14 DAY TRIAL // A short while ago, there were rumors going around that Nintendo would release a new version of their popular handheld console, the DS. Not any ordinary fresh version like the DS Lite, but one that would contain several distinct new features never present on Nintendo’s products. Features such as music playback capability or a camera were unprecedented for the Japanese company which only focused on gaming related consoles and products. Although they released a faint “No Comment” statement, it did leave the public wondering whether there really was something up Nintendo's sleeve. And now, at the Fall Conference of the company, we can feast our eyes on the new Nintendo Dsi.
Marketed as a step forward in the evolution of the small handheld, the DSi will sport several changes as opposed to the DS Lite. First of all, the GBA slot has disappeared and will now have an even slimmer design. The screens have been enlarged and measure 3.25 inches. And regarding the actual rumored improvements, “audio enhancements” will be among the features of this console as revealed by Satoru Iwata, Nintendo’s president. It will also include a VGA camera, making it possible to take photos at a 640x480 resolution. All the pictures will be placed on the new SD card memory slot which will allow you to view them on both the DSi and the Wii.
The handheld will also feature a built-in browser which will take players on the new DSi Shop, where customers can download games and applications for the consoles labeled as DSiWare. The prices for such download range from free to 200, 500, and 800 points. Nintendo also announced that every buyer of the DSi would have 1000 points to spend on everything he wants from the shop. Those points will be available until March 2010.
The handheld will be released in Japan on November 1 with the estimated price tag of 18,900 yen or 180 dollars. Other countries will have to wait until next year, as Nintendo has not developed any concrete launch plan.