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Nintendo pioneered handheld entertainment in the '80s and above all made it fully mobile and reachable to millions around the world with the Game Boy and DS video game systems. Now, Nintendo is taking things to the next level by transforming the way people access, experience, make and share content with the new Nintendo DSi system, the third iteration of the world's best-promotion portable video game system. 
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The DSi external camera in action.
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View larger. | The System
The Nintendo DSi is a high-powered handheld video game system in a sleek, folding design-loaded with features designed to make a unique gaming experience. Like the DS and DS Lite before it, the DSi features Nintendo's brand stylus-driven touchscreen equipment, but determined to make portable gaming at once larger and smaller in all the right places, Nintendo has also made the DSi with significantly larger screens and an even slimmer body design than its earlier cousins. Other features include the skill 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 before a live audience games to just before a live audience 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, donation an simple 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 administer grant 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
A further 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 power 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 earphone 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 significant 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 frankly to the portable system, just as WiiWare has with Nintendo's Wii console. Developers huge and small are invited to make software that makes use of the properties and functions of the hardware. Nintendo DSiWare games and applications will be unfilled 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 particularly 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 formerly 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 also released Rhythm Heaven. A wildly well loved rhythm game in Japan, where it has sold nearly 2 million copies since its relief 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 cinema with either of the system's two cameras and upload their photos frankly to their Facebook profile. While reviewing cinema 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 tie 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 simple 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 tie 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 hostile to friends.
- Connect to the Wii console.
- An simple way to share to the fun.
PictoChat
- Chat locally with friends.
- With cinema.
- Now counting rainbows.
Nintendo DSi Technological Specs: | DSi: | | Show: | 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 synopsis | | Array 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 tie, stereo earphone/mic jack |
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 Nintendo DSi: Fantastic System. Kids Have Played With This Endlessly! |
| Review Date: April 5, 2009 |
| Reviewer: A. Stagg, Virginia, USA |
Overall, I really like the DSi and reckon it is a huge enhancement over the DS & DS Lite, but, I wish they had released the device with more games and applications that take into tab the new camera system. We also own a DS Lite and my kids are before a live audience with the new version more than they ever did with the older version.
First, the device feels fantastic to hold. I bought the black version and the brushed surface gives the DSi a textured feel that is very comfortable to hold and makes you feel in no doubt you won't drop it.
Setup could not have been simpler. The DSi connected with my wireless arrangement on the first try, upgraded the software with no problems, and then downloaded the Opera browser and the WarioWare Snapped game immediately. No problems using my 1 GB SD card (I will be installing a larger SD card soon).
The screen on the DSi is .25 inches larger than the DS lite. Overall the colors on the screen seem a bit crisper to me and "pop" a small more on the DSi.
The Opera Browser works fantastic, though the screen is pretty cramped and they don't appear to have released a flash player for it yet, so forget streaming YouTube or similar video at this time. The Wii also did not have the Flash Player when it was released, so we can hope that flash will be arriving soon for the DSi as it did for the Wii.
I only wish they had released the game with more titles that take advantage of the camera system. The WarioWare: Snapped is a nice game, but a bit cantankerous. Make particular you use it hostile to a high contrast wall. It's a simple game, but entertaining. Still, I would have hoped for a couple more games that used the camera system to better effect. Hopefully soon.
The applications for the camera and the recording applications are fantastic fun and my son is having a fantastic time before a live audience with them. Still, I wish they had released the device with more overlays and templates; I am guessing more will released in the near future. On the other hand, my kids really like before a live audience with the sound and video gadgets and have had a fantastic time with them...need to remember to get them headphones... ;-)
So, overall, I highly recommend this game system, but advise patience while Nintendo releases more games and applications for it. There are still plenty of DS Lites on the shelves, but I'd advise getting this system unless you really want to be able to play your older GBA titles which do not play on the new system.
I also highly recommend getting the Dsi Nerf Armor - Blue/Black to care for the system. Works fantastic if you can find it, otherwise try Nintendo DSi Thrustmaster Metal Case-Ocean Blue which fits nicely, but is Fake not metal as advertised.
Week of 13 April Update: Nintendo released two more titles to the DSi shop that are unfilled for download. Have to admit some disappointment so far in this aspect of the game system. So far, not anything unfilled that evokes much excitement. Still, I'm optimistic that the game titles will follow soon.
To date (04 JAN 2010), the following downloads are unfilled:
1. DSi Opera Browser -Free
2. Birds & Beans - 200pts
3. Brain Age Express: Math - 800pts
4. Master of Illusion: Amusing Face - 200pts
5. Maters of Illusion: Shuffle Games -500 pts
6. Aquia - 500pts
7. Warioware: Snapped - 500 pts
8. Mixed Messages - 500 pts
9. Dr Mario Express - 500 pts
10. Master of Illusion Express: Deep Psyche - 200 pts
11. Clubhouse Games Express: Card Classics - 500pts
12. Paper Airplane Chase - 200 pts
13. Animal Crossing Clock (not a game) - 200 pts
14. Animal Crossing Calculator (not a game) - 200 pts
15. Real Soccer 2009 - 800 pts {looks like a excellent one/ 1-4 players, customize aspects of the game using the DSi camera.
16. Art Style(tm): PiCTOBiTS(tm) -500 pts (looks like a further excellent one)
17. Photo Clock -200 points
18. American Popstar: Road to Star - 800 pts
19. Mighty Flip Champs! - 800 DSi Points {this looks like fun!!)
20. Mario vs. Donkey Kong(tm): Minis March Again! - 800 pts
21. Mario Calculator - 200 pts
22. Mario Clock - 200 pts
23. BOXLIFE - 500 pts
24. SUDOKU MASTER - 500 pts
25. Art Style: BASE 10 - 500 pts
26. Brain Challenge (48 mini-games) - 800 pts
27. ZENGAGE (a puzzle game) - 500 pts
28. Sudoku Student - 200 pts
29. Art Style: precipice(tm) - 500 pts
30. Facebook Connect -- FREE!!! {Facebook integration}
31. Brain Age Express: Arts & Letters - 800 pts
32. Brain Age Express: Sudoku - 500 pts
33. Guitar Rock Tour - 500 pts
34. Pop Solo -500 pts
35. Puzzle League Express - 500 pts
36. Clubhouse Games Express: Family Favorites - 500pts
37. Art Institution(tm): First Semester - 800pts
38. Oscar in Toyland - 800pts
39. MySims Camera - 200 pts
40. Clubhouse Games Express: Strategy Pack - 500 pts
41. Art Institution: Second Semester - 800 pts
42. Dragon Quest Wars - 500 pts
43. Thorium Wars - 1000 pts
44. Pinball Pulse: The Ancients Beckon(tm) - 500pts
(October 19 - DOMO Show WEEK!!)
45. Crash-Course Domo - 200 pts
46. Hard-Hat Domo - 200 pts
47. Pro-Putt Domo - 200 pts
48. Rock-N-Roll Domo - 200 pts
49. White Water Domo - 200 pts
50. The Royal Bluff - 500 pts
51. Sudoku - 200 pts
52. Sparkle Snaphots - 500 pts (uses camera)
53. Viking Invasion - 800 pts
54. Battle of Giants: Dragons - Bronze Edition - 800 pts
(NOVEMBER 9, 2009)
55. Electroplankton - Trapy, Hanenbow, Red-Rec, Nanocarp, and Beatnes - 200 pts each
56. Bomberman Blitz - 500 pts
(NOVEMBER 16, 2009)
57. Art Style(tm): DIGIDRIVE - 500 pts
58. Arcade Bowling - 200 pts
59. Robot Rescue - 200 pts
(NOVEMBER 23, 2009)
60. Castle Of Magic - 500 pts
61. myNotebook: Blue - 200 pts
62. Electroplankton Luminarrow - 200 pts
63. Electroplankton Sun-Animalcule - 200 pts
64. Electroplankton Lumiloop - 200 pts
65. Electroplankton Marine-Crystals - 200 pts
66. Electroplankton Varvoice - 200 pts
(1 December)
67. EA's Foto Face: The Face Stealer Strikes - 800 pts (uses camera!!)
68. Master of Illusion Express: Mind Probe - 200 pts
69. Sudoku Challenge! - 500 pts
70. Booklover - 500 pts
(7 December)
71. Rayman - 800pts (hooray!!)
72. Ball Fighter - 500 pts
73. Pop Island - 500 pts
74. Army Warden - 200 pts
75. myNotebook: Red - 200 pts
(14 December)
76. Tiniest Pet Shop - 800 pts
77. Miami Nights - 800 pts
78. Bejeweled Twist(tm) - 500 pts
79. Yummy Yummy Cooking Jam - 500 pts
80. Master of Illusion(tm) Express: Matchmaker - 200 pts
(21 December)
81. UNO - 800 pts
82. Dragon's Lair - 800 pts
83. Hot and Cold: A 3D Hidden Object Adventure - 800 pts
84. High Stakes: Texas Hold'Em - 500 pts
85. myNotebook: Green(tm) - 200 pts
(28 December)
86. The Oregon Trail - 800 pts
87. SUDOKU SENSEI - 500 pts
88. Glow Artisan - 500 pts
89. Master of Illusion(tm) Express: Clairvoyant Camera - 200 pts
90. Arcade Hoops Basketball - 200 pts
(04 Jan 2010)
91. Trajectile - 500 pts
92. Animal Puzzle Adventure - 500 pts
93. Hell's Kitchen Vs - 800 pts
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There are pros and cons, BUT... the pros win!
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| Review Date: April 5, 2009 |
| Reviewer: Scott M. Thompson, Missouri, USA |
I bought a DS Lite two weeks ago. It was a hasty buy, and after I bought the device I later read about the DSi coming out. I read ALL OVER the internet about this thing. I evaluated all pros and cons. Yes, I want to play GBA games - but I have a GBA. Yes, I would like more array life - but there are more brightness settings. The main promotion points that finally got me were the slightly larger screens, the matte end, and the DSi shop. Consequently, I finished up persistent my DS Lite a couple of days later for only a half-refund (Gamestop I like you) and signed up for the DSi pre-order. I bought the DSi during the midnight launch party at my local Gamestop.
After getting the DSi - I feel in no doubt I made the right choice. The black matte end is very nice. I in fact prefer it over the shiny end because you leave less fingerprints everywhere and the texture is nice. ALSO, the new menu format for the DSi is a vast enhancement over the DS Lite. Although only slightly larger, I am certainly more pleased with the larger screens. Sure the array life may not be as long as the Lite, but DSi brightness settings are incredible. The brightest background on the DSi stumps the Lite's brightest background.
I am an adult gamer and the cameras and music interactivity of this device do not really excite me - but they are nice features. Do not expect to start a professional photo studio with cinema taken from cameras. They are for fun and not professional photos - the resolution is comparable to cell phones of 5 years past.
I am mainly excited about the DSi shop. There are rumours perched everywhere about a virtual console being released and the DSi shop as long as "classic" GBA and even GB games in the future (and maybe more systems?!). This would more than justify the lost GBA slot. Nonetheless, the DSiWare games and apps will be coming out every week - and I am sure some fantastic things will come out of this.
The SD/SDHC slot is a further fantastic feature on this device. I can see this slot being very useful down the road when more and more games and apps are made unfilled at the DSi shop. The domestic Storage space space of the DSi is pretty slim - so this is well needed.
I did my research. There are pros and cons for buying the DSi over the Lite. I weighed them, and then weighed them again. The verdict: PROS = 70, CONS = 30. This is based on the lost GBA slot, the array life, the expensive price tag. If you are new to the DS convergence like I am, it would only make sense to jump right in with a DSi. If you are a diehard Lite fan with a tight budget, you may want to wait a couple of months and see if the DSi shop starts a virtual console. Overall though - I am very pleased with this small guy. |
A nice upgrade!
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| Review Date: April 20, 2009 |
| Reviewer: J. Peplinski, Michigan |
I've had a DS Lite for YEARS and it was getting pretty beat up so I was ready for an upgrade...was preparation to wait until the DSi had been out for a few months, but a fantastic trade-in deal lured me in days gone by. So, here are my first impressions:
Larger/BRIGHTER SCREEN: I didn't reckon this would matter very much, but it in fact looks fantastic. My ancient DS games look groundbreaking new, I'm noticing social class fine points that I never paid attention to before. Yes, keeping it super bright will wear out the array much quicker than the DS Lite. BUT, unlike the DS Lite, it is easily adjustable. I sometimes play in a dark room (i.e. before going to bed) and rotary down to the darkest background is simpler on the eyes plus wears out the array much slower.
CAMERA: It's not a powerful camera, it's a toy. Which is fine, I have a camera for taking photos and don't need a further one. I like having private photos to greet me when I open it up to play a game, but I doubtless won't use the distortion & sticker features. Might be fun for kids, not anything more than a novelty for adults.
SOUND: It certainly has better speakers, which I like for the My Foreign language Coach games and things like Let's Yoga which was hard to hear on the DS Lite (yeah, I can use headphones, I'm just too bone idle). I haven't yet tried putting my own music on an SD card and using the DSi as a player; that's why I have an iPod. Could be fun if you don't have a further music player though.
INTERNET: Since I don't have a smartphone, this is my first handheld web-surfing device and I Like IT. The browser is a FREE download and works better than probable It does not support a flash player so you won't be able to watch any videos, and some websites (Facebook, boo hoo!) are memory hogs that don't load by the book. But I've been surprised at the number of sites I can visit! I can check my email, the weather, play online sudoku, shop, twitter, etc. VERY impressed at the boundary, it is very simple to use.
DSiWARE SHOP: So far there aren't a ton of options unfilled, but there will be lots games in the future! They are inexpensive and simple to download so far. Through the end of June, Nintendo is giving 1000 points for anyone to use for downloading games (games "cost" anywhere from 200 pts to 800 pts) which is a nice way to try out the current offerings. I downloaded Aquia days gone by and can't place it down; Dr. Mario Express is due out today so I'll be even more obsessed.
Gone GBA SLOT: I don't have any GBA games so it's not an issue for me, I know it is an issue for some. Hopefully they will eventually offer some classics in the DSi Shop in the future for all of us to delight in. I never used it before so I won't miss it now.
I was very hesitant to jump on the upgrade bandwagon too early, but I couldn't be more pleased with the DSi. It has some fantastic features and fantastic potential, it is a LOT of fun and I just adore it!!! So glad I bought it! |
Is the DSi for you?
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| Review Date: April 8, 2009 |
| Reviewer: Daniel V. Velazquez, San Diego, CA USA |
The DSi comes out a few years after the second DS model, the DS Lite. Unlike the DS Lite, which had a lot of obvious improvements over the first model, the DSi's changes are less obvious. The major one is the skill to download games over the Nintendo shop. Some games might be free, other starting at 2 bucks and up, this really has a chance of being the best feature on the system. Add that to a further hidden change, the CPU is twice and quick and has 4 times the Ram of the DS and DS lite. This means newer games can be enhanced and offer anything from better graphics to larger levels.
The cameras are fun even if they are low res (.3 megapixels) but can be manipulated in many amusing ways. It can also record voice and play back music, but not in .mp3 format, you'll have to use .acc files. A further thing that might not be obvious but is an enhancement is the sound. The new lecturer are way better than the ancient ones.
The lack of a Game Boy Advance slot is kinda terrible if you have a lot of GBA games, but personally whenever I want to play those games I use my older systems. Just know that some games like Guitar Hero on DS won't work on the DSi (for now).
So if you don't have a DS, you should really deliberate getting this version. It has many things that could change the way we play games and will be around for a while. |
I like it.(:
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| Review Date: June 28, 2009 |
| Reviewer: Mikki58, Eastern Shore, Maryland |
I am a 14 year ancient girl & I got my DSi days gone by.
I'm usually not a huge "gamer."
The DSi is the ONLY gaming system I have.
I like it.
So far, I only have one game: New Super Mario Bros.
I have had so many laughs already with the distorting tool on the camera. The camera takes really fantastic cinema.
I like the blue color of the DSi.
I like the texture of it too.
So far, I have no complaints. I like it. I'm so glad I got it, and would reccomend it to anyone, and any age.
Excellent job Nintendo (: |
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