Nintendo announce the DSi

Nintendo have recently announced a new version of the Nintendo DS, Called the Nintendo DSi. The DS Lite and DS have both had GBA slots, however it seems the DSi will not have one instead making itself thinner but with a while range of other improvements as well.


The handheld's screens have been enlarged, and will now be 17% bigger (at 3.25 inches) than those found on the DS Lite. As for the rumoured additions, both have proven to be correct, with "audio enhancements" made to the handheld, while it will also now include a .3 megapixel (640x480) camera. And that's just the start of it.

The DSi also features an SD memory card slot, making it possible to take pictures with the DSi and then view them on the Nintendo Wii. Though i personally think that most of this will be used more for pirating than actual photo taking. There's also going to be an in-built internet browser on the DSi, and it's possible to download games and keep them on the DSi with this (again i think it will be used for pirating).

For digital delivery purchases, there is a DSi Shop, from which users can download DSiWare from. Basically these are little games that can be bought for a small price.

Pricing categories for the DSiWare will be: Free, 200 points, 500 points and "Premium" or 800 points. Customers will get 1000 free points to spend at the DSi Shopjust by buying the product. The DSi will be available in two colours, white and black.

Nintendo has stated that it will be released in all countries around mid-year 2009, for around $250.00AU. Personally myself i think that if they put enough variety in the shop, and make video games make use of the camera, it could be successful. I mean I'd buy it. But we'll have to see.

-Stelios Liousas