading, to my R4)

But unfortunately, is "DS Download Play" a button I have yet to succesfully touch.

Hunting_phoenix @ Jan 30th 2008 9:30AM

I've used them two or three times. I'll use the Wii channel much more often I expect. I would like to see more demos as a whole...often I can't play a demo of a game I'd like to.

Also, anyone else feel weird taking their DS into a store, then downloading a demo? I feel awkward, as a 25 year old adult.

MIke @ Jan 30th 2008 9:42AM

I found it quite nice to be able to play a level of Ninja gaiden before release. Contra was also a good play.

Matdredalia @ Jan 30th 2008 9:45AM

I live in the sticks, and the nearest download station is hours away. So now try-before-I-buy here.

So, yeah, I'm anxiously waiting for the Everybody's Nintendo Channel.

Matdredalia @ Jan 30th 2008 9:45AM

Err...that should have been "no try-before-I-buy here."

TheCoats @ Jan 30th 2008 9:54AM

well i loveme some download station...........but the best thing i ever did ata download station was put transformers in and download the transformers demo so i could unlock the jet!.....so awsome to have the jet a few days into playing.....and WiFi stats when through the roof, which helped me unlock the rest.....Download Station = Good Times

Good Times Indeed

Jason @ Jan 30th 2008 10:08AM

Being 25 years old I think it would be a little weired busting out the DS in a store surrounded by 8-14 year old kids; kinda like the creepy guy with pockets full of candy hanging around the elementary school. So, no I haven't tried it. I think I'll be waiting for the Everybody's Nintendo Channel.

Hunting_phoenix @ Jan 30th 2008 11:24AM

Like I said in my post, it is a bit awkward feeling. However, I have never seen any kids with their DS in the store. Ever.

I've done it in Gamestop, Circuit City, and perhaps Target...I can't recall. Never seen ANYONE else doing it, for that matter.

Jason @ Jan 30th 2008 11:35AM

Ya know, most Gamestops wouldn't be that bad. Maybe I'll try it out sometime.

HellsHammer @ Jan 30th 2008 3:21PM

I'm 21. I've downloaded about 10 demos or so.
You just have to go to target or gamestop. It's not nearly as embarrassing using a DS in the DS section and I have never seen anyone else downloading games.

Now that you mention it, I've never seen a little kid with their DS in public.

Salty Soil @ Jan 30th 2008 10:57PM

It's even more embarrassing when the kiosk is hidden in the back room, and you look like you just needed a place to play :(

I usually get a demo if I have something to buy at EB.

jgoreham @ Jan 30th 2008 11:06AM

I can't seem to find any download stations here in the UK. Apparently, there used to be a magical list on the internets that stipulated where to find them, but it's been bah-leeted. So no demo downloading for me I'm afraid :( I used to use them when I thought of it when I lived in Canada, though.

Brello @ Jan 30th 2008 11:48AM

For me, it's not really worth the drive all the way to a download station to snag a demo. I'll pick up a Wii soon, maybe the channel will be active by then.

Sakura3210 @ Jan 30th 2008 1:05PM

I have plenty of download stations within traveling distance (I live in New York), but the problem is that I have to set aside time and go out of my way to travel in the first place. And I don't have enough free time to do it often.
I'm definitely hoping Everybody's Nintendo Channel gets here soon.

Tacoman @ Jan 30th 2008 7:07PM

I used them a lot in Japan, besides demos they had stuff like really fast ghost downloads for Mario Kart and Nintendogs presents. They also worked as a wi-fi hotspot.

I always thought the posters(!) in the train stations you could download stuff from were really cool.

SephFinale @ Jan 30th 2008 8:19PM

Practically every time there's a new Download Station volume out, I go and download what I think would be interesting. Though, I was bummed that the Contra 4 demo didn't have any music...

I never see any little kids with their DSes either, though, I'm a high school student, and I'd technically be considered a little kid to some of you...no offense. But if I saw someone with their DS (Around my age or older), I'd rather fire up some local multiplayer game really quick.

RootiePatootie @ Jan 31st 2008 4:13PM

Like some of the others here, I live in a rural area and thus have no download stations anywhere near me. There's a Best Buy well over an hour away, that's the closest to me, that has one but even if I did remember to take my DS with me I don't think I'd feel all that comfy waiting my turn to d/l something from it with all the kiddies standing around, which is how it usually is when I get there since it's always a weekend day. So I'm waiting for the channel.