'Picochat' Recreates Beloved Nintendo Feature on iOS

[MacRumors]

"PicoChat" brings a nostalgic experience from the Nintendo DS to Apple's iMessage (via Overkill).

iMessage already includes built-in drawing via Digital Touch, but PicoChat recreates the distinct aesthetic and interaction style of PictoChat. PictoChat was a built-in messaging application preloaded on the Nintendo DS, Nintendo DS Lite, and Nintendo DSi. It allowed users to communicate using text and drawings over a local wireless connection, functioning as a LAN-only chat service. Messages could be typed using a small on-screen keyboard or handwritten using the DS's stylus and touchscreen.

PicoChat is an iMessage app designed to replicate the iconic functionality and aesthetic of PictoChat. The app allows users to draw and handwrite messages directly within iMessage, supporting pixelated emoji, undo functionality, and the ability to save favorite drawings. Unlike the original PictoChat, which was limited to short-range wireless communication within a local network, PicoChat allows users to send drawings and messages regardless of distance due to working through iMessage.

The app's design is largely faithful to the interface of the original Nintendo DS software. Upon opening the PicoChat extension, users are presented with a minimalistic drawing space above a tiny keyboard, similar to the DS layout. The interface even includes a stylus animation when drawing.

While standalone iMessage apps are less prominent than they were following their introduction in iOS 10, Apple continues to support third-party extensions. Like other iMessage apps, PicoChat does not appear on the home screen and must be accessed within the Messages app by tapping the "+" button in a chat thread.

PicoChat is free and can be downloaded now.

Article Link: 'Picochat' Recreates Beloved Nintendo Feature on iOS

 

[vertsix]

Very cool! One of the few iMessage apps worth having.

 

[AusMness]

Yes omg I need this right now

 

[Capeto]

Downloading now before Nintendo sends them a cease-and-desist.

 

[thefrost]

That's very interesting I must say.

 

[The Doctor11]

This has already brought me so much joy, just remembering and seeing the interface.

 

[DailySlow]

Like it and tried it.

 

[sleeptodream]

Wow I hope Nintendo doesn’t make them change it, this is amazing! This is the first iMessage app I think I’ll actually use

 

[MrRom92]

Wow I hope Nintendo doesn’t make them change it, this is amazing! This is the first iMessage app I think I’ll actually use

The download page in the App Store says “message like it’s 2006”, so clearly they do not intend to emulate any Nintendo product. Nintendo did not launch any similar product to this in 2006 so they must be referring to something else.

 

[FoxyKaye]

Giving me some Apple Newton vibes, so I'll definitely download and play with it!

 

[alchemistmuffin]

PictoChat was a built-in messaging application preloaded on the Nintendo DS, Nintendo DS Lite, and Nintendo DSi.

Hmmmmmmm 🤔

NINTENDO LAWYER TEAMS ASSEMBLE!!!!!!!!! 👩‍💼 🧑‍💼 👨🏼‍💼

Seriously this is going to get shut down quick and the developer wont probably get away with just cease and desist here.

 

[svish]

Looks cool. Will try it out. Hopefully the app will continue to be available and not be taken down on request of Nintendo.

 

[maruyama]

I hope they can satisfy Nintendo with a name change (as clever as replacing "picto" with "pico," the SI for 10⁻¹² is!) and keep this going.

Although technically Nintendo would have a very poor claim for trademark infringement (this would be a trademark / trade dress case, not copyright, and trademark requires active use, which would be a tough sell to a judge when Nintendo hasn't used the name in a decade... but they have the expensive lawyers and this author doesn't, so 🤷‍♂️).

 

[ScrumpyDaniel]

It's really cool and works really well. But it is very laggy and slows down iMessage when selected. Hopefully that gets fixed with an update.

 

[Siannath]

When you are in a conversation in the Messages app, if you turn your iPhone sideways a new button appears in the bottom-right corner of the keyboard: it allows you to draw and scribe with your finger.

I think this capability of the keyboard should be exposed to third party devs, so anyone could use that on any messenger app, or any app that supports pasting graphics.

 

[DailySlow]

Incidentally, PicoChat (iPad) works great with Ap Pencil.