If you thought it would be a while before your Nintendo DS Lite became obsolete, you were wrong. Yesterday, at Nintendo’s Fall 2008 conference, the Nintendo DSi was shown to the public. The DSi has a variety of new features which set it apart from it’s predecessor.
The main addition is 2 built-in cameras, as well as some basic photo-editing software which allows users to manipulate images using the stylus. One lens is located on the outer right side of the system, the other in the hinge between the two screens:
To accompany the built-in cameras is an SD card slot which allows users to retain photos and drawings. The amount of space needed to include both the camera and SD slot forced Nintendo to do away with the GBA slot which is included with the standard Nintendo DS–a worthy sacrifice perhaps. I think I may have used the GBA slot 3 times since I purchased my DS Lite.
Here is a rundown of some of the other new features of the Nintendo DSi:
- Screen size increased from 3.00 inches to 3.25 inches
- Size increased from 133×73.9 mm to 137×74.9 mm
- The DSi is now 12% thinner at 18.9 mm in thickness
- All buttons have been raised slightly to be easier to push
- An additional back-light intensity level has been added
- The Nintendo DS’s gloss finish has been replaced with a more “mature” flat finish
Here are a few more photos of the improved system:
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The DSi will be available on November 1st in Japan at a price of 18900 Yen or around $180 USD. It will also feature it’s own online capabilities through a service called DSWare. There users can browse the internet and purchase games, listen to music etc.
I guess it’s a bit exciting that a new DS is in the works, although it is a painful reminder that all systems eventually will be replaced, forcing even more money out of us. While the new features are nice, I think I am happy with my standard DS lite.
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Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 4
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I’m happy with my DS lite, but I’ll probably end up getting this at one point depending on how great the DSware turns out to be or if there’s some must have game that uses the camera. My phone already has a camera, which I never use, and I use it as an mp3 player (also I heard the DSi will use AAC instead, like the Wii) so for now the new features aren’t all that appealing to me, but it’s cool, I guess.
I’m kind of on the fence about the DSi. I can see myself getting one in the future, but right now it’s not really necessary for me. Also, I heard the digital camera is really shitty. The ability to play GBA games doesn’t really matter to me either, since I just use my GBM for that.
Anyone else think the brighter screen is unnecessary? The DS’s screen is already bright enough to burn out your retinas. Though I do like that the DS screen is a bit bigger.
If they put a better digi camera in it, I’m sold.
My Lite is already trashed. I think getting a DSi is necessary at this point.
The camera is only 3 megapixels I believe, which isn’t fantastic. Most decent digital cameras are 6 or higher. It sounds like a feature I wouldn’t really use, like pictochat.
The main feature that makes it worth buying is DSWare. Also, the price is a tad high for me. I may just wait until the DS after this one XD