Nintendo Unveils The Nintendo DSi

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:

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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