DS gets wordplay, Japanese-English dictionary

Kanji Sonomama Rakubiki Jiten

was released for the DS in Japan today, bringing an affordable electronic Japanese-English dictionary to the masses. KSRJ's major selling point is its stylus functionality, allowing users to input kanji (stroke-sensitive) and kana onto the touch screen. Japan Chronicles compared Nintendo's new toy tool to Canon's pricey ($299–$470) Wordtank V80 Chinese-Japanese-English dictionary, which also allows kanji inputs via a stylus. Here's what the site liked about KSRJ:

• Price*

• Same J-to-E and E-to-J dictionaries

• Word search by kanji

• English pronunciation

• Very readable, especially on a DS Lite

• Easy-to-use search history

• Useful quiz modes

• World clock

• Calendar

Here's what Wordtank V80 does better:

• Vastly superior navigation

• Superior Japanese dictionary (Super Daijirin vs. Meiky%u014D)

• Includes Chinese dictionary, as well as dedicated English and Kanji dictionaries

• Stylus-controlled navigation

• Includes real (not virtual) keyboard

*We're not sure what the official retail price for the dictionary software is, but we found KSRJ for as low as $48 at goldenshop.com.hk.