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.

DSi Madness: A Sales Update

 As soon as we've heard of the numbers after its initial release in Japan, there was no doubt in our minds that the Nintendo DSi would make it big. It seems every one and their dog has a DSi or two. Less than a year old, the DSi proved to be another hit from our good friends in Nintendo. Here's a quick summary of DSi sales so far:

435,000 - total sold during first week in US.
92,000 - 1st weekend on sale in UK.
3,000,000 - total DSi units sold in Japan.

The DSi proved to be a competent successor to the DS Lite. Here's to more success and more fun games!

Limited SaGa 20th Anniversary Edition Dsi Looks Extra Awesome

The design of the upcoming limited edition SaGa DSi has recently been released and we at dsigames all agree that it's full of awesome. As mentioned before on this blog, the release of SaGa 2 remake for the DS will be accompanied with its own limited edition DSi.

The SaGa 20th Anniversary Edition DSi comes in matte black and features the game's logo. There's also a seal detailing very game in the series. If you want to own this limited-ed dsi, it'll cost you $262.

Game & Watch Games on DSiWare

If you're like me (read: old) then you're always on the look out for nostalgic stuff. You know, things that would make you smile and bring back fond memories. Such is the case with Game & Watch. We had a lot of good times back then. That's why I did a backflip when a bunch of Game & Watch games ended up on DSiWare recently.

Pictured below are the classic Ball, Chef, and of course Donkey Kong Jr. Head over here to watch videos.

Korg DS-10 Plus to be Released on September

Hey, remember Korg DS-10? It was a hit DS app where you get to play with a Korg synthesizer. It's quite fun even if you can't really figure out how to use it professionally. Well, AQ Interactive decided to follow-up on its success with Korg DS-10 Plus for the DSi.

Korg DS-10 Plus will work similar to its predecessor, but with the addition of certain features such as real-time editing. It also makes good use of the DSi's extra hardware, adding two more analog synthesizers (that makes it four!) and four more drum synthesizers (making it eight!). Also, there are now twelve tracks you can lay music on.

Korg DS-10 Plus will be released in Japan on September 17.

Here's the Korg DS-10 Plus "keynote" presentation video.

SaGa 2 Remake To Come with Limited Edition DSi

 Like with (almost) all previous Final Fantasy recent releases, SaGa 2 (or Final Fantasy Legend II to some) will be released alongside its own limited edition DSi. The DS RPG game is set to be released in Japan on September 17.

The SaGa 20th Anniversary Limited Edition DSi has no official design yet, but it would do us fans a favor if they keep that yellow one-eyed thingy off it. The system will be available for roughly $260 on release date.

More Mario Spotted at DSiWare

Just in case you don't have enough of Mario yet on your DSi then you'll be glad to hear there are two Mario-related apps ready for download at the DSi Shop. That's two more chances you'll bump into our favorite princess-saving plumber :)

Mario Calculator (200 DSi Points) - Get your homework done while seeing Super Mario in action! This little app acts like a regular calculator, complete with Memory and conversion functions. Mario is on the top screen making sure your calculations are correct.

Mario Clock (200 DSi Points) - Who else to better keep your time than Mario himself?? You can also control Mario to jumo and get coins so you can unlock other animations. This clock app also has three alarm clocks.

Share Your DSi Photos on Facebook

Nintendo recently announced another feature that will leave camera-happy DSi owners a reason to celebrate. In the near future, this coming fall to be more exact, pictures taken using the DSi's built-in camera can be sent to a user's Facebook page. I'm assuming that this could be done via WiFi connection and a simple software to access a Facebook account.

Thankfully, no word yet if you can answer Facebook quizzes using your DSi.

New Red Nintendo DSi

A new red DSi (I call it awesome-red) will be available in Japan on July 11 2009.

Along with this fiery news Japanese Wii lovers will also be treated to a new blac Wii, available on August 1 2009. Accessories in black will of course be released as well.

Now the big question: Will we see these awesomely colored DSi and Wii in North America? No word yet :(

More Dragon Quest! Dragon Quest Wars for DSi

If you're not satisfied yet with the barrage of Dragon Quest games (both available and upcoming) for the DS and DSi, then meet Dragon Quest Wars. This strategy game is brought to us by none other than Square Enix features online play and is available for DSiWare download for only 500 points.

Dragon Quest Wars looks and plays like a board game featuring Dragon Quest characters. Up to four players can battle it out, forming their own team of four Dragon Quest monsters. There's nothing to worry in terms of gameplay, since the game is being developed by Intelligent Systems, the guys who made the Advance Wars and Fire Emblem series. It will be out in Japan this month.

Ghostwire: Ghost Hunting via DSi

Ghostwire is an adventure title for the Nintendo DSi where the players hunt for wayward spirits and figure out why they still linger in the realm of the living. Pretty basic horror game, you say? Not quite so. You see, Ghostwire makes full use of the DSi's features, especially the DSi camera.

Instead of your traditional cemetery, or haunted house, the game is set in YOUR surroundings. You pan the DSi around you to hunt for said ghosts, as seen from the screenshot above. Creepy? You bet. I'm still not sure I want to play this game inside my room!

In any case, Ghostwire is a game that I've been waiting for simply because I want to see more games that use the DSi's camera.

Animal Crossing Goodies on DSiWare!

If you're anything near like me, you'll love yourself a lot of Animal Crossing! Heck, I played Animal Crossing Wild World a year and a half straight before I (almost) got over it. I'm still playing it now from time to time, just to pull weeds :)

Anyways, Animal Crossing fans will be delighted to hear DSiWare's offerings of Animal Crossing goodness, namely:

Animal Crossing Calculator (200 Nintendo DSi Points) - Do your math with Animal Crossing background.

Animal Crossing Clock (200 Nintendo DSi Points) - A regular clock pimped-out with Animal Crossing characters.

Want Free DSi Games? Enter DSiCade

If in case you need MORE games for your DSi (or any Nintendo DS for that matter), then point your DSi Browsers to http://www.dsicade.com/ for some good old casual gaming. 

DSiCade is not much at to look at for now, but I see potential in there. There are two games available as of this post, namely Touch Mii and War Games.

Touch Mii is a simon-says-like game where you just follow the pattern the AI has set.

War Games on the other hand is a Missile Command clone.

Also, there an extra awesome chat feature called SHOUTBOX! where you can converse with other DSi owners around the globe.

As mentioned earlier, DSiCade has a great future. Can't wait to see more games from them soon!

New DSiWare Goodies Hit Japan

Japanese DSi owners are treated to four new DSiWare apps and games ready for download recently. Out of the four, I want two badly. Guess which they are.

Chotto Magic Taizen: Date Uranai (200 Points): Need help with your date? Then this new Master of Illusion trick will help determine where your special someone wants to go on a date.

Itsudemo Puri-Kura Kira Deco Premium! (Anytime Print Club Sparkling Deco Premium) (500 Points): This cool application is used for editing and decorating images taken from your DSi camera. You can then trade photos with your friends or transfer it on your mobile phone.

Atsumeru Egao-chou (Smile Collection Book) (500 Points): A photo album dedicating to photos of friends smiling. Yup, they have to be smiling to be in this album. There's a bunch more activities you can do with it including a compatibility test.

Chotto Brain Training: Sudoku-hen (500 Points): On the more serious (and brain-aching side) this adds 200 new sudoku puzzles to Brain Training.

Moving Memo Pad was also updated to version 2. You can now rate videos, make comments using drawings, and upload to channels.

Skype to Come to DSi... Sort of

Is the beloved VoIP/Instant Messaging application Skype headed for the DSi? The possibility is quite high, based on this post from TechRadar.

The Skype representative questioned did not give a definite yes, but did not shut down the possibility either. In fact the rep also said it would be technically possible to develop a Skype app for the Nintendo DSi.

Sony's PSP has had Skype for some time now. It would be another nudge for the DSi if they can pull this off.

DSi Sold 435,000 First Week in US

The numbers are in, and it looks like Nintendo has done it again with the DSi. After a week from its launch, Nintendo claims that the DSi sold a staggering 435,000 units. That's almost twice the DS Lite's numbers, which sold 226,300 systems during its launch week.

The DSi almost made waves in recently, becoming the fourth-fastest selling console in UK history. March is also a good month for Nintendo, outselling Wii and DS rivals.

If you're a fan of the DS or DSi, these numbers shouldn't surprise. Who could resist the DSi's unruly charm??

Made in Ore is Made of Awesome

Nintendo recently launched a site dedicated to Made in Ore, a kit for making your own mini-games WarioWare style! The site features screen shots and videos of Made in Ore in action.

As with the last WarioWare for the DS, Made in Ore features different WarioWare employees, and each has his/her own style. I personally like 9-Volt and his "Nintendo" themed mini-games.

Here's a video of Made in Ore in action:

Play Piano on Your DSi

Do you want to make music with your DSi? Too confused with Korg DS-10? Then check out the video below that teaches how to make an instant piano out of your household DSi!



Basically this neat little trick uses "Graffiti Mode" of Nintendo DSi. Make use of music note stamps, which changes pitch depending on where you place it, and you have yourself a party!

DSiWare Downloads This Week

This week's DSiWare downloads feature the first third-party offering for the service. There's just two, but both are made of awesome.

• Mixed Messages (500 Nintendo DSi Points) - Much like LOL for the DS, Mixed Messages is a party game for people who can't get enough WiFi play. It supports up to 21 players and is subbed as a "telephone" for the DSi.. well, sort of. See, the game starts out by one player writing a sentence, then the next player will try to draw what the sentence describes. The next player will then view the drawing and write a sentence about it. You get the idea...
• Master of Illusion Express: Shuffle Games (200 Nintendo DSi Points) - This is an installment of Nintendo's Master of Illusion Express series. As with previous games, this entry teaches you another trick - The Vanishing Card trick. Farout dude.

DSi US and UK Sales? 600k!

The DSi broke every sales record imaginable when it was released in Japan. Well, not really... But it did banged some numbers up! And it did so again when it was released in the US and UK, selling over 600k units!

Nintendo proudly announced that the DSi sold 300,000 units in the US and another 300,000 in the UK during its launch weekend. If Dr. Kawashima taught me correctly, that's a total of 600,000!

Blue Badger DSi Spotted

I hope you all got that shiny new DSi by now! I know I did. And it's wicked awesome. But enough gloating from me, and let's head for more limited DSi edition shall we? More specifically, the Japan-only Gyakuten Kenji Premium Edition box. Yup, another Japanese exclusive. Whoopdeedoo.

But hey, at least we can look at the pretty pictures, yes?

 
This beauty will cost about $240 and includes the white DSi plus the mandatory Blu Badger and the much-awaited Gyakuten Kenji game.

New DSiWare Games Coming this Week in Japan

A total of eight new DSiWare games will be available to the Japanese people this coming Jan 28.

• Nintendo DSi Tokei - a clock app with photos, 200 Points
• Art Style: PiCOPiCT - puzzle game, 500 Points
• Chotto Suujin Taisen - board game, 500 Points
• Solitaire DSi - name says it all, 200 Points
• Hobonichi Rozenzu - Japan travel guide, 500 Points
• Art Style: SOMNIUM - puzzle game, 500 Points
• Chotto Panel de Pon - another puzzler, 500 Points
• Chotto Asobi Taizen: Jikkuri Trump - card game, 500 Points

Whew! That's a handful. Add to that the previous DSiWare games and you've got your money's worth!

[source]

DSi US Release: April 4??

Hey all! We're back! And last we checked, the DSi was supposed to be released in the US around the end of April. Imagine our surprise when we caught wind of a certain rumor that the DSi will be out early April! April 4 to be exact.

According to IGN, "sources close to Nintendo" leaked the early release date of the DSi and even gave its price point, which is a surprisingly pleasant $179.99. For those keeping track, that's $70 less if you'll import a DSi!

[source]