Rumor: Nintendo pushing devs to work on "apps" for DSi

Nintendo is currently working on it's own application strategy similar to iPod, iPhone and other mobile games.
That's according to Develop sources.

During the Nintendo Developer Conference in London this week, the site heard that the gaming giant has a plan to push developers towards "producing short-form content for its new DSi handheld".

The device will allow access to both the DS Shop and DSi Ware, which will contain shorter applications for games and non-gaming related apps.

"Our team sees this as an exciting and major app strategy for the DSi," said one of the sources.

"Nintendo is keen to have developers offering all kinds of software once the DSi store fully launches for access in Europe and America," added another.

"Given the advanced functions in the DSi, such as the microphone and camera, the company told us that there are a variety of opportunities for a variety of apps, both in a games sense and a non-games sense, that we could offer."

It is speculated that Satoru Iwata's keynote at GDC next week will touch on this. We will let you know for sure: we'll be there.