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Nintendo DSi Review
Almost coinciding with the 20th
anniversary of the Gameboy, the new Nintendo DSi finally arrives in
Australia. Cosmetically, this new console is 12% thinner, lighter and
its case now boasts a grip-like matte finish. Technologically, the new
features include a wide range of DSiWare applications, an in-built
camera, larger screen, faster processor and the ability to use SD cards
for storage.
Although the console is almost identical to the previous
Nintendo DS in terms of button layout, the buttons feel sturdier that
when matched with the grip system of the console, hopefully this will
ensure that gamers won’t drop this console. The Nintendo DSi retails for
a recommended retail price of $299.95 and is available in all good
retail stores.
For the techno-junkies, the DSi measures
at 133x73.9x21.5mm and weighs in at 218grams. Best of all, the screen
size is 17% larger than the previous incarnation and unfortunately the
resolution is still 256 x 192 which is a shame.
For Impulse Gamer, the
most impressive feature is the inclusion of a new CPU which is the ARM9E
CPU that runs at 133MHz that has access to 16MB of RAM as opposed to the
previous version which ran at 66Hmz.
Nintendo have included two .3MP
cameras that are located on the front and back of the unit which allows
gamers to save these images either on the internal memory of the unit
or via an SD card. Unfortunately for fans of backward compatibility, the
Nintendo have removed the GBA slot which we’re presuming was for the
inclusion of the SD card slot.
When you first turn-on your console, the
user is greeted to a sleek new interface which has large icons that can
easily be accessed. Whether you’re using the stylus or your finger to
navigate, we must commend Nintendo on the change. Users with a brand
new unit will need to configure their devices for time, date and even a
picture of themselves or their better halves. The picture of you almost
makes it give the owner some ownership over the Nintendo DSi.
Most users will probably want to check
out the camera on the DSi first which lets you take photos of almost anything
from pets to inanimate objects. Nintendo have included a photo
manipulation program in the software that allows you add strange filters
to your photos, frames and various other interesting tweaks. Great for
about 30 minutes, however the novelty value will eventually run out.
Lovers of sound will be pleased with the
speakers of the DSi that produce a very clear sound experience that
almost sounds as good as headphones. Another nifty feature is the
inclusion of the DSi Sound into the console that allows you to record
sounds and music. For instance, if you record your voice, you can add
various filters to them and it really creates some whacked out sounds.
As with the camera, the novelty value will run out quite fast for older
gamers. Even so, it’s probably best described as “cute”.
Like the popular iPhone, Nintendo have
truly grasped online technology in relation to downloading DSiWare
titles for your DSi. By logging onto the internet and accessing
Nintendo’s online section, gamers will have the option of downloading
applications, games and music, some free and some with a cost. You can
even use your DSi to surf the internet via the Opera Browser, however
the low resolution of the console does impact on accessing certain
websites. If Nintendo create specifically created DSi websites to
compliment games, this may work in the future.
When it comes to gaming, the DSi is
compatible with all previous DS games and unfortunately there is no
difference when playing it on this console. It will be some time before
Nintendo and other third party providers start producing games that
match with the latest specifications of this system, however until then,
there is no difference. The only difference that we did encounter was
with some DSiWare titles that had some speed and performance
improvements.
At the end of the day, we would
recommend this console to those interested in delving into the world of
the Nintendo DS, however owners of the previous console may want to hold
off until games start using this new technology. The new console is
lighter, has a bigger screen and has a more powerful CPU and gives you
access to downloading applications and games.
It’s
also a shame that Nintendo removed the GBA slot from the DSi, however
hopefully Nintendo will release their previous GBA games as downloads as
a DSiWare title. Either way, it’s a step in the right direction and for
those techno-junkies who always want the best items, than this is the
device for you. As for others who have a DS, they may wish to wait a
little, however those after a DS should definitely consider this
console.
Interesting and fun, just bring on the DSi exclusive games!
Specifications
Screen Size
DSi: 3.25 inch
DS Lite: 3.0 inch
Screen
Both TFT LCD with 260,000 colors
System Size
DSi: 137 x 74.9 x 18.9mm
DS Lite: 133 x 73.9 x 21.5mm
Touch pen
DSi: 92mm length
DS Lite: 87.5mm length
Power source
DSi: DSi AC adapter and special battery pack
DS Lite: DS Lite AC adapter and special battery pack
Weight
DSi: 214g (battery pack and touch pen included)
DS Lite: 218g (battery pack, touch pen, GBA connector cover included)
Charge time
DSi: 2 hours 30 minutes
DS Lite: 3 hours
Battery life
** listed by screen brightness, lowest to highest
DSi: 9-14 hours, 8-12, 6-9, 4-6, 3-4
DS Lite: 15-19 hours, 10-15, 7-11, 5-8
Compatible software
DSi: DS software, DSi software
DS Lite: Game Boy Advance software, DS software
Input method
DSi: DS card slot, SD memory card slot, AC adapter connector, stereo
head phone/mic connector
DSLite: DS card slot, GBA card slot, AC adapter connector, stereo head
phone/mic connector |
