DSi Poll Not Looking Good

Tomorrow's the big day! Finally the DSi will be released... in Japan that is. But believe it or not, not all DS fans are excited about the latest iteration of the DS.

According to a poll done by Dengeki, the Japanese are not going crazy over the DSi's release. Only 3.6% answered that they will purchase a DSi soon. 29.4% will wait before buying, maybe to see what games and software would be exclusive to the handheld. 40.7% said they will not buy a DSi.

The poll is pretty disheartening. We'll just have to wait until tomorrow to verify its accuracy.

$299.99 For a DSi Import

A couple of major importers are charging extra for pre-orders of the upcoming Nintendo DSi, deciding that $299.99 is rather a fair price to pay for the said handheld console.

On November 1, the DSi will be released to eager Japanese gamers, leaving the rest of the world Yoshi-green with envy. It will cost ¥18,900, or roughly $200. That is why many were shocked, including yours truly, to find out that trusted importers placed a whopping $299.99 price tag on the DSi.

So are you still gonna import a DSi, or will you wait? Also, it is good to mention that the DSi is region locked.

DSi Camera Potentials

With the new Nintendo DSi comes two camera; one external situated at the top half of the DSi and the internal near where the mic used to be. With this new feature comes a lot of potential. Let's just hope game and software developers utilize it well.

I myself am not looking to snap pictures up with the DSi's camera. With just .3 megapixels, there's not much to expect in terms of photography. But use the camera in-game, then we can talk! Nintendo has always been known to challenge traditional ways and means, so I'm pretty sure they can work something out.

What do you think is the future of the DSi's camera?

DSi Coming with Opera Browser, Has More RAM

An interview with Opera CEO Jon von Tezchner by techtree revealed that the new Nintendo DSi will have more RAM than the DS Lite. In addition, Jon said that the integrated Opera of the DSi will use the RAM more efficiently.

More RAM for the DSi spells nothing but good things to come to the much awaited handheld. Although there are no other news as of yet of other software or games that will make use of this bigger RAM.

DSi - Region Locked!!

If you're one of those DS fans that can't wait to have their hands on the new Nintendo DSi and therefore planning to import one, then hold your horses cowboy - the DSi is region locked! Nintendo recently confirmed that DSi software will be region-locked, meaning European DSi software can only be played on European DSi's.

Guess I have to wait until next year. What about you? Are you gonna wing it and still import a DSi?

Goodbye GBA Slot... (sob)

The GBA Slot was removed from the Nintendo DS in its most recent version, the DSi. Why Nintendo opted for this move, I do not know. The GBA slot, aside from allowing us to play Game Boy Advanced games on our DS, has some other uses too.

I'll miss the DS Lite Vibration Cartridge, for one. As the name suggests, it makes the DS respond to in-game action by vibrating, much like in Playstation's Rumble feature. Playing Metroid Pinball will never be the same again...

The Paddle Controller is another "good-to-have" DS Lite accessory. Although I can't think of any game to use it with except for Arkanoid DS.

What worries me most is Guitar Hero: On Tour and the other rumored Guitar Hero games for the DS. This game requires the GBA Slot for it's unique controls. How are we going to play that in the DSi?Are you going to miss the GBA Slot?

Nintendo DSi Released

The Nintendo DSi, the much awaited third version of the Nintendo DS, was finally announced last October 2, 2008 in Tokyo, Japan at the Nintendo Conference. As with its predecessors, the DSi looks as stylish with a few improvements.

The DSi will be approximately 12% thinner than the DS Lite. It will also house two cameras, on external and another one beside the DS mic. It will also have slightly larger screens (3.25 inches), and much improved speakers. The Power button is also moved, now located at the bottom left of the touch screen. Also, an SD card slot is added for storage of software and media files. The DSi will also ship with its own built-in web browser.

One big change is that the GBA slot is removed. This means the DSi cannot play Game Boy Advance games, and cannot make use of previous DS accessories that uses this slot.

DSi owners can also download games and software on Nintendo's online store.

The Nintendo DSi will be available in Japan on the 1st of November, 2008. The fist editions will be in matte black and white, with no future colors announced as of yet.