TechCast Reviews

2nd October 2008

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Nintendo today unveiled the latest portable gaming console, the Nintendo DSi. Whilst the design largely remains the same as the current DS model, it now features two massive 3.25-inch screens with a resolution of 256 x 192 and two digital cameras built-in to the outside and interior. The new design does not include backwards compatibility with GameBoy Advance games.

Finally, the DS gets some online capability with access to a DSi Shop that will sell content that can be downloaded over Wi-Fi, directly to the device and store on an SD card. Using a similar system found on the Wii, the store will use Nintendo Points with games costing as little as nothing to as much as 800 points. To get people hooked to downloading games, the DSi will ship with 1000 points for free on all new units until March 2010.

Bundled with the new DSi will be a music player and internet browser, tapping in to the Wi-Fi connectivity.

Strangely, the announcement from Nintendo is that the new DSi is an additional platform to its current Wii and DS product line, indicating that this is not meant to be a replacement for the DS.

The DSi will be available in black and white and will be available in Japan from November 1 for approximately $178 with an expected availability date in the US, sometime in 2009. Unfortunately, no dates for European markets were announced.

For a comparison of the hardware specs between the new DSi against the PSP and iPhone/Touch, head on over to Joystiq: http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/02/nintendo-dsi-vs-psp-3000-vs-ipod-touch-v1-0/