Nintendo consoles have often found themselves reinterpreted as musical instruments. Mario Paint on the SNES featured a Composer feature that was whole-heartedly adopted by experimental artists, while Polish outfit Gameboyzz Orchestra (now Mikroochestra) constructed manic blipcore out of converted Game Boys.
Now, Nintendo, is making the link official. The company has teamed up with synth manufacturer, Korg, to bring a version of the classic DS-10 synthesizer to Nintendo DS. Developed by AQ Interactive, Cavia and Procyon Studio (and released back in July in Japan), the application uses the touch interface to recreate all the controls of the original. From the UK press release:
As you compose, work your way around the synthesizer using the replication of the original KORG MS-10 interface spread across the duel screens of the Nintendo DS. Create the sound of your choice using the Touch Screen: through switching interruptors; modifying drumbeats by drawing marks; or editing the synthesizer tone colour by tweaking knobs and connecting patch cables between the jacks on the Synthesizer Patch Panel, With the ability to save up to 18 different sessions, continue to develop and build electro tunes over time and even connect to fellow musicians' consoles through the wireless connection function to work on a project together.
It's an interesting project and something that's bound to be enthusiastically adopted by blipcore merchants. Plus, having once edited Korg's official magazine without ever having touched one of the products, or indeed any synth, I'm looking forward to it too. Next up, an 808 drum machine?
It's out on October 10. Here's the official website.
