Nintendo have just revealed that their extremely popular DS console is having its second makeover since its first inception. The new DS model, called the DSi, has a number of key changes that set it apart from the current DS Lite model. Firstly, the DSi will be 12% smaller, or 2.6mm thinner than the current model. One feature that has been removed is the GBA slot, so you will no longer be able to play GBA games on the DSi. However, despite the removal of the GBA slot, a number of additions have been made. More inside First up is the inclusion of two cameras, one internal and one external. The cameras are both VGA quality. On top of the cameras, the DSi has a bigger and brighter screen, as well as better quality speakers. The DSi will also have an SD card slot, which stands as a good way to store DS data.
In terms of new software, the DSi will have a ‘Photo Channel’ built in. Much like the channels on the Wii, the DSi will also feature the ability to store these channels. Instead of Wii Points, the DSi will make use of Nintendo Points which can be used to purchase new channels. The DSi will also come with a built in web browser, making portable internet exploration an ease. Finally, Nintendo DSi Shop will also be built into the DSi.
Nintendo went on to announce that games or software downloaded from the DSi shop would range from free of charge to 800 points from premium downloads. Furthermore, Nintendo announced that until March, 2010, the DSi will come with 1,000 free Nintendo points.
The release date for the Nintendo DSi is November 1st for Japan at a price of 18,900 Yen, or about $255 Australian. The Nintendo DSi is expected to release in 2009 for the rest of the world.
Images via Nintendo, Famitsu Online
Toby MizziFirst gaming experiences were with my older brother playing Sonic the Hedgehog on the Sega Master System and Sega Mega Drive. I was about 12 years old when the PS1 and the N64 were just about to be released, and I wanted to get a PS1 based on my experience playing some demo PS1 games at a Video Games Heaven store. On the day we came to lay buy the PS1, they had demo N64 consoles set up in the middle of the shopping centre and we naturally took some time to sample the goods. Dad, who barely played games, decided that the N64 would be a better console and I have never looked back since then. Don't get the time to play games as much as I did when I was younger, though I still enjoy nothing more than sitting back on the couch and being absorbed into a totally different world.