Nintendo DSi: Review of New Features and Cost
Latest DS Called DSi: Release Date, Cost, New Software and Hardware
Apr 8, 2009
The Nintendo DSi, which launched April 5 at $170 retail, costs $40 more than the Nintendo DS Lite. What are the added features for the new Nintendo DSi, and are they worth an upgrade from current DS owners?
Nintendo DSi: Review of New Features and Cost - Two 0.3 Megapixel Cameras
That's right--two. One camera is located in-between the two screens--designed specifically for use while playing games. The other camera, located at the top right corner when the device is folded in, is simply used for snapping photos.
But at a mere 0.3 megapixels, will they be useful? The answer varies from person to person. Speaking from a strictly technical standard, the Nintendo DSi cameras are pathetic. Newer cell phones feature built-in cameras between 1-2 megapixels (the iPhone features a 2 megapixel camera), while even older cell phones will likely have better resolution.
However, the DSi comes with built-in software for photo manipulation and for sending photos to other DSi consoles. The photos are unlikely meant to be viewed on anything other than another DSi, and for that purpose the resolution is sufficient.
In addition, the new cameras can be used for gaming, but whether or not "camera gameplay" will end up as a cheap gimmick, or a lauded new style of gameplay, remains uncertain. As of yet, Warioware Snapped is the only game with camera-based gameplay, and popular video game blog Joystiq couldn't even get it to work.
Nintendo DSi: Review of New Features and Cost - DSi Shop - Download Games Straight to the DSi from Any Wifi Hotspot
Perhaps the most significant upgrade, the DSi features a download shop, accessed via wifi hotspots and routers. There's no clunky USB wires or memory cards to deal with; titles can be purchased and downloaded straight to the DSi from the DSi shop.
The DSi store can potentially feature a plethora of original DSi-only titles, creating a major incentive for previous DS-owners and other handheld gamers to purchase the new device. However, there's quite a bit of uncertainty right now, as very few DSi download games are launching with the system.
If the original DS launch can offer any insight into the DSi launch, it will take months--or years possibly--before some truly exceptional titles compel most gamers to make a purchase.
Nintendo DSi: Review of New Features and Cost - Technical Upgrades - DSi Sports Faster Processor and More RAM
The DSi features a faster processor, and a significant RAM boost (133mhz and 16meg, respectively, according to this blog). The upgrade should allow the new DSi to run games (particularly ones with 3D) more effeciently, reducing lag.
More memory and a faster processor will also allow the DSi to navigate the internet without the serious problems that plagued the DS Lite's Opera Browser product. Problems were so severe Nintendo pulled the product, but the new upgrade makes web browsing more viable.
Nintendo DSi: Review of New Features and Cost - Internal Storage and SD Card Slot - Store Pics, Music, and Games on the DSi
The internal storage and SD card slot will allow numerous DSi-only features. The downloadable games are stored there, but gamers can also store pictures, and sound files for music playback.
Nintendo's recent support (Wii now supports SD cards) of SD card storage is welcome, as storage limitations oftentimes result in unnecessary agitation. SD cards also come cheap nowadays, with 2 gig cards typically costing less than $20.
Nintendo DSi: Review of New Features and Cost - New Software - Photo and Sound Manipulation Software, Calender and Opera Browser on the DSi
According to IGN.com, the DSi features basic photo and sound manipulation software. Gamers can draw on pictures they've taken with the cameras, along with stretching and skewing pictures with the stylus. As for sound files, the device can speed up and slow down tracks, remove vocals from songs, and run audio files through filters.
Hopefully, support for this software will expand beyond Nintendo's efforts with Pictochat. Due to the local-only limitations, Pictochat was rarely used outside large events like E3.
The calender automatically keeps track of the date in which photos are taken, but users can also jot down short notes to track upcoming events and important dates, or to keep a short, Twitter-like journal with photos.
As for the Opera Browser, early tests have shown the DSi surfs the internet significantly better than its predecessor the DS Lite. Comparison videos abound on the internet, showing that, finally, gamers can surf the internet without serious issues.
One quick note: the DSi only supports AAC format for sound playback, not MP3. Those desiring sound playback on the DSi must first convert the files into AAC format.
Nintendo DSi: Review of New Features and Cost - No GBA Slot
With all the new additions comes one significant downside--no GBA slot. The original DS and the DS Lite support both DS games and Gameboy Advance titles with the GBA slot. In an effort to keep the size and cost as low as possible, Nintendo decided to remove this feature from the DSi.
Unfortunately, numerous other devices, such as the Rumble Pack and multimedia add-ons, will not work with the DSi. Also, several DS games gave gamers extra bonuses for having a certain game in the GBA slot. DSi owners will miss out on those bonuses.
Nintendo DSi: Review of New Features and Cost - DSi Review Conclusion
To wrap it all up, the Nintendo DSi will (theoretically) be a great handheld gaming device worthy of $170 in the future. If Nintendo supports the system with unique DSi-only downloadable titles, and unique camera-centric games, the handheld will undoubtedly prove itself amongst admittedly fierce competition (Sony's PSP, the newly emerging iPhone gaming market, Nintendo's own DS Lite, etc).
For those who simply can't wait to tinker with the new toy, a purchase is probably inevitable. But those who can wait probably should, however, as the DSi will need to prove it's not another Gameboy Micro by releasing must-have DSi-only titles. Until then, there's just too much uncertainty.
Besides, for all we know, the Nintendo DS 2 might be right around the corner.
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