Dsi Console - Nintendo Dsi Console Guide

The Nintendo DSi console will be released in the UK in the summer of 2009 and is expected to prove a major hit with gamers. The DSi console will be the third member of the Nintendo DS series, following on from the original Nintendo DS and the Nintendo DS Lite. The console debuted in Japan in November 2008 and proved a huge selling product at Christmas time.

Nintendo have listened carefully to the feedback of their customers when designing the DSi, implementing a number of new features and functions to improve on their existing technology. The new console features many enhancements over the Nintendo DS and maintains Nintendo’s reputation for developing fun, innovative new products.

For those not already familiar with the DS series, it is a handheld console. Naturally, portability is a key issue and Nintendo were faced with the challenge of making the console lighter and more portable, while at the same time being careful not to sacrifice it’s durability. As a result, DSi is 2.6mm or about 12% thinner than DS Lite.

The other major challenge Nintendo faced is similar to those faced by manufacturers of mobile phones and laptops – how to make the product more portable while increasing the size of the screen. Nintendo have responded to this with an 8% increase over the current 3-inch LCD to make it 3.25-inches. This is approximately a 17% increase in visual area per screen. They have also improved both the speaker volume and sound quality.

The Nintendo DSi console has added a number of new features, including a camera and audio player. As always with Nintendo products, they have focused on the fun and creative aspects of these new features, rather than going for groundbreaking enhancements on existing technology.

Through the camera function, the DSi can take pictures by utilizing a variety of special effects on a real-time basis. Similarly, the audio function allows users to play with and maniuplate sounds. Some typical functions include the ability to change the pitch and the speed separately by using the Touch Screen.

This adds an exciting new twist on technology which is already common place on our mobile phones and provides a fun element which is synonymous with the Nintendo brand. While the core function of the DSi console remains for gaming – the new features add depth and enhancements to the DS series.

Hardcore gamers who can’t wait until the summer to play on the DSi console have the option of importing the DSi from Japan, although you should note that you will have to buy Japanese games as the UK versions would not be compatible with the console. The estimated retail price on release is around £130. Imported versions can be bought for around £150-170 before shipping and import duties.