New DS revision: DSi

[MinisterofDOOM]

The new DSi will share it's basic form factor with the DS Lite but will have some major hardware and software updates.

--Two VGA digital cameras (one on the back of the top half, and one on the inside facing the user).

--256MB onboard memory (much, much more than an old DS even with memory expansion).

--SD/SDHC card slot

--No more GBA cart slot

--Free built-in browser (I hope it's better than the old one...with 256MB memory it should at least perform faster)

--DSi Store, similar to the Wii Online Store, you'll be able to download games with Nintendo Points (same as Wii points but now renamed). This is a VERY COOL feature for a handheld, and blows the PSP's horrendously clunky PS Store connectivity out of the water and into deep, cold, unforgiving space.

--New upgradeable firmware. This is good and bad. Good because it means ongoing support. Bad because it means the new DS won't have the original DS beloved unrestrictive homebrew support. The Wii has some pretty proactive (and invasive) anti-homebrew measures (upon firmware updates it'll delete any gamesaves it thinks aren't legit) and those will probably make their way to the DS. Along with the loss of the GBA slot, this is a reason to keep your old DS rather than replacing it with the DSi.

--Larger screens. Same resolution AFAIK, but they're a bit bigger. Better backlight with an additional brightness setting, too.

Since it's really only a features update, games will still work for both systems (unless they require the DSi's new upgrades specifically).

It'll probably cost around $180 to $190 when it hits stores late next summer in the US. For some reason Nintendo America doesn't see it as a high priority. Idiots. It's exactly what they need right now.

[bmike818]

Nintendo is up to their usual tricks. I am not getting one as I barely play my DS. This DSi is interesting, this is now the third revision for the Nintendo DS system, hopefully it's the last. I am sad that they are eliminating the GBA slot.



...I am happy I still got my Gameboy Micro Warning!-I am having a flashback

it reminds me of when I started playing with my first consoleFamily Computer...brings back ol memories- I love retro

[MinisterofDOOM]

My DS is easily my most played console. It shows it's wear. One side of the hinge is damaged (hopefully the DSi will be beefier). My DS library is easily 3 times the size of my other console libraries combined. I love my DS...so many great games, such a well designed system.

At least the DSi has significant functionality upgrades rather than just being a repackage or improved screen like Nintendo usually offers. The DSi store is a HUGE concept and has massive potential.

As for the GB Micro...I'm not a fan. It's ridiculously small. TOO small. For many reasons. One of those reasons is that it's size prevents it from having legacy GB support. I have a LOT of GB games I really enjoy playing. My SP plays them, GB Micro won't. The SP is nearly as small when folded, but has a screen that's large enough to see.

Also, I expect the DSi to be sold concurrently with the DS Lite. That is what they are doing in Japan (though the DSi has hijacked most of the DS Lite sales). There will probably be a ~$50 price difference between the two.

[s0m3th1ngAZ]

interesting...though the lack of a GBA slot is upsetting.

BTW doom...what are your favorite games for the DS?

I'm playing pokemon pearl ATM and forming the right group for competitive play is kinda fun.

[MinisterofDOOM]

Kirby Superstar, Chrono Trigger, Animal Crossing, FF: Ring of Fates, Mario 64 DS, New Super Mario Bros...

If you like horror games, check out "Dimentium." It can be hard to find and got terrible reviews, but it's actually a lot of fun. It has a Doom-like flashlight-or-weapon setup that contributes to some great atmosphere and goes well with the Metroid: Hunters style FPS controls.

I played the new Pokemon but it didn't do anything for me. Odd, as I enjoyed the old Game Boy Pokemon games. The new one lacked something that made the originals fun. I have no idea what that thing is, though.

[HashiriyaS14]

The GB Micro really only makes sense if you're in the unique position of needing/wanting to play portable games frequently in situations wherein you cannot be carrying any sort of bag or case in which you'd store a larger system.

This does not afflict most people, but oddly enough, I fit into this category for a couple reasons. I play the SHXT out of my GB Micro for just this reason. I can carry FFV wherever I go.

I like the DSi, and as I never bought a Lite (still use a phat), I'll probably pick one up.

The loss of the GBA slot does kinda suck, but I have a million devices that will play GBA games.

Furthermore, the loss of homebrew doesn't much concern me. As touchscreen phones get more and more advanced, that's where the homebrew is going to naturally go. To the iPhones and the Blackberry Storms, and I'm fine with that.

[s0m3th1ngAZ]

is chrono trigger a direct port? are there any special features with the ds version?I've played my snes rom version to DEATH and have gotten all 18 endings.

[MinisterofDOOM]

There's one new ending, a few new side quests, and a new monster trainer multiplayer feature. The monster trainer feature is forgettable, but the rest lives up to the original standard of the game.

There's also the new touch-screen controls, which work very nicely. The DS version basically offers all 3 versions of the game...SNES, PSX (has hand-animated cutscenes), and DS. You can stick with the classic interface or use the new touchscreen interface that combines the old with tons of new hotkeys and useful buttons on the touch screen. Touch screen mode also moves all the info display to the bottom screen, so the top screen is completely uncluttered (unless you choose to show the mini status bars).