The question on everyone’s mind since October 2, 2008, has been whether it will be worth upgrading to the DSi from the DS Lite, right? We’ve all seen the countless videos coming out of Japan about the DSi’s new features and I’m sure most of you have already made up your mind by now, but if you’re on the fence then I hope this review helps.
The DSi’s hardware is leaps and bounds ahead of the DS Lite. The screens are 0.25 inches bigger and a bit brighter than the DS Lite. The power switch is now a power button and serves as a reset to take you back to the DSi Menu, so you don’t have to restart every time you want to get back to the main menu. The matte finish offers better grip than the previous edition, but it’s prone to oily smudges so keep your hands clean.
Nintendo was all abuzz during the original announcement of the DSi because of the two VGA cameras that were added in this iteration. With a slogan like, “What will you and “i” do?,” it’s fairly obvious what Nintendo’s goal is for the DSi. They’re hoping to make the handheld device just as social as the Wii. The first US DSi commercial is evidence of that.
Either bumper activates the internal camera from the main menu, which you can switch to the external after launch. It may not be Nintendo’s intention to eliminate your camera, but both VGA cameras aren’t that bad. Considering Japan’s obsession with sticker picture booths it comes as no surprise that the picture editing software lets you edit images to add borders, cat ears or Mac-like Photo Booth effects. If you haven’t seen the first US commercial then check it out to see some of the editing software’s abilities.
I was never quite satisfied with the DS Lite’s speakers and I’m happy to report that the DSi’s speakers are loud and clear. They’re also much more conspicuous. By adding an SD card slot, you can now ditch your MP3 player if you’re looking to travel light. DSi Sound allows you to manipulate your music by adding sound effects, changing pitch or overlaying your own recorded snippets. Other effects include filters, like, radio, instrumental, echo and 8-bit game. Visual effects are played on the top screen that include playable Super Mario and other visual treats. The parakeet that lives inside offers tips and repeats your recorded tracks, which is a bit creepy.
The Opera powered DSi browser works just as you’d expect. You can check out the video I took the other day if you’re wondering how both screens work for browsing. However, I’ve been notified that my device memory is too low to display certain pages even though I’ve only been to one or two sites.
Let’s be honest, the DSi Shop is totally worth the $170, but Nintendo decided to ditch the GBA slot, which is a bummer for anyone that has an archive of GBA games or newer games like Guitar Hero: On Tour that uses the GBA slot for the accompanying grip. However, I’m hoping the rumors of a Virtual Console for the DSi are true. Download speeds will depend on your Internet connection, but all my downloads averaged a minute or less. And each game or app can be stored on the DSi or SD card. And don’t forget that you’ll receive 1000 free DSi Points by purchasing on or before October 5th of this year.
Of the five DSiWare titles available, I’ve downloaded all but Master of Illusion Expres: Funny Face. I’m not that enthusiastic about the games that utilize the camera, but the WarioWare title seemed like a must have to show others what the new handheld and software is capable of. Let’s hope Nintendo pushes out some more titles and apps in the next month because the existing lineup isn’t appealing to everyone, but Bird and Beans and Art Style: AQUIA are my favorites of the bunch.
My review thus far probably sounds like a big endorsement for the DSi, but it’s not perfect. Battery life is considerably shorter than the previous generation by a few hours and nixing the GBA slot eliminates the use of all previous accessories that one might have purchased. The battery is user replaceable and I’m positive that larger capacity batteries will hit the market soon. But I can honestly say that those are the only two issues that I have with the DSi.
As cheesy as the photo editing and audio software are, they’re neat to have and use. The Web browser is now included, which eliminates the need to spend another $30 or so unless you’re the homebrew type. The DSi Shop has the potential to be huge, but only time will tell what Nintendo has in store for us. If you currently own a DS Lite, then I suggest you wait around for a bit to see what happens with the DSi Shop. If you have an older model or you don’t own one at all, then, by all means, go out and purchase one immediately.
You must be joking, $170 USD for this thing! I bet if someone did a tear-down they would find the hardware cost to be around $50. This is an iPhone rip-off all over again.
Is the battery user replaceable? I have NEVER-again bought a device without a user replaceable battery after my iPod shuffle; which after the battery failed Apple wanted to charge me almost as much as the original purchase to fix.
Could you please leave your apple rant to apple related posts?
Also, companies are there to MAKE MONEY on their products, not giving them away for free. I would like to see you doing a full time job without asking any pay at all.
Let the guy have his opinion. The DSI is too expensive and since its mainly kids who want the latest gamers these companies should have consideration for the parents who feel they have to find the money to buy which is hard during this credit crunch……….caused by the US I might add!!!!!!!!!!!
Are you freaking kidding me? I’m online with my DSi looking up reports just to see the responces of suckers like you! Look, fool- it’s worth it.
I totally agree. I have bought the dsi and the cost here in the UK is double the cost of the DS. The extra you get does not justify the cost and I personally regret buying it. The finish effect is dreadful. The camera resolution is dreadful, The sound quality is Ok. Internet access is OK but why buy a dsi for this when you can get better quality on a mobile telephone. The region restrictions for DSI downloads is also disappointing.
I would rate this new console as 4/10. Think before you buy as it is not as great as the adverts have made out.
I love my new DSi. Its so sleek and slimmer than the old DS lite or DS phat. I love how the screens are bigger and the speakers are a little better than before. The fact that it has a camera, actually 2 cameras, is just amazing. The Nintendo DSi is simply amazing!
Yes, the battery is replaceable.
They ditched the GBA slot? Ridiculous! I often wake up one saturday morning and have an urge to play some of the oldest games I own. So I break out my Nintendo 64, or use my wii for gamecube games, or use my lite for GBA games. But I don’t want to have to play DS games on one device, and then keep my lite for those urges…
You won’t have to, you will be able to repurchase old gba games on their online shop similar to WII’s Virtual Console. The menu on the dsi has those open slots onboard for that purpose it seems. Interesting concept, now u can ditch all those old cartridges and have all of em available on the dsi! Then u can sell ur old gb/gba and gba lite on ebay or do the trade in that they are doing for the new dsi for $70 at gamestop
That’s a bit presumptuous, Alex. Nintendo hasn’t confirmed a Virtual Console/Arcade for the DSi.
HI THERE I HAVE BOTH NINTENDO DSI AND NINTENDO LITE THE DSI DOSE WHOLE LOT MORE FOR JUST A LITTEL BIT MORE MONEY I DIFFENTLY SAY GO WITH THE NINTENDO DSI
Internet bummer, not enogh memory to run the Fabebook site
I agree. A bit of a disappointment, but with firmware, updates to the browser are almost bound to happen.
For “tom” about the facebook site, just use their mobile version at m.facebook.com
It is fully functional and I like it better in a lot of ways. Much less clutter.
I’m yhinking of doing that, but it has to be in good condition to get full price.
I need to know if i go to game stop and trade my Nintendo DS in for a DSI will i get the extra money back from how much i paid for the nintendo DS
There is a trade-in ~ $70 for a DS Lite or $50 for a DS & $20 for a GBA SP
Battery life is the big ding. My DS battery life is barely enough for air travel as it is. I will wait until the good batteries hit the market.
Updated the Nintendo line at ce.tearn.com
i got the dsi and belive me it is so woth it! its amazing!!!!!!
I have one already. I rarely played GBA titles anyway. By the by.. it does NOT play mp3’s (only DRM-free AAC files. This is by far the most stupid decision on their part.)
My experience with it so far? It’s okay. It’s thinner and lighter, but marginally wider. The cameras give it some wii-like potential for crazy game ideas.. so I like that. It seems fluid enough with processing audio and video to make me think that they either bumped up the ARM processor speed or added a DSP in there to aid it with processing. I don’t know, though.. just a guess. Overall, it gets a wobbly-headed, ‘yeah.. it’s nice’ so far.
I probably wouldn’t have gotten it if my mom didn’t want my old DS Lite so badly for all those neat mental games the DS seems to have a bunch of.
Acctually Miles, the AAC programming acctually makes sense, as Nintendo is trying to convert it to n iPod, instead of an ordinary MP3 player.
I got one like the day it came out and it is by far THE best investment i’ve made in the realm of gaming… I’ve had a DS lite forever and i love the ds games… great system that DS but the DSI…. man… work out that file format problem with the ability to play mp3’s and this thing is like perfect!!!… its already replaced my camera… and its going to be my main mp3 player I’ll just have to convert some files when im ready to load/reload my library…
Nintendo makes great products so I’m looking forward for the store to be very useful… and think about it… if they’re using a full mariobros game as a visualization for they’re music player then I’m sure they will have tons of old school games available through the online sore….
I love the DSI… and if you love your DS already… you’ll find that the DSI is a great upgrade… the games are the same ya know its a gaming system first… but now its a camera a sound sampler an music player and much much more… who knows what they’re come out with app-wise… they def hooked up a bunch of them blocks to fill…. oh and i love how the mario characters help with the downloading… awesome lil touch to the download process!….
go get one people!!
Is it now not possible anymore to download free nds games from torrent websites with this nds?
Please reply, thanks!
I have a question tho. When you take pictures on the dsi, can you send it to the computer like for pages like facebook and myspace or just to save there?
You can save images to the SD card, but you can’t upload to FB or MySpace through the DSi browser.
We have a DS Lite for my son and now what to purchase another DS for another son. For them to have the most fun should I go with a new DS Lite or buy the DSi as the new one? They are 8 & 10 the 8 yr old has one and now the 10 yr old wants one. Thanks ahead for any feedback…
I’d opt for the DSi since there’s only a $40 difference.
Hi,
I want the new dsi and i have the ds lite. I don’t know if it is worth it. Can I have advice
You certainly should get it for your older son although ireally don’t think an 8yearold needs a dsi it just wouldnt be fair for the older one
Does it use the same charger as DS lite?
No, it does not use the same charger as the DS lite.
the DSi sounds wonderful i want to upgrade my DS lite i have 3 DSlite games 2 GBA games and a DS lite house complete with a car changer extra stick and space for 2 Ds games and 2 GBA games i want to know were i could trade all this to get the DSi for the lowest price
can you use the same charger as the ds lite??
Hi:
I’m contemplating purchasing the new DSi for my son. He is seven years old. Is he too young?
Thanks!
Definitely not. I got my first gameboy when I was 6. And I turned out alright.
LOL i got my first gameboy when i was 4
I just got my DSi today, and I was wondering if the paint on it was supposed to feel kind of grainy/rough. I just wondering because the finish on the DS lite was glossy.
Yes, the finish is supposed to feel rough. It helps you grip it better with less liklihood of it slipping out of your hands.
this thing OWNS!
you have a camera you have music player you have wii connection
THIS FREAKIN’ AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
what i dont know is are the colours availiable on th us or is there no such thing
Just got my wife the DSi. She loves her DS Lite so I thought this was the next logical step. Well all was good until we tried her TETRIS DS game. Got the error to power off and try again….if persists contact Ninteno. So I did, same thing, so I called Nintendo and they concluded it would need to be replaced. So we took it back to Wal-Mart for a new one. Guess what same thing. Her Tetris, Mario Cart, DS games will not play. These games play fine on the DS Lite and are DS games not GBA. Does anyone know what is going on? Nintendo does not know at this time.
Thanks,
You may need to get the DSi replaced. I don’t have Tetris, but I do have Mario Cart. Mario Cart works fine on my brand new DSi.
My Mario Cart is the Japanese version but I doubt that matters.
I haven’t tried all my games yet, but everyone I’ve tried has worked fine.
the same thing happened with my tetris game but on my ds original
hey everybody i really want a dsi.who cares if they ditched the dba slot.GET NEW GAMES!!!!!!!!!you cant change what nintendo company did so if your upset with it just dont buy one.
that comment i left was not to jimmy hight directly.
Looks as if the games we have may be pirated. All 3 games that worked on the DS Lite but not on the DSi came from Amazon for $5-$10. Not dissing Amazon but everyone needs to be aware. I will no longer by these games online. Gamestop, Wal-Mart, Target……etc. All the games we got there have been ok. Other Forums have reported the same issue with Games purchased cheap online. Lots are failing to work on the new DSi because Nintendo has stepped up their Copy Right protection. Buyers beware!
going to get the dsi it seems like a good trade-in thanks for the tips and advisorys
you guys are choads. if you have a ds lite, maybe wait until the dsi comes out with an update. if you still have the phat version, upgrade. and, btw, it does not play mp3s, so you can’t “ditch your MP3 player”. Worried about your gba games? really? the only thing i used mine for was playing homebrew on my GBAMP. when bypass devices come out for the dsi, it will be one tight machine.
This dsi is freakin hot as hell. i,m thinking about using it as a dildo. later, i got a boner
HEY MY BROTHERS SAW THAT WORD
i still only have a gameboy color.
i think its time for an upgrade…
Ok look it might not have the GBA Slot and it’s camera aint totaly that good but its got a great internet and a good music player IF you want aac files just use ITunes! The DSi Rocks and i’ve got one btw i’m typing this on my dsi so there.
The DSi Is Worth it and the DSiWare onliy just came out give nintendo time to make stuff for it!
I Recomend you get this dsi if you want to play gba games JUST GET OUT YOUR DS LITE OR DS PHAT DON’T GET RID OF IT!
I got a DS Phat and lite so i don’t worry about not being able to play gba games.
I think i made my point=)
I got a coral pink ds lite 2 years ago. I was 11 and i am a boy. Pink was cool to me back then. Now i hate it. My mom loves brain age 2. Is the upgrade worth it if i have to trade in my ds lite and pay 90$ after that. My sister also has a white ds lite. so i could still play gba games.
Should I get one, all my friends have one and say if zI don’t get one i am not their friend anymore.Should I isten to their peer presure…..I don’t know. Is the picquality good or not.
Should I get one, all my friends have one and say if zI don’t get one i am not their friend anymore.Should I isten to their peer presure…..I don’t know. Is the pic quality good or not.
Can you play DS lite games on the dsi?
duh!
Of course you can the onliy Dsi only games are on the DSiShop
I’m a kid who is about to spend her own $170 on this that she saved up. What do I do do I get it or not? I have a Gameboy Advance, an Gameboy Advance SP and a Nintendo DS Lite. I aced alot of games and I want them to work on the new dsi. ? I paid for every last game I own plus the two gameboys and the ds lite. I spent 6 months saving this up. I am going to sell my emerald and my Chicken shoot.
Gameboy Advance games are no longer able to run on the DSi but who cares when you have over 5 systems that dose play gba games.
So Get The DSi Its worth it.
OMG I WAT 1 SOOOO BAD!!!!! But i have a question; do the normal DS games work on it or do u have to buy DSI specific games?
Yes you can play old DS Games on it.
The only DSi Exclusive Games are on the DSiShop.
Hello and guess what I GOT THE DSI WOOT!
its so cool its got a camera!
A MUSIC PLAYER!
A DSISHOP!
and the thing is Wii Points CAN ALSO BE USED ON THE DSI!
i really don’t care about the gba slot being that i have a GBA SP and a DS Phat.
i sopport people like zman cause he likes the dsi lol.
People who hate the DSi shouldn’t play video games Nintendo is the onliy true game maker/game console maker!
PSP onliy has under 30 Games WHAT CHUMPS LOL.
Even know i completely love the XBox 360.
so yeah Get The DSi i Highly Reconmend it!
Ha nice yeah i sopport you as well THE DSI ROCKS!
I WILL
I got the dsi the first day it came out in the us on april fifth. now you can update the firmware too and added th the touch screen calibrater is a mic test. the screens are much more noticable bigger and the sound is so crisp and clear and it also has bass so you can feel your dsi vibrate. the dsi speakers are four times better than the psp,s. oh yeah you dont have to buy songs from itunes you could just convert mp3s to acc.
WHO KNOW’S
can you play music while playing ds games?
NO
SO DO YOU KNOW IF THE DS GAMESWOULD WORK ON THE DSI
yes
IT IS EASIER TO BREAK.
In what way is it easier to break? Does that mean you’ve already broken yours??
Can you play music while playing a cartridge game?!
This sounds AWESOME! I’m DEFINETLY buying one tomorrow when I go to the mall! BTW, I see people asking the same questions over and over again, so you guys should read the other comments before posting. Just a tip for next time.
my question wasn’t even answered though.
HI THERE I HAVE BOTH NINTENDO DSI AND X-BOX 360 X-BOX 360 GAMES TAKES FOREVER TOO LOAD A GAME BECUASE IT USES A SLOW INAFECENT HARD DRIVE NOT FLASH MEMORY
HI THERE YES IT HAS A REMOVABLE BATTERY THAT YOU CAN BUY WERE EVER NINTENDO IS SOLD JUST LIKE THE DS LITE THE BATTERY COMPARTMENT IT HAS THE INFORMATION IN THE NINTENDO DSI BOOK UNLESS YOU THROUGH OUT THE BOOK NOT ONLY I HAVE THE DSI BOOK I STILL HAVE THE NINTENDO DSI BOX I HAD MINE FROM 12:30 PM ON APRIL 5 SOO I HAD ONE OF THE FIRST ONES SOO I CAN GET 1,000 DSI POINTS FOR FREE
IM getting mine in a few hrs. im so
excited yay me !!!!!!
no fair
ALSO I ALREADY HAVE A DS LITE A WII A
PLAYSTATION 1 AND NOW THE NINTENDO DS
I
HI THERE YES IT IS DIFENTLY WORTH THE UPGRADE I HAVE YET FIGURE OUT ON THE FIRMWARE UPGRADE DO NOT KNOW IF I WOULD LOSS MY WEB BROWSER OR NOT
What colors does it come in…i know blue, black, and a gross green color…but what else??? Or is that it?
Those are the only ones in the US I think, but they have released a pink and white one across seas……..
Heyaaa!!
I’m Martha!!
I have 8 brothers and sister’s!!
I have a 15 year old sister, Molly, a stupid little twit, Kathy, age 9. Joe and Jerry, the 11 year old twins. Mikey my annoying 5 year old brother, Sarah, my 3 year old sister and finally Lillie and Annie, the ttwins girl babies!!!!! Byee xxx
wth!nobody needs 2 no that martha larkin!