Difference between revisions of "Nintendo DS Classroom"

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The '''Nintendo DS(i) Classroom''', also known as '''v1.4J_kst''' is a specialized DSi version used in Japanese schools. This version contains many differences from a retail unit, including some applications exclusive to this version of the DSi.
+
[[File:NintendoDSi-Classroom_Logo.jpg|right|350px]]
 +
'''Nintendo DS Classroom''' (ニンテンドーDS教室) is an educational system jointly developed by Nintendo and Sharp System Products, utilizing the Nintendo DSi LL (known as the Nintendo DSi XL internationally) for students to use as a learning device during class. The program was available exclusively in Japan and rolled out between January and April 2010.
  
== "DS in the Classroom" ==
+
==Overview==
On June 9th 2009, Nintendo announced they will parthership with Sharp System Products to create a Nintendo DSi for use on Japanese schools for Japanese children in elementary schools, junior high schools and high schools. Simply codenamed '''Nintendo DS Classroom''', the unit would promise that teachers can use the DS Classroom on their PC so it will communicate with Nintendo DS's with a DS Classroom cartridge or with Nintendo DSi's with the DS Classroom app installed as DSiWare.
+
===Contents===
[[File:NDS-classroom.png|thumb|A diagram of how the system would work.]]
+
[[File:NintendoDSi-Classroom_Box.png|200px|thumb|The box for a Nintendo DS Classroom unit<ref>[https://consolevariations.com/collectibles/nintendo-dsi-ll-classroom-unit Nintendo DSi LL Classroom Unit (Consolevariations)] [https://web.archive.org/web/20230903194352/https://consolevariations.com/collectibles/nintendo-dsi-ll-classroom-unit (Archive)]</ref>.]]
Furthermore, Nintendo goes on to say that Sharp System Products would work on 60 applications offering a variety of subjects, such as languages, math, history, and more. 30 applications would be for elementary schools, 20 for junior high schools and 10 for high schools. The system would then launch on February 2010 in Japan, but would be first showed off at the '''New Education Expo 2009''', held in Osaka on June 17th and June 18th.
+
Nintendo DS Classroom units are shipped in white boxes, illustrating the Nintendo DSi LL with the Nintendo DS Classroom's logo. Inside the box is the unit itself with a white/grey color scheme, a thick plastic pen and a power supply. On the back of the unit is a giant sticker with legal information.
  
== Nintendo DS Classroom application ==
+
The PC software likely would've been distributed digitally.
The DS Classroom application opens up as a Nintendo Zone-looking UI and it will start searching for computers connected over the same Wi-Fi connection. The application would work as interactive tests made by the teacher and the teacher would be able to view scores and rankings, similar in a way of Kahoot and Nearpod.
+
<div style="clear: both;"/>
[[File:Classroomquestions1.png|thumb|left|200px|A "yes" or "no" quiz using a cricle and a cross.]]
 
[[File:Classroomquestions2.png|right|thumb|200px|On the top is the question, on the bottom is the PC software recieving the answeres.]]
 
A teacher would install the Nintendo DS Classroom PC software and create a quiz. These quizes can have a veriaty of questions about anything, with the teacher being able to add examples and images as well.
 
  
== (Re)discovery ==
+
===Nintendo DS Software===
On May 27 2019, Voodooween had a conversation with Trash_Bandatcoot about DSi system versions. On that list was a version known as '''v1.4J_kst''', he also revealed it had some DSi software used by students. A day later, he sent photos with a NAND dump, by using the Flipnote Lennyface exploit.
+
[[File:NintendoDSi-Classroom_Screenshot-1.png|thumb|A question where you get to pick answers from a list<ref>[http://web.archive.org/web/20110817015455/http://www.sharp-ssp.co.jp/ds/material.html 対応教材 (Sharp System Products) (Archived)]</ref>.]]
A lot of research was done the same day by the TWL Hacking Discord server revealing that some of this software was also sold seperately as a NTR cartridge, meaning these applications are also on the Nintendo DS and DS Lite. However, the PC software for the Nintendo DS Classroom application remains lost.
+
The primary application for getting work exercises done is through the Nintendo DS Classroom application (ニンテンドーDSきょうしつ). The application uses a modified version of Nintendo Zone and relies on a PC with the DS Classroom software that is connected over the same network. 50 consoles can be connected to one network simultaneously. Once connected, a student can follow several different courses or tests set up by their teacher.
  
 +
On a Nintendo DSi, a student can partake in live tests or surveys that are set up by their teacher. Additionally, they can send drawings or photos through a drawing or DSi Camera board and have these display on a teacher's PC. Students can also work individually through preset tasks and create their own memorization cards. Once a Nintendo DSi unit is disconnected, all data sent during that session is lost and saved to the teacher's PC<ref name="functions">[https://web.archive.org/web/20100428091854/http://www.sharp-ssp.co.jp/ds/function.html 機能紹介 (Sharp System Products) (Archived)]</ref>.
 +
<div style="clear: both;"/>
  
 +
===PC Software===
 +
[[File:NintendoDSi-Classroom_ClassMenu.jpg|thumb|The PC software's dashboard<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20100427222024/http://www.sharp-ssp.co.jp/ds/usage.html 活用方法 (Sharp System Products) (Archived)]</ref>.]]
 +
On PC, a teacher has access to a dashboard where they can start tests, exercises and memorization cards, as well as take class surveys, go to the drawing or DSi Camera board, as well as collect and delete photos taken with the Nintendo DSi Camera. Tests, exercises and memorization cards allows a teacher to change the questions and time limit, as well as shuffle the questions around for each student during exercises and memorization cards. Furthermore, they can make use of a large selection of learning materials that come with the software, or create and modify materials with the use of spreadsheet software, such as [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microsoft_Excel Microsoft Excel]. At the end of a task or test, student results are shown and saved with detailed graphs<ref name="functions"/>.
  
== General differences ==
+
This PC software was developed both for Windows and various Linux distributions, including [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ubuntu Ubuntu]. As of writing, the software hasn't resurfaced.
Besides the system menu version, there are differences on the system menu as well.
+
<div style="clear: both;"/>
*The unit has a sticker on the back giving instructions to the Nintendo DS Classroom application.
 
*The Nintendo DSi Shop is not present, preventing students from buying DSiWare.
 
*The internal NAND comes bundled with the software selected by the school, as well as the Nintendo DSi Browser, Flipnote Studio v2.1 and the Nintendo DS Classroom application.
 
*The “Data Management” option is gone from the System Settings, preventing students from copying application data to their SD Cards.
 
[[File:Dsillclassroominstructions.jpg|thumb|Image of the unit, with instructions on the back. Only "DSi LL" units were made.]]
 
[[File:Syssettingsv1.4J kst.png|thumb|left|The system menu version is '''v1.4J_kst''', instead of v1.4J.]]
 
  
== List of applications ==
+
===Console Software===
With Sharp System Products offering 60 applications, there's only 3/60 of applications found at the moment.
+
[[File:Syssettingsv1.4J_kst.png|thumb|The System Settings with a unique version number exclusive to Nintendo DS Classroom units.]]
 +
The software bundled on every classroom Nintendo DSi LL is different compared to a retail unit.
 +
*The System Settings displays a unique version number of '''v1.4_kst''', with "kst" possibly being a shortened variation of "kyoshitsu" (キョウシツ), which translates to "classroom". This system software version was used throughout the program's lifespan.
 +
*The Nintendo DSi Shop and Nintendo Zone are not installed. Because of this, Data Management isn't accessible from the System Settings.
 +
*A different lineup of DSiWare is pre-installed.
  
{|class="wikitable sortable" style="width:100%;"
+
{| class="wikitable" style="margin: auto;"
 +
!rowspan="2" | Icon
 +
!colspan="2" | Name
 +
!colspan="2" | Title ID<br>(00030004)
 +
!rowspan="2" | Version
 +
!rowspan="2" | Pre-installed On<br>Retail Consoles
 
|-
 
|-
!style="width:5%;"|Icon
+
!Japanese
!style="width:20%;"|Title
+
!English
!style="width:10%;"|Genre
+
!Hex
!style="width:10%;"|Type of school
+
!Text
!style="width:10%;"|Title ID
 
!style="width:45%;"|Description
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
+
|[[File:Icon-NintendoDSClassroom.gif|64px]]
|[[File:Jīniasupasonaru eiwa raku-biki jiten icon.png|center|frameless]]
+
|<center>ニンテンドーDSきょうしつ<br>Nintendo</center>
|'''ジーニアスパーソナル えいわ らくびきじてん'''
+
|<center>Nintendo DS Classroom<br>Nintendo</center>
Jīniasupāsonaru eiwa raku-biki jiten
+
|4b50454a
|Language
+
|KPEJ
|Junior High
+
|0
|000300044b44334a
+
|No
|A Japanese and English dictionary, being able to show sentences as well. This applications is in some conditions similar to '''Dictionary 6 in 1 with Camera Function'''.
+
|-
 +
|[[File:Icon-Rakubiki_Red.gif|64px]]
 +
|<center>めいきょうこくご<br>らくびきじてん<br>Nintendo</center>
 +
|<center>Meikyo Kokugo<br>Rakubiki Jiten<br>Nintendo</center>
 +
|4b44344a
 +
|KD4J
 +
|1
 +
|Yes
 +
|-
 +
|[[File:Icon-Rakubiki_Blue.gif|64px]]
 +
|<center>ジーニアスパーソナル<br>えいわ らくびきじてん<br>Nintendo</center>
 +
|<center>Personal Genius<br>Eiwa Rakubiki Jiten<br>Nintendo</center>
 +
|4b44334a
 +
|KD3J
 +
|0
 +
|No
 
|-
 
|-
|[[File:Jīniasupāsonaru Kazuhide raku-biki jiten icon.png|center|frameless]]
+
|[[File:Icon-Rakubiki_Green.gif|64px]]
|'''ジーニアスパーソナル わえい らくびきじてん'''
+
|<center>ジーニアスパーソナル<br>わえい らくびきじてん<br>Nintendo</center>
Jīniasupāsonaru Kazuhide raku-biki jiten
+
|<center>Personal Genius<br>Waei Rakubiki Jiten<br>Nintendo</center>
|Language
+
|4b44354a
|Junior High
+
|KD5J
|000300044b44354a
+
|0
|A Japanese dictionary showing explainations in English.
+
|No
 
|-
 
|-
|[[File:Mei kyo koku go raku-biki jiten icon.png|center|frameless]]
+
|[[File:Icon-NintendoDSiBrowser.gif|64px]]
|'''めいきょうこくご らくびきじてん'''
+
|<center>ニンテンドーDSiブラウザー<br>Nintendo</center>
Mei kyō koku go raku-biki jiten
+
|<center>Nintendo DSi Browser<br>Nintendo</center>
|Language
+
|484e474a
|Junior High
+
|HNGJ
|000300044b44344a
+
|3
|An application for showing abbreviations and the meanings of them. Most of these consist of English abbreviations.
+
|Yes
 
|-
 
|-
 +
|[[File:Icon-FlipnoteStudio.gif|64px]]
 +
|<center>うごくメモちょう<br>Nintendo</center>
 +
|<center>Flipnote Studio<br>Nintendo</center>
 +
|4b47554a
 +
|KGUJ
 +
|2
 +
|Yes
 +
|}
 +
 +
Note that Flipnote Studio had several revisions in Japan. Classroom units come with version 2.1 pre-installed.
 +
 +
==Testing Applications==
 +
TODO:
 +
:''Soon''.
 +
 +
==Development==
 +
[[File:NintendoDSi-Classroom_Figure1.jpg|thumb|A simple figurine detailing how the system works<ref name="press"/>.]]
 +
Development started somewhere around 2007 with the project lead by Takao Sawano, challenging himself to make use of open source software. Seeing how many schools were using the Nintendo DS, Sawano's goal was to see how many Nintendo DSs could connect wirelessly to cheap laptops. Sometime later, Sharp System Products was offered to help with the development of applications.<ref>[https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ds/interview/kg3j/vol1/index3.html Touch de Oboeru Hyakuninisshu: Chotto DSi Shiguredono (Nintendo)] [https://web.archive.org/web/20101120030211/https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ds/interview/kg3j/vol1/index3.html (Archive)]</ref>
 +
 +
The program was announced in a press release by Nintendo on June 9th, 2009 alongside the announcement of a partnership with Sharp System Products. At this point, Nintendo planned to offer educational software for all Nintendo DS systems, with Sharp being responsible for developing software and sales. Software would be released individually as cartridges, with 30 titles planned for elementary schools, 20 titles for junior high schools and 10 for high schools with an estimated release date of February 2010. The program was showcased at the ''New Education Expo 2009'' in Osaka from June 17th to June 18th and ''e-Learning WORLD'' in Tokyo from August 5th to August 7th<ref name="press">[https://www.nintendo.co.jp/corporate/release/2009/090609.html 授業支援システム『ニンテンドーDS教室』について (Nintendo)] [https://web.archive.org/web/20090614234945/http://www.nintendo.co.jp/corporate/release/2009/090609.html (Archive)]</ref>.
 +
 +
On August 5th, 2009, Sharp put out an update announcing that the program switched to only make use of the Nintendo DSi. Reasons for the switch include that the Nintendo DSi could be more easily customized, software could be stored internally, the DSi Camera could be used for certain activities, communication over the internet is easier, and the DSi has a larger screen compared to the Nintendo DS or Nintendo DS Lite <ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20120510231843/http://www.sharp-ssp.co.jp/corporate/news/n090805.html 授業支援システム『ニンテンドーDS教室』の 仕様変更についてのお知らせ (Sharp System Products) (Archived)]</ref>.
 +
 +
Sometime before the program was rolled out, the program was changed to make use of the Nintendo DSi LL, which was released a few months prior. Regular Nintendo DSi development units were used very late during testing, as apparent by development kits that showed up on Yahoo! Auctions in 2023, identified as units '''K04''' to '''K08'''<ref group="K">[https://page.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/jp/auction/k1093738420 (K04) Yahoo! Auctions] [https://archive.ph/haAaL (Archive)]</ref><ref group="K">[https://page.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/jp/auction/o1095340951 (K05) Yahoo! Auctions] [https://archive.ph/AEEQu (Archive)]</ref><ref group="K">[https://page.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/jp/auction/w1094656443 (K06) Yahoo! Auctions] [https://archive.ph/oSEEv (Archive)]</ref><ref group="K">[https://page.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/jp/auction/g1093013416 (K07) Yahoo! Auctions] [https://archive.ph/PyD4y (Archive)]</ref><ref group="K">[https://page.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/jp/auction/x1093733075 (K08) Yahoo! Auctions] [https://archive.ph/fbYtU (Archive)]</ref>.
 +
 +
==Gallery==
 +
===EDIX 2012===
 +
The program was shown at the Educational IT Solution Expo (教育ITソリューションEXPO) in 2012 at Sharp's booth, demonstrating Nintendo's offers for educational software, and showcasing that Nintendo DS Classroom could run on cheap, inexpensive computer hardware<ref>[https://resemom.jp/article/2012/05/21/7785.html 【EDIX】シャープの「ニンテンドーDS教室」、学生がすぐに利用できる操作性に着目] [https://web.archive.org/web/20121115150836/http://resemom.jp/article/2012/05/21/7785.html (Archive)]</ref>.
 +
 +
<gallery widths="320" heights="212">
 +
File:NintendoDSi-Classroom_EDIX2012-1.jpg|A complete booth view. Note that this laptop is running Ubuntu.
 +
File:NintendoDSi-Classroom_EDIX2012-2.jpg|A closeup on the Nintendo DS Classroom units.
 +
</gallery>
 +
 +
===Sharp Website===
 +
<gallery widths="128" heights="192" perrow="5">
 +
NintendoDS-Classroom_ScrSharp1.png|A survey/questionnaire.
 +
NintendoDS-Classroom_ScrSharp2.png|A list of exercises.
 +
NintendoDS-Classroom_ScrSharp3.png|A memorization card.
 +
NintendoDS-Classroom_ScrSharp4.png|A drawing with a question on the top screen.
 +
NintendoDS-Classroom_ScrSharp5.png|A DSi Camera picture that has been painted over.
 +
NintendoDS-Classroom_ScrSharp6.png|An exercise with kanji.
 +
NintendoDS-Classroom_ScrSharp8.png|A math question.
 +
NintendoDS-Classroom_ScrSharp9.png|A question with a list of possible answers.
 +
NintendoDS-Classroom_ScrSharp10.png|A memorization card.
 +
</gallery>
 +
 +
<gallery widths="240" heights="200">
 +
NintendoDSi-Classroom_TaskResults.jpg|Detailed task results.
 +
NintendoDSi-Classroom_FigSharp1.jpg|Survey results.
 +
NintendoDSi-Classroom_FigSharp2.jpg|Spreadsheet software, which can be used to create/edit existing tasks.
 +
NintendoDSi-Classroom_FigSharp3.png|Drawing board submissions.
 +
</gallery>
 +
 +
===2009 Press Release (Prerelease)===
 +
These materials were shared in the official press release, and does not reflect what the final version of the application looks like.
 +
 +
Sourced from Nintendo<ref name="press"/>, ITMedia<ref>[https://nlab.itmedia.co.jp/games/articles/0906/09/news109.html 任天堂、授業支援システム「ニンテンドーDS教室」を開発 (ITMedia)][https://web.archive.org/web/20210922163411/https://nlab.itmedia.co.jp/games/articles/0906/09/news109.html (Archive)]</ref> and GamingTalker<ref>[https://www.gamingtalker.it/articoli/100270/cosera-nintendo-ds-classroom/ Cos'era Nintendo DS Classroom (GamingTalker)] [https://web.archive.org/web/20220802103908/https://www.gamingtalker.it/articoli/100270/cosera-nintendo-ds-classroom/ (Archive)]</ref>.
 +
 +
<gallery widths="128" heights="192">
 +
File:NintendoDSi-Classroom_Screenshot1.gif|A math question with a list of possible answers.
 +
File:NintendoDSi-Classroom_Screenshot2.gif|A story where you have to answer by drawing kanji.
 +
File:NintendoDSi-Classroom_Screenshot3.gif|A memorization card.
 +
File:NintendoDSi-Classroom_Screenshot4.jpg|A survey / questionnaire.
 +
File:NintendoDSi-Classroom_Screenshot5.jpg|A drawing, ready to be submitted to the drawing board.
 +
</gallery>
 +
 +
<gallery widths="200" heights="200">
 +
File:NintendoDSi-Classroom_Figure2.jpg|Test results.
 +
File:NintendoDSi-Classroom_Figure3.jpg|Survey results from individual students.
 +
File:NintendoDSi-Classroom_Figure4.jpg|Survey results in a diagram.
 +
File:NintendoDSi-Classroom_Figure5.jpg|Drawing board submissions.
 +
File:NintendoDSi-Classroom_Figure6.jpg|An example of a teacher creating custom work exercises.
 +
</gallery>
 +
 +
==Links==
 +
===References===
 +
<references/>
 +
Yahoo! Auction listings:
 +
<references group="K"/>
 +
 +
===Additional Resources===
 +
*[https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/en/stock/meeting/110629qa/index.html The 71st Annual General Meeting of Shareholders (Nintendo)] [https://web.archive.org/web/20110710015225/https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/en/stock/meeting/110629qa/index.html (Archive)]
 +
*[http://yasuhiro.cocolog-nifty.com/masui/2010/06/post-ae11.html ニンテンドーDS教室を使ってみた (Cocolog)] [http://web.archive.org/web/20160107090734/http://yasuhiro.cocolog-nifty.com/masui/2010/06/post-ae11.html (Archive)]
 +
*[https://www.jamsworks.com/works.html Produce (Jamworks)] [https://web.archive.org/web/20190912034709/https://www.jamsworks.com/works.html (Archive)]
 +
*[https://randommeaninglesscharacters.com/dsidev/release/dev-nands.html Classroom DSi development units (rmc)] [https://web.archive.org/web/2/https://randommeaninglesscharacters.com/dsidev/release/dev-nands.html (Archive)]

Latest revision as of 02:08, 24 September 2023

NintendoDSi-Classroom Logo.jpg

Nintendo DS Classroom (ニンテンドーDS教室) is an educational system jointly developed by Nintendo and Sharp System Products, utilizing the Nintendo DSi LL (known as the Nintendo DSi XL internationally) for students to use as a learning device during class. The program was available exclusively in Japan and rolled out between January and April 2010.

Overview

Contents

The box for a Nintendo DS Classroom unit[1].

Nintendo DS Classroom units are shipped in white boxes, illustrating the Nintendo DSi LL with the Nintendo DS Classroom's logo. Inside the box is the unit itself with a white/grey color scheme, a thick plastic pen and a power supply. On the back of the unit is a giant sticker with legal information.

The PC software likely would've been distributed digitally.

Nintendo DS Software

A question where you get to pick answers from a list[2].

The primary application for getting work exercises done is through the Nintendo DS Classroom application (ニンテンドーDSきょうしつ). The application uses a modified version of Nintendo Zone and relies on a PC with the DS Classroom software that is connected over the same network. 50 consoles can be connected to one network simultaneously. Once connected, a student can follow several different courses or tests set up by their teacher.

On a Nintendo DSi, a student can partake in live tests or surveys that are set up by their teacher. Additionally, they can send drawings or photos through a drawing or DSi Camera board and have these display on a teacher's PC. Students can also work individually through preset tasks and create their own memorization cards. Once a Nintendo DSi unit is disconnected, all data sent during that session is lost and saved to the teacher's PC[3].

PC Software

The PC software's dashboard[4].

On PC, a teacher has access to a dashboard where they can start tests, exercises and memorization cards, as well as take class surveys, go to the drawing or DSi Camera board, as well as collect and delete photos taken with the Nintendo DSi Camera. Tests, exercises and memorization cards allows a teacher to change the questions and time limit, as well as shuffle the questions around for each student during exercises and memorization cards. Furthermore, they can make use of a large selection of learning materials that come with the software, or create and modify materials with the use of spreadsheet software, such as Microsoft Excel. At the end of a task or test, student results are shown and saved with detailed graphs[3].

This PC software was developed both for Windows and various Linux distributions, including Ubuntu. As of writing, the software hasn't resurfaced.

Console Software

The System Settings with a unique version number exclusive to Nintendo DS Classroom units.

The software bundled on every classroom Nintendo DSi LL is different compared to a retail unit.

  • The System Settings displays a unique version number of v1.4_kst, with "kst" possibly being a shortened variation of "kyoshitsu" (キョウシツ), which translates to "classroom". This system software version was used throughout the program's lifespan.
  • The Nintendo DSi Shop and Nintendo Zone are not installed. Because of this, Data Management isn't accessible from the System Settings.
  • A different lineup of DSiWare is pre-installed.
Icon Name Title ID
(00030004)
Version Pre-installed On
Retail Consoles
Japanese English Hex Text
Icon-NintendoDSClassroom.gif
ニンテンドーDSきょうしつ
Nintendo
Nintendo DS Classroom
Nintendo
4b50454a KPEJ 0 No
Icon-Rakubiki Red.gif
めいきょうこくご
らくびきじてん
Nintendo
Meikyo Kokugo
Rakubiki Jiten
Nintendo
4b44344a KD4J 1 Yes
Icon-Rakubiki Blue.gif
ジーニアスパーソナル
えいわ らくびきじてん
Nintendo
Personal Genius
Eiwa Rakubiki Jiten
Nintendo
4b44334a KD3J 0 No
Icon-Rakubiki Green.gif
ジーニアスパーソナル
わえい らくびきじてん
Nintendo
Personal Genius
Waei Rakubiki Jiten
Nintendo
4b44354a KD5J 0 No
Icon-NintendoDSiBrowser.gif
ニンテンドーDSiブラウザー
Nintendo
Nintendo DSi Browser
Nintendo
484e474a HNGJ 3 Yes
Icon-FlipnoteStudio.gif
うごくメモちょう
Nintendo
Flipnote Studio
Nintendo
4b47554a KGUJ 2 Yes

Note that Flipnote Studio had several revisions in Japan. Classroom units come with version 2.1 pre-installed.

Testing Applications

TODO:

Soon.

Development

A simple figurine detailing how the system works[5].

Development started somewhere around 2007 with the project lead by Takao Sawano, challenging himself to make use of open source software. Seeing how many schools were using the Nintendo DS, Sawano's goal was to see how many Nintendo DSs could connect wirelessly to cheap laptops. Sometime later, Sharp System Products was offered to help with the development of applications.[6]

The program was announced in a press release by Nintendo on June 9th, 2009 alongside the announcement of a partnership with Sharp System Products. At this point, Nintendo planned to offer educational software for all Nintendo DS systems, with Sharp being responsible for developing software and sales. Software would be released individually as cartridges, with 30 titles planned for elementary schools, 20 titles for junior high schools and 10 for high schools with an estimated release date of February 2010. The program was showcased at the New Education Expo 2009 in Osaka from June 17th to June 18th and e-Learning WORLD in Tokyo from August 5th to August 7th[5].

On August 5th, 2009, Sharp put out an update announcing that the program switched to only make use of the Nintendo DSi. Reasons for the switch include that the Nintendo DSi could be more easily customized, software could be stored internally, the DSi Camera could be used for certain activities, communication over the internet is easier, and the DSi has a larger screen compared to the Nintendo DS or Nintendo DS Lite [7].

Sometime before the program was rolled out, the program was changed to make use of the Nintendo DSi LL, which was released a few months prior. Regular Nintendo DSi development units were used very late during testing, as apparent by development kits that showed up on Yahoo! Auctions in 2023, identified as units K04 to K08[K 1][K 2][K 3][K 4][K 5].

Gallery

EDIX 2012

The program was shown at the Educational IT Solution Expo (教育ITソリューションEXPO) in 2012 at Sharp's booth, demonstrating Nintendo's offers for educational software, and showcasing that Nintendo DS Classroom could run on cheap, inexpensive computer hardware[8].

Sharp Website

2009 Press Release (Prerelease)

These materials were shared in the official press release, and does not reflect what the final version of the application looks like.

Sourced from Nintendo[5], ITMedia[9] and GamingTalker[10].

Links

References

Yahoo! Auction listings:

Additional Resources