Making a choice
The Nintendo DSi console is the third generation of the Nintendo DS – following on from the DS lite. The DSi is slightly more expensive to buy than the DS lite but comes with a few style and function tweaks that make up for the extra pounds. The new features on the Nintendo DSi console include a SDHC memory card slot, built-in dual cameras and internet capabilities. But the console still keeps the basic functions of the DS series such as the dual touchscreen.
If you are looking at investing in a new handheld it is still a great console for families, teens and gadget lovers. It also plays the same games cartridges as the DS and DS lite so you don’t have to buy a whole set of new games if you own an older DS console. However the DSi doesn’t have a huge set of improvements from the DS lite and if you own its predecessor then it might not be worth investing in the newer model. The Nintendo DSi console is more expensive than the DS lite but is still one of the best priced handheld consoles on the market. Also, because DSi is a smaller console the smaller battery doesn’t last as long as that of the DS lite.
Nintendo DSi bundles combine the console with a set of games. They offer the handheld in different colours, are a popular choice and make great gifts, too. While the bundles are more expensive – because of the added games – they can work out cheaper than buying a console and the games separately. You can also get best-selling Nintendo DSi games bundled with a new console.
Multimedia functions
So what’s new on the Nintendo DSi? The console has two built-in digital cameras – one that points towards you and one that points out. The cameras are pretty basic and take pictures at 0.3 megapixels with a VGA resolution and lack a flash or zoom feature. The pictures look OK on the DSi screen but you will notice the poor quality when blown-up to the full-screen on a computer. Some new games are utilising the camera though and integrating it into fun features.
The Nintendo DSi console also lets you carry around your favourite songs with a music player. You can play songs straight from your memory card – with the new SDHC slot – but the MP3 is a big let-down. It has exclusive support for the AAC music format – as opposed to the standard MP3 file – which means you will have to convert most of your songs to AAC to play them on the console.
You can also log on to the internet with the Opera web browser, although it can’t handle flash content, such as YouTube. But, the internet capabilities mean you have access to download games through DSiWare and the online shop is the next big thing in Nintendo handheld gaming. More and more games are becoming available on this – with some exclusive to the site – and the games are stored in your memory so you don’t have to carry cartridges around. You can also access online game play and Nintendo offers a free service.
The device also has a voice recorder function which lets you record your own sounds via the built-in microphone. This is a simple feature and is more likely to keep young children entertained with fun playback sound-effects.
New Design
One of the main differences in the Nintendo DSi console, from the DS lite, is the removal of the Game Boy Advance slot. This was a popular feature on older models and, if you have a library of Game Boy Advance games, then this might not be the best handheld for you. The slot was also used for add-ons – such as in the Guitar Hero games – the console can no longer play these games either.
But part of the reason for removing this, and adding a memory card slot, is geared towards the DSiWare shop. The bigger memory allows you to download and save games straight onto your memory space. This is similar to the PSP Go console and looks to be the future of handheld gaming.
The DSi has a 3.25 inch screen, which is slightly bigger than the DS lite, and is a touch trimmer. DS lites were also prone to the hinge cracking and an improved, thicker hinge on the DSi has corrected this fault. It is much smaller than the screen size of the PSP range but the model is much smaller and lighter.
The console has a decent 9-14 hour battery life, but this is a downsize on the capabilities of the DS lite, which could last for 15-19 hours. It also has improved Wi-Fi support and can use the more secure WPA security standard, as well as WEP security.
Nintendo DSi XL
An updated version of the Nintendo DSi console is the DSi XL. The new generation console has the same features and functions of the DSi but it is bigger. The 4.2 inch screen makes a big difference in your gameplay experience and it is 93% bigger than the DS lite screen.
Popular games such as Brain Train are more enjoyable and precise on the bigger touch screen and games with a lot of text are much easier to read and play.
The bigger screen has resulted in a larger and thicker device and it is 100 grams heavier than the DSi. It’s a bit too big to comfortably fit in your pocket but it is aimed at an older audience with the bigger size designed for adult hands. The console also comes in discreet colours, such as Chocolate Brown and Wine Red, and provides the option of a larger stylus, too.
The Nintendo DSi XL price is a bit higher than that of the Nintendo DSi console – but its improved game play on the bigger screen makes a big difference. While the DSi might be the best option for children – if you are looking to invest in a DS geared towards adults then the DSi XL is the best choice.
If you are looking for a portable console with the best multimedia abilities – such as listening to music and watching videos – then the Sony PSP is probably the better choice. But, DSi consoles are still the more favourable for the catalogue of Nintendo Dsi games. While the PSP has the best graphics and technical games the Nintendo DSi bundles offer the true portable games – that are catchy, fun and simple to play.
