http://www.nintendo.co.jp/ds/dsi.htmlReggie: "Our event today is all about games. That will occupy the bulk of our presentation today. But there are a couple of hardware related issues to discuss as well. In Tokyo last night, Mr. Iwata unveiled a third iteration of DS, called DSi. And here it is." [Reggie lifts up the handheld.]
Built-in Flash memory. Downloadable games are now possible and they can be saved permanently to the DSi. New DS Shop will launch. Among the first games available on the service will be redesigned versions of the two Brain Age games.
DSi also includes a camera and music functionality. To appreciate these functions, "you have to understand that we didn't set out to create the world's best camera or the world's best music player," says Reggie. Plenty of other players in the "red ocean" market. Want to create new types of games using these devices.
On the camera front, the DSi has not one, but two different cameras. One faces forward from the hardware. The other points back at the user. This allows a full range of unique functionality. These cameras work hand-in-hand with image editing software. You can share your edited photos with other DSi users.
Songs will be stored on an SD card. DSi will use the AAC format so you "can easily move songs from your computer to your SD card to play on your DSi." DSI has built-in software enabling users to control attributes like pitch, playback speed, audio filters, etc. "You may have a piece of music where you don't want to listen to vocals -- only instrumentals. The audio filter will allow you to do that." You can fast forward through podcasts, etc. You can record your voice through the built-in microphone and change your playback speed.
System will lose the GBA slot, but is fully compatible with the 600-plus DS games available.
Built-in Opera Nintendo DSi web browser that will run faster than the previous web browser, "and so will the WI-Fi connections," adds Reggie.
As far as 2008 is concerned, the DSi is strictly for Japan. "We will not see the product here in North America until well into calendar 2009," says Reggie. He notes this is because the DS Lite continues to sell at a phenomenal rate in America. In August alone, DS sold more hardware than had ever been sold in that calendar month.
Nintendo has sold a total of 22 million DS units in America.
Reggie talks Wii storage solution. Can now store downloads directly SD Card. And the process of storing on SD card will "become dramatically easier," says Reggie.
Reggie: We will ship more DS units into retail in the October-December quarter than we did last year. We will ship significantly more Wii systems into retail during the same period versus last year.
"Will this finally be enough to meet demand? My answer: talk to me in January."
Even before Nintendo announced it, the DSi has been the talk of the town. According to our Japanese correspondent, the DSi will be 12 percent thinner, and will get rid of the GBA slot entirely. The DSi will also include two built-in cameras (one reportedly VGA resolution) and music playback. The DSi will also add an SD slot and internal storage (we don't yet know how much) to enhance its multimedia capabilities. The screens are now slightly larger at 3.25 inches.Photos can be synced to the Wii Photo Channel.
Nintendo is also launching the "DSi Shop" to sell content directly over WiFi. The DSi will include a free browser application. Prices for the store, which are also tied into the Wii Nintendo Points, will use 0, 200, 500 and 800-point tiers. Until March 2010, 1000 Nintendo points will come bundled with the device.
Nintendo is calling the DSi a "third platform," implying that it's not competing with the DS -- though as a history lesson, the DS was originally a "third platform" against the now-retired Game Boy Advance.
The DSi will launch November 1 in black and white colors. It will cost ¥189,000 (approx. US $178). We won't fault you for misreading this as "iDS," given the very iPod Touch-esque additions.
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