Nintendo DSi Red Console DSi and DS Lite

Nintendo DSi Red Console Product Details

Released on 23/10/2009

• Buyer's Guide: Nintendo Dsi

  DSi - The new gateway to gaming

  
  

  Who's it best for?

  
  

  This upgrade to the DS Lite offers the same great gaming experience you've come to expect from Nintendo's handheld, with the addition of more multimedia features and a greater scope for connectivity.

  In plain speak, this really means that the DSi is the handheld of choice for the tech-savvy gamer looking to take a step up from the DS Lite. The larger screens, memory card slot, front and back cameras, built-in flash memory storage and onboard web browser expand the DSi beyond gaming and into lifestyle technology territory.

  It's also a gateway into the wonderful world of DSiWare - an online game store where you can buy DSi software right from the device.

  Best Bits

  
  

  Bigger and smaller
  Although it sounds obvious, we want our handhelds to fit in a pocket, and not all of them do. While Nintendo has added a lot of hardware features to the DSi, it's also managed to reduce the overall size of device itself. Admittedly the DS Lite isn't exactly bulky, but the DSi is even more compact and lighter (and a little bit sexier).

  But it's still got size where it counts. No, we're talking about the screens. The DSi's dual screens measure 3.25 inches compared to 3 inches on the DS Lite - and you'll be surprised what a difference that makes.

  Lites, camera, action
  Everything's got a camera in it these days, and in keeping with its dual screen motif, the DSi has two - one facing you, and one on the back of the upper screen. These cameras are being put to use in a variety of DSi games, enhancing the experience by incorporating the real world into play.

  DSi where?
  Buying games online is something that home console users love, and because the DSi has built in storage and a memory card slot, you can use it to visit Nintendo's DSiWare service and buy games and software to download straight away onto the handheld.

  Worst Bits

  
  

  GBA no more
  It's great that the DSi has slimmed down even more, but it's done so at the cost of the Game Boy Advance game slot found on the DS and DS Lite, so you can't play your old GBA games here.

  Battery takes a battering
  The bigger, brighter screens, cameras and extra connectivity takes a small toll on the battery, meaning the DSi needs charging a little more often than the DS Lite. You're still looking at a good 8 hours of playing on a single charge, so it's not a deal breaker by any means.

  Fancier means more expensive
  There isn't a huge price difference between the DS Lite and the DSi, but this newer hardware does cost a bit more, so you need to decide whether the extra features are going to be of use to you.

  Bonus Extras

  
  

  Without a game or software cartridge in, the DS Lite was pretty much an empty box. The DSi, however, is designed to provide more than just gaming. It's got a built-in web browser so you can look around the net between games, and the memory storage space and memory card slot means you can listen to music or watch videos.

  Online Features

  
  

  DSiWare
  The DSi has some obvious additions, like the cameras and bigger screens, but the major update isn't on the handheld itself - it's on the internet. DSiWare is Nintendo's online store for games and software you can buy through the DSi and download directly to the device - no cartridge necessary. Because the DS Lite doesn't have any storage facility, you need a DSi to indulge in this online game distribution phenomenon.

  Not only does DSiWare offer the convenience of shopping wherever your DSi has a wi-fi signal, you're also looking at considerably cheaper games. DSiWare is a repository for smaller, quicker gaming experiences, but the simple fact that game developers don't need a cartridge, box, instruction booklet or shop to distribute their products means great games are being added every week.

  What do you need to get online?
  The DSiWare shop is built into the handheld, so all you need is a wi-fi internet connection and you can go shopping.

  Buying games online:
  The online DSiWare store uses Nintendo Points - the exact same form of virtual currency used by the Wii. The benefit here is that owners of both consoles can spend their points on WiiWare games and DSiWare games; either by purchasing points using a credit card or by using a Nintendo Points Card available right here at GAME.

  Essential Accessories

  
  

  Just like its older brother, the DSi needs protection when you take it on the road. But it's new gaming and multimedia features also make memory cards a valuable asset to your gaming-on-the-go.

  • Cases: The DSi plays all your DS games, so if you've already got a carry case for games, you're sorted for the DSi. But the console itself is a slightly different, smaller shape, so keep it safe with a DSi-specific case.
  • Memory cards: Some of the best DSi features require storage space on the handheld, so get yourself a nice big memory card. It's worth noting that the DSi accepts SDHC cards (high capacity), so the bigger the better.
  • Headphones and speakers: Now you've got the option of listening to music on your big memory card, you might as well grab some decent headphones and/or speakers to listen with.
  • Stylus: The DSi's touchscreen will happily work with your DS Lite stylus, but the DSi's holder is for a slighter bigger pointer, so a proper DSi spare sylus is a good idea.
  • Skins: Being newer, the DSi isn't available in as many colours as the DS Lite yet, so why not customise with a skin? It'll help protect the casing, too.
  • Chargers: With the battery not lasting quite as long, make sure you've always got a charger handy.

  You'll find GAME's full range of DSi accessories here.

  Games

  
  

  All the DS Lite games work on the DSi, but there are some games that use the cameras or other DSi-only functions, so keep an eye out for those to make the most of the handheld hardware.

  Summary

  
  

  The way games are being distributed is changing. The internet is taking a far more active role in how we buy our games, and the upgraded features of the DSi are designed to harness that new online world.

• Nintendo DSi - A Great Way To Start Handheld Gaming

  
  

  It may have been around for a while, but the Nintendo DSi is still a great way to play. It's small enough to fit in your pocket and play on the move, but with its dual screen and console-style controls, it still feels like 'proper' gaming. There's still a great range of titles ideal for players of all ages, but with a real emphasis on children's and family games, so you can be sure the main focus is on fun!

  If you've never tried handheld gaming before, or are looking for the next step up from playing on your phone, then now's the time to start with the Nintendo DSi. We've got great offers on preowned consoles in our stores until 8th March, so why not pop in?

  

  Key Features of the DSi

  The DSi has a host of cool features that helped turn handheld gaming on its head. There's the twin screens, one of which is a touchscreen and makes great use of a stylus on a number of games. Then there's the twin cameras - one facing you, and one facing out, meaning you and your surroundings can become part of the fun.

  The rechargeable battery is powerful enough for eight hours of gameplay, and the combination of internal storage and an SD memory card slot means you shouldn't have to worry about saving or storing your games.

  There's even inbuilt Wi-Fi, allowing for multiplayer fun with of DSi gamers, as well as access to a great range of online features, including a built in web browser and DSiWare - Nintendo's online range of games just for the DSi!

  The Top DSi Games

  Players of all ages can enjoy the wide range of games available on the DSi. There's plenty of fun to have with grown-up puzzle games to keep your mind active, fun adventure and sports titles to keep your hands active, and plenty of children's titles - to keep the little ones active!

  For grown-ups and families:

  

  Dr Kawashima's Brain Training - How Old Is Your Brain?
  Stretch those little grey cells with a daily workout, courtesy of this gem that was one of the lead titles for the DSi. Based on the theory of keeping your brain young through quick, mental activities, you'll be faced with a series of puzzles to identify - and improve - your 'brain age', and the more you play, the more new puzzles you can unlock.

  

  42 All-Time Classics
  Chess. Draughts. Poker. Bridge. Billiards. Bowling. Darts. And 35 more classic games for you to enjoy. Making full use of the touchscreen and stylus, these games are quick and easy to play with no troublesome cards, boards or pieces to worry about! There are varying difficulty levels to test players of all abilities, and multiplayer mode lets you challenge friends, or players all over the world.

  

  Art Academy
  If you're looking for something a bit different, and a bit creative, then Art Academy is the game for you. You don't have to be a great artist as the step-by-step lessons will teach you a range of painting and drawing techniques. With lessons inspired by the likes of Constable and Leonardo da Vinci, if ever there was a game to use the stylus with, this is it!

  

  Professor Layton series
  If you like a Victorian adventure twist to your puzzles, then join up with Professor Layton and his apprentice Luke. Combining charming animation with a series of mini-games and puzzle after puzzle, each game has a new setting, new characters and a new mystery to solve. Perfect to play with your children - or cheekily on your own!

  

  LEGO games
  Family favourites like Harry Potter, Batman and Star Wars get the building-block treatment in a range of games that put a fun spin on these classic characters. With all-new adventures and challenges based on the classic movies and stories, there's plenty to enjoy for kids and adults alike!

  For the children

  

  Mario Games
  It wouldn't be Nintendo without Mario popping up, and he's really made the DSi his playground! There's classic adventures in New Super Mario Bros and Super Mario 64, or see him get sporty in Mario Kart and Mario Slam Basketball. You can even see him take on Donkey Kong, or go head to head with Sonic at the Olympics. Whatever you like, this little plumber can handle it!

  

  Moshi Monsters - Moshling Zoo
  The global phenomenon has made its way to the DSi. Filled with all-new Moshi Monsters to play with and a whole heap of puzzles and mini-games set across new areas of Monstro City, there's hours of fun to be had for your little Moshling. There's even trophies and super secret items to win which can be used within MoshiMonsters.com!

  

  Super Scribblenauts
  Combining a way with words with a series of puzzles to solve, Super Scribblenauts will stretch creativity and imagination. Write down the word for the object you think will solve the puzzle, and then use -and even combine- adjectives to make sure it does the job! The game can be played again and again, and the best part is, the kids won't even realise they're learning!

  

  Pokemon
  Those collectable creatures are all over the DSi with a host of titles to collect - just like the Pokemon themselves! Collect your Pokemon and take on opponents in your quest to be a Pokemon master - and with the new Pokemon Black 2 and Pokemon White 2 hitting the DSi later this year, now's truly the time to catch 'em all!

  

  Animal Crossing: Wild World
  This is a hugely popular title, set in a world where players make their own stories. Move into a village, buy a house and then... well, it's up to you. As the seasons pass you can make friends, buy and collect new items, go fishing, dig up treasure - it's really up to you! And you can play with friends all over the world, too.

  

  Girls' best friends
  There's plenty for young girls to enjoy on the DSi, with games featuring all their favourite characters. From Hello Kitty loving life with her friends, to fun and games with Peppa Pig, to all kinds of adventures and excitement with Barbie, the DSi is one console that is really not just a boy's toy.

  

  Accessories

  DSi has all sorts of accessories that not only help make the most out of your games, but can help you take care of your console too.

  We have a whole range of cases and carrying bags to help protect it and keep it safe. From more practical designs to colourful and unique cases featuring your children's favourite characters, there really is a case for everyone - and kids will even want to put the DSi away so they can show off what they keep it in!

  We have extra stylus sets, because we know they can go missing(!). We also have screen protectors to reduce the risk of scratching or damaging the touchscreen. Everything you need to make sure you get maximum use out of your DSi.
  

  So, for a handheld console with games - and prices - that make it a great starter unit and suitable for all, give the Nintendo DSi a try.

  Published: 01/03/2012

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