14 DAY TRIAL // The upcoming launch of the Nintendo DSi, the new and improved DS platform which is set to debut next month, raised a few questions regarding the way digital downloads would work. Nintendo already said that content created specifically for the new platform would be released and, apparently, would be region coded. And now the former Wii Points have been renamed Nintendo points, which seems to point to a common download platform.
But the Siliconera site has published diagrams which seem to detail the fact that Nintendo DSi specific points bought through pre paid cards cannot be used to purchase content that is specific to the Nintendo Wii. So, there will be two channels with different points, although they are both called Nintendo Points.
If this turns out to be correct, then the Nintendo employed system for selling digital content will be pretty different from the one used by Microsoft. The Live array of services is created with cross platform content and payment in mind and the points can be used on the Xbox Live, on Games Windows Live and on the Zune. The advantage of the Microsoft system is that it manages to create a unified platform while that of the Nintendo system is creating separate channels which can be managed separately, with different content, prices and parental limitations.
The Nintendo DSi is sporting not one but two new cameras, one pointed outward and the other towards the user. The screen is also incorporating better technology and there's a new SD card slot on the handheld.
Nintendo is aiming to get the DSi out in Japan on November 1 while its launch in the United States is scheduled for sometime in spring 2009, when Europe should also get the handheld.