The Nintendo DSi’s Japanese release is getting close.  Today the results of a Japanese group survey were released which breaks down how consumers feel about the DSi.  The focus group consisted of 81% men and 16% women with an average age of 26.28 years old.  I am surprised there wasn’t a more even divide among the sexes.  During my time in Japan, I think I saw more women playing their DSs than men.  It could have to do with the PSP release of Monster Hunter Portable 2nd G which the emperor himself insisted that everyone purchase.  Anyway, here are the results:

• 40.7% Say they will not purchase the DSi
• 29.4% Say they will wait and see before buying
• 26.2% Say they are undecided
• 3.6% Say they will buy it right away

When asked which of the DSi’s new features the individuals found most desirable, the following was the group’s findings:

• 30.8% The larger screen
• 29.5% Nintendo DS Ware
• 15.1% The built in camera feature
• 11.6% DSi sound
• 3.4% SD memory card slot

When it comes to the color, there was little to choose from with only black and white.  Some members of the study group express their disappointment with such a lack in color selections, although they prefer the matte finish which eliminates those nasty fingerprints.

• 53.4% Black
• 45.9% White

I think these results are a pretty accurate reflection of my feelings on the DSi as well.  I am not in any hurry to buy it, but I am intrigued.  I am a bit shocked that the larger screen beat out Nintendo DS Ware.  I think that the DS Ware has the greatest potential when it comes to the system’s attraction over the old DS.  A .25″ screen size increase may just be a bit tough for me to really imagine…

The DSi is set to hit shelves in Japan on November 1st, and already they are popping up on sites like eBay.  The great thing about the DSi (and its games) is region freedom, meaning if you buy a Japanese DSi, it’ll be pretty much exactly the same as the ones that will go on sale in the US who-knows-when.  The only difference really is about $100 you have to pay the middle-men getting it to you.  The going price is around $300 in contrast to the DSi’s official price of 18,900 yen, which is closer to $200.

If you are interested in purchasing one, they are also available at Play-Asia at the standard gouging price of $299.99.  They have both black and white.

Related Entries:
Nintendo Unveils The Nintendo DSi