The new unit, called the "DSi" will keep the trademark double-screen (DS), while expanding the screens to 3.5 inches, a 17 percent increase in size. Like Apple's iPods, Nintendo is cramming more into a smaller space, fitting the jumbo new screens into a package that's 12 percent thinner than the previous DS. The general look of the handheld is otherwise relatively unchanged, with the stylus being perhaps slightly larger.
One major omission is the scrapping of the GBA cartridge port, likely to help cut the size down and make room for the bigger screens in the thinner body. Fans of backwards compatibility will have to turn to their old DS's and the defunct Game Boy Advance for their GBA gaming fix.
While that exclusion is disappointing,Nintendo packs a lot of features in the new unit to make up for it. The biggest new feature, perhaps, is the addition of cameras. The outside of the case gets a 0.3 MP VGA (640x480) resolution camera, similar to that found on some cell phones. Inside, there's a smaller camera on the hinge. New games will be able to harness the camera functionality for unique new gameplay. Further, the new DS comes with a free paint program so users can edit their pictures.
The new unit also will come with an advanced web browser, so users can send their new pictures over the internet if they have a wi-fi function.
The other highly touted feature of the Swiss-army knife-like DS is music functionality. The DS now features both an SD slot and an undisclosed amount of internal storage to help support its newly acquired music playback. One unique feature of the unit's MP3 player is the ability to slow down or speed up tracks via user control. Says Mr. Iwata on this new feature, "We want our customers to individualize their Nintendo DSi ."
Much like Apple's iPhone App Store, Nintendo is also launching a "DSi Shop", which will allow users to buy and download games and other applications for the DSi over a wi-fi connection. Customers points will be tied to the Wii Store points, so fans of the Wii should be able to interchange their credits. The store's applications will come in 0, 200, 500, and 800 point tiers -- in other words, there will be some free applications. Until March 2010 the device also comes pre-bundled with 1,000 points.
The new DSi will launch November 1 in Japan and will cost ¥189,000 (approx. $178 USD), close to the price of the current DS. International launch dates are yet to be announced. The new handheld comes in two colors at launch -- black and white
-daily tech
Sat Oct 04, 2008 6:40 pm
rate them for trying to improve it.
