Petit Computer

Last updated
Petit Computer
Developer(s) SmileBoom
Publisher(s) Nintendo DSi
  • JP: SmileBoom
  • WW: GameBridge
[1] [2]
Nintendo 3DS, Wii U, Nintendo Switch
  • WW: SmileBoom
Platform(s) Nintendo DSi
Nintendo 3DS
Wii U
Nintendo Switch
ReleaseNintendo DSi
  • JP: March 9, 2011
  • NA: July 19, 2012
  • EU: July 25, 2013
Nintendo 3DS
  • JP: November 19, 2014
  • NA: October 15, 2015
  • EU: August 17, 2017
Wii U
  • JP: December 14, 2016
Nintendo Switch
  • JP: May 23, 2019
  • WW: April 23, 2020
Genre(s) Software development application
Mode(s) Single-player

Petit Computer is a software development application for the Nintendo DSi and later systems, developed by SmileBoom in Sapporo, Japan. [3] [4] The application is built around a custom dialect of BASIC known as SmileBASIC (not to be confused with the 3DS sequel with the same name). Users can write games and other software using the onscreen keyboard and run the applications from within Petit Computer. The platform supports text-based console applications, visual applications, and any combination of the two. Input is available via hardware buttons, touchscreen input, or the onscreen keyboard.

Contents

In addition to the code editor and interpreter, Petit Computer includes a simple shell for file management, as well as file sharing functionality. Files can be shared by a direct wireless connection between two DS systems, or by the use of QR codes.

The usage of QR codes enabled some users to develop desktop software that can be used to write SmileBASIC and generate a QR code for easy transfer to the DS. [5]

Petit Computer comes with several simple sample applications, 5 sample games, and several graphics-editing applications, all written in SmileBASIC with viewable source code. [6] The latter applications can be used to create sprites, backgrounds, and other resources that can then be used within user-created software. Hundreds of premade sprites and tiles are included with Petit Computer. An extensive manual is available from within Petit that describes the basic features and limitations of SmileBASIC, as well as brief descriptions of most of the commands and their syntax.

SmileBASIC language

Petit Computer uses a customized dialect of BASIC known as SmileBASIC designed specifically for the DSi. Applications written in SmileBASIC can read input from all of the DS's hardware buttons except the Select button (which is always used to terminate the current application) as well as the touch screen, draw graphics and sprites to both screens, and play music written in Music Macro Language. Standard console commands are provided for reading, writing, and manipulating strings. An exhaustive set of graphical commands exists for displaying and manipulating sprites, background graphics, panels, and more, with support for layering, translation, rotation, scaling, palette swapping, and other features, on both screens (some features are limited on the touch screen). Up to 16 channels can be used to play simultaneous audio, with support for fully featured user-defined software instruments and sequenced music.

Reception

Nintendo Life gave the application 7/10 stars, praising its power and potential, but criticizing the presentation as tailored towards seasoned programmers, as well as the "tedious" method of entering code via the touch-screen keyboard. [5] Peter Willington at PocketGamer said the interface "puts you off experimenting" due to the difficulties in entering and navigating text, and complained that error messages weren't useful, but described himself as "massively proud" of his accomplishments with the software and wrote that "experienced hands will be able to make any kind of software they like". [7]

Sequels

A sequel designed for the Nintendo 3DS, with new features and fewer limitations, released on November 19, 2014 in Japan; October 15, 2015 in North America; and August 17, 2017 in Europe. The sequel is titled SmileBASIC (the same name as the dialect of BASIC used in both applications). [8] Nintendo Life gave the application 8/10 stars, praising the removal of QR codes and the power of the language, but again criticizing the cumbersome keyboard. [9] Projects are shared online, with users getting the ability to share up to 10 files at 4 MB each, and can subscribe to a Gold Membership to increase the limit to 110 files at 20 MB each. [9]

In 2015, it was announced that SmileBASIC would be ported to the Wii U. [10] The program was removed from the North America eShop on July 11, 2016 due to an exploit that existed in between versions 3.2.1 and up to version 3.3.1 of the program. The exploit was fixed in version 3.3.2 of the application, and as a result SmileBASIC was put back up for sale on the North American eShop on August 10, 2016. [11] As of system version 11.1.0-X released September 12, 2016, when trying to load the game, the system does not allow users to launch the title until the software is updated to version 3.3.2 or higher, forcing users to download the patch, rendering the exploit unusable even if the older version of the game is available. [12]

Another sequel designed for the Nintendo Switch, called SmileBASIC 4 or Petit Computer 4: SmileBASIC in Japan, was released in Japan on May 23, 2019 and released internationally on April 23, 2020. [13] [14] [15] As well as taking advantage of the functions of the Nintendo Switch hardware, such as the JoyCon controllers and the USB ports on the dock for keyboard and mouse support, the online sharing function now utilises "server tickets" instead of an ongoing subscription for uploaded programs and games, where each ticket purchased increases the amount of online storage you have. [16] SmileBASIC 4 can be purchased as a bundle with one server ticket, or just as the software alone. [17] A free trial version of SmileBASIC 4 is also available in Japan. [17] Shortly after releasing, the international version of SmileBASIC 4 was temporarily pulled from sale in some areas as SmileBoom discussed ratings with the IARC for two sample programs in the software, GAME_RPG and GAME_SHOOTER. [18] The international version remained on sale in the United States, Canada, and Mexico during this period. [18] SmileBASIC 4 was put back up for sale on June 18, 2020. [19]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Commodore 64</span> 8-bit home computer introduced in 1982

The Commodore 64, also known as the C64, is an 8-bit home computer introduced in January 1982 by Commodore International. It has been listed in the Guinness World Records as the highest-selling single computer model of all time, with independent estimates placing the number sold between 12.5 and 17 million units. Volume production started in early 1982, marketing in August for US$595. Preceded by the VIC-20 and Commodore PET, the C64 took its name from its 64 kilobytes(65,536 bytes) of RAM. With support for multicolor sprites and a custom chip for waveform generation, the C64 could create superior visuals and audio compared to systems without such custom hardware.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Handheld game console</span> Portable self-contained video game console

A handheld game console, or simply handheld console, is a small, portable self-contained video game console with a built-in screen, game controls and speakers. Handheld game consoles are smaller than home video game consoles and contain the console, screen, speakers, and controls in one unit, allowing people to carry them and play them at any time or place.

System software is software designed to provide a platform for other software. Examples of system software include operating systems (OS).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nintendo DS</span> Handheld game console

The Nintendo DS is a foldable handheld game console produced by Nintendo, released globally across 2004 and 2005. The DS, an initialism for "Developers' System" or "Dual Screen", introduced distinctive new features to handheld games: two LCD screens working in tandem, a built-in microphone and support for wireless connectivity. Both screens are encompassed within a clamshell design similar to the Game Boy Advance SP. The Nintendo DS also features the ability for multiple DS consoles to directly interact with each other over Wi-Fi within a short range without the need to connect to an existing wireless network. Alternatively, they could interact online using the now-defunct Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection service. Its main competitor was Sony's PlayStation Portable during the seventh generation of video game consoles.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Action Replay</span> Brand of video game cheating devices

Action Replay is the brand name of a cheating device created by Datel. The Action Replay is available for many gaming systems including the Nintendo DS, Nintendo DSi, Nintendo 3DS, PlayStation Portable, PlayStation 2, GameCube, Game Boy Advance, and the Xbox. The name is derived from the first devices’ signature ability to pause the execution of the software and save the computer's state to disk or tape for future “replay”. The ability to manipulate the contents of memory in this paused state permitted the cheat functions for which the brand is now better known.

The Commodore 64 amassed a large software library of nearly 10,000 commercial titles, covering most genres from games to business applications, and many others.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">PictoChat</span> Nintendo DS messaging software

PictoChat is a communication utility that is preloaded on the Nintendo DS, Nintendo DS Lite and Nintendo DSi. Up to sixteen people can paint and/or text chat with each other using it, connected wirelessly through a LAN-only, system-to-system wireless connection. It allows for simple input of keyboard text and written text/drawings. PictoChat received an Excellence Prize for Entertainment at the 2004 Japan Media Arts Festival.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Multi-monitor</span> Use of multiple physical display devices

Multi-monitor, also called multi-display and multi-head, is the use of multiple physical display devices, such as monitors, televisions, and projectors, in order to increase the area available for computer programs running on a single computer system. Research studies show that, depending on the type of work, multi-head may increase the productivity by 50–70%.

Homebrew, when applied to video games, refers to games produced by hobbyists for proprietary video game consoles which are not intended to be user-programmable. The official documentation is often only available to licensed developers, and these systems may use storage formats that make distribution difficult, such as ROM cartridges or encrypted CD-ROMs. Many consoles have hardware restrictions to prevent unauthorized development.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection</span> Former online multiplayer gaming service

Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection (WFC) was an online multiplayer gaming service run by Nintendo to provide free online play in compatible Nintendo DS and Wii games. The service included the company's Wii Shop Channel and DSi Shop game download services. It also ran features for the Wii and Nintendo DS systems.

This is a list of video game accessories that have been released for the Game Boy handheld console and its successors. Accessories add functionality that the console would otherwise not have.

<i>KORG DS-10</i> 2008 music video game

KORG DS-10 is a music creation program for the Nintendo DS that emulates the Korg MS range of synthesizers. Frequently people refer to the Korg MS-10, however the MS-10 is a single oscillator monosynth. The DS-10 adds sync which the Korg MS-20 is lacking. It was released on July 24, 2008, in Japan, October 10, 2008 in Europe, and November 4, 2008, in the United States.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nintendo DSi</span> Handheld game console released in 2008

The Nintendo DSi is a dual-screen handheld game console released by Nintendo. The console launched in Japan on November 1, 2008, and worldwide beginning in April 2009. It is the third iteration of the Nintendo DS, and its primary market rival was Sony's PlayStation Portable (PSP). The fourth iteration, entitled Nintendo DSi XL, is a larger model that launched in Japan on November 21, 2009, and worldwide beginning in March 2010. Development of the DSi began in late 2006, and the handheld was unveiled during an October 2008 Nintendo conference in Tokyo. Consumer demand convinced Nintendo to produce a slimmer handheld with larger screens than the DS Lite. Consequently, Nintendo removed the Game Boy Advance (GBA) cartridge slot to improve portability without sacrificing durability.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nintendo DSi system software</span> Operation system for Nintendos Nintendo DSi handheld game console

The Nintendo DSi system software is a set of updatable firmware versions, and a software frontend on the Nintendo DSi video game console. Updates, which are downloaded via the system's Internet connection, allow Nintendo to add and remove features and software. All updates also include all changes from previous updates.

<i>Art Academy</i> (video game) 2009 video game

Art Academy, also known as Art Academy: Learn painting and drawing techniques with step-by-step training in the PAL regions and Artistic Taste Classroom DS in Japan, is an art training software for the Nintendo DS. It was developed by Headstrong Games and published by Nintendo. Art Academy was originally a two-part training application only available for download via the DSiWare service since 2009. It was later re-released in 2010 as a fully compiled, retail-able DS Game Card with added features, thus also making it available for original Nintendo DS and Nintendo DS Lite users.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nintendo 3DS system software</span> Operation system for Nintendos Nintendo 3DS handheld game console

The Nintendo 3DS system software is the updatable operating system used by the Nintendo 3DS handheld system. The Nintendo Switch system software is believed to have evolved from the Nintendo 3DS system software.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nintendo eShop</span> Online service for Nintendo Switch

The Nintendo eShop is a digital distribution service for the Nintendo Switch, and formerly available via the Nintendo Network for the Wii U and Nintendo 3DS. The eShop was first launched in June 2011 on the Nintendo 3DS via a system update that added the functionality to the HOME Menu. It is the successor to both the Wii Shop Channel and DSi Shop. Unlike on the Nintendo 3DS, the eShop was made available on the launch date of the Wii U, although a system update is required in order to access it. It is also a multitasking application, which means it is easily accessible even when a game is already running in the background through the system software, though this feature is exclusive to the Wii U and the Nintendo Switch. The Nintendo eShop features downloadable games, demos, applications, streaming videos, consumer rating feedback, and other information on upcoming game releases.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Game-Maker</span> MS-DOS-based suite of game design tools

Game-Maker is an MS-DOS-based suite of game design tools, accompanied by demonstration games, produced between 1991 and 1995 by the Amherst, New Hampshire based Recreational Software Designs and sold through direct mail in the US by KD Software. Game-Maker also was sold under various names by licensed distributors in the UK, Korea, and other territories including Captain GameMaker and Create Your Own Games With GameMaker!. Game-Maker is notable as one of the first complete game design packages for DOS-based PCs, for its fully mouse-driven graphical interface, and for its early support for VGA graphics, Sound Blaster sound, and full-screen four-way scrolling.

The Nintendo Network is Nintendo's online service which provides online functionality for the Nintendo 3DS and Wii U systems and their compatible games. Announced on January 26, 2012, at an investors' conference, it is Nintendo's second online service after Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection. Former president of Nintendo Satoru Iwata said, "Unlike Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection, which has been focused upon specific functionalities and concepts, we are aiming to establish a platform where various services available through the network for our consumers shall be connected via Nintendo Network service so that the company can make comprehensive proposals to consumers."

References

  1. ↑ "Petit Computer - GameBridge". www.gamebridge.co.uk.
  2. ↑ "Developed in-house". SmileBoom. 18 October 2016.
  3. ↑ "Developed in-house". SmileBoom. 18 October 2016. Retrieved 30 March 2020.
  4. ↑ "Company Profile". SmileBoom. 18 October 2016. Retrieved 30 March 2020.
  5. 1 2 Nintendo Life (24 July 2012). "Petit Computer (DSiWare) Review - Nintendo Life". Nintendo Life.
  6. ↑ "Sample Program - Petit Computer". Petit Computer. Archived from the original on 17 February 2015.
  7. ↑ "The problem with programming: my adventure in BASIC with Petit Computer for DS". Pocket Gamer. 7 September 2013.
  8. ↑ "SmileBASIC". smilebasic.com.
  9. 1 2 "SmileBASIC Review". Nintendo Life. 15 December 2015.
  10. ↑ "SmileBASIC is Heading to Wii U, With Cross-Platform Support and DLC Also Confirmed". 17 October 2015.
  11. ↑ "What's New".
  12. ↑ "11.1.0-34 - 3dbrew".
  13. ↑ "プチコン4 SmileBASIC". プチコン4. SmileBoom.
  14. ↑ ""SmileBASIC 4", a programming tool that allows you to create and play games with Nintendo Switch™ The release date is on April 23, 2020! The official website have been released!". Twitter. SMILEBASIC.com. 16 April 2020.
  15. ↑ "Developed in-house". SmileBoom. 18 October 2016.
  16. ↑ "プチコン４とは？ | プチコン4 SmileBASIC". プチコン4. SmileBoom.
  17. 1 2 "Nintendo Switch｜ダウンロード購入｜プチコン4 SmileBASIC". 任天堂ホームページ (in Japanese). Nintendo.
  18. 1 2 SMILEBASIC.com (2020-04-29). "[Important Notice] We are currently discussing ratings with IARC on the content of the sample code (GAME_PRG, GAME_SHOOTER) in the title, SmileBASIC 4, so we are temporarily suspending sales in some sales areas (US, CA and Mexico are all still on sale)". @smilebasic_com. Retrieved 2020-05-07.
  19. ↑ SMILEBASIC.com (2020-06-18). "[News] Today, SmileBASIC 4 is now back on sale in Europe, Australia and other regions! Enjoy the world of SmileBASIC 4!". Twitter. Retrieved 2020-07-11.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.