Nintendo DSi Review

Summary

With two cameras, a memory card slot, a music player, a faster processor, an online DSi store and better WiFi Internet connectivity, Nintendo has added a lot to their handheld gaming device. They also have done an excellent job of revamping the interface and making it easier to use. There is no doubt that the cameras and sound-recording and playback are fun in themselves, yet the viability of this device depends on future games. If Nintendo can grow its DSi store and get game developers to put on their thinking caps, there could be some dynamic games coming.

However, even if future games don’t take full advantage of the hardware features, almost all of the great DS games already on the market can be played on the DSi. So the additional USD 40 to purchase this device over the DS Lite will not be wasted.

The only folks who will want to stick with the DS Lite are those who have a large collection of Game Boy Advanced games that they want to play on a DS device.

Pros

• Two cameras & software add to the fun
• Can be used to play music
• Audio recording
• Excellent new interface
• WPA support
• DSi Store
• Can play large selection of DS games
• Replaceable battery

Cons

• Games can currently run only from internal memory
• Audio clips are limited to 10 seconds
• Pictures can’t be easily emailed or posted online
• WPA support doesn’t allow online play
• Supports only unencrypted AAC files