Oh Noes! DSi LL/XL Dissected

In case you haven't heard yet, Nintendo did it again and created another monster hit with the DSi LL (or DSi XL if you're from the West). Enterbrain reports that the new DSi sold 103,524 units in its first two days. For comparison's sake, the PSP Go's sold 28,000 on its launch day in Japan.

Anyhoo, for reason unknown to man, the guys over at PC Watch decided to purchase one poor DSi LL and tear it apart... for science! Or for our entertainment. I'm no expert at how things work but the DSi LL/XL sure does look pretty even on the inside!

[more images from source]

Nyko Zoom Case for the DSi

One of the main features of the Nintendo DSi when it was released was the addition of two cameras. Although it wasn't its strongest point, its a great addition that (we hope) will prove useful for future apps and games. And it looks like Nyko is foreseeing that future too. Just recently they introduced the Zoom Case.

In a nutshell its a DSi case with a camera lens. An 8x zoom camera lens. I kid you not. If you're one of those whiners about how crappy the DSi camera is, then I would kindly point you to this product. The lens is detachable, of course, and the case is not kidding around either. What's more, it does not require batteries.

Nintendo Announces DSi LL / DSi XL

 
Just a couple of days after rumors of a new and bigger DSi hit the web, Nintendo finally confirmed and announced the successor of the barely year-old Nintendo DSi. Dubbed as Nintendo DSi LL in Japan and Nintendo DSi XL in Europe and America, it will sport much bigger screens and more battery life among others.

The DSi LL / XL will be released in Japan on Nov 21 and will be expected on America and Europe in Q1 2010. Basically its features are the same as the current DSi but will feature a much larger body and screen as mentioned earlier.

Where the DSi's screens are 3.25 inches across, the new DSi LL / XL are 4.2 inches. There are no announcements as of yet whether the screen resolution will be improved.

Three DSi LL / XL colors will be available upon launch: Wine Red, Natural White, and Dark Brown. Based on Nintendo's track record, expect a lot more color variations to be available in the near future.

The battery life of the DSi LL / XL is supposed to be improved as well. Compared to Nintendo DSi's 9-14 hours on the lowest bright setting, the LL / XL can last upto 13-17 hours. The power adapter of the old DSi will fit the LL / XL.

As for the games, the Nintendo DSi LL/ XL can play old DS cartridges and DSi exclusive games. Also one can download and play DSiWare as well. Sadly, GBA cartridges are still shunned by this new DSi.

Monster Finder to Hit US Shores

 We reported sometime ago about the first DSi-exclusive game, Monster Finder (not to be confused with Monster Hunter, Pocket Monster, Monster Rancher, and the likes). Thanks to the valiant efforts of Konami, the US will now see the lights of day for this awesome game. The game is set for a US release of January 2010.

As we've painstakingly researched before, in Monster Finder players use the DSi's cameras to find monsters in the real world. With over 100 different kinds of monsters to collect there's no shortage of gameplay for sure.

Elite Beat Agents + Phoneix Wright = AWESOME

Forget Guitar Hero. Forget Rock Band. We DS owners wants us some Elite Beat Agents! There was a rumor a year back about a possible sequel, but alas it was indeed only a rumor. Maybe that's why this fan decided to make his own Elite Beat Agents number featuring none other than another DS favorite, Phoenix Wright (and Judge)! To top it all off, EBA will be dancing their shoes off to the tune of Queen's "Don't Stop Me Now".

DSiWare Purchases Locked to Your DSi

 Looking to replace your old Nintendo DSi with a new one? Change of color preference perhaps? Then know that according to Nintendo of Australia, DSiWare purchases are permanently locked to the DSi system they are originally downloaded to.

With the exception of a broken DSi, you can't transfer software bought from the DSi Shop. And if you do have a busted DSi, you have to mail it along with the new one to Nintendo to get your DSiWare goodies transferred.

Many are outraged by this revelation. Note that this came from Nintendo of Australia but I would not be surprised if America and Europe has the same policy. Let's all hope not...

[source: NintendoLife]

Monster Finder: First DSi-Exclusive Game

We here at this humble blog are quite pleased when it was recently announced that there will soon be DSi-only retail games. Not that we hate our DS Lite totting brothers, we just like the idea of games making full use of the DSi's features. Among the first of such games is Monster Finder.

From what we have gathered, in Monster Finder one must use the DSi camera to find monsters, thus the name Monster Finder. With over 100 different varieties of monsters to hunt the game is compared to Monster Rancher (or maybe Pokemon?). Monster Finder is set to release in Japan sometime in winter.