Nintendo DSi Matte - Black
Enlarge View
- Enjoy the largest screen size, best audio quality and thinnest design of any system in the Nintendo DS family
- Download exclusive games, clocks and calendars via the Nintendo DSi Shop
- Take pictures using either an inward or outward facing camera and chose from 11 different lenses to customize your shots
- Connect wirelessly to browse the internet, share photos and play with others
- Access your music in the AAC format off any standard SD Card
 |
 |
 The DSi external camera in action. View larger. |
 View larger. |
The Nintendo DSi is a high-powered handheld video game system in a sleek, folding design-loaded with features designed to create a unique gaming experience. Like the DS and DS Lite before it, the DSi features Nintendo's trademark stylus-driven touchscreen technology, but determined to make portable gaming simultaneously larger and smaller in all the right places, Nintendo has also created the DSi with significantly larger screens and an even slimmer body design than its earlier cousins. Other features include the ability to snap photos with built-in cameras, edit and send them to friends, play back your music with Nintendo DSi Sound, or browse the Internet with the Nintendo DSi Browser. From playing games to just playing around, the Nintendo DSi does it all.
Features:
The DSi's Two Digital Cameras
The most noticeable feature of the slim Nintendo DSi system are its two cameras - one camera is situated on the external body pointing away from the user, and the second one points at the user when the device is flipped open. As the first truly interactive digital camera in a video game system, the DSi Cameras feature 10 different interactive "lenses" that can manipulate your photos, offering an easy way to take and share your photos with family and friends. The cameras also present people with unprecedented ways to interact with their games, and in the process provide developers with a new tool to devise creative games and experiences. If the touch screen gave Nintendo DS a sense of feel and the microphone allowed it to hear, the two cameras give Nintendo DSi the sense of sight.
DSi Sound
Another enhanced feature is the Nintendo DSi Sound application, which serves as both an interactive voice recorder and music player that allows users to play with their music while they listen to it. Users can access different audio filters or control the pitch and speed of recorded voice or music files to alter voices or change the tempo of a song. The mic is located between the two screens when the device is flipped open, and there is also a stereo headphone output that lets users listen to music saved on an SD card, even with the screen shut.
The DSiWare
In the world of software, Nintendo DSi will be the platform for the most relevant and fun on-the-go games and applications. The Nintendo DSiWare application will populate Nintendo DSi with software that can be downloaded using Nintendo DSi Points directly to the portable system, just as WiiWare has with Nintendo's Wii console. Developers big and small are invited to create software that makes use of the properties and functions of the hardware. Nintendo DSiWare games and applications will be available at a range of values, starting at 200 points.
Games and Backwards Compatibility
In addition to downloadable games, Nintendo DSi is able to play games made specifically for the system and sold at retail. The system can also play most Nintendo DS games, and will have access to a library of more than 850 titles originally made for that system. As an example of the quality of games that DSi players can expect to see both from both Nintendo and third-party game developers, at the launch of the DSi Nintendo is also releasing Rhythm Heaven. A wildly popular rhythm game in Japan, where it has sold nearly 2 million copies since its release in mid 2008, Rhythm Heaven features catchy tunes, charming characters, and a wide variety of rhythm games as it makes maximum use of the DSi's functionality.
Facebook
Nintendo DSi owners have even more ways to share their experiences with friends and family. Using an Internet-connected Nintendo DSi system and the Nintendo DSi Camera application, Facebook members can take pictures with either of the system's two cameras and upload their photos directly to their Facebook profile. While reviewing pictures they've stored in the Nintendo DSi Camera album, which includes photos taken by users and manipulated using the built-in interactive lenses, users can simply tap the Facebook icon on the system's touch screen to instantly transmit photos to the user's Facebook profile. The user's system must be configured to a wireless broadband Internet connection for the transmission of photos.
What's in the Box
Each DSi comes complete with: one Nintendo DSi System, one Nintendo DSi stylus, one Nintendo DSi AC power adapter, an easy start guide, manuals (basic and controls) and a support booklet.
Nintendo DSi Camera
- Two cameras.
- Ten interactive lenses.
- Endless fun for you and your friends.
Nintendo DSi Sound
- Record your voice.
- Play with your voice. Play your music.
- Play with your music.
- An interactive audio player.
Nintendo DSi Shop
- Use your broadband connection to browse the Internet.
- Entertain yourself.
- Entertain your friends.
- Unleash your creativity.
- Download the apps that let you do it all.
DS Download Play
- Download demos.
- Play against friends.
- Connect to the Wii console.
- An easy way to share to the fun.
PictoChat
- Chat locally with friends.
- With pictures.
- Now including rainbows.
Nintendo DSi Technical Specs:
| DSi: | |
| Display: | 3.25 inches |
| Overall size: | Width 137mm, Length 74.9mm, Thickness 18.9mm |
| Power Supply: | AC adapter for Nintendo DSi |
| Weight: | Approx. 214g (with touch pen) |
| Charging time: | Approx. 2 hours and 30 minutes |
| Battery life: | The lowest brightness (9-14 hrs), low brightness (8-12 hours), medium brightness (6-9 hours), high brightness (4-6 hours), highest brightness(3-4 hours) |
| Software: | Software for Nintendo DS, Software for Nintendo DSi. |
| Input-output: | DS card slot, SD memory card slot, AC adapter connection, stereo headphone/mic jack |
- Video Game: 0 pages (2009-04-05)
- Platforms: Nintendo DS
- Publisher: Nintendo
- Label: Nintendo
- Studio: Nintendo
- Average Customer Review: based on 258 reviews
- Sales Rank in Video Games: #99
I'm pretty disappointed about the game selection, there are few games that step outside the virtual pet, Mario, kid-themed box. I guess I should have expected that, and I still like Mario, but it would be nice to see a little more variety. If you're looking for a new console and don't have a DS or DSi, I suggest going with a DS or DSlite, especially if you have a gameboy advanced. The DS/DSlites have a gameboy advanced slot, which allows you to play the cartridges on the console, while the DSi forgoes this feature.
For a first hand held console, I really enjoy the DSi, but I don't think I'll give up my love of SNES or X-box anytime soon.
The DSi has larger, brighter screens than the DS Lite. I believe they are ~40% larger, and a great deal brighter. While you still cant play comfortably in very bright sun light, all other conditions should be covered. This, unfortunately means that battery life has decreased. The larger, brighter screens (along with a slightly more powerful processor) cause shorter battery life.
Exclusive to the DSi is the DSi Shop, where you can purchase smaller, cheaper games off the internet. Games are ranged from $2 to over $8, and once bought games are downloaded directly to the DSi's internal memory. Its easy, but depending on your internet speeds and the size of the game being downloaded, it may take a while. Some games are free to download, and the portability of it can be compared to iPhone/iPod apps.
Another entirely new addition to the DSi is the two cameras and the slew of software that comes along with them. One camera is positions on the inner bridge of the device (where the two screens hinge), and the other is on the top; so when the DSi is opened, one camera will be facing you, and the other the direction in which the DSi is pointed. Both camera are low quality (.2mp), but serve as fun diversions when used along side the supported software. A bunch of "lenses" allow you to play with your image, such as warping or shifting, adding graphics, or distorting. While this isnt very technical, it does prove entertaining for a limited time (the kiddies should have a blast with it though).
The DSi has a longer stylus, and repositioned start/select buttons. The power switch is now on the inside (like a button), so for those that have accidentally turned off the power of their DS Lite, this is a godsend. The direction pad itself is now much smoother, more responsive, and easy to move. Diagonal movement is now very easy. However, the GameBoy Advance port is entirely removed. So there is no way to play any GameBoy games on the DSi, so those with a large GBA library, beware.
The DSi does have some great new features and software, and as time goes on, the DSi Shop will include better and more games. The DSi is thinner and lighter than the DS Lite, but it is also a bit longer. All older DS games are full compatible, and the brighter screens make them look great. In the end, however, it really boils down to whether or not you can/want to spend the extra +$40 on what may not be needed. Some great exclusive software like Flipnote Studio and the Internet Browser may not be enough to warrant the extra cash, since both systems can play the bulk of all DS games, Pokemon included. If you can afford it, however, the DSi offers great opportunities over the DS Lite, and definitely shouldn't be missed.
Pros
-2 cameras
-longer, thicker stylus
-DSi Shop
-more responsive D-pad
-Much lighter, and thinner
-SD card support and stronger processor mean great potential functionalities
-Exclusive software like Dsi Music and FlipNote Studio
Cons
-The shorter battery life may not be for those constantly on the go for long periods of time
-cameras low quality
-No GBA port
-a bit longer