Double Vision

- Nintendo announces the launch of the Nintendo DSi handheld system on April 5, 2009. Check out our rundown of the new features and our screenshot gallery.

The most noticeable additions to this new version are the two cameras, one on the outside and one inside when it is open, both with a 680 x 480 pixel 0.3 megapixel resolution. The DSi screen is larger than the Lite version, growing from 3.00 inches to 3.25. Another improvement is the use of a matte surface on the shell that reduces the appearance of fingerprints. The lithium ion battery pack on the new DSi delivers three to 14 hours of play on a 2.5-hour, a half hour less time needed to charge than the Lite version. The new system is slightly wider, but thinner than the previous version, the DS lite. The DSi is also lighter than it's predecessor by 4 grams (214 grams total).

The DSi also has an SD memory card slot that can be used to load up music that can be played even when the case is shut.

One of the most exciting additions to the new version is the users ability to personalize the system. In an interview with the development team, Nintendo's Global President Satoru Iwata called this customization concept, 'My DS'. The development team decided to add internal memory that allows the DSi to incorporate later released software created by both companies and the user community.

Read The Interview

The The Nintendo DSi will be available in either blue or black in the US on April 5, 2009 with a MSRP of $169.99.

Related Links:

Official Nintendo DSi Site with Interview with Development Team
Nintendo DSi Specs:

MSRP:    $169.99.

Size (when closed):    137 millimeters (5.4 inches) wide, 74.9 millimeters (2.9 inches) long, 18.9 millimeters (0.74 inches) tall.

Weight:    Approximately 214 grams (7.5 ounces).

Top Screen:    A backlit, 3.25-inch, transmissive TFT color LCD with 256 x 192 pixel resolution and .24 mm dot pitch, capable of displaying 260,000 colors.

Touch Screen:    Same specs as top screen, but with a transparent analog touch screen.

Cameras:    680 x 480 pixel resolution, 0.3 megapixels.

Brightness Adjustment:    Users can adjust the brightness of screens at five different levels. Electricity consumption will vary, depending on the software used and brightness level (the brighter the setting, the less continuous play-time capability).

                Brightness     Approximated Continuous Play
1st level         9-14 hours
2nd level          8-12 hours
3rd level          6-9 hours
4th level          4-6 hours
5th level          3-4 hours

Wireless Communication:    IEEE 802.11 with enhanced security (WPA). Wireless range is 30 to 100 feet, depending on circumstances; multiple users can play multiplayer games using just one Nintendo DS or Nintendo DSi game card (region locked), depending on the software. Ability to connect to Nintendo® Wi-Fi Connection, Nintendo’s wireless gaming network. Ability to download demo versions of Nintendo DS and Nintendo DSi games from DS Download Stations, Nintendo Zone™, or via the Nintendo Channel of the Wii™ console.

Controls:    Touch screen, embedded microphone for voice recognition, A/B/X/Y face buttons, + Control Pad, L/R shoulder buttons, Start and Select buttons, dual cameras and volume control. The stylus is approximately 92 millimeters (3.6 inches).

Microphone:    Located at the center of the unit, which allows it to pick up spoken commands regardless of how the Nintendo DSi is positioned.

LED Lights:    Visible even when the Nintendo DSi unit is closed. Three lights indicate if wireless communication function is on or off, whether the battery is being recharged and how much battery life is left before it needs to be recharged.

Input/Output:    Ports for Nintendo DSi game cards, Nintendo DS game cards, an SD memory card, an A/C adaptor and stereo headphones and a microphone.

Other Features:     Embedded PictoChat™ software allows one user to draw pictures, or up to 16 users within local range of one another to chat at once; embedded real-time clock; date, time and alarm; touch-screen calibration.

Sound:    Stereo speakers providing virtual surround sound, depending on the software.

Battery:    Lithium ion battery delivering three to 14 hours of play on a 2.5-hour charge, depending on use; power-saving sleep mode; AC adapter.

Languages:            English, French, Spanish.

Parental Control:    An easy-to-use option that allows parents or guardians to manage access to Nintendo DSi exclusive and compatible software based on the ESRB rating, PictoChat, DS Download Play, Nintendo DSi Browser, and certain user-created content that may be inappropriate for some members of their household. It can also help manage the use of Nintendo DSi Points in the Nintendo DSi Shop and wireless exchange of photo data. Nintendo DSi Parental Controls are not compatible with existing Nintendo DS software.

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