Dual Another System — cing

Dual Another System (DAS), also known in Trace Memory as Dual Trace System (DTS), is a handheld device that was invented by Richard Robbins and a key item in the Another Code series. It has several functions, such as the ability to take photos, receive messages from Richard's network, and store information. The system is locked to the biometric data of Ashley Mizuki Robbins, meaning that only she is able to use it. In Two Memories, Ashley is sent the first model of the DAS, which her father invented. In A Journey into Lost Memories, Ashley is sent a newer, more slim model.

The sequel, Journey into Lost Memories, was not released in America, and therefore only refers to the system as the DAS. Another Code: Recollection sticks with DAS internationally, thus deviating from the original American localization.

Function & Design

he original DAS featured in Two Memories resembles the original DS, whereas the original one in A Journey into Lost Memories

Another Code: Two Memories

The DAS is made to resemble a Nintendo DS handheld system on which the game was released, and is also named after it (DS stands for both "Developer's System" and "Dual Screen", and is often colloquially named the "Dual System").

The DAS acts as the player's menu, from which they can access several functions:

Spoiler warning! This article or section reveals major plot details below.

Saving the game
Looking at the items in Ashley's possession.
Reading messages found on DAS/DTS cards (which resemble DS game cards).
Camera & gallery. While they are on a searchable area, the player is able to take photos of the area with the DAS. They can then closely inspect the photo as well as juxtapose with another one. This feature is used to solve various puzzles.
A unique function which allows access to "Another II", and is only unlocked and utilized after a certain point in the story.

Spoilers end here.

At the beginning of the game, the player is told to hold their index finger onto the circle on the touch screen, so that their "fingerprint can be scanned", to simulate Ashley unlocking the DAS.

Another Code: R - A Journey into Lost Memories

Render of the DAS from Another Code: R — Render of the DAS from *Another Code: R*

The DAS is more slim, closely resembling the Nintendo DSi, which was released between Two Memories and A Journey into Lost Memories. This device has the same purpose as the prior game, however it has less of an essential role. There are several differences and additions, such as:

Spoiler warning! This article or section reveals major plot details below.

The finger biometric scan is replaced by a facial scan of Ashley's face.
"Items" are no longer a DAS feature.
Messages are no longer found on DAS cards, but are instead sent wirelessly to the DAS.
"Options" allows the player to change the game's text and audio settings.
A character tree with details about known people, and their connections to each other. Said information changes as the player progresses in the game.
Story summaries for what has happened so far, in each chapter.
A unique function titled "Connect", which allows access to J.C. Valley security camera feeds. This feature is unlocked late in the game.

Spoilers end here.

Another Code: Recollection

The design of the DAS is based on the Nintendo Switch. It's also the least strikingly similar to Nintendo hardware out of the bunch, sporting a futuristic look.

It has the same functions as the original DAS, as well as functions from Another Code: R which include:

The ability to take photos with the front/back camera which the player can view during gameplay.
The character tree containing information about known people, and their connections to each other.

Alongside this design change, several features have been removed or changed.

Artwork & Screenshots

Another Code: Two Memories

Another Code: R - A Journey into Lost Memories

Another Code: Recollection

Trivia

While it's never seen in gameplay, the 3D model of the DAS in Two Memories does have a camera on its back, making it the only visual indicator of the device's ability to take pictures. It's unknown why the sprites do not reflect this.
In Another Code: R, Mrs. Graham refers to the DAS as the "Das" after Ashley talks about it. This opens to interpretation that "DAS" could be pronounced as a word rather than by individual letters (similar to how the "DS" is pronounced). This contrasts with the American localization of Two Memories, as "DTS" lacks this pronunciation. It is also possible that the characters interchange pronunciations, akin to the "SNES" (Super Nintendo Entertainment System) being pronounced as "Snes", or spelled out.
- In Another Code: Recollection, it is also referred to as the "Das", which reinforces this interpretation.