MusicRadar

DS-10 puts a classic analogue synth in a handheld console.

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While games such as Guitar Hero demonstrate that the boundaries between video games and music making applications are blurring, up until now, no established synth manufacturer had authorised a console version of one of its products.

That’s all changed at Musikmesse 08, though, where a company called AQ Interactive is showcasing what appears to be an officially sanctioned version of Korg’s MS-10 for the Nintendo DS.

Known, predictably enough, as the Korg DS-10, this features two patchable, dual-oscillator analogue synth emulations. There’s a four-part drum machine, too, while the inclusion of a six-track, 16-step sequencer means that the software can be used not just to create sounds, but also to produce finished tracks.

It’s even possible to add effects to your mixes – delay, chorus and flanger processors are included. Control of the DS-10 is via the DS’s stylus, which we suspect will make entering notes and tweaking knobs very easy.

We have to say that the prospect of having a full-on synth inside a portable games console is pretty exciting, but what we don’t know is whether the DS-10 will get a proper worldwide release. AQ Interactive’s website seems to indicate that the product will be ‘for Japan only’ – it’ll be launched in July 2008 and cost 4,800 YEN. We can only hope that someone will see fit to distribute it in other countries, too.

For now, we suggest that you take a listen to what the DS-10 can do or watch this demo. We think you’ll be impressed.