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Nintendo have always been known to release special editions of games consoles. From the Manchester United Game Boys to the Game Boy Pocket, or the clear-coloured Nintendo 64s or Game Boy Micros. Almost every generation of Nintendo game system has had a special edition, and DS is already on its second! First we had the Nintendo DS, a dual screen “developer’s system” that has allowed games to take on a new dimension. Then we had the Nintendo DS Lite, a smaller system which boasted same size screens, same functionality, but more stylish and compact. And now we have the DSi. If Wii could be handheld (and a DS) it would be this. A Nintendo DS which is smaller again than the DS, bigger screen, and has added functionality that the previous versions did not contain. So is it worth upgrading?
I started off with an original Nintendo DS, have used it to play the odd Game Boy Advance game, but mainly to play DS software. Have mainly enjoyed titles such as New Super Mario Bros, Mario Kart DS and Tetris DS, as well as the Ace Attorney series, and have grown a large collection of games so far. When the Nintendo DS Lite was released, it really didn’t add anything new to my gaming experience, so I saw no benefit in getting it (not to mention my fiancée ended up with her own pink Lite). However, with DSi, it adds new magic to the DS hardware:
Channels
Just like the Wii, Nintendo have opted for an animated, editable channel-style menu system for the DSi. Seeing as the DSi does more than the average bear, it needs more places to choose the applications from, and a slidey system, not too dissimilar to Ipod’s, has been applied. Drag the stylus across the screen until the application you want is in view, then tap to select. A natural progression from the original DS I’m sure.
Internet
If you are a Windows XP user, have decent security on your wireless router (or use wired) and wish to use the DS’s online game play features, you can only do this via the Nintendo Wi-Fi USB connector (or similar device). If, however, like me you use WPA enabled wireless security, you’re stuck. The Nintendo DS cannot use WPA, only WEP, a security system which is not as secure as the other mentioned system. With the DSi, Nintendo have granted the additional wireless security system. This can only be used with DSi’s own software, or games with DSi enabled online features as older games were not designed with this in mind. So if you use a USB dongle, you might want to keep it for the older games. This does look promising for the future of the handheld’s online capabilities though.
If you take your DSi online, you’ll be offered the chance to download the Nintendo DSi internet browser, which I believe is powered by Opera, just like the Wii. I have downloaded the browser, but am yet to test it so far. But as with the Wii, I’m sure it will allow for some extra fun, and you never know, may result in there being DS-enabled Flash games available for it. It does mean that you don’t necessarily have to carry a laptop to enjoy free Wi-fi web browsing when in your local McDonalds or random restaurant.
Also using the DSi’s online functionality is the DSi Shop channel, similar to that of the Wii Shop. At the moment, this allows you to download from a small selection of games available to DSi users at a small cost. Initially, Nintendo are giving away free download points to DSi purchasers, so get yours quick if you want the freebies. I have so far downloaded and enjoyed a short DSi Wario Ware game which uses the DSi’s camera as a controller, similar to that of the Eye-Toy on PS2.
Camera
You may have noticed from pictures online, that the Nintendo DSi boasts two 0.3MP cameras. Now this may seem like nothing compared to the latest mobile phones or even digital cameras themselves, but I assure you they’re good enough for the fun that can be had on DSi. You can use the DSi’s own memory to store random pictures to display on your DSi’s top screen whilst you’re using the DSi’s menu. Or use the DSi to take fun pictures of either yourself as the gamer (with the camera facing you) or of your friends and observers using the camera on the back of the DSi. You can then edit the pictures using an array of tools that are intended for a bit of fun, such as recognition of facial features to add giant eyes or a pig’s snout, or to stretch and distort the picture in humorous ways. The DSi will even merge two similar pictures or check how much of a resemblance you have to the other person in your picture (if two people are in the same shot). If you save your pictures to an SD memory card, you can then transfer them to your PC, mobile phone, printer, and so on. Depending on what developers choose to do, these cameras might become a part of future DS games as extras.
Microphone
As before, the DSi features a forward facing microphone to allow vocal interaction with games. There is a new application for the DSi though that lets you record short vocal clips and edit how they sound. Although pointless, adds a bit of fun. Don’t want to hear your own voice, then use an SD card to transfer music from your PC to your DSi to play around with. I haven’t used this feature yet, but intend to give it a go shortly.
Little touches
As DSi is the Wii equivalent to the DS Lite, it has had a few other changes made to it. As already mentioned, there is now an SD card slot which will currently accept SD cards up to 2GB, or SDHC cards up to 32GB. This includes other format of memory card that will fit into an SD adaptor. The DSi is slightly thinner than a DS Lite as it does not have a Game Boy Advance game pak slot. This does mean games like Guitar Hero or games that use the DS’s Rumble Pak will not be fully functional. There are now 3 LED indicators on the DSi’s hinge. One to display current status of wireless communications, one to display power, and the other do advise system is charging. The volume is no longer controlled by a slider, but + & - buttons which increase and decrease the volume as required. The power button is now forward facing and does more than it used to. A light tap of the button returns you to the DSi system menu, whereas holding the button will turn off the game system. Best mini-feature to slightly touch up the system a little is the bigger screen. I didn’t notice it so much when sitting it side-by-side with my fiancée’s DS Lite, however, next to my original DS, it looked much bigger. It’s not a huge difference, but is slightly more comfortable on the eye.
So is it worth upgrading? If you’re still using the house-brick original DS, then I would say yes. Although the games are just as fun on a DS, it’s a lot more sylish to play a DSi, and the added features do seem to add a spot of fun to the system. However, DS Lite owners, especially those that bought it to replace the original DS, may not be so tempted. Although a worthy upgrade, I would like to see an announcement about a new Nintendo handheld system to contend with the I-phone and PSP, but whilst DS is still selling like hot-cakes, I can wait.
8/10
I started off with an original Nintendo DS, have used it to play the odd Game Boy Advance game, but mainly to play DS software. Have mainly enjoyed titles such as New Super Mario Bros, Mario Kart DS and Tetris DS, as well as the Ace Attorney series, and have grown a large collection of games so far. When the Nintendo DS Lite was released, it really didn’t add anything new to my gaming experience, so I saw no benefit in getting it (not to mention my fiancée ended up with her own pink Lite). However, with DSi, it adds new magic to the DS hardware:
Channels
Just like the Wii, Nintendo have opted for an animated, editable channel-style menu system for the DSi. Seeing as the DSi does more than the average bear, it needs more places to choose the applications from, and a slidey system, not too dissimilar to Ipod’s, has been applied. Drag the stylus across the screen until the application you want is in view, then tap to select. A natural progression from the original DS I’m sure.
Internet
If you are a Windows XP user, have decent security on your wireless router (or use wired) and wish to use the DS’s online game play features, you can only do this via the Nintendo Wi-Fi USB connector (or similar device). If, however, like me you use WPA enabled wireless security, you’re stuck. The Nintendo DS cannot use WPA, only WEP, a security system which is not as secure as the other mentioned system. With the DSi, Nintendo have granted the additional wireless security system. This can only be used with DSi’s own software, or games with DSi enabled online features as older games were not designed with this in mind. So if you use a USB dongle, you might want to keep it for the older games. This does look promising for the future of the handheld’s online capabilities though.
If you take your DSi online, you’ll be offered the chance to download the Nintendo DSi internet browser, which I believe is powered by Opera, just like the Wii. I have downloaded the browser, but am yet to test it so far. But as with the Wii, I’m sure it will allow for some extra fun, and you never know, may result in there being DS-enabled Flash games available for it. It does mean that you don’t necessarily have to carry a laptop to enjoy free Wi-fi web browsing when in your local McDonalds or random restaurant.
Also using the DSi’s online functionality is the DSi Shop channel, similar to that of the Wii Shop. At the moment, this allows you to download from a small selection of games available to DSi users at a small cost. Initially, Nintendo are giving away free download points to DSi purchasers, so get yours quick if you want the freebies. I have so far downloaded and enjoyed a short DSi Wario Ware game which uses the DSi’s camera as a controller, similar to that of the Eye-Toy on PS2.
Camera
You may have noticed from pictures online, that the Nintendo DSi boasts two 0.3MP cameras. Now this may seem like nothing compared to the latest mobile phones or even digital cameras themselves, but I assure you they’re good enough for the fun that can be had on DSi. You can use the DSi’s own memory to store random pictures to display on your DSi’s top screen whilst you’re using the DSi’s menu. Or use the DSi to take fun pictures of either yourself as the gamer (with the camera facing you) or of your friends and observers using the camera on the back of the DSi. You can then edit the pictures using an array of tools that are intended for a bit of fun, such as recognition of facial features to add giant eyes or a pig’s snout, or to stretch and distort the picture in humorous ways. The DSi will even merge two similar pictures or check how much of a resemblance you have to the other person in your picture (if two people are in the same shot). If you save your pictures to an SD memory card, you can then transfer them to your PC, mobile phone, printer, and so on. Depending on what developers choose to do, these cameras might become a part of future DS games as extras.
Microphone
As before, the DSi features a forward facing microphone to allow vocal interaction with games. There is a new application for the DSi though that lets you record short vocal clips and edit how they sound. Although pointless, adds a bit of fun. Don’t want to hear your own voice, then use an SD card to transfer music from your PC to your DSi to play around with. I haven’t used this feature yet, but intend to give it a go shortly.
Little touches
As DSi is the Wii equivalent to the DS Lite, it has had a few other changes made to it. As already mentioned, there is now an SD card slot which will currently accept SD cards up to 2GB, or SDHC cards up to 32GB. This includes other format of memory card that will fit into an SD adaptor. The DSi is slightly thinner than a DS Lite as it does not have a Game Boy Advance game pak slot. This does mean games like Guitar Hero or games that use the DS’s Rumble Pak will not be fully functional. There are now 3 LED indicators on the DSi’s hinge. One to display current status of wireless communications, one to display power, and the other do advise system is charging. The volume is no longer controlled by a slider, but + & - buttons which increase and decrease the volume as required. The power button is now forward facing and does more than it used to. A light tap of the button returns you to the DSi system menu, whereas holding the button will turn off the game system. Best mini-feature to slightly touch up the system a little is the bigger screen. I didn’t notice it so much when sitting it side-by-side with my fiancée’s DS Lite, however, next to my original DS, it looked much bigger. It’s not a huge difference, but is slightly more comfortable on the eye.
So is it worth upgrading? If you’re still using the house-brick original DS, then I would say yes. Although the games are just as fun on a DS, it’s a lot more sylish to play a DSi, and the added features do seem to add a spot of fun to the system. However, DS Lite owners, especially those that bought it to replace the original DS, may not be so tempted. Although a worthy upgrade, I would like to see an announcement about a new Nintendo handheld system to contend with the I-phone and PSP, but whilst DS is still selling like hot-cakes, I can wait.
8/10
Thanks PB (& the guys and gals at Freeola) :)
I showed a couple of my mates in work all the new features. They seemed impressed, and one, who sold his DS Lite ages ago, is rather tempted by the DSi - and GTA ChinaTown Wars.
I've tried a bit more of the browser - doesn't have Flash :( Wanted to watch some Magical Trevor from the Weebl & Bob website on it...Still, for a handheld browser, it's still better than my mobile :)
I showed a couple of my mates in work all the new features. They seemed impressed, and one, who sold his DS Lite ages ago, is rather tempted by the DSi - and GTA ChinaTown Wars.
I've tried a bit more of the browser - doesn't have Flash :( Wanted to watch some Magical Trevor from the Weebl & Bob website on it...Still, for a handheld browser, it's still better than my mobile :)
Good review (and well done on the GAD)
I think that pretty much covers all the points of the DSi and I too would be tempted by one if I didn't already have a DS Lite and a PDA.
The only thing that could make the DSi better would be an optional GPRS/3G contract and a built in GPS. Think of the games that could then use GPS tracking.
I think that pretty much covers all the points of the DSi and I too would be tempted by one if I didn't already have a DS Lite and a PDA.
The only thing that could make the DSi better would be an optional GPRS/3G contract and a built in GPS. Think of the games that could then use GPS tracking.
This reply has been typed on my Nintendo DSi. It takes a little while for a large page to load, but for a handheld browser it works pretty well!
I can see me using this in short bursts to check out gaming news and the likes (inc. these forums) in the future.
It does warn me that this websites security certifucate has not been recognised by the Nintendo browser though ^_^
I can see me using this in short bursts to check out gaming news and the likes (inc. these forums) in the future.
It does warn me that this websites security certifucate has not been recognised by the Nintendo browser though ^_^
Nintendo have always been known to release special editions of games consoles. From the Manchester United Game Boys to the Game Boy Pocket, or the clear-coloured Nintendo 64s or Game Boy Micros. Almost every generation of Nintendo game system has had a special edition, and DS is already on its second! First we had the Nintendo DS, a dual screen “developer’s system” that has allowed games to take on a new dimension. Then we had the Nintendo DS Lite, a smaller system which boasted same size screens, same functionality, but more stylish and compact. And now we have the DSi. If Wii could be handheld (and a DS) it would be this. A Nintendo DS which is smaller again than the DS, bigger screen, and has added functionality that the previous versions did not contain. So is it worth upgrading?
I started off with an original Nintendo DS, have used it to play the odd Game Boy Advance game, but mainly to play DS software. Have mainly enjoyed titles such as New Super Mario Bros, Mario Kart DS and Tetris DS, as well as the Ace Attorney series, and have grown a large collection of games so far. When the Nintendo DS Lite was released, it really didn’t add anything new to my gaming experience, so I saw no benefit in getting it (not to mention my fiancée ended up with her own pink Lite). However, with DSi, it adds new magic to the DS hardware:
Channels
Just like the Wii, Nintendo have opted for an animated, editable channel-style menu system for the DSi. Seeing as the DSi does more than the average bear, it needs more places to choose the applications from, and a slidey system, not too dissimilar to Ipod’s, has been applied. Drag the stylus across the screen until the application you want is in view, then tap to select. A natural progression from the original DS I’m sure.
Internet
If you are a Windows XP user, have decent security on your wireless router (or use wired) and wish to use the DS’s online game play features, you can only do this via the Nintendo Wi-Fi USB connector (or similar device). If, however, like me you use WPA enabled wireless security, you’re stuck. The Nintendo DS cannot use WPA, only WEP, a security system which is not as secure as the other mentioned system. With the DSi, Nintendo have granted the additional wireless security system. This can only be used with DSi’s own software, or games with DSi enabled online features as older games were not designed with this in mind. So if you use a USB dongle, you might want to keep it for the older games. This does look promising for the future of the handheld’s online capabilities though.
If you take your DSi online, you’ll be offered the chance to download the Nintendo DSi internet browser, which I believe is powered by Opera, just like the Wii. I have downloaded the browser, but am yet to test it so far. But as with the Wii, I’m sure it will allow for some extra fun, and you never know, may result in there being DS-enabled Flash games available for it. It does mean that you don’t necessarily have to carry a laptop to enjoy free Wi-fi web browsing when in your local McDonalds or random restaurant.
Also using the DSi’s online functionality is the DSi Shop channel, similar to that of the Wii Shop. At the moment, this allows you to download from a small selection of games available to DSi users at a small cost. Initially, Nintendo are giving away free download points to DSi purchasers, so get yours quick if you want the freebies. I have so far downloaded and enjoyed a short DSi Wario Ware game which uses the DSi’s camera as a controller, similar to that of the Eye-Toy on PS2.
Camera
You may have noticed from pictures online, that the Nintendo DSi boasts two 0.3MP cameras. Now this may seem like nothing compared to the latest mobile phones or even digital cameras themselves, but I assure you they’re good enough for the fun that can be had on DSi. You can use the DSi’s own memory to store random pictures to display on your DSi’s top screen whilst you’re using the DSi’s menu. Or use the DSi to take fun pictures of either yourself as the gamer (with the camera facing you) or of your friends and observers using the camera on the back of the DSi. You can then edit the pictures using an array of tools that are intended for a bit of fun, such as recognition of facial features to add giant eyes or a pig’s snout, or to stretch and distort the picture in humorous ways. The DSi will even merge two similar pictures or check how much of a resemblance you have to the other person in your picture (if two people are in the same shot). If you save your pictures to an SD memory card, you can then transfer them to your PC, mobile phone, printer, and so on. Depending on what developers choose to do, these cameras might become a part of future DS games as extras.
Microphone
As before, the DSi features a forward facing microphone to allow vocal interaction with games. There is a new application for the DSi though that lets you record short vocal clips and edit how they sound. Although pointless, adds a bit of fun. Don’t want to hear your own voice, then use an SD card to transfer music from your PC to your DSi to play around with. I haven’t used this feature yet, but intend to give it a go shortly.
Little touches
As DSi is the Wii equivalent to the DS Lite, it has had a few other changes made to it. As already mentioned, there is now an SD card slot which will currently accept SD cards up to 2GB, or SDHC cards up to 32GB. This includes other format of memory card that will fit into an SD adaptor. The DSi is slightly thinner than a DS Lite as it does not have a Game Boy Advance game pak slot. This does mean games like Guitar Hero or games that use the DS’s Rumble Pak will not be fully functional. There are now 3 LED indicators on the DSi’s hinge. One to display current status of wireless communications, one to display power, and the other do advise system is charging. The volume is no longer controlled by a slider, but + & - buttons which increase and decrease the volume as required. The power button is now forward facing and does more than it used to. A light tap of the button returns you to the DSi system menu, whereas holding the button will turn off the game system. Best mini-feature to slightly touch up the system a little is the bigger screen. I didn’t notice it so much when sitting it side-by-side with my fiancée’s DS Lite, however, next to my original DS, it looked much bigger. It’s not a huge difference, but is slightly more comfortable on the eye.
So is it worth upgrading? If you’re still using the house-brick original DS, then I would say yes. Although the games are just as fun on a DS, it’s a lot more sylish to play a DSi, and the added features do seem to add a spot of fun to the system. However, DS Lite owners, especially those that bought it to replace the original DS, may not be so tempted. Although a worthy upgrade, I would like to see an announcement about a new Nintendo handheld system to contend with the I-phone and PSP, but whilst DS is still selling like hot-cakes, I can wait.
8/10
I started off with an original Nintendo DS, have used it to play the odd Game Boy Advance game, but mainly to play DS software. Have mainly enjoyed titles such as New Super Mario Bros, Mario Kart DS and Tetris DS, as well as the Ace Attorney series, and have grown a large collection of games so far. When the Nintendo DS Lite was released, it really didn’t add anything new to my gaming experience, so I saw no benefit in getting it (not to mention my fiancée ended up with her own pink Lite). However, with DSi, it adds new magic to the DS hardware:
Channels
Just like the Wii, Nintendo have opted for an animated, editable channel-style menu system for the DSi. Seeing as the DSi does more than the average bear, it needs more places to choose the applications from, and a slidey system, not too dissimilar to Ipod’s, has been applied. Drag the stylus across the screen until the application you want is in view, then tap to select. A natural progression from the original DS I’m sure.
Internet
If you are a Windows XP user, have decent security on your wireless router (or use wired) and wish to use the DS’s online game play features, you can only do this via the Nintendo Wi-Fi USB connector (or similar device). If, however, like me you use WPA enabled wireless security, you’re stuck. The Nintendo DS cannot use WPA, only WEP, a security system which is not as secure as the other mentioned system. With the DSi, Nintendo have granted the additional wireless security system. This can only be used with DSi’s own software, or games with DSi enabled online features as older games were not designed with this in mind. So if you use a USB dongle, you might want to keep it for the older games. This does look promising for the future of the handheld’s online capabilities though.
If you take your DSi online, you’ll be offered the chance to download the Nintendo DSi internet browser, which I believe is powered by Opera, just like the Wii. I have downloaded the browser, but am yet to test it so far. But as with the Wii, I’m sure it will allow for some extra fun, and you never know, may result in there being DS-enabled Flash games available for it. It does mean that you don’t necessarily have to carry a laptop to enjoy free Wi-fi web browsing when in your local McDonalds or random restaurant.
Also using the DSi’s online functionality is the DSi Shop channel, similar to that of the Wii Shop. At the moment, this allows you to download from a small selection of games available to DSi users at a small cost. Initially, Nintendo are giving away free download points to DSi purchasers, so get yours quick if you want the freebies. I have so far downloaded and enjoyed a short DSi Wario Ware game which uses the DSi’s camera as a controller, similar to that of the Eye-Toy on PS2.
Camera
You may have noticed from pictures online, that the Nintendo DSi boasts two 0.3MP cameras. Now this may seem like nothing compared to the latest mobile phones or even digital cameras themselves, but I assure you they’re good enough for the fun that can be had on DSi. You can use the DSi’s own memory to store random pictures to display on your DSi’s top screen whilst you’re using the DSi’s menu. Or use the DSi to take fun pictures of either yourself as the gamer (with the camera facing you) or of your friends and observers using the camera on the back of the DSi. You can then edit the pictures using an array of tools that are intended for a bit of fun, such as recognition of facial features to add giant eyes or a pig’s snout, or to stretch and distort the picture in humorous ways. The DSi will even merge two similar pictures or check how much of a resemblance you have to the other person in your picture (if two people are in the same shot). If you save your pictures to an SD memory card, you can then transfer them to your PC, mobile phone, printer, and so on. Depending on what developers choose to do, these cameras might become a part of future DS games as extras.
Microphone
As before, the DSi features a forward facing microphone to allow vocal interaction with games. There is a new application for the DSi though that lets you record short vocal clips and edit how they sound. Although pointless, adds a bit of fun. Don’t want to hear your own voice, then use an SD card to transfer music from your PC to your DSi to play around with. I haven’t used this feature yet, but intend to give it a go shortly.
Little touches
As DSi is the Wii equivalent to the DS Lite, it has had a few other changes made to it. As already mentioned, there is now an SD card slot which will currently accept SD cards up to 2GB, or SDHC cards up to 32GB. This includes other format of memory card that will fit into an SD adaptor. The DSi is slightly thinner than a DS Lite as it does not have a Game Boy Advance game pak slot. This does mean games like Guitar Hero or games that use the DS’s Rumble Pak will not be fully functional. There are now 3 LED indicators on the DSi’s hinge. One to display current status of wireless communications, one to display power, and the other do advise system is charging. The volume is no longer controlled by a slider, but + & - buttons which increase and decrease the volume as required. The power button is now forward facing and does more than it used to. A light tap of the button returns you to the DSi system menu, whereas holding the button will turn off the game system. Best mini-feature to slightly touch up the system a little is the bigger screen. I didn’t notice it so much when sitting it side-by-side with my fiancée’s DS Lite, however, next to my original DS, it looked much bigger. It’s not a huge difference, but is slightly more comfortable on the eye.
So is it worth upgrading? If you’re still using the house-brick original DS, then I would say yes. Although the games are just as fun on a DS, it’s a lot more sylish to play a DSi, and the added features do seem to add a spot of fun to the system. However, DS Lite owners, especially those that bought it to replace the original DS, may not be so tempted. Although a worthy upgrade, I would like to see an announcement about a new Nintendo handheld system to contend with the I-phone and PSP, but whilst DS is still selling like hot-cakes, I can wait.
8/10