PictoChat: The Unofficial Comeback of a Classic Messaging App

Overview of New iOS App Inspired by PictoChat

• A recently unveiled iOS application mimics the beloved PictoChat messaging service from the Nintendo DS.
• PicoChat for iMessage, while unofficial, features pixelated emojis and elements that fans of the original will surely recognize.

Nostalgia continues to thrive as a new iOS app reminiscent of PictoChat, a widely enjoyed messaging platform that launched alongside the Nintendo DS, has hit the market. Although the Nintendo DS remains a notable handheld console more than 20 years post-release, it retains a dedicated community of enthusiasts.

Originally introduced in 2004, the Nintendo DS brought innovation to handheld gaming with features such as a built-in microphone, wireless capabilities, and dual LCD screens, including a touchscreen on the lower display. Pre-installed on the Nintendo DS, DS Lite, and DSi consoles, the PictoChat messaging service enabled up to sixteen users to engage in text conversations, create art, and even design flip books. While its successor, Swapnote, made a brief appearance on the Nintendo 3DS, it lacked true instant messaging functionality. The 2016 iteration, Swapdoodle, also failed to attract a substantial following. Now, two decades later, fans can relive the cherished memories of Nintendo’s iconic messaging application.

The newly released PicoChat for iMessage, which was highlighted by Overkill, allows users to send messages that harken back to the days of PictoChat. Developed by indie creator Idrees Hassan, this app includes features that would delight nostalgic players, including pixel-style emojis. However, it is important to note that the app is not currently available for Android devices, though there remains hope within the community for a potential release in the near future. As interest in Nintendo DS games persists, many enthusiasts are advocating for more classic titles to become available on contemporary platforms.

Rediscovering PictoChat: A Nostalgic Experience on Modern Devices

Remember pulling out your Nintendo DS on the bus and messaging your friends over PictoChat? To bring that feeling back, I made “PicoChat”for iMessage! It’s free and open-source (of course), so give it a try and let me know what you think! apps.apple.com/us/app/picoc… — Idrees 💽 (@idreesinc.com) 2025-02-26T14:41:24.177Z

Despite the passage of time and the introduction of new gaming hardware, the Nintendo DS continues to capture the public’s attention. Recently, indie gaming enthusiasts successfully adapted the famous roguelike Balatro for DS, and gamers have also figured out how to play classic DS titles on the Steam Deck. As of 2025, the Nintendo DS, encompassing all its models, boasts a staggering combined sales number of over 154 million units, solidifying its status as the second-best-selling video game console of all time, following the PlayStation 2.

With the announcement of the Nintendo Switch 2 in January, excitement is building among fans for what the next generation of gaming consoles will offer. Promising features include magnetic Joy-Cons and an optical sensor, as well as backward compatibility with existing Switch titles. More information is expected to be disclosed during a dedicated Nintendo Direct presentation scheduled for April 2, 2025.

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