Manage updates with the Download AppNintendo DSi (Black)
Manufacturer: Nintendo Part number: 780332169469
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Product series
- Accessories
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- While not all previous DS owners should upgrade, the DSi is an ambitious and solidly designed portable gaming system.
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CNET editors' review
Nintendo DSi (Black) price range: $119.99
- Reviewed by: Jeff Bakalar
- Reviewed on: 04/03/2009
- Released on: 04/05/2009
The good: Adds two larger screens; two 0.3-megapixel cameras; a bit thinner than the DS Lite; exclusive access to the DSi Shop for downloadable games and applications.
The bad: No longer supports Game Boy Advance games; lower battery life than its predecessor; Internet security settings are buried and confusing.
The bottom line: While not all previous DS owners should upgrade, the DSi is an ambitious and solidly designed portable gaming system.
User reviews
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The Best Handheld Gaming System Just Got Better
by darthduke on April 10, 2009
Pros: Built in internet; SD card memory swap; More durable; Bigger screens & stylus; DSi Shop; User friendly interface; music and photo editing is fun to play wit; wireless antenna has amazing signal range!
Cons: Case is kind of drab; Thinner is not better so looking forward to Nerf making a snap-on cover for it; slight change in dimensions makes DS lite accessories obsolite; lower battery life; camera could be higher rez; Opera browser is a bit hamstrung.
Summary: I have played games on every portable system Nintendo has made and overall, the DSi is the best. The sheer number of features packed into such as small and affordable ...
Summary: I have played games on every portable system Nintendo has made and overall, the DSi is the best. The sheer number of features packed into such as small and affordable packages is amazing. Some of the system's shortcomings (like the rather weak Opera web browser that can't open a lot of video or animated web content) will hopefully be addressed by firmware and software updates. Still, considering that Nintendo's focus has allways been on making a gadget that plays games first, the DSi can do quite a bit more. Sure, the cameras aren't going to rival that 10 megapixle camera you got for Christmas last year, but it does take pictures that you can play with on the fly right on the system. What has gotten less attention than the amazing camera features (which the trash talking Sony PSP people still can't say their system has), is the voice recording and sound mixing feature. This is fun to play with too and you can do quite a bit with it.
Being able to store data on both the system memory and on an SD card is a major step forward for Nintendo's portable systems and the sky is pretty much the limit as to what can be done with a hardwaresetup like that.
The CNET article is pretty good, but they failed to mention when talking about the music feature that you can download to your computer free programs that translate MP3, MP4 and many other file formats into AAC format that the DSi uses. Just search the web for AAC file format converter and you'll find several of them.
I don't think I'll miss the Gameboy Advance slot (aka Slot 2) very much as I still have my trusty Game Boy Micro and Game Boy Advance. I traded in my DSLite at Game Crazy for $90 off the DSI (what a great deal!!, better than GameStops!) and haven't regretted it. Yeah, there was that Guitar Hero game for DS Lite, but I don't care for those games, so I'll not be needing the GBA slot for the snap-in fret bar that comes with the game. -
A great buy for DS, Lite, and completely new users
by spooty89 on April 10, 2009
Pros: .25 inch upgrade per screen. Cameras have a ton of potential as input devices in games. SD card reader is a big plus (up to 32 GB of data). Downloading games is nice. New OS is really nice. Sound quality is great. Matte finish looks and feels nice.
Cons: The GBA slot is gone! The clam shell isn't glossy like the DS Lite. Internal memory is kind of small (256 MB I think). $169 is a bit pricey for a system update.
Summary: I've had the original and the Lite DS systems and the DSi is by far my favorite. I know the price is a bit hard to swallow but, once ...
Summary: I've had the original and the Lite DS systems and the DSi is by far my favorite. I know the price is a bit hard to swallow but, once you get past that, I believe you'll find it's worth it. Maybe wait for more games that use the cameras and more DSWare but, eventually, I suggest that you pick it up if you have ever had any interest in owning a DS.
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DSi is the best portable game machine yet!
by mjensen on April 9, 2009
Pros: I like how it feels, very solid and finger prints on the case are a thing of the past. While I won't be replacing my digital camera with the DSi, I think they seem to work well, and are easy to use.
Cons: Can't play MP3 files.
I just do not like the Opera browser for the DS lite and the DSi.
No GBA slot, so I can't play Guitar Heros.
I kept getting kicked off when trying to get in to the DSi store. Not enough servers?Summary: Overall I think that the DSi is a great game machine, and would have no problem recommending it to adults and kids alike. Being able to d/l games on ...
Summary: Overall I think that the DSi is a great game machine, and would have no problem recommending it to adults and kids alike. Being able to d/l games on line is a great idea, and it will be interesting to see how the cameras will be used in future games. I will say that Wario Snapped is not what I would call a great game, but I'm sure better games will come in the near future.
Of course games are what will eventually decide if the DSi is a success, and for that we will just have to wait and see. If programers find unique ways to use the new DSi features then I'm sure it will end up a great machine, but if all we see are games that continue to use the features on the DS lite, then I think the DSi will be hurt. I have heard that there will be some games that will be DSi enhanced, and will work on all versions of the DS, but will have special abilities when played on the DSi. I hope this is true.
Regarding the sound, it's kind of fun being able to record 10 second files and then play around with them. I don't have any music in AAC format, so I was not able to test it as a portable music player.
While the screens are a little bigger, overall I found playing games on it to be no different than on my DS lite. I do like the idea that you can 'hot swap' game cartridges, and being able to go on line and down load different games.
I'm glad I bought it, if for the reason that I've bought every handheld that Nintendo has brought to America since the original Gameboy. I've tried other handhelds, and I just keep comming back to the one I like, Nintendo. -
The DSi is awesome!!
by johnjohn10 on April 7, 2009
Pros: The internet was awesome! It was very awesome they put out the DSi shop! The MP3 player is especially awesome because it can play iTunes music!
Cons: I hate that is doesn't come with a GBA slot, but it is defiantly worth it. The lower battery also caught my eyes because now I can't play a long time on trips without having to charge it.
Summary: I love the DSi because it's so thin and because you can download the internet channel for free, instead of buy the game. I love it!
Summary: I love the DSi because it's so thin and because you can download the internet channel for free, instead of buy the game. I love it!
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GREAT Potential as Language Translator!
by Bigbamboobungalow on April 6, 2009
Pros: 1) Wi Fi and Web (graphics support finance charts on YAHOO)
2) LARGE Touch screen
3) Can switch btwn screens to scroll web pages w/ stylus
4) Chat rooms: QWERTY keyboard offers Japanese input (KANJI too?)
5) AAC Audio stored on SD CardCons: A) NO Video camera (cell phones have them, why not DSI? Perhaps future firmware Ugrd with "SAVE" to SD card? Try that techies!)
B) NO Flash Player support
C) Web Plug Ins unavailable (for now)
D) Can't 'SAVE' from Web
E) Can't play "You Tube"Summary: This is my FIRST stand alone game system. I am studying Japanese and so I bought (to test) the DSI (with UbiSoft's' "My Japanese Coach") as a low cost ...
Summary: This is my FIRST stand alone game system. I am studying Japanese and so I bought (to test) the DSI (with UbiSoft's' "My Japanese Coach") as a low cost work around to Seiko and Casio language translators and at the same time to take advantage of on line language instruction resources. I find the SD Card option a VERY useful tool for the audio files that attend the textbooks we use in class (even though it means converting them to another format for use). I am very happy to have Hiragana and Katakana input through the chat room feature, though these rooms are currently void of residents.
The Nintendo DSi may fill the niche required for MY use. It is small, lightweight, nice looking in a 'James Bond' way and battery life is far better than my cell phone which I use constantly for checking news, finance and listen to language files.
As mentioned earlier, there is at present a lack of required plug-ins for may web sites: FLASH Player is a biggie that may (and should) be re-written in the future to accommodate the Opera Browser. It would be nice to have Internet Explorer, Safari and other browsers as options that utilize an 'on demand' one-time use for plug-ins.
Luckily, Nintendo is able to update the system when on line SOooo there may be a number of upgrades to expand the system as it currently offered.
OK, so you were expecting a review and comments about the "WOWziness" for games. You gamers out there already know why you like the system. Now there is more to like. There is great potential for the DSi to become more than a gaming system.
Examples:
1) Language translator/phrasebook/dictionary
2) Scientific calculator
3) Personal Organizer (like a Palm w/o telephone connectivity)
NOTE: On this last point, the Web connect provides access to your Web based E-mail and the features provided in 'Premium service' levels like Hotmail and Yahoo)
If I were to CHANGE something, it would be to add the connectivity that Amazon's Kindle uses for TRUE play/connect anywhere functionality.
I would also add a "Password" feature that renders the unit useless if stolen (like many cell phones).
Overall, I think you will be very satisfied with the additional features in the DSi over the DS Lite. -
a system that is ridiculously FUN! need i say more?
by leonardgrr on April 6, 2009
Pros: greatly improved operating system, bigger screens, sd memory card expansion, and and of course two cameras!
Cons: no gba slot(i never played those old games so i dont care, and i dont won guitar hero for the ds) and the battery life is a little less than the lite, but i dont care...
Summary: the DSi is an extremely fun system to play with, and unless you totally killed your inner child it will entertain you in so many ways..
. if you do decide ...Summary: the DSi is an extremely fun system to play with, and unless you totally killed your inner child it will entertain you in so many ways..
. if you do decide to get one, get one now! because you get a special offer that will only last till i think i heard october, anyways the offer is you get 1000($10) FREE dsi shop points that you can use to buy games in the dsi shop. games range from free to 200 ($2) - 500pts ($5) -800pts+($8 or more). so they games available are really cheap. i bought wario ware snapped which is so fun you have to try it for yourself.
there are so many improvements and upgrades to the dsi that it justified an upgrade such as
-IMPROVED OPERATING SYSTEM
you no longer need to shut off the ds just to toggle between games or change a setting or using pictochat etc. just tap the power button and the system will return to the main menu, really quickly! i was soo happy and no longer annoyed to play with my ds.
-BIGGER SCREENS
it may only be .25 inch increase, but trust me it does make a difference in gameplay, i find myself enjoying the scenery in good looking games.
-SD MEMORY CARD
eh, i put some music on to test it out and it was really fun messing around with the music on the dsi the speakers are a good volume and you can close the system and still listen to your music so as long as you have your headphones plugged in. be aware though that you cant transfer photos from your comp or phone to your dsi, there were a bunch of things on my sd card like pictures from both my computer and cell phone, and music, but the only thing it recognized was two aac format songs (so no it will not recognize other music formats like mp3 or wma etc)
-2 .3mp camera
the cameras have a lot less pixel power than your average camera phone, but it does what its there for! fun, it fills the screen rather well, and is great for portrait shots, but there is no zoom and you cant change any settings, its all automating. so dont expect breath taking photos, if you were, then *** are you getting a dsi for? but it does take some good photos that look good enough for the system. you already know that you can play with the photos before and after you take them. FUN!
INTERNET
the internet app is just as good as the wii version, its a bit slow even with a broadband connection but it does what you expect, i tried watching videos on youtube, it doesnt work... tear* and some sites wont even load simply because the dsi cant handle it (not enough memory)
but in the end, its a fun system that will have anyone laughing towards a good time, and isnt that what the dsi is made for? FUN!
nuff said.
got any questions? comment!
ps if it would be awesome if there was an app for web chats, what with there being two cameras and all (and the cameras are way better than regular webcams) plus with wifi hotspots you can chat on the go! like showing friends and family a cool trick at the skate park or what not idk. oh i forgot to mention the dsi doesnt record videos, that would have been awesome too... sigh
THE DSI WOULD BE PERFECT IN MY OPINION IF I COULD USE IT AS SAID WEBCAM OR CALLS.... LOL THEN IT WOULD REPLACE EVERY TECHNOLOGY I HAVE ...CEPT FOR MY COMPUTER... AWESOME! -
Spectacular
by hamstergirl71 on April 5, 2009
Pros: Camera and music software, internet, SD card slot, downloadable apps and games.
Cons: I've heard the battery life isn't as long as the DS, but haven't experienced the difference yet.
Summary: I know a lot of people are missing the GBA slot, but IMO, I think they should count themselves lucky that the GBA technology hung around for as long as ...
Summary: I know a lot of people are missing the GBA slot, but IMO, I think they should count themselves lucky that the GBA technology hung around for as long as it did. Also, I don't really play a lot of GBA titles..the one thing I can't play on the DSi is Guitar Hero, but I have an old original DS around the house..I can always play on that.
This is one of those things that once you pick it up and use it...going back to a regular DS/DS lite will be difficult. Amazing all the features it has, and still well under $200. Kudos, Nintendo. -
It looks great overall, and I love the lighter blue.
by foodog14 on March 25, 2009
Pros: The camera and that you can store pics and music all in one SD card.
Cons: Since I have a lot of gameboy advance games, I won't be able to play them anymore.
Summary: It's great, love the camera, and the colors, and don't like the no gameboy advance port, haven't tried it but I sure will buy it!!
Summary: It's great, love the camera, and the colors, and don't like the no gameboy advance port, haven't tried it but I sure will buy it!!
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Summary Error
by HatlerJr on February 22, 2009
Pros: SD, larger screen, and new power button location
Cons: no GBA BC, shorter battery life, higher retail price
Summary: I believe CNET made a slight error in their summary. The article states that the DSi has two .3 MP cameras. I believe the exterior camera is 3 MP and ...
Summary: I believe CNET made a slight error in their summary. The article states that the DSi has two .3 MP cameras. I believe the exterior camera is 3 MP and the one between screens is .3 MP.
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hmmmmm........
by ltk48 on March 28, 2009
Pros: The cameras are cool, and the screen is bigger.
Cons: NO GBA SLOT!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Summary: NO FREAKIN GBA SLOT! WHAT WERE THEY THINKING?!!! WHY WOULD THEY TAKE IT OFF?!!! IF I BOUGHT THIS, I WOULDNT BE ABLE TO PLAY SOME OF MY FAVORITE GAMES, AND ...
Summary: NO FREAKIN GBA SLOT! WHAT WERE THEY THINKING?!!! WHY WOULD THEY TAKE IT OFF?!!! IF I BOUGHT THIS, I WOULDNT BE ABLE TO PLAY SOME OF MY FAVORITE GAMES, AND I WOULDNT TO BE ABLE TO MIGRATE POKEMON !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
1 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Nintendo
- Part number: 780332169469
- Description: The Nintendo DSi is the third model of the Nintendo DS platform, following Nintendo DS and Nintendo DS Lite, and Nintendo has developed Nintendo DSi with the aim to further expand the Nintendo DS audience. Some typical functions include the ability to change the pitch and the speed separately by using the touch screen. The ability to freely manipulate the audio pitch and the speed can expand how the audio player can be used in more practical ways as well. You can fast-forward a podcast to economize the time. When you use the repeat-run function with the stylus, it becomes easier to copy the music, to play a musical instrument or to practice foreign languages. Also, since Nintendo DSi has a microphone, Nintendo is incorporating the DSi sound function to make use of it. Nintendo DSi has internal memory, just like Wii. After storing the data there, you can choose to activate this data from the menu screen.
General
- Packaged Quantity 1
- Type Handheld game console
- Media Type Cartridge ,
Flash memory card - Supported Flash Memory Cards SD Memory Card
- CPU ARM9 - 134 MHz
- Sound Speakers - Stereo
- Network 802.11b/g
- Integrated Components Two VGA digital cameras,
Microphone - Width 5.4 in
- Depth 0.7 in
- Height 2.9 in
- Weight 7.5 oz
- Color Black
Display
- Type 3.25 in Color TFT active matrix
- Color Depth 262,144 colors
Display (2nd)
- Type 3.25 in Color
- Touch Screen Yes
Game Controller
- Controls X button,
Y button,
Left trigger,
A button,
Start button,
B button,
Right trigger,
Select button,
Cross control pad
Media Player
- Supported Audio Formats AAC
Connections
- Slot(s) 1 x Nintendo DS cartridge slot
Power
- Battery Rechargeable - Lithium ion - 840 mAh
- Run Time (Up To) 14 hour(s)
- Battery Required 1
Product series
-
Manufacturer: Nintendo
Specs: Nintendo DSi - Handheld game console,
Cartridge,
Flash memory card,
ARM9 134 MHz,
Black -
Manufacturer: Nintendo
Specs: Nintendo DSi - Handheld game console,
Cartridge,
Flash memory card,
ARM9 134 MHz,
Blue -
Manufacturer: Nintendo
Specs: Nintendo DSi - Handheld game console,
Cartridge,
Flash memory card,
ARM9 134 MHz,
White -
Manufacturer: Nintendo
Specs: Nintendo DSi - Handheld game console,
Cartridge,
Flash memory card,
ARM9 134 MHz,
Pink -
Nintendo DSi (White) Mario & Luigi Bundle
Manufacturer: Nintendo
Specs: Nintendo DSi - Handheld game console,
Cartridge,
Flash memory card,
ARM9 134 MHz,
White -
Nintendo DSi (White) BrainAge Bundle
Manufacturer: Nintendo
Specs: Nintendo DSi - Handheld game console,
Cartridge,
Flash memory card,
ARM9 134 MHz,
White -
Manufacturer: Nintendo
Specs: Nintendo DSi - Handheld game console,
Cartridge,
Flash memory card,
ARM9 134 MHz,
Metallic blue -
Nintendo DSi (Orange) Mario Party Bundle
Manufacturer: Nintendo
Specs: Nintendo DSi - Handheld game console,
Cartridge,
Flash memory card,
ARM9 134 MHz,
Orange -
Manufacturer: Nintendo
Specs: Nintendo DSi - Handheld game console,
Cartridge,
Flash memory card,
ARM9 134 MHz,
Green -
Manufacturer: Nintendo
Specs: Nintendo DSi - Handheld game console,
Flash memory card,
Cartridge,
ARM9 134 MHz,
Matte red -
Manufacturer: Nintendo
Specs: Nintendo DSi - Handheld game console,
Flash memory card,
Cartridge,
ARM9 134 MHz,
Matte blue
Accessories
- CTA 10 in 1 Amazing Kit - game console accessory kit (34852545)12.86
- CTA IDS-10KB 10 in 1 Deluxe Travel Kit - game console accessory kit (34849359)12.86 - 18.39
- CTA IDS-10KL 10 in 1 Deluxe Travel Kit - game console accessory kit (34849360)12.86
- CTA Jumbo Touch Pen Set - stylus kit (34852552)5.99 - 9.96
- CTA Universal 4 Color Stylus Pack - stylus kit (34840790)5.99
- Datel Action Replay DS - game console cheat cartridge (34830357)19.99
- Memorex Universal Game Selector Case game console cartridge adapter (35130041)4.99 - 29.83
- Memorex Universal Starter Kit for DS - game console accessory kit (34999040)62.99
- Nintendo Neo Sleeve Starter Kit - game console accessory kit (34928859)12.96 - 25.95
- PDP Rainbow Telescoping Stylus Pack - stylus kit (34656635)2.00
- dreamGEAR i.Sound 9-in-1 Gamer Pack - game console accessory kit (34701371)13.97
- dreamGEAR Sesame Street Universal Soft Case - case for game console (34849366)9.95 - 14.99
- dreamGEAR Cookie Monster Universal Soft Case - case for game console (34846505)9.02 - 14.99
- dreamGEAR Elmo Universal Soft Case - case for game console (34846272)8.09 - 11.99
- dreamGEAR Cookie Monster Starter Kit - game console accessory kit (34539744)7.99 - 26.99
- dreamGEAR i.SOUND USB Car Charger - power adapter - AC / car (35058007)9.88 - 14.18
Manufacturer info
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Nintendo products on Shopper.com
-
- Manufacturer:Nintendo
- Address:
P.O. Box 957, Redmond, WA 98073 - Phone: 1-800-255-3700
- Email: nintendo@nintendo.com
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