Nintendo DSi: Apr 5, $170 US, Black & Blue, DSi retail games, Rhythm Heaven also Apr5

BTP

Edit Feb 20: When the hell did this photo change to have Iwata on it?

lowlylowlycook wrote: »

MTV multiplayer blog wrote:

Nintendo has announced the release date for the DSi: April 5 for $169.99 in blue and black. The system will launch alongside the English-language release of “Rhythm Heaven.” Press release after the jump. My impressions of the American system and “Rhythm Heaven” are coming a little later today.

Cameron_Talley wrote: »

US Launch April 5th:

http://www.engadget.com/2009/02/18/nintendo-dsi-to-launch-on-april-5th/

Anyway, I probably will wait a while to get one. I usually do with Nintendo handhelds.

Lunker wrote: »

Oh, also: DSi-only carts confirmed. Let the wailing and gnashing of teeth begin. From the press release:

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 The system can also play most Nintendo DS™ games, and will have access to a library of more than 850 titles originally made for that system.

Completely fuck-awesome trailer from Nintendo of Europe!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_LTgOqufvKc
=======================

(Back when this thread was titled "Some kind of Nintendo DSi announcement is coming....and soon!"

Found on NeoGAF, thanks to their monthly "Look what I bought" thread.




Even if it was a bluff, there's this from IGN: http://wii.ign.com/articles/954/954724p1.html

Nintendo Voice Chat Postponed - Possible excuses: a rampaging Bowser, a zombie infestation, or an upcoming handheld announcement.

So, um, yeah,.......woo?

Sam

cool, but I don't see myself ever using a DS for camera and mp3...hell even video is a stretch. I used to own a card for the DS that let you store and play mp3's and some shitty video codec. It was cool to have but honestly the speaker sucked for music and the DS Lite wasn't made to ride in a pocket, so it was mostly in a bag. I basically think handheld consoles are only good for media if they have a loud speaker.

parabola

Not really interested in a DSi.

Sam

i bet this will be huge in Asia...although even there, is a camera that much of a motivation to switch from a Lite?

Invisible

I own a regular DS, so I'm slightly interested in a DSi. But some of the features are pointless to me, like the camera. Really depends on the cost.

Darth_Mogs

The DSi will probably sell huge for reasons that just fall in the "Just Because" category. I personally won't be picking one up, unless my Lite explodes and even then it's a debate, but I figure down the line, the main draw will be the DSi Shop, or whatever it's called.

The camera is just there....well, I don't know why. I don't want to say 'to help it interface with the Wii better', because that's obviously not a direct reason, but I'm pretty sure, if you have both, you can take pictures with the DSi and then later put them on your Wii. I don't know; I'll stop talking there, because I don't own a Wii, so I don't want to talk for something I don't have and then look like an idiot.

Not that I own a DSi, either, but you get my point.

Xenogears of Bore

The screen is so good looking.

Louder too.

Semi decent browser. DSware.

Very much want.

Saddler

Downloadable content, eh? That would be cool if NoA could be trusted to support it.

Serious_Scrub

what annoys me is that it's been over four years since the DS came out, and it seems like it should be time to announce a new console, not come up with an updated version which doesn't guarantee forward compatibility of it's predecessors (DSware, camera games), yet has the same exact specs as a console that was outclassed technically right after it came out. At this point in time, it would seem quite trivial, technically and cost-wise, to just switch to some faster ARM processors (I believe are already adding more RAM, anyway), resulting in a new console that's maintains backwards compatibility, while still being familiar to developers. Since there's a new distribution medium for this console anyway (DLC), you can also avoid consumer confusion of what is compatible with the new DS, and what's not.
I'm pretty sure the main reason for the switch was to just combat the massive DS piracy going on.

Bursar

Isn't the DSi supposed to have region coding (for DSi games, not when playing DS games)? I say boo on it for that reason.

taliosfalcon

Huh, I thought the DSi came out in NA months ago :oops: guess I don't pay enough attention to nintendos announcements

Einhander

There are too many awesome GBA games I have to catch up on for me to get a DSi. I'd rather just get a DSL and hold out for the next Nintendo handheld.

Clint Eastwood

I will get one of these if only because of the SD slot

Peewi

taliosfalcon wrote: »

Huh, I thought the DSi came out in NA months ago :oops: guess I don't pay enough attention to nintendos announcements

It has been out in Japan for quite some time. Maybe that confused you.

Elimination

I wonder if this will really replace the DS Lite or if they will just sell it along side. One has GBA functions and one does not after all. I'd rather have the GBA function than silly camera nonsense and all that.

Lucky Cynic

Elimination wrote: »

I wonder if this will really replace the DS Lite or if they will just sell it along side. One has GBA functions and one does not after all. I'd rather have the GBA function than silly camera nonsense and all that.

I doubt the DS lite will go anywhere for a while, most likely getting a price drop and then getting phased out.

Barrakketh

Elimination wrote: »

I wonder if this will really replace the DS Lite or if they will just sell it along side. One has GBA functions and one does not after all. I'd rather have the GBA function than silly camera nonsense and all that.

Nintendo is probably using it as a stern EOL (End of life) message for the GBA cart to third parties. If you don't own any GBA titles and/or are buying a DS for the first time there's no real reason not to get a DSi unless the price is a lot higher than the DS Lite.

Rizzi

Man, I still own my phat DS. If I ever replace it, which I probably will soon because the touch screen is scratched to shit, the speakers don't really work anymore and the screens have started to die, I'll be getting a Lite.
I already have a camera and an mp3 player. Plus I like playing my GBA games..

Jam Warrior

I could never justify the phat to lite upgrade to myself. Yes the lite is prettier, so much prettier, but pretty enough to fork for a whole new DS when I already have a fully functioning one? Not so much.

The DSi having added new features is finally the justification I need to move on from my much loved launch silver phat DS. I have high hopes for downloadable software and it's not like I won't still have my old DS around for GBA games. Hell, the SP must be buried in my house somewhere.

apotheos

Jam Warrior wrote: »

I could never justify the phat to lite upgrade to myself. Yes the lite is prettier, so much prettier, but pretty enough to fork for a whole new DS when I already have a fully functioning one? Not so much.

The answer to that question is a budgetary concern. It certainly is worth it, as long as you can afford it.

The DSi seems to ... not be the same story, to me.

Daedalus

Sam wrote: »

cool, but I don't see myself ever using a DS for camera and mp3...hell even video is a stretch. I used to own a card for the DS that let you store and play mp3's and some shitty video codec. It was cool to have but honestly the speaker sucked for music and the DS Lite wasn't made to ride in a pocket, so it was mostly in a bag. I basically think handheld consoles are only good for media if they have a loud speaker.

You need bigger pockets. The DS+moonshell was my main MP3 player for years. Still is, in fact, now that I got an 8 gig MicroSD card for it.

lowlylowlycook

MTV multiplayer blog wrote:

Nintendo has announced the release date for the DSi: April 5 for $169.99 in blue and black. The system will launch alongside the English-language release of “Rhythm Heaven.” Press release after the jump. My impressions of the American system and “Rhythm Heaven” are coming a little later today.

scootch

I should go pick up another DS lite before they stop making those...

Cameron_Talley

US Launch April 5th:

http://www.engadget.com/2009/02/18/nintendo-dsi-to-launch-on-april-5th/

Anyway, I probably will wait a while to get one. I usually do with Nintendo handhelds.

Cameron_Talley

Serious_Scrub wrote: »

what annoys me is that it's been over four years since the DS came out, and it seems like it should be time to announce a new console, not come up with an updated version which doesn't guarantee forward compatibility of it's predecessors (DSware, camera games), yet has the same exact specs as a console that was outclassed technically right after it came out. At this point in time, it would seem quite trivial, technically and cost-wise, to just switch to some faster ARM processors (I believe are already adding more RAM, anyway), resulting in a new console that's maintains backwards compatibility, while still being familiar to developers. Since there's a new distribution medium for this console anyway (DLC), you can also avoid consumer confusion of what is compatible with the new DS, and what's not.
I'm pretty sure the main reason for the switch was to just combat the massive DS piracy going on.

Are you so quick to forget that the Game Boy remained largely unchanged for nearly a decade? Nintendo has shown that they usually take a very conservative approach to handhelds. The DS is even more successful than the original Game Boy was, and it really doesn't show any signs of slowing down.

Basically: DSi is to DS as Game Boy Color is to Game Boy.

carmofin

ewwww, this smell a lot like a lot like videochat...
could those nitnendo guys jsut please get back into making game some time soon?

lowlylowlycook

Cameron_Talley wrote: »

Serious_Scrub wrote: »

what annoys me is that it's been over four years since the DS came out, and it seems like it should be time to announce a new console, not come up with an updated version which doesn't guarantee forward compatibility of it's predecessors (DSware, camera games), yet has the same exact specs as a console that was outclassed technically right after it came out. At this point in time, it would seem quite trivial, technically and cost-wise, to just switch to some faster ARM processors (I believe are already adding more RAM, anyway), resulting in a new console that's maintains backwards compatibility, while still being familiar to developers. Since there's a new distribution medium for this console anyway (DLC), you can also avoid consumer confusion of what is compatible with the new DS, and what's not.
I'm pretty sure the main reason for the switch was to just combat the massive DS piracy going on.

Are you so quick to forget that the Game Boy remained largely unchanged for nearly a decade? Nintendo has shown that they usually take a very conservative approach to handhelds. The DS is even more successful than the original Game Boy was, and it really doesn't show any signs of slowing down.

Basically: DSi is to DS as Game Boy Color is to Game Boy.

Yeah, the DSL just set the record for 1 months sales in the US this December. 3 Million of the things. I'm more surprised that they are bothering releasing the DSi here so early.

Lunker

Cameron_Talley wrote: »

US Launch April 5th:

http://www.engadget.com/2009/02/18/nintendo-dsi-to-launch-on-april-5th/

Anyway, I probably will wait a while to get one. I usually do with Nintendo handhelds.

This is why I'm never going to the bathroom at work ever again.

I wasn't going to get one, but my Lite is actually on the way out now—just got the hinge crack a few weeks ago.

maximumzero

What the hells, Nintendo.

My GBA was white, my DS Lite is White, my Wii is white, my TV is white, my 360 is white for fuck's sake.

Why won't you sell me a White DSi?

Lunker

Oh, also: DSi-only carts confirmed. Let the wailing and gnashing of teeth begin. From the press release:

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.

Robos A Go Go

I'm hoping Gamestop offers some deal where you can trade-in your Lite for a sizable discount on the DSi that's within $10 of what I'd get if I sold my Lite on eBay. It's not that the DSi is such an upgrade so much as it is that my Lite is white and has gotten a little grimy.

lowlylowlycook

Lunker wrote: »

Oh, also: DSi-only carts confirmed. Let the wailing and gnashing of teeth begin. From the press release:

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 DSâ„¢ games, and will have access to a library of more than 850 titles originally made for that system.

I thought we knew that. Hmmmm. Are there any DSi games out in Japan yet?

Peewi

maximumzero wrote: »

What the hells, Nintendo.

My GBA was white, my DS Lite is White, my Wii is white, my TV is white, my 360 is white for fuck's sake.

Why won't you sell me a White DSi?

Not to mention that there's white DSis in Japan.

Lunker

lowlylowlycook wrote: »

Lunker wrote: »

Oh, also: DSi-only carts confirmed. Let the wailing and gnashing of teeth begin. From the press release:

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 DSâ„¢ games, and will have access to a library of more than 850 titles originally made for that system.

I thought we knew that. Hmmmm. Are there any DSi games out in Japan yet?

I haven't been fully keeping up with it, but this is the first I've heard of actual DSi carts—prior to this, I think the assumption was that any DSi-exclusive stuff was download-only. I haven't heard anything about DSi carts, so if there's something it won't be coming for a while.

And honestly, I'm kind of glad there's no white available, because it saves me from having to choose what color to go for. Always bet on black, baby.

There's a chance I might be able to do a product review of it for the magazine I work for, so fingers crossed!

Dodge Aspen

I'm waiting for info on some sort of handheld Virtual Console. Camera means nothing to me, but the downloadable nostalgia would sell me in a second. Otherwise, I'll keep the ability to play Racing Gears Advance, thank-you very much.

Jam Warrior

No news for Europe I assume? Ho hum. Until this talk of region locking is confirmed one way or the other I can't even consider importing.

solsovly

lowlylowlycook wrote: »

Lunker wrote: »

Oh, also: DSi-only carts confirmed. Let the wailing and gnashing of teeth begin. From the press release:

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 DSâ„¢ games, and will have access to a library of more than 850 titles originally made for that system.

I thought we knew that. Hmmmm. Are there any DSi games out in Japan yet?

Most DS games? Which ones wouldn't work?

Lunker

solsovly wrote: »

lowlylowlycook wrote: »

Lunker wrote: »

Oh, also: DSi-only carts confirmed. Let the wailing and gnashing of teeth begin. From the press release:

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 DSâ„¢ games, and will have access to a library of more than 850 titles originally made for that system.

I thought we knew that. Hmmmm. Are there any DSi games out in Japan yet?

Most DS games? Which ones wouldn't work?

The Guitar Hero games, for one, though I'm hard-pressed to think of any other game that mandates using the GBA slot for something.

solsovly

Lunker wrote: »

solsovly wrote: »

lowlylowlycook wrote: »

Lunker wrote: »

Oh, also: DSi-only carts confirmed. Let the wailing and gnashing of teeth begin. From the press release:

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 DSâ„¢ games, and will have access to a library of more than 850 titles originally made for that system.

I thought we knew that. Hmmmm. Are there any DSi games out in Japan yet?

Most DS games? Which ones wouldn't work?

The Guitar Hero games, for one, though I'm hard-pressed to think of any other game that mandates using the GBA slot for something.

Oh right, good point. Couple games that support rumble and that one tony hawk game are out too. No GBA support is a deal breaker for me. The new features seem completely unexciting.

cloudeagle

I think I'll wait till the selection of DSi-ware gets more robust.

Brainiac 8

Considering I still use the original DS, this will finally talk me into upgrading into a lite, which I have wanted to do just never felt the need to.

Can't wait.