Nintendo DSi Review

The Nintendo DSi is a seventh generation handheld gaming console created by Nintendo. It has the similar design features compared to its predecessor, the Nintendo DS Lite. This handheld game system boasts new features like dual digital cameras, connectivity to the online store called Nintendo DSi Shop and support for internal and external storage. It has a more enhanced multimedia feature compared to its predecessors. The built in Wi-Fi connectivity is aimed at facilitating personalization, persuading each member to buy their own individual DSi.

Nintendo DSi boasts of ARM architecture CPUs, which clock at 133 MHz, that is double the speed of previous models. It also has a 16MB RAM which is four times it predecessors. All these technical upgrades make the Nintendo DSi work smarter and faster enhancing the game play.

DESIGN DESCRIPTION
Compared to the DS Lite the DSi is sturdy. It definitely feels more robust than the DS Lite and the matte finish only makes it easier to handle. The design of the DSi is similar to that of DS Lite. It has a dimension of 74.9 x 137 x 18.9 mm (when closed) making it shorter and slightly wider than the DS Lite. The whole gadget weighs around 7.7 ounces. It has a 3.25 inch color TFT-LCD top screen. The touch screen is also of the same size but has a transparent analog which accepts input from the included stylus. The features like X,Y,A,B buttons along with a directional pad, start, select and power button are easily accessible to any user. Under the console’s hinge, there are also two shoulder buttons, a game card slot and a power cable input. One camera is placed on the internal hinge pointing towards the user and the other is placed in the outer covering facing away from the user.

Due to its matte surface, the visibility of fingerprints on the DSi is low. The handheld is available in seven different colors but matte white and black are the only colors available in all regions. There are also other special-edition models and bundles available in the market.

MULTIMEDIA
The Nintendo DSi includes various media and online applications through which you can interact with photos and music. Just like in Wii, different channels or applications can be moved around or scrolled through. You can also fill up your unused memory space with downloaded games and applications from the DSi shop. Compared to its predecessors, it has more extensive multimedia features. You can take pictures with its dual camera, download software from Nintendo and store AAC audio files from other devices to its SD cards. Pictures taken with the camera can be modified with its ten lens options and furthermore can be uploaded to Wii’s photo channel or social networking sites like Facebook.
Voice recorder and music playback functionality is also there in DSi. The recorded audio files can be edited and manipulated by any gamer.

MEMORY
The DSi comes with an internal 256 MB flash memory and a 2 GB SD card.. It also supports SDHC cards which can be expanded up to 32 GB.

CONNECTIVITY
The Nintendo DSi offers Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g connectivity to browse the web and download more games. You can also attach a USB connector to enjoy enhanced web connectivity. This connector is sold separately along with the device.

PERFORMANCE:
Although the main processor is doubled and its ram size increased four times, there is not much difference in performance and game play to its predecessor. DS Lite users will not like the battery strength of DSi as the console holds charge for 9-14 hours when compared with the 15-19 hours of DS Lite, but with increased features like the camera. The interface of the online DSi shop has a very friendly interface and the download speed was very reasonable.

THE VERDICT
Although the DSi is expensive, it is total value for money for all its cool upgrades like Wi-Fi gaming, new multimedia options, online shops and bigger screens. For people who already have a DS, it will be a good idea to trade it and buy the new DSi. For new users, just buy it because a portable gaming system cannot get any better than this. Nintendo DSi is available at $149.99.

Reviewer’s Rating: 4/5