New Nintendo DSi 2009/Review of Nintendo DSi

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Should You Get Your Kids the New Nintendo DSi This Christmas 2009?

Christmas is quickly approaching and in April of 2009, Nintendo released its new DSi with internet access, picture taking capabilities, DS sound to record your voice and music, and of course, more fun games to play.

My kids loved the Nintendo DS and when the Nintendo DSi first came out, I wondered if the DSi would live up to its name.

My oldest son REALLY wanted one for his birthday and so I bought him the cobalt blue DSi in May. First of all, he loved the bright new blue color and new design of the power button and the volume control.

It didn't take him long to figure out all the neat new tools and gadgets the new DSI had to offer. He was taking pictures in no time and recording voices and music.

I, too, am guilty of playing with my son's DSi (when he's not at home) and also love playing games on it to de stress. Of course, my youngest son is begging me everyday for me to get him one for Christmas since he is always "borrowing" his brother's.

The DSi is definitely a KEEPER in our house and I would recommend it. My sons favorite activity is taking pictures of themselves and then playing with the photos. They also LOVE recording music and then raising or lowering the pitch of the voice they record to make it sound squeaky or base. My oldest son also loves to surf the internet on his DSi. 

Detailed Nintendo DSi Product Description on Amazon

Color: Pink
Product Description:
Nintendo pioneered handheld entertainment in the '80s and famously made it fully mobile and accessible to millions around the world with the Game Boy and DS video game systems. Now, Nintendo is taking things to the next level by transforming the way people access, experience, create and share content with the new Nintendo DSi system, the third iteration of the world's best-selling portable video game system.

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The DSi external camera in action.
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The System
The Nintendo DSi is a high-powered handheld video game system in a sleek, folding design-loaded with features designed to create a unique gaming experience. Like the DS and DS Lite before it, the DSi features Nintendo's trademark stylus-driven touchscreen technology, but determined to make portable gaming simultaneously larger and smaller in all the right places, Nintendo has also created the DSi with significantly larger screens and an even slimmer body design than its earlier cousins. Other features include the ability to snap photos with built-in cameras, edit and send them to friends, play back your music with Nintendo DSi Sound, or browse the Internet with the Nintendo DSi Browser. From playing games to just playing around, the Nintendo DSi does it all.

Features:

The DSi's Two Digital Cameras
The most noticeable feature of the slim Nintendo DSi system are its two cameras - one camera is situated on the external body pointing away from the user, and the second one points at the user when the device is flipped open. As the first truly interactive digital camera in a video game system, the DSi Cameras feature 10 different interactive "lenses" that can manipulate your photos, offering an easy way to take and share your photos with family and friends. The cameras also present people with unprecedented ways to interact with their games, and in the process provide developers with a new tool to devise creative games and experiences. If the touch screen gave Nintendo DS a sense of feel and the microphone allowed it to hear, the two cameras give Nintendo DSi the sense of sight.

DSi Sound
Another enhanced feature is the Nintendo DSi Sound application, which serves as both an interactive voice recorder and music player that allows users to play with their music while they listen to it. Users can access different audio filters or control the pitch and speed of recorded voice or music files to alter voices or change the tempo of a song. The mic is located between the two screens when the device is flipped open, and there is also a stereo headphone output that lets users listen to music saved on an SD card, even with the screen shut.

The DSiWare
In the world of software, Nintendo DSi will be the platform for the most relevant and fun on-the-go games and applications. The Nintendo DSiWare application will populate Nintendo DSi with software that can be downloaded using Nintendo DSi Points directly to the portable system, just as WiiWare has with Nintendo's Wii console. Developers big and small are invited to create software that makes use of the properties and functions of the hardware. Nintendo DSiWare games and applications will be available at a range of values, starting at 200 points.

Games and Backwards Compatibility
In addition to downloadable games, Nintendo DSi is able to play games made specifically for the system and sold at retail. The system can also play most Nintendo DS games, and will have access to a library of more than 850 titles originally made for that system. As an example of the quality of games that DSi players can expect to see both from both Nintendo and third-party game developers, at the launch of the DSi Nintendo also released Rhythm Heaven. A wildly popular rhythm game in Japan, where it has sold nearly 2 million copies since its release in mid 2008, Rhythm Heaven features catchy tunes, charming characters, and a wide variety of rhythm games as it makes maximum use of the DSi's functionality.

Facebook
Nintendo DSi owners have even more ways to share their experiences with friends and family. Using an Internet-connected Nintendo DSi system and the Nintendo DSi Camera application, Facebook members can take pictures with either of the system's two cameras and upload their photos directly to their Facebook profile. While reviewing pictures they've stored in the Nintendo DSi Camera album, which includes photos taken by users and manipulated using the built-in interactive lenses, users can simply tap the Facebook icon on the system's touch screen to instantly transmit photos to the user's Facebook profile. The user's system must be configured to a wireless broadband Internet connection for the transmission of photos.

What's in the Box
Each DSi comes complete with: one Nintendo DSi System, one Nintendo DSi stylus, one Nintendo DSi AC power adapter, an easy start guide, manuals (basic and controls) and a support booklet.

Nintendo DSi Camera

Two cameras.
Ten interactive lenses.
Endless fun for you and your friends.
Nintendo DSi Sound

Record your voice.
Play with your voice. Play your music.
Play with your music.
An interactive audio player.
Nintendo DSi Shop

Use your broadband connection to browse the Internet.
Entertain yourself.
Entertain your friends.
Unleash your creativity.
Download the apps that let you do it all.
DS Download Play

Download demos.
Play against friends.
Connect to the Wii console.
An easy way to share to the fun.
PictoChat

Chat locally with friends.
With pictures.
Now including rainbows.
Nintendo DSi Technical Specs:

DSi:
Display: 3.25 inches
Overall size: Width 137mm, Length 74.9mm, Thickness 18.9mm
Power Supply: AC adapter for Nintendo DSi
Weight: Approx. 214g (with touch pen)
Charging time: Approx. 2 hours and 30 minutes
Battery life: The lowest brightness (9-14 hrs), low brightness (8-12 hours), medium brightness (6-9 hours), high brightness (4-6 hours), highest brightness(3-4 hours)
Software: Software for Nintendo DS, Software for Nintendo DSi.
Input-output: DS card slot, SD memory card slot, AC adapter connection, stereo headphone/mic jack

Learn all About Your Nintendo DSi

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Nintendo DSi Review

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Look at these Bold and Bright Nintendo DSi Colors to Choose From:

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18-in-1 Starter Kits For Your Nintendo DSi That You'll Love!

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Nintendo DSi Metal and Silicone Skins to Add Style to Your DSi

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Do You or Your Kids Have or Want a Nintendo DSi?

I'd love to hear your comments!

  • Heather426 Nov 15, 2009 @ 7:06 pm | delete
    Cute lens!
  • bdkz Nov 12, 2009 @ 8:46 am | delete
    I want one too!

Nintendo DSi Blogs From Google

Nintendo News: Nintendo Download Highlights New Digital Content for Nintendo ...
(For Nintendo 3DS / Nintendo DSi(TM)) In addition to video games available at retail stores, Nintendo also offers a variety of content that people can download directly to their systems. Nintendo adds new titles to the Nintendo eShop for the Nintendo ...
Win a Nintendo Dsi console
The Nintendo Dsi is packed full of features and yet measures up at 12% thinner than the standard DS! It comes equipped to allow motion activated gaming, has 2 camera and a larger 3.25? screen. To send a link to this page to a friend, simply enter their ...
Nintendo DSi and DSi XL drop to $99 and $129
Nintendo is lowering the prices of the Nintendo DSi and DSi XL, the larger-screened version of the DSi, to prices that, frankly, most people probably imagined they'd be at anyway: $99 and $129, respectively. These prices take effect May 20.

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ckm

ck is an RN, a CNM (certified nurse-midwife) and NP (nurse practitioner). She works as a NP and also when needed on weekends at a private OB/GYN MD's... more »

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