by rbelmont - 02.18.09

It looks like all the rumors were (partially) true. The Nintendo DSi will be released in April, but at ten dollars less than the rumored $180. $169.99 is still a large chunk of change for only an updated system, but the download, camera, and MP3-playing [correction: AAC-playing] functionality could warrant the high price.
Some interesting things within the press release:
- Launch colors will just be blue and black.
- “In addition to downloadable games, Nintendo DSi is able to play games made specifically for the system and sold at retail.” — This is worded awkwardly, but it could mean that there will be DSi only retail games, GBC-style.
- Rhythm Heaven will launch alongside it.
Check out the full press release at the official site.











I’ll probably pick up rhythm heaven and wait for the DSi. I want to wait for a better color, give some time for good downloads to come out and possibly wait for a lower price.
Greg in PA - 02.18.09 2:22 pm
I still don’t like how the thing is region locked this time. I just assume get a DS Lite instead.
Kaspian - 02.18.09 2:28 pm
I have sadly never owned a ds, so I will be purchasing this as close to launch day as possible.
slowdown - 02.18.09 2:31 pm
I’m sure the “games made specifically for the system and sold at retail” are just games that use the cameras and thus would not work on the original DS.
The real question is when is the DS 2 with multitouch and an accelerometer is coming out. The DS download store and mutlimedia playback is long overdue, but it’s still not at the tech level of the iPhone, though I suppose they have to balance costs (Although the 8GB iPhone is now only $200 w/ contract). But again, I don’t remember the last time Nintendo sold a console for a loss/didn’t sell out on a product launch.
quicksilver - 02.18.09 3:56 pm
Balls! And I just bought a new Lite to replace the one I lost. Haha, oh well.
-jon ^_^ - 02.18.09 4:35 pm
my birthday present. Cool!!
EOM - 02.18.09 6:57 pm
Yeah. Think I’ll buy it…
Rhythm Heaven Gold seals the dealio.
Now which color…
Gah…
Love Blue, but it looks a bit girly blue. If it were a little darker I would have to pick it. Maybe it looks different hands on.
ZaxCG2 - 02.18.09 7:03 pm
Bought a Lite at launch… It’s only natural for me to preorder the blue one, right? ;P
A.J. - 02.18.09 10:26 pm
I still think the price is too high, and I don’t need a camera, a browser and a music player in a gaming system.
I want games and nothing else and the fact that there will be games only for DSi is a kick in the face for millions DS/lite owners.
But until the customers will buy that stuff nothing will ever change !!
bodo - 02.19.09 10:16 am
There should be retail DSi only games made available by the end of the year since the DSi ups the processing power of the system and it would be a shame to see it go to waste.
The Gameboy Color had games released JUST for it, so this doesn’t seem so far fetched…
EdEN - 02.19.09 2:00 pm
AAC-only (when I already have an ipod that’s way better for music)? Not backwards compatible? Bleh. Not getting this one.
Max - 02.20.09 12:21 pm
I would jump on this if it were region free- if not just for the new ‘art style’ games (im a big fan of bit generations) but as it is now theres absolutely no way i’m willing to give up my imports for some pointless new features.
Heres hoping someone finds out how to pirate dsiware..
ALH - 02.20.09 3:16 pm
@ALH
I’m pretty sure that the region lock is only for DSWare. I assume that you’ll still be able to play imported retail games on an American DSi. I’m not positive about this, but that’s just what I gather from the whole thing.
rbelmont - 02.21.09 1:59 pm
i like the blue better than the black…some ppl say that its girly but im not sure…idt that nintendo would make a color designated for girls on the release date that would limit the number of dsi’s bought til a new color came out, like if guys dont like the black then they cant get the blue? doesnt make sense i think that ppl should get whatever color they want…i preferably like the blue…but i want too make sure its not super light blue…like they show it on gamestop.com…anyways i’d like to hear others opinions on the blue…if its girly or not
tahhato - 02.22.09 4:06 pm
@Tahhato
I think you should not let other people’s opinions decide for you. If you like the blue, get it, if you don’t, then get the black.
I for one love the blue one, and it’ll probably be the one I end up getting.
rbelmont - 02.22.09 10:59 pm
The question for me is,
Does the regular ds games work for the dsi?
anonymous - 02.23.09 1:13 am
Does anyone know how many songs u can put on the dsi? i will probably get it even though i have never owned a ds before >_>
nintendo noob - 02.27.09 8:40 pm
Anon,
Regular DS games will work in the DSi.
Nintendo Noob,
The number of songs (AAC not mp3) that you’ll be able to put on the DS will depend on the size of the SD memory card you use with it.
Hope that helps!
:)
Kyle - 02.28.09 10:58 am
:D Thank you very much kyle,that helps alot, i dont know much about nintendo because the only one i own is a Wii, i hope to expand on it though!
nintendo noob - 02.28.09 1:31 pm
i really like the new DSi i was wondering does the normal ds lite games fit into the DSi console1
when are their going o be new colours black and white ae really boring just checked it up on the argos website but i really like the idea of the new DSi its going to be my 1st and only
lol
israt - 03.01.09 8:41 am
i want this since my ds lite was stolen about a year and a half ago, but i dont know if my mom is gonna like the price
#1 nintendo fan - 03.01.09 3:46 pm
@ISRAT
You did see the blue dsi at top of page right?
nintendo noob - 03.01.09 3:58 pm
@ ISRAT
ds games fit in the dsi
nintendo noob - 03.01.09 4:00 pm
I preordered pokemon platinum and dsi. I get the dsi on april 5th and know everything there is to know about the dsi.
Magicmew97 (I love mew!)
magicmew97 - 03.03.09 8:15 pm
hope it really comes out on april 5th because I might be getting for easter SO EXCITED CAN’T WAAAAIT guna be super awsome
shadowlink8P - 03.03.09 9:49 pm
hope it really comes out on april 5th because I might be getting for easter SO EXCITED CAN’T WAAAAIT guna be super awsome
shadowlink8P - 03.03.09 9:49 pm
hope it really comes out on april 5th because I might be getting for easter SO EXCITED CAN’T WAAAAIT guna be super awsome
shadowlink8P - 03.03.09 9:49 pm
The Nintendo DSI SUCK so muck compared to the DS lite, it was a stupid idea.
nate - 03.06.09 5:36 pm
The Nintendo DSI SUCK so much compared to the DS lite, it was a stupid idea.
nate - 03.06.09 5:37 pm
The Nintendo DSI SUCK so much compared to the DS lite, it was a stupid idea.
nate - 03.06.09 5:37 pm
The dsi is really cool
Alex Smith - 03.07.09 10:41 pm
Is there an internet on the DSi? IF so do you have to suscribe to get the internet? Does the internet on the DSi cost any money? Thank you ☺
Alex Smith - 03.07.09 10:46 pm
When you take a picture on the Dsi you can send it to other people, but can you send it to people with just a plain Ds Lite? How close do you have to be to send , ds download, and pictochat? Please answer. Thank you ☺
Alex Smith - 03.07.09 10:50 pm
When you take a picture on the Dsi you can send it to other people, but can you send it to people with just a plain Ds Lite? How close do you have to be to send , ds download, and pictochat? Please answer. Thank you ☺
Alex Smith - 03.07.09 10:50 pm
If you answer one of my questions, please answer them all. Thank you
Alex Smith - 03.07.09 10:56 pm
@ Alex smith
To get internet on Dsi, you can use a nintendo usb wi-fi connector at your computer, and then it will allow you to go on the internet, it is free to connect, but the connector is $30, after u buy connector, it is free. And, you cant send pictures to a regular ds, because it isnt compatable with it. i think you can at least 30 metres away to pictochat, but if you are both on the internet, it doesnt matter where you are.
Hope that helps
nintendo noob - 03.08.09 6:50 pm
My friend told me about this, but I went to see for myself and I just might sell my DS lite for this before it gets expensive!!!
Matilda - 03.10.09 7:08 pm
Will the DSi have a better flash player than the wii internet channel? some one pleeeez tell me!!
D-ton - 03.14.09 1:36 am
Will the DSi have a better flash player than the wii internet channel? some one pleeeez tell me!!
D-ton - 03.14.09 1:36 am
do not worry about your old ds games cause you can use them on the new dsi!!!!!! that is a good thing or atleast it should be. The whole camera thing is a bit odd butt my camera just broke. Plus it is slimmer than the old ds. I would rather have the black dsi cause the blue is a light girly blue cause i have seen the box and reserved one for myself!!!! you muth get on but you might want to reserve it cause i hear they will be hard to get!!
Natasha - 03.14.09 4:01 pm
I’ve seen some people say that the DSi is just an upgrade of the DS / DS Lite. They have no idea how wrong they are. It is already confirmed that some new games called DSWare games, will be compatible with ONLY the DSi making it a stand alone system. They are also removing the GB Advance game slot in favor of having more room to pack on more awesome technology.
GeekMonk - 03.17.09 7:08 pm
Im gettin it its sweet + i need a new music playing thing because my old iPod broke so yeah i havent had music player accept radio for about 2 years i dont even have itunes anymore so yeah + i have a camera but its only part mine so i cant always use it and I dont have a lite i have a old DS so i think this will be a good upgrade wether i wait a month or so im not sure ill probubly get it when it comes out im not sure though if i got the cash i will i need money 4 paintballing though..
Dylan - 03.17.09 9:45 pm
Im gettin it its sweet + i need a new music playing thing because my old iPod broke so yeah i havent had music player accept radio for about 2 years i dont even have itunes anymore so yeah + i have a camera but its only part mine so i cant always use it and I dont have a lite i have a old DS so i think this will be a good upgrade wether i wait a month or so im not sure ill probubly get it when it comes out im not sure though if i got the cash i will i need money 4 paintballing though..
Dylan - 03.17.09 9:45 pm
I want to know if u could send the pics through wi fii other then putting it into the sd card and then putting it somewhere to the pc???
James - 03.18.09 8:33 pm
I am getting it on lunch day with a new phoneso hahaha
plazma - 03.20.09 12:59 pm
I am getting it on lunch day with a new phoneso hahaha
plazma - 03.20.09 12:59 pm
I am getting it on lunch day with a new phoneso hahaha
plazma - 03.20.09 12:59 pm