Summary
A new iOS app has been released that simulatesPictoChat, a popular messaging app released for the lineup ofNintendo DSconsoles. Still one of Nintendo’s most popular handheld consoles, theNintendo DSstill has a loyal fanbase over two decades after the hardware first appeared on store shelves.
First released in 2004,the original Nintendo DS consolefeatured a built-in microphone, wireless connectivity, and two LCD screens, with the bottom being a touchscreen. ThePictoChatmessanger service came preloaded on Nintendo DS, Nintendo DS Lite, and Nintendo DSi consoles, and allowed up to sixteen people to text chat, paint, or even create flip books. While a successor titledSwapnotewas included on the Nintendo 3DS, the service didn’t include instant messaging, and the 2016 updated versionSwapdoodlefailed to capture a dedicated audience. Now, 20 years later, those eager for some nostalgia have a way to recapture their memories of Nintendo’s original instant messaging app.
A new iOS app (spotted byOverkill) allows users to send messages that look straight out ofPictoChat, though the app itself is not associated with Nintendo in any way. TitledPicoChat for iMessage, the nostalgic release was developed by solo dev Idrees Hassan, and features everything fans would expect to see in the original title, including pixel emojis. Unfortunately, the app isn’t available for Android devices, though many are hopeful that a similar release will appear in the future. Given the incredible cultural impact of the console, many are hoping to see moreNintendo DS titles made available for modern devicesgoing forward.
New iOS App Emulates the Classic PictoChat Feature Found on the Nintendo DS
Over the past 20 years, new hardware has overshadowed the now humble DS, though the console still seems to find its way into the news. Recently, the wildly popular indie roguelikeBalatrowas made playable on the Nintendo DSthanks to a mod, and players have also found a way to play classic DS titles on the Steam Deck. As of 2025, all Nintendo DS models combined have sold over 154 million units, making the collection of consoles the second-best-selling video game systems of all time after the PlayStation 2.
In January,the Nintendo Switch 2 was officially announced, and fans are eager to see what the company’s next console will bring to the table. The hardware will feature magnetic Joy-Cons and an optical sensor, along with backward compatibility with Switch titles. More details will be revealed during a dedicated Switch 2 Nintendo Direct on May 28, 2025.
