Nintendo DSi review

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The outer changes to the DSI are subtle but they have improved the ergonomics of this little classic alot.
It is very slightly wider and longer, but it is thinner and lighter.  It also comes with a matte finish on all of its surfaces, and all these little things make it feel much better to hold and use (very sweat resistant grip).

The DSI's menu layout  is similar to that found on the Wii Channel, showing 5 features ;

DSi Camera, DSi Sound, DSi Shop, Picto Chat, and Download Play.

It has larger screens - about 1/4 inch bigger, not a massive increase but noticeable.

The on/off power slider on the side of the DS has been replaced with a proper click switch located inside, next to the lower screen so you can no longer accidentally turn it on when you put it in your pocket.

The new DSi boasts better speakers than than DS, this will help with the DSi as a music player (AAC files - same as iTunes).

The battery in the DSi charges quicker, 2 1/2 hours as opposed to 3 hours.  However the larger screen size does result in the DSi running out of juice a little faster, especially if you have the screens on their new extra-bright setting.  Check out the comparison table at the bottom of the page.

Released in Japan in November 2008, we in the UK will have to wait till 2009 (hopefully summer), and it will be available in matte black or matte white.

It features cameras, both inside and out and with the inbuilt software, you can take photos and mugshots of your mates and then stretch and scribble all over em - amusing for 10 minutes but still amusing !!  You can alter the images in real time (moving) as well as those stored on the DSi.  These cameras are only 0.3 mega-pixels and Nintendo defend this by saying that they are not trying to be cutting edge, they want you to use the cameras in conjunction with the software and all its filters and effects and HAVE FUN with them !!  Sounds reasonable to us, does that modified and insulting image of your mate (that you did) need to be in 8.4 mega-pixel - NO !! With features like the 'facial blending tool' which lets you change people expressions in ridiculous ways, and a mode that measures similarities between 2 faces, there is so much childish fun to be had.

Options to record and playback audio / music via the onboard mic, and with the inbuilt software you can change your recordings but altering the pitch/speed etc., and then your newly created files can be shared with your friends via WiFi.   It is also compatible with 'itunes' and will play all your AAC format tunes.

The music suite also features, effects like 'echo', 'vintage radio', '8-track' and 'karaoke' where all the vocals are chopped out.  In addition there are a number of instrument sounds that you can play over whatever is being played by tapping on the DSi's shoulder buttons (L and R on the DS).

You can continue to play all your original DS games on the DSi, but for those with copied DS games on R4 chips - sorry you won't be able to play them.

It has 256 MB of onboard memory and will also take SD cards too, a function the old DS does not have.

Nintendo will be opening a DS Store where you can browse and buy games without going to the shops.

You can no longer play your old Gameboy Advance games on the DSI as the rather large cartridge slot has been done away with.  However, as far as GBA backward compatibility is concerned, there are rumours that because the DSI has 256MB of flash memory, Gameboy Advance games may be available for download from the forthcoming DSi online shop - how good would that be ??

The mega-pixels on the cameras and the onboard memory are not that impressive.  They are not cutting edge and will not blow your mind.  However, Nintendo as usual manage to eek every possible drop of fun and entertainment out of what is already available.

What will set the DSi apart will be the DSi specific games that will make use of the cameras and bring you into the games.  Imagine eyetoy games on a handheld and you start to get the idea.

The DSi is not intended to rock your world with it's cutting edge technology bursting out at the seams.  It is best to think of it as the 'next generation' of a 'world-wide classic'.  Probably the best hand-held in the world, just got that little bit better !!    With over 7 million DS and DS lites in the UK, it is a recipe that only needed a little bit of garnish and no change to the main ingredients - reliability and FUN FUN FUN.

The DSi WiFi has had an upgrade, you can share and swap files via WiFi and the new DSi WiFi browser is designed to give you a better online experience.

RELEASE DATE - well you can pop onto ebay and buy the Japanese version NOW.  But as for the UK release, sometime in 2009 - we will keep you posted - join our mailing list and we will keep you up to date.