Expand your DS

While Nintendo seems happy selling the DS as simply a gaming device, plenty of other companies are emerging who think it could do more.

There's certainly potential, if you compare what's on offer for the DS with Sony’s PSP; you can now buy a huge 8GB memory stick for PSP, and use Sony's handheld to listen to thousands of MP3s, or watch films and TV programmes you’ve transfered from your PC.

Well soon (if you have deep pockets), you’ll be able to do the same with your DS. UK company Datel has come up with its 4GB Max Media Player. One part of it plugs into your DS’ GBA game slot, while the other plugs into the DS game slot, enabling you to listen to music or look at pictures, or watch TV and films.

Of course to do that, you’ll first have to transfer the files from your PC to DS. You can do this with the supplied USB cable and MAX Media Player software, which will ease the process by converting your TV and films to the correct screen size.

Due for release in early March, the 4GB Max Media Player is priced at $180 (about £100), and will be available from www.datel.co.uk and other online retailers.