SmileBASIC (3DS eShop)

I just saw it on the website http://smilebasic.com/en/
This is going to be huge, not just for programming but also for sharing games created on the system itself.

@GAMEandASH I think you're really, really overestimating the appeal of something like this. There are much better technologies these days for introducing people to programming, and even for creating simple shareable games (although maybe not on the 3DS). Other methods also don't require typing code on a touch-screen, which is definitely not an ideal instrument.

I think that this will be great and I'm very excited for it's release this year. This will allow me to make some sweet 3D games on my portable 3DS. Already very sweet having the DSIware one.

My overall opinion is good for this one. After some time with Petit Computer previously, I am liking all of the new 3DS-exclusive options (although I cannot test the Circle Pro options, as I'm still on a regular 3DS XL). 3D text and graphics, in particular, seem to work very well and are easy to implement (with Z-plane settings). Having each program project and assets in their own separate folders is also a nice feature, as Petit really got cluttered up with everything pooled into the same memory space.

If there is anything I would criticize about it, it would be the lack of the old QR code reader, as SmileBASIC is now locked into its "public key" cloud system for up- and downloading programs. I think it puts a clock on usefulness, since if and when the cloud server goes down, sharing programs online would become nearly impossible without retyping code and reproducing graphics.

Other than that, I would give this program a recommendation not just to budding programmers but also anyone who wants access to games that SmileBASIC programming wizards will eventually come up with.

Edit: So apparently, SmileBASIC does have a way to get code transferred ... the "PetitModem" program, which transfers code from your 3DS to your PC via a two-way plug-in between the 3DS headphone and the A/V Input jack on your PC soundcard. It's interesting to see analog sound data recording being used again, since this was also the same medium for saving BASIC programs on older computer to cassette tape back in the '70s and '80s. Still, I miss the QR reader part.

@ThomasBW84 Hey, just curious, are you guys going to be reviewing SmileBASIC?

Does anyone know how to contact the creators of SmileBASIC? I want to know if they have any updates on the release date.

Europe...

australia... (as far as i'm aware)