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Posted on Feb 25th 2009 at 04:36:44 AM by (Nionel)
Posted under Nintendo DSi, DS, DS Lite, DSi Ware, Nintendo

The DSi will be released outside of Japan in just over a month, it's common knowledge that the new handheld is a mere upgrade to the existing DS Lite, but what has truly changed? The goal of this article is to let you know what's new, both from a technical and cosmetic standpoint, and to shed some light on some of the available DSi Ware, so hopefully when you're done reading, you'll know if upgrading to the DSi is right for you.



12504DSibox.jpg
Originally released in 2004, the Nintendo DS was quickly embraced by the public as not only the successor to the Gameboy, but a new way to play their games on the go, with it's unique touch screen control methods the Ninendo DS was unlike any other handheld videogame system that was available at the time. The original DS was bulky when compared to the Gameboy Advance SP, was it was slightly larger then the original Gameboy Advance, but shared the SP's clamshell design. One change from the Gameboy line was the DS had two speakers which allowed it to support stereo sound, as opposed to the Gameboy line which each featured only one speaker, the DS also now had four face buttons giving it a similar button layout to that of the Super Nintendo, and also had a microphone which has compatibility with certain games. The DS also featured backward compatibility with the Gameboy Advance through a cartridge slot just below the unit's touch screen, the cartridge slot was also later used for the DS Rumble Pak and for accessories like the Guitar Grip controller. On the technical side, the DS sports two processors an ARM946E-S, this is the main CPU, it is clocked at 67 MHz and it used for 3D rendering, the second processor is an ARM7TDMI, this processor is clocked at 33 MHz and is used for 2D rendering and playing Gameboy Advance games, the unit also had 4 MB of mobile RAM. DS games are a proprietary game card, these cards are typically 256 megabits, with the largest being 2 gigabits in size, the DS also contains a built in wireless network connection, which is used for the Nintendo Wi-Fi connection and multiplayer play between multiple DS units. Much like the GBA SP, the DS ran on a built in lithium ion battery, the battery averaged about ten hours on a full charge with factors such as the brightness setting, speaker volume, use of the wireless connectivity, and whether one or both screens are in use can contribute to the battery life. Upon turning on your DS, the DS firmware will always boot with the health and safety warning, the system then enters into the menu, assuming that you don't have the system set to auto boot, where you can load a game that is inserted into either the card slot or the GBA slot, or access either the wireless communications, used to download demos of games from the Wii, DS Download Stations, or another DS, and finally pictochat, which offers up to four chat rooms, that can hold up to sixteen people each, where DS units within range of each other can chat or draw pictures to send to one another, all content is lost upon powering off the DS with no option to save the chat.

The first upgrade to the DS hardware was announced in early 2006 and was released in Japan that spring and the rest of the world that summer. The DS Lite was a smaller redesign of the system that featured several upgrades, the most notable of which included brighter and more durable screens, though the option to turn the backlight off has been removed, though it now features four different brightness levels and the microphone being moved to between the two screens. This smaller redesign of the system did cause Gameboy Advance games to stick out the bottom of the handheld, where as they fit snugly into the original DS, the connector of the GBA carts is also more similar to the one used in the Gameboy Micro, the last release in the Gameboy line, the DS Lite is also available in several colors including White, Black, Crimson and Black, Pink, Metallic Rose, and a few others, with some special edition version available as well. Overall, the DS Lite was a wonderful upgrade to the original system and since it's launch in early 2006 has sold more than 75 million units worldwide.

Finally we come to the DSi, the DSi, unlike the DSi, is much more than a cosmetic upgrade, and while Ninendo hasn't released much information regarding the DSi's technical specifications the DSi features a brand new CPU, additional RAM, and internal flash memory. To start, the DSi's main CPU is now clocked at 133 MHz, which is double that of the previous versions, it also features 16MB of portable RAM, four times that of its predecessors. While the internal features may not be the first thing a player notices when picking up the DSi, they will likely noticed the system no longer features a GBA slot, removing backward compatibility and making it impossible to use accessories that require the GBA slot, in place of the GBA slot the GBA now features an SD card slot, which allows you to view pictures, play audio files that are AAC format, and an SD card can also be used for software downloaded from the DSi Shop, which I'll get to later. Another addition to the unit is the inclusion of two camera, one on the inside of the clamshell and one on the outside, both cameras are 0.3 megapixels. The new firmware is setup to be more similar to that of the PSP, and thanks to internal memory the DSi is now allowed to receive firmware updates, once again like those available on the PSP.

The final notable feature for the DSi, and likely a reason for the added RAM and new processor is DSi Ware. DSi Ware is similar to the Wii's WiiWare, where is contains original games that can be downloaded from the DSi Shop using Nintendo Points, the newly renamed version of Wii Points. The DSi store contains both games and programs for the system, including the DSi Web Browser, which is a free download. Many of the games available for the service are small and are some were mini games from compilation such as Master of Illusion and Club House Games, other games include Solitaire, Mr. Driller, and Dr. Mario, the games range in price from 200 points to 800 points. On the software side, they offer various programs such as calculators, a notepad, a clock, and the internet brower, the prices on software can range from 200 points to 500 points, with the internet browser and notepad being free.

Overall, the DSi is certainly an interesting piece of hardware. The ability to access the internet and the addition of audio file support, despite it being AAC format only, and DSi Ware is more than enough reason to warrant a purchase, if you're interested in those new features. For owners for the original DS, this would be a great upgrade, as long as you're okay with losing your GBA slot, and should be considered if you're looking at upgrading to one of the newer DS models. For owners for the DS Lite, I can't recommend it as much, unless you're interested in DSi Ware and the features added by the SD slot, especially since the DSi's battery life is more similar to that of the larger DS. Overall, I hope this article answered any questions you may have had, sadly there currently isn't a lot of information available on the system, but a simple internet search should reveal the answer to any questions you may still have.
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Comments
 
you do make a fine arguement,Nionel. Perhaps this upgrade isn't what you are looking for in a DS,personally I've been waiting for this version since it was announced. I will more than likely buy one on the first day. While some of these features might not be compelling to some people,I thought they should've been features since day one. With myself finding no use at all for the PSP,I find DSi, a worthy purchase to make.
 
I'm fully confident that in the long run it will turn out fantastic, but the release I see it being much like the release of the original DS-- very underwhelming (in terms of software).
 
The notepad will be free, that's a relief. Tongue

I'm not sure what to think of this new DS...some thoughts:

- Two 0.3 megapixel cameras? Worthless.
- Upgraded CPU and RAM? Very interesting. I wonder whether "DSi" games will be released that won't work on the other DS models. That would piss off millions, I'm sure. Tongue
- No GBA slot? Some people will be sad to see this go, but if you're a new gamer/have a GBA it doesn't make that much of a difference.
- SD slot? Nice!

All in all I'm not yet convinced. It seems like things that should've been included in the DS Lite upgrade already.


 
This seems like a sham to me. Nothing more than a way to make a few more bucks off a system because of it's popularity. The SD slot will be nice, but if that's all you really want, just get a TTDS card for $10 and use the microSD slot. Seems a whole lot more cost effective than spending $180 on an "updated" version of the Lite. The camera will be borderline worthless, and I think we have enough different technologies to browse the web.

On top of all this, I'm willing to guess that the upgraded CPU will only make the existing library of games smoother, similar to the upgrades the PSP has received. I haven't researched this at all, so I could be wrong, but I doubt that there will really be that much of an improvement.

Sorry Nintendo, the PSP still runs circles around you.
 
@BadEnoughDude:I don't know about all that. DS has a way better selection of games then the PSP war. But I will stop there because this blog post is not about the PSP.

I am still unsure if I want a DSi. I will have to wait and see.
 
@shadowforte: The selection of games is relative, but even so, I was only talking about the system itself. I made my comments about the DSi, and my opinion about it still not being (nearly) as good as the PSP, it's main competition.
 
@BadEnoughDude:Hardware-wise, definitely. The PSP has a 333Mhz CPU and 32MB RAM while this upgraded DS still "only" has a 133Mhz CPU and 16MB RAM. That's rougly twice the power and it shows.
 
I have to both agree and disagree with Bad Enough Dude. Sure, it's a waste of money. Piss on the SD slot. You know what they're going to use it for - crap games that cost money. Save yourself the loot and invest in an EDGE card (not TT, TT is crap). You can get an EDGE with a 4gb microSD for around $20-$25 USD these days. You want a camera? That's what your digital camera and/or phone are for. Want to listen to music? That's why you own an mp3 player. Want to play portable games? Just stick with your good ol DS.

PLENTY of really wicked homebrew out there. Even play your good ol PC games on your DS. Emulate the kick ass consoles on it if you so please. If you really need something to help you make a decision about if you should buy, read my blogs. I have a nice piece on DS homebrew. I even wrote up a guide for total morons.
 
@BadEnoughDude: You have to take into consideration what the system is offering. PSP offers 3d console like games. The DS offers extremely unique games that utilize the touchscreen/dual screen or are upgraded 2d games (like Castlevania and NSMB). Also there are games like The World Ends With You which absolutely needs both screens and the touchscreen.

You can't base your arguments off of the hardware power and capacity. You have to take into consideration what the systems offer that the others can't. The PSP absolutely does not 'run circles around the DS'.
 
@everyone: My opinion is my opinion. I can have the opinion that the Jaguar 'runs circles around' the SNES, too (I don't believe that, by the way Smiley  ).

I stand by what I said though. In my opinion, the PSP is the superior handheld. I just like what it has to offer more than what the DS has to offer. I've owned both for some time now, and I play my PSP ten times more than my DS. It's just more fun for me. The larger screen lends itself to better emulation. Not only that, but I can emulate my entire PS1 library, something that the DS couldn't dream of doing. I get the uniqueness that is possible with the DS, but truthfully, it's just not that big of a deal to me.
 
@BadEnoughDude: Haha I know it's your opinion, I just used your opinion as a springboard for my thoughts. I'm not saying it's wrong or anything, I'm just weighing in.
 
@Shimra: Smiley Sorry. I came off a little crotchety in my reply. I didn't mean to. No hard feelings.
 
@BadEnoughDude:yeah...yeah....and sales certainly support that dont the.....wait a minute....you mean DS outsells PSP almost 5 to 1!...SHOCKING! so its actually the other way around my friend.Nintendo rules the handheld market,they always have,and they always will.Sony should stick to making consoles its what they used to be good at.
 
When did it become taboo to mention personal preference here? I didn't bring up sales figures. I'm aware of the commercial success the DS has had. The Jonas Brothers sell millions of records too, but does that mean they are better than the Drive-By Truckers or Delta Spirit? I don't think it does...
 
@Link41:You're looking too far into it. All Bad Enough Dude was talking about in his first comment was hardware, nothing more.
 
@BadEnoughDude: Don't worry, I didn't interpret your message that way at all. I wouldn't say you came off that way.
 
we shouldnt be talking about PSP at all,this blog was never about PSP. This blog was about the launch of the DSi and whether you cared,not making stupid comparisions to the PSP!
 
@Link41: I guess we can see how well you're going to fit in here.
 
                    I'm just saying is that each handheld has its own merits.PSP has features that make it better than DS,and DS has features that make it better than PSP. We shouldn't be consumed by petty differences about the console,but rather about the faults or things you like about DSi.I was unaware that this blog was a comparision blog
 
...And what I did was take those new features into consideration, and concluded that I'll still prefer the PSP. I did exactly what you are saying I should have done - comment on the things I dislike about the DSi - and made a comment based on it. I think even Zachary would be fine with the comments that I made, and it was his piece.
 
@BadEnoughDude:at last!...we finally agree on something!
 
@Link41: The blog comments don't have a set guideline of what you are supposed to talk about. Of course the majority is going to be about the actual article, but the article itself can spark other conversations like what occurred here.

I know when I write a blog I'm happy to get any response, even if the response is 'wow that list is awful' haha.
 
@Shimra:I see your point! Tongue
 
@BadEnoughDude: It's cool, I'm all for a nice discussion and nothing got too out of hand, or else I would've said something sooner, as I've been monitoring this all along, I feel that all points made are valid, I personally don't want a DSi, as I mentioned in the article, but I do want a PSP since I don't own one, and if the rumors about the PSP 2 do turn out to be fact, that I'd actually like to write a similar article for that, but that time from the point of view of a prospective buyer that doesn't yet own the system. Anyway, I'm just glad you guys seemed to enjoy my article and had a discussion about the DSi because of it.

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