WiFi sniffer turns your DS into a wardriving tool

Where would we be without the homebrew community, who snaz up our gadgets and humorously frustrate The Man at the same time? The latest little tool to emerge from the 'brewers' bag of tricks is a program called DS2Key (for Nintendo DS, duh), which features a "Wardriving" app (using the DSWifi programming library by Stephen Stair) that displays the SSID, WEP status, MAC addresses, and signal strength for whatever WLANs happen to be broadcasting nearby. Auto-refresh means that while you're driving around, um, looking to help your neighbors beef up their network security (i.e. "it's not a virus, it's a proof-of-concept"), DS2Key automatically updates all pertinent info. Shine on you crazy coders, shine on- touching is good, but free broadband is better.

[Via DS Fanboy]

[Christian Jesperson @ Jan 22nd 2006 6:35PM]

The PSP can do the same thing, minus the auto-refresh out of the box. Big Deal!!!

[Stephen Armbruster @ Jan 22nd 2006 6:49PM]

I thought DS2Key was was a gamepad emulator: http://www.1emulation.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=16818

[CowTipper @ Jan 22nd 2006 6:49PM]

The DS can do it, Whats the big deal about the PSP being able to do it. Are you that upset that something intresting has been done on the DS also??

[Ipaqmaster @ Dec 14th 2008 7:46PM]

the ds is most likely modified/chiped with an m3,cyclo o r4 .etc

[eLegant @ Jan 22nd 2006 6:55PM]

... But the DS doesn't smell.

[Nuno Sousa @ Jan 22nd 2006 7:11PM]

@Christian Jesperson:
Yay. If I had a DS I'd sell it just cause the PSP can do it. Or better yet, since I'm planning to buy a DS, I'll buy the PSP instead. pffffft

[rodents @ Jan 22nd 2006 7:20PM]

does a wardriver find out the wep pass, or no

sorry, i'm too lazy to google, and don't have wifi to twiddle and hack with

[Peter McCaffrey @ Jan 22nd 2006 7:27PM]

would be good if we had any wireless networks here :D

Peter

[Steve Louissaint @ Jan 22nd 2006 7:35PM]

Please stop with the fanboy BS......

[heat @ Jan 22nd 2006 7:47PM]

PSP=WASTE OF TECHNOLOGY,
MONEY,
etc.

[Chris @ Jan 22nd 2006 8:22PM]

PSP=WASTE OF TECHNOLOGY,
MONEY,
etc.


Then don't buy one.

[JCollum @ Jan 22nd 2006 8:23PM]

Well I hate em both so nyah nyah nyah. Give me my Gizmondo!!!!!!!!!!

[adrian @ Jan 22nd 2006 8:24PM]

"while you're driving around, um, looking to help your neighbors beef up their network security"

Yeah, we'll go with that. :whistle: :lol:

While I was using my brother's PSP, I was able to get a steady stream of wifi connections for about 10 miles.

[TheYak @ Jan 22nd 2006 8:32PM]

Just to set the record straight, the ds2key program gains that functionality by default from using Steven Stair's DS Wifi Library. The homebrew scene for the DS has come leaps and bounds since its release to the public (thought I should correct my oversight here from the 3DGPU thread the image is linked from).

[Bob @ Jan 22nd 2006 9:06PM]

So, what does this mean? Why not just get the PSP?

[Monk @ Jan 22nd 2006 9:19PM]

Well, if you're into games, you'd obviously choose the DS. The PSP is a shiny media gadget, and not a very good one because of the limited storage.

[Brian Flowers @ Jan 22nd 2006 9:47PM]

"Well, if you're into games, you'd obviously choose the DS"
...Unless you aren't a 12 year old nintendo fanboy...
Actually, no, I shouldn't say anything...never seen a DS...but the PSP is pretty nice, the games are better than what the friggin' gamecube has, so...
Either way, portables suck...just get a laptop...it will not only find the networks, but it'll crack the WEP too :-P

[Grant @ Jan 22nd 2006 10:22PM]

"the games are better than what the friggin' gamecube has, so..."

So...

RE4, Metroid Prime 1+2, SSB:M, Zelda:WW+TP, Viewtiful Joe, Eternal Darkness, F-Zero, Pikmin 1+2, Super Monkey Ball, Paper Mario, Mario Kart, Skies of Arcadia, Tales of Symphonia, Animal Crossing, Fire Emblem, and tons of other awesome games DON'T surpass the PSP's meager lineup of PS2 ports? The GC's lineup completely destroys the DS+PSP's linups COMBINED. It's undeniable.

Next time try dissing a system you have actually played.

[Ka-Blammo @ Jan 22nd 2006 10:55PM]

maybe this is a stupid question, so don't throw flames at me if it is - but does the DS have a web-browser?

[gritts @ Sep 29th 2008 12:53AM]

Yes, Opera has a browser for the DS.

http://www.opera.com/products/devices/nintendo/

[Alex Ramirez @ Jan 22nd 2006 10:58PM]

"The PSP can do the same thing, minus the auto-refresh out of the box. Big Deal!!!"

Well 5 million people have the DS and I'm one of them, so its a big deal for me, I can't afford a beatiful piece of technology as the PSP for a couple of good games.

[Stephen Armbruster @ Jan 22nd 2006 11:04PM]

No, it doesn't have a web browser, but it may be possible as a hack.

[johnny @ Jan 22nd 2006 11:31PM]

I thought DS2Key was was a gamepad emulator

http://www.gadioc.com/gadgets/sony-confirms-ps3-live/

[Bob @ Jan 22nd 2006 11:38PM]

With a web browser, you have access to all the online games in flash. I still think the PSP is a better choice.

[Monk @ Jan 23rd 2006 12:10AM]

Is it just me, or do all of the posts blasting the DS for being a kiddie toy sound like they're coming from children? Based on the fanboy posts, it seems the PSP is the real kid's toy.

[jesus @ Jan 23rd 2006 12:30AM]

psp fanboys stop crying just cuz you werent in the spot light,psp is over rated. might as well just stop making games and turn it in to a mini dvd player.

[AceMilo @ Jan 23rd 2006 12:34AM]

I have both a psp and a ds, and I can honestly say that the psp is pure crap. The games for it are HORRIBLE. Its basically useless as a multimedia device since the memory is so damned expensive. If it had a hd or used more common (read: cheaper) memory it may be worth it, but spending that much on memory is a waste, and you can't encode your own stuff in its native res without some hacking. The only alternative is buying umd movies, which I refuse to do. I will NOT buy my movies twice, period. If I buy a movie, it will be on dvd where I can watch it whereever I want and encode it onto whatever device I want, including the psp. Spending more money on a umd than on a dvd with less features and can only be used on 1 device is completely useless and idiotic imo. The games on the ds are just plain fun, psp games are complete rehashes of ps2 games that are overpriced ($50) compared to their ps2 versions. I'd rather have new and innovate stuff than old rehashes.

[Shane Ocana @ Jan 23rd 2006 1:29AM]

Ummmm... I don't think so. The PSP does have a HDD 4GB that sells for under $100 with an extended battery pack. Using the freeware PSPVideo 9, you can encode all of your DVD's to fit easily onto your PSP (I got 6 movies to fit on the HDD with almost 1 GB left for pictures and music.) I also own a DS, and while I believe it's a solid piece of equipment, the game line-up seems to be directed towards the kids. I am a fan of more mature titles like GTA:LCS (kicks ass). My PSP can do way more than My DS, even though I cant get homebrew programs to work on it anymore, thanks to Sony's Firmware updates :o(
So, in conclusion, if you're into watching movies, showing off pics, playing games designed for adults, streaming web-video, listening to your music on the go, and web browsing all from the same device, get the PSP.
Or if you're into "Nintendogs", get a DS, lol.

[Lilricky @ Jan 23rd 2006 1:36AM]

Uh, if you're wardriving, doesnt that mean you already have a laptop with a wireless card? which is a much better tool to detect wireless networks. Why in the h*11 would you need a DS or PSP for that matter, give me netstumbler anyday.

[Aux @ Jan 23rd 2006 1:53AM]

Anyone complaining about which handheld gaming system is better then the other is just plain gay anyhow.

[jesus @ Jan 23rd 2006 2:41AM]

shane you mean if your into 50 dollar games that suck and would hardly want to play for more than an hour and movies that you probably already bought on dvd and pictures? how gay is that look at me i carry pictures around."(I got 6 movies to fit on the HDD with almost 1 GB left for pictures and music." so basicly you use your psp for moives and music hmmmmm what ever you do when your out of your house must be pretty boring if you have to watch all those movies. you didnt even mention games which im seeing less and less of and like a thousand of movies. its funny, you upgrading your psp and buying memory (which i dont need) just to turn your psp in to a video ipod ohhh.... i mean a obsolete video ipod of course wouldnt want to give the impression the the psp and video ipod are equal.

[Derrick @ Jan 23rd 2006 2:58AM]

Well, this is probably something that will make the DS more sellable. I'm glad the tech people are not ignoring the DS.

[EM081L3 @ Jan 23rd 2006 3:07AM]

WOW PSP fankiddies are really upset that you can get a video iPod (which can hold all 5 sessions of Family Guy, 5 full length movies, and hold more then 1500 song with still more then 13 gigs left) and a DS and have more fun then watching a rebought movie with $50 games ... I can do the same thing with a Xbox 360 and not need to buy the DVD movies again ... screw price since the PSP fankiddies have enough of daddies money to buy a PSP and a bunch of pointless games that you can just get a PS2 for ...

Yes I have a 30gb Video iPod, a DS and a Xbox 360 and see absolutly no point in buying a PSP and yes I have played it alot and played most of the games and they all suck ... plus I get the same PSP scratches and fingerprints on my iPod ...

Done.

[EM081L3 @ Jan 23rd 2006 3:11AM]

Oh and for the 4gb PSP HDD comment ... 30gb iPod and 20gb 360 HDD ... nuf said.

[Firegryphon @ Jan 23rd 2006 3:26AM]

Oh and... this looks like a very nice tool. I wonder just how easy the homebrew tools are.

[Megamatt @ Jan 23rd 2006 3:37AM]

Anyways, on the PSP vs DS side, i have both and honestly i say i like them both. I bought the DS because of Castlevania and resident evil. I bought the PSP because of metal gear and homebrew apps. There are reasons why we buy systems and why we have them. Dont start flaming because you think the *system name here* is crap. If you dont like it then fine. I have both, i own both and i play whichever one i want when im in the mood. Your opinions about which system is better dont matter to us and if you dont like it dont support it. Dont go on ranting about it because all in all its just a waste of time. Opinions are like assholes, everone has one and what comes out of our ass? SHIT. So basically this is a useless never, ending ware. Oh and by the way, i completely support homebrew 100%. Even though the psp has this feature, not everyone has psp's and we need to see peoples creativity. This is awsome work. This is the start of something innovative for the DS so keep up the good work guys!!!

[kenshin3000 @ Jan 23rd 2006 3:51AM]

yeah, i want that HDD for the psp, post up that link

[DarkFader @ Jan 23rd 2006 5:14AM]

You can hook up a microdrive to DS too using the movieplayer cartridge.

[Rence @ Jan 23rd 2006 7:09AM]

WEP encryption is for suckers.. and SSID broadcasting turned on isn't very wise either..

[Justin @ Jan 23rd 2006 10:26AM]

#38

SSID broadcast is not a security issue.
http://www.dslreports.com/faq/11468

[Sean @ Jan 23rd 2006 10:55AM]

@fanboys

I have both a DS and a PSP and lots of people who come over every day. I must say the DS gets much more action, I have to recharge it all the time and the DS gets more battery life! But you know why? I have a GBA flash cartrage with SNES and NES games emulated for it, thats what everyone plays. The PSP games require more effort and time the DS you can just pick up and play and pass around.

@article

A laptop would obviously be a much more usefull wardriving tool then you could actually utilize the connections you are detecting and even crack them. This seems more like a hack to me: one just to show that they (the progger and the DS) have the skills to do it.

[iomatic @ Jan 23rd 2006 12:04PM]

...

Tell you what, kids.

I'll set the record straight. Yeah, both platforms have homebrew, yadda, yadda, -- whatever. They have strengths and weaknesses.

My kids both have DSs (magnet program education, excellent reading and writing skills, physically fit, etc.).

We also have a PSP. But they simply beg to use the PSP -- even with its limited selection of games and UMDs, while the DSs with more games sit around gathering dust.

We use it to control iTunes via CoverBuddy, check a quick gmail (granted, the browser is like 1999 speeds and while mostly compliant, at least more so than IE.) The DS interface is weak, but it's got an alarm clock! :(

Sigh. Bottom line, my kids and I both like the PSP for its extensibility, and the DSs are really great alarm clocks.

...

--bottom line--

[Ben @ Jan 23rd 2006 12:53PM]

auto refresh is nice i'm afraid.

psp just doesn't have that.

worldpeace,
ben

[turkey monkey @ Jan 23rd 2006 4:56PM]

this is known as "wario driving"

[Ken Fager @ Jan 23rd 2006 5:37PM]

Hey #40, I have both a PSP and DS too. It is easier to find people with DS to play against. Plus they don't have to necessarily have the game. My DS gets 10 times the amount of play.

[Xraided @ Jan 23rd 2006 7:20PM]

I can usually find a few players for Mario Kart during my lectures. If I got wireless on campus, it would be really cool, now we can play online.

If you're looking for games get a DS and maybe a PSP when GranTurismo comes out.
If you're looking for multimedia, get an Archos, ipods are overpriced for what little they can do, don't even consider a PSP.

[Syl-la-ble @ Jan 23rd 2006 10:12PM]

PSP is an overpriced adult "status" toy. Wow you have GTA (albeit a slightly gimped version of it, which was already gimped as far as Rockstar's shallow adult content over GAMEPLAY philosophy goes)....I

[Jazzay @ Jan 23rd 2006 10:36PM]

Just to add my input to the flame war, Burnout for PSP is a blast, i can play that all day, and GTA looks pretty fun, and the mini games on Mario are quite entertaining, I carry my PSP around with me everywhere, its nice to be able to pull it out of my jacket, play a race or two, and keep on my way.

As for iPod video vs. PSP, i have the 1gig stick on my PSP with 2 full length movies and enough battery to watch both (shocking!) honestly, what good is it to have 30gigs of movies if you only watch half of one? i can change the movies on the PSP quite quickly, i have a ZenMicro (+altoids case, w00t) for music and that does me fine. Its not a lot to carry, i have lots of pockets :)

Point is, there are these wonderful things called preferances and opinions, and you are entitled to you own, Nintendo nor Sony is going to give you anything for you endorsing them, but no one is stopping you from justifying your purchases, but they do find it annoying.

[Tim Fox @ Jan 24th 2006 8:09PM]

"25. I have both a psp and a ds, and I can honestly say that the psp is pure crap. The games for it are HORRIBLE. Its basically useless as a multimedia device since the memory is so damned expensive. If it had a hd or used more common (read: cheaper) memory it may be worth it, but spending that much on memory is a waste, and you can't encode your own stuff in its native res without some hacking. The only alternative is buying umd movies, which I refuse to do. I will NOT buy my movies twice, period. If I buy a movie, it will be on dvd where I can watch it whereever I want and encode it onto whatever device I want, including the psp. Spending more money on a umd than on a dvd with less features and can only be used on 1 device is completely useless and idiotic imo. The games on the ds are just plain fun, psp games are complete rehashes of ps2 games that are overpriced ($50) compared to their ps2 versions. I'd rather have new and innovate stuff than old rehashes."

YES. I have both the PSP and DS, and I would say the DS is MUCH better. I never play my PSP anymore, because the games are so expensive! :| Why would I pay $50 for a portable game when i can get a console version with more features for the same price? I am about to sell my PSP for $200. Hoo-ray. I love my DS. *hug* >_>

[Rander @ Jan 26th 2006 5:27PM]

If you want to pretend you're not 14 years old, either phisically or mentally, and want other 14 year olds to think you're grown up, and then go to the internet and write about how grown up yor stuff is cause it has violence and sex, you go and but a PSP, cause magazines and tv says it's mature to buy PSP, so it must be true and no one will doubt your maturity when you say you're mature because you own a PSP, after all that's what mature adults buy when they want a portable console, because if it doesnt have goth-emo antiheroes who blast prostitutes in the chest it's not mature.