A wave of nostalgia has hit the App Store with the release of a new iOS app that emulates PictoChat, the beloved messaging service found on the Nintendo DS.  The Nintendo DS, released in 2004, remains a fan favorite known for its dual screens, touchscreen functionality, and innovative features, including the built-in PictoChat application.

PictoChat allowed up to 16 users to connect locally and communicate through text, drawings, and even rudimentary animations. While Nintendo attempted successors like Swapnote on the 3DS, none captured the same charm or widespread adoption as the original PictoChat. Now, two decades later, fans can relive those memories.

The new app, titled PicoChat for iMessage and developed by independent developer Idrees Hassan, replicates the look and feel of the original PictoChat, complete with pixelated emojis.  Discovered by Overkill, the app provides a nostalgic trip back to simpler times, allowing users to exchange messages in the distinct PictoChat style.

While currently exclusive to iOS, the app has sparked interest among Android users hoping for a similar release in the future. The enduring popularity of the Nintendo DS and the fondness for PictoChat highlight the lasting impact of this classic handheld console.

This resurgence of interest in the Nintendo DS comes amidst continued community engagement with the classic hardware.  Recent developments include a mod enabling the indie game Balatro to be played on the DS, as well as methods for playing DS titles on the Steam Deck.  The enduring appeal of the DS is underscored by its impressive sales figures. As of 2025, the combined sales of all DS models have surpassed 154 million units, securing its position as the second best-selling video game system of all time, trailing only the PlayStation 2.

Over the past 20 years, newer hardware has undoubtedly eclipsed the DS, yet the beloved console continues to resurface in gaming news.  This recent PictoChat app release is just another example of the DS’s lasting legacy. The DS's influence can be seen in everything from the continued community engagement to its inspiring features influencing design in modern systems.

Looking ahead, the gaming world anticipates the release of the Nintendo Switch 2, officially announced in January 2025.  The upcoming console will feature magnetic Joy-Cons, an optical sensor, and backward compatibility with existing Switch titles. Nintendo plans to reveal more details about the Switch 2 during a dedicated Nintendo Direct presentation on April 2, 2025.