Skype is ‘Technically Possible’ on the DSi

As much as I’ve been puzzled by the rampant, unstoppable, worldwide success of the Nintendo DS, this bit of news makes me think the little devil machine may prove to be useful after all. Sure, a few thousand games of touchscreen Sudoku are great, but VOIP chat? That’s just a whole new level of practicality right there.

TechRadar got all curious when Nintendo said that they were developing mobile phone capabilities, so they decided to find out exactly just what that meant. They logically turned to Skype, whose technology seems like a snug fit for the DS, and what they got was an all-but confirmation of their suspicions.

“Skype is extending its lead with a focus on rapid innovation, which delivers the new features and products people want, and by integrating Skype software and services into other open platforms with recent examples including the Skype application for the iPhone and iPod Touch, Intel-based MIDs, Nokia N97, and a Lite version of Skype for Java-enabled mobile phones.”

Most interestingly (and pertinently) the Skype rep added: “Whilst we can’t comment on any future plans to bring Skype to Nintendo’s DSi, it would technically be possible.”

For those of you who don’t know how to speak PR, “can’t comment” means “we’re totally doing it but we can’t say so please accept this verbal equivalent of a wink.”

Now, I wonder, if we could get some effective camera functionality going on the DSi, could we see the first widespread use of device to device video chat like I’ve cleverly photoshopped above? Get on that Miyamoto.