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The Nintendo Dsi Review

Posted on 24. Nov, 2008 by Yoshimaui in General Discussion

With it’s sleek new look, the Nintendo Dsi has a lot to offer. Me, being a happy owner of the Dsi, will go over some of its new features and functions for readers who wish to purchase one in the future.

Specifications

• The Nintendo DSi is about 12% thinner (2.6 mm) than the Nintendo DS Lite.
• Enlarged screen (17% bigger at 3.25 inches) & and improved speaker system.
• Supports SD memory card slot ( for picture transfers to the wii and downloadable software).
• Contains 2 digital cameras; one on the internal hinge (0.3 Megapixels) and the second one on the outside (3 megapixels).
• Built-in browser function (Downloadable from the Dsi Shop Feature)
• Built-in music playback function (Only Supports ACC format).
• Download and store games on your SD card (Japan only!)
• Plays all Nintendo DS games.
• Does not support Game boy Advance anymore.

These are the major installments for the Dsi though it also contains subtle differences such as, the power switch now a button, is located on the bottom left of the touch screen like the first DS modle. Its sleek new material makes it more resistant to finger prints and smudges. Also, its brightness level is increased making it up to 5 brightness levels unlike the DS lite which only went up to 4. The Dsi’s support of two cameras, louder speakers and brighter screen levels would also reduce its battery life slightly lower than its predecessor.

Flash Cart Compatabilty

Bad News for all you Flash cart owners, the Dsi blocks R4 cartridge compatibility. Inserting an R4 flash cart to the dsi and running the applications to run any rom files will result in some sort of freezing or bricking of the Dsi. It can detect certain flashes andstop them from running, though I hear that other flash carts might work on the dsi. Also, like the Wii, the DSi will have upgradable firmware making the Dsi Nintendo’s first hand held with firmware upgrades, this too will also pose a problem for flash cart users.

DSi Shop

The Dsi comes equipped with a shop feature, much like the Wii’s shop channel, where users can download software and Dsiware games onto their internal memory or SD card of their Dsi system utilizing Nintendo points previously known as Wii Points. Available for free download will be the Dsi Browser. Having it’s own internet browser will help it compete against its rival Sony’s new hand held the PSP 3000.

Region Locking

It has been reported that the DSi utilizes region locking for DSi-specific software, since it provides Internet services tailored individually for each region, but the DSi itself does not have region lock-outs, so Nintendo DS games from any region can be played. In addition, the DSi uses rating-based parental controls, which differ by country. The WPA and WPA2 support is not backward compatible with original DS games. Only DSi services can use WPA.

No More Backwards Compatability?

The Dsi does not support GBA cartridges making certain games or features for the original DS void for the Dsi. Guitar Hero: On Tour Grip, makes use of the GBA support to insert its necessary guitar control system. The removal of backward compatability also prevents Pokémon Diamond and Pearl players from migrating Pokémon from the GBA Pokémon games, which is essential if they wish to complete the Pokédex or obtain some rare legendary Pokémon.

Release Date

The system was first released in Japan on November 1, 2008 for ¥18,900 (tax included; ¥18,000 before tax), around $192.00 American Dollars, in black and white. In Japan, Nintendo had shipped 200,000 DSi units for its launch. During its first two days on sale in Japan, the DSi sold 170,779 units.

The DSi will be released in regions outside of Japan before autumn 2009. The DSi is being released in Europe in spring 2009 and is said will also be released in Australia around the same time given that they are both PAL regions. According to Reggie Fils-Aime, Nintendo of America president, the DS Lite sales in the United States were still strong, so introducing the DSi to the US is not a high priority, and will not be available in North America until, “Well into 2009”.

Tags: DSi, nintendo, release, Yoshimaui