Meet the Nintendo DSi.
As expected, Nintendo announced its latest portable gaming device, dubbed the DSi, at its fall press conference. The DSi is not a game-only device, however, as it includes browsing capabilities, Wi-Fi, a 3-megapixel camera, and other enhancements that bring it more in line with Apple’s iPod Touch and iPhone and Sony’s PlayStation Portable products. In fact, the DSi is not considered a replacement for the current DS Lite line but a complement, or “third platform.”
The juicy DSi details, brought to us by the folks at Kotaku, include:
- dual touchscreens
- the screens are 17 percent larger (3.25 inches)
- the device will be 12 percent thinner because it doesn’t have a Game Boy Advance cartridge slot
- an external 3 megapixel camera
- a front-facing camera located on the hinge
- an SD slot and internal storage
- “audio enhancements” giving players the ability to listen to MP3s, adjust pitch, and playback
the DSi also will feature a built-in browser and the DSi shop, which will sell content through Wi-Fi networks- DSi owners will be able to use free “Nintendo Zone” hotspots in Japanese McDonald’s for Wi-Fi connections
- the DSi will be available in black and white models in Japan on Nov. 1 for $178 US; it will arrive in the U.S. early next year
Engadget has put together an image gallery for the new DSi.
The Nintendo DSi is clearly a response to the changing portable game device market, which is being influenced by Apple’s iPod Touch and iPhone and devices running Google’s mobile operating system, Android, when they become available.
Joystiq has assembled a spec comparison for the DSi, Sony’s PSP 3000, and the iPod Touch/iPhone.
Photo credits: Kotaku and Joystiq
