Gaming on a jet plane

DS-toting travelers rejoice: Nintendo sampled a new use for your DS at last month’s Aircraft Interiors Expo USA.

Last month, Nintendo brought a sample of their Nintendo Travel Network to the first Aircraft Interiors Expo USA. (As much of a big deal the Aircraft Interiors Expo is, I’m sure, no one from GotGame actually went- details come from The Cranky Flier.)

Similar to the Nintendo Fan Network available at Seattle Mariner’s games, DS travelers would be able to tap into the Nintendo Travel Network on board to access flight information, airport services, destination info, in-flight shopping, and stream movies.

Pic from Brett Snyder of The Cranky Flier.

Some airlines already offer similar services. Delta, for example, has flights with built-in touch screens that can do nearly all of this already. This would be a huge improvement for airlines that skip in-flight entertainment to shave costs, such as JetBlue, which doesn’t even offer movies.

In my personal traveling experience, using my DS has earned me pre-flight glares from flight attendants, demanding I turn it off when I’m only half-way through with the gym leader holding my last Pokémon badge. But maybe that’s just my luck

While gamers aren’t the typical frequent-flier demographic, I’m excited for another use for the handheld that’s always in my carry on. And assistance ignoring the kid that’s kicking my seat.