Nintendo DSi Launched – Nintendo DS Upgrade is Worth it
3rd April saw release of the long-awaited Nintendo third edition of its DS handheld console, the Nintendo DSi. Yes it is now up for sale. Find out why it’s worth the upgrade.
Firstly it comes equipped with two cameras, one facing inside and one on the outside. These cameras detect motion, which means that you can now control games via hand and head movements, and can also be used to snap photos of yourself or your mates, or even create photo diaries that can then by viewed on the DSi digital photo frame-style.
The DSi also has one humdinger of a download service coming in DSi Ware, which offers a range of custom-made games and apps, including a free web browser. Downloadable games include WarioWare Snapped!, which makes use of the camera’s motion detection capabilities in a series of time-limited minigames. Of course, one can even play regular cartridge-based DS games too, of which there are now over 1,000 to choose from.
The DSi also sports better specs than older versions, with a 3.25-inch screen size and a slight reduction in bulk.
The Nintendo DSi launch itself in Europe on April 3rd – two days before the US – priced at 149UKP. The sleeker design of the DSi attributes a great deal to the added a camera and SD card slot. It's software will feature picture editing and access to the DSi shop for games downloads. Wondering about the games?
No launch titles have been announced officially yet although because of the casual audience the DS attracts this is probably less important than it once was. Having said that core gamers are likely to be attracted to Chinatown Wars, the first DS incarnation of Grand Theft Auto. The game is out a fortnight before the DSi launch and the UK boss of publishers Rockstar thinks the new handheld will boost sales of their game and may attract Sony PSP owners to invest in a DSi. In my opinion anyone releasing high profile titles on the DS will definitely benefit from it. There is a potential to attract lots of new owners into the market, particularly from our fans who may have played our GTA titles on the PSP.
So what in your opinion on this? Does the DSi have the specifications to tempt you away from your PSP? Or will it take more games like Chinatown Wars before you get drawn to it? And what about current DS owners – are the hardware upgrades enough to tempt you to splash out on a DSi?
So are you not planning to queue up today? Get there quick if you want one from the shelves or you can shop your DSi here at Etflux itself. When the DSi went on sale in Japan it shifted 170,000 in just two days, selling out almost immediately. So you can imagine the impact that's going to be in the US
Filed Under: Nintendo
