The Nintendo DSi is 12% slimmer, sports 3.25-inch screens, does away with the GBA slot but adds an SD card adapter (download from the web and load off the card), allows you to play music and has two 3-megapixel cameras (one on the inside, the other on the outside). The DSi will become available in Japan on Nov. 1 for 18900 yen ($180) and will also be able to surf the web and catalog your photos in a flipbook or port them to the Wii. Nintendo will also launch a DSi Shop where you can download titles for free, or purchase them for either 200, 500, or 800 points (DSi comes with 1000 points free).Some features that will be built into the system and ready to enjoy upon purchase include the Nintendo DSi Camera, Nintendo DSi Sound and Nintendo DSi Shop. The most noticeable feature of the slim Nintendo DSi system is its two cameras – one camera is on the external body, 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 with 10 different interactive “lenses” that can manipulate your photos, the Nintendo DSi Camera offers 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 while giving developers 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.
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.
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 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.
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 NDS games, and will have access to a library of more than 850 titles originally made for that system.
Nintendo DSi is now available in North America at an MSRP of $169.99 (blue and black), and in the UK/Europe at £149.99 (white & black).
More articles about Nintendo DSi