Nintendo DSi

The Nintendo DSi builds on the success of the DS and DS Lite. The Nintendo DSi is not just more powerful and slimmer but it is also packed with lots of new features, such as the two digital cameras which can be used for still pictures and as a webcam. The DSi is available in two colours, matte black and stark white. If you want to buy a Nintendo DSi then check out our up to the minute DSi prices below. Compare and find the cheapest prices for a DSi, we check so you don't have to.

The next iteration of the DS Lite, the Nintendo DSi is a handheld gaming console featuring two LCD screens one which is a touch screen. Normally bigger is better, but the DSi is 12% thinner than the DS Lite, however the screens are larger at 3.25" and brighter. This reduction in size of the Nintendo DSi was achieved at the loss of the GBA slot, which is a shame as some DS games did make use of it. The multimedia capabilities of the DSi include an internet browser, two digital cameras, picture editing and music playback. The addition of these extra feature elevates the Nintendo DSi from simply being a handheld console to must have multimedia device, with the camera and music playback the DSi is something you won't want to be without.

Not just the internals of the Nintendo DSi have changed though, so too has the outer shell. The DSi is made from a tougher more durable plastic with a matte finish, which is great as it avoids all those finger prints that required constant cleaning on a DS Lite. Nintendo have also moved the power button and volume slider to make way for the SD Card slot. Now the power button is inside the case and the volume buttons are on the left side instead.

Technical Specifications

Camera

The Nintendo DSi includes two digital cameras, one on the inside built into the hinge and the other on the outside of the case. Both cameras are 0.3megapixel 640x480, small but made up for by the good picture quality. It's the camera software that really shines on the DSi, allowing you to distort faces in real time, add many effects and even includes facial recognition. The internal camera can also act as a webcam.

DSiWare

Available through the DSi Shop, Nintendo DSiWare allows users to download content such as new themes and unique games. Available for free is the Nintendo DSi Web Browser, surf the web on your DSi. Other content is purchased from the DSi Shop using Nintendo DSi Points.

Enhanced DSi Sound

The Nintendo DSi has improved sound and volume quality, users can fully enjoy playing music files as well as in-game music. The DSi Sound application lets you mess around and play with music and sound, change the pitch or speed and apply effects.

It's awesome.

The DSi has been on sale for over 2 years now, and in that time the price has come down from the RRP of £150 to a more sensible £99.

When the Nintendo DSi was first announced, I thought it was a small upgrade over the DS lite, a nice console, but worth £50 extra? I wasn't sure. But now the price has come down it makes far more sense to buy a DSi rather than a DS lite.

Nintendo has sold over 100 million DS, and there's a good reason for that, the DS was a great innovation. With 2 screen, one of them a touch screen, this allowed for many new and interesting types of games such as the hugely popular brain training.

The DSi adds 2 cameras, built in wi-fi with internet browser, downloadable games and a smaller form factor. It may not have the specifications to match other modern gadgets but for gameplay value it's hard to match, the DS didn't need much improvement, but the DSi has plenty on offer.

Name *

Mail *
(will not be published)

Rating * 1 2 3 4 5