Petit Computer is one of the most intriguing apps on the DSi Shop / 3DS eShop, as it allows users to utilise the BASIC code-base to create small games on the DSi hardware or - courtesy of backward compatibility - the 3DS. A 3DS eShop version is on the way, however, which hit Japan - with the name SmileBASIC - last November; it's coming to the West, but no release dates have been given as yet.
It may not be far away, however, as a notification on the European eShop - posted following last week's download update - advises that the app will no longer be available for download in the region after 31st January; those that already own the app will be able to re-download it at their leisure, however. It could be a sign that the localised version for the West isn't far away, but on the flipside could be down to the end of an agreement with the original's publisher, Gamebridge - developer Smileboom is publishing the new 3DS entry itself.
We're certainly looking forward to the new Petit Computer, as we were fans of the concept on DSiWare. It's set to be more powerful on the current-gen hardware, for example, with Smileboom president Takaki Kobayashi saying the following last year.
Currently, we are developing a new Petitcom (SmileBASIC) for the 3DS. This software allows you to easily implement the stereoscopic camera, touch panel, and sensors with BASIC commands, making it possible to create 2D games in BASIC that are on the level of a Super Famicom or PlayStation game. I believe that if there's an environment allowing you to easily make games, there will be young people who will show us new ideas that no one's ever seen before. It is our hope that young people will create something we never could have imagined.
Are you planning to grab the DSiWare version before it disappears, or will you wait patiently for the 3DS version? Let us know.
Comments 37
I've never been a programmer to any extent, but I am interested in this.
I already got the DSiWare version
I hope this will be more accessible than the DSiWare version.
I don't have interest in programming but my son does. I have considered buying him the dsi version before. I'm going to buy him the newer software for his 3ds.
This interests me heavily, I am definatly going to take a look at this
I already own it- And it's the most used software on my 3DS! Definitely pick this up before it's gone if you want to be able to try any of the games made for it, as games for Petit Computer won't be compatible with SmileBASIC.
Anyways, SmileBASIC will be an instant buy for me once it releases!
Is it still going to be available at the DSi Shop?
if only they teached courses on how to make video Games only at college / University. Then yes, the other stuff in IT, I don't really have interests in.
@mystman12 : Don't worry, I am sure someone will make a Petit Computer to SmileBASIC converter. It can't be harder than converting Java to C++ or even Java to C#/Mono/.NET which have already been done.
I will hope that NoA will release the 3DS version — if I ever want to program again in BASIC.
@KirbyKirbyKirby you are going to the wrong school then
I have the DSi version but never did anything with it because I thought it was hard to get started. Now that I am actually studying how to make games in college things might be different. Also, gotta love their announcement video from few months ago: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IgnAmLwtP6Q
Hey! What about us old guys? We still have a few trick as up our sleeve. I am interested in this although the first version frustrated me to no end.
Is there any chance of a Wii U version? I hate typing on my 3ds.
They should drop the price so its like really cheap since its going to be removed anyway. I would buy it for cheap but not at the current price when we are getting a newer version this year.
Should try it if the price is good
This application is fantastic for anyone serious about learning to code, but you have to be dedicated to learning (putting in both the time and effort) if you want to get anything out of it.
Hard to recommend the DSiWare version when an improved 3DS release is on the way before too long - unless you just want to download games that are already to scan and start playing.
I wonder why nintendo blocked homebrew (Cubic Ninja exploit) and didn't blocked REAL piracy stuff.
Because nobody eventually buy it(petit computer)?
And seriously why they want to remove this?
@DontPlayDumb
Huh? This has nothing to do with piracy.
This software is most likely being removed from the eShop because either (a) the licensing agreement with the publisher in Europe has ended or (b) they are getting ready to replace the old version with the new one and don't want DSiWare competing for sales, confusing customers, or splitting the user base.
Not sure if your username a hint that you are teasing/trolling, or if you missed that point in the original story.
Finally! Can't wait to start making games.
I wish the disclose more information on this regard. For example, manuals are contained into the app itself or can be downloaded to a computer. Special effects, including verbosity, radiant light, and so on, can be made with this? How about some examples of what can be achieved with the software?
@ejamer
As you said it has nothing with piracy so why they blocked homebrew?
They dont want to made people programs on their (Nintedno) stuff?
They simply dont want to made programs as you(we) like so you can only made them as they (Nintendo) like.
is this only for europe?
@xj0462
Nope, its avaible in Japan and USA too.
But i dont know when it will be removed in Japan or USA (maybe its already removed)
@shinokami at school they never teached it. A giant round man that was shaped like a beach ball teached IT.
I'm too old to go to school.
When I was at college they only teached things like Microsoft Visual Basic I hated it, Object oriented programming, which didn't really help at all.
The only real reason I like IT is because video games are made.
this country sucks, err UK
@KirbyKirbyKirby
The problem is computing education as a whole in the UK, and the USA. Unfortunately, topics such as Visual Basic are taught which is the result of a lobbying effort by Microsoft, and education is all taught on Windows PCs. It doesn't prepare people for the workplace, which is much more diverse in terms of programming, and while there is nothing wrong with Windows PCs, they are somewhat limiting, they lock you into the Windows platform. Projects such as the Raspberry Pi are opening up computer programming to many more people, however, and thankfully schools are embracing this.
I would say that there is actually nothing wrong with object oriented programming, what I think deterred you from enjoying this type of programming was probably Visual Basic. You should have a look at the Python project. It's good as a broad introduction, and the Pygame project makes simple game programming quite straightforward, if that's your cup of tea.
I took a java programming class in college, so I thought I could figure this out myself. Unfortunately, I couldn't figure it out. In class, they showed us exactly where to input the code, what the code meant, and how to run the program. I couldn't figure any of that out within the Petit Computer app. I wanna give it another try, though.
It seems I'm not the only one worried about info regarding this.
@BlackSpy Yeah, I've made a few games. I have an original arcade game, though I never finished it as I ran out of ideas after I finished the first level... It's still very playable though. I've also made a simple shoot 'em up boss battle type thing, where you battle a giant, floating, evil baby head, (Don't ask ) and right now I'm working on recreating Chip's Challenge. (Although I'll never get around to recreating all of the original levels, probably only like 15 or 30 or something like that.)
So yeah, Petit Computer has kept me really busy!
I am still intimidated by the concept. I have always wanted to learn BASIC though so if this has some form of tutoring I won't be able to pass it up.
Oh...for the longest time I thought this was just a cheap app for the DS that just gives you a calculator. Guess this is something that I should try!
Heh, I've been waiting since 2012 for this to be released in Australia and now there's news it's being removed in other regions.
The European eShop?!?!?
It came out here??! I've been searching tireless for any evidence that this was the case and eventually gave up hope....
@ZenTurtle
I just read everything you wrote and I've never thought of it like that before.
The reason I found object oriented programming confusing
One of the teachers at the time said she said if you get stuck press F1. She's long gone now.
Another teacher at the time said object oriented, It can be like putting a plaster on and more platers on to fix more patches.
Raspberrypi I wish they teached it before Just looked and it looks amazing.
Python project the videos on the site look pretty good. I see a lot of instructions which I like too.
@Pod
The DSi version arrived in Europe on 25th July 2013.
@ZenTurtle
Ah, alright, thank you. Now I'm a little disappointed that I've been missing out for so long. None of the sites I follow reported on the EU release, and I don't check up on the DSi store all that often.
Impatiently waiting for the 3DS version, of course! And for the new 3DS too, by the way
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