PSP World

Nintendo officially unveils the Nintendo DSi

As rumors piled up and industry insiders spoke out (quietly), the speculation is over. Today, Nintendo announced the newest revamping of the popular Nintendo DS handheld system. Known as the Nintendo DSi, this DS redesign features a ton of new features. With the GBA slot gone, The DSi is 12% thinner than the DS Lite and a bit lighter, too. The system keeps the single touch screen, but the screens are now larger, by a quarter of an inch. Two cameras – one facing the player and one facing away – have been implemented, allowing players to take 640x480 pictures and save them on on-board memory (amount still undefined) or using an SD card. These photos can then be edited with the stylus. The DSi will include a built-in browser, particularly for download of programs from the new DSWare channel, offering free or downloadable content using Nintendo Points, previously known as Wii Points. DS Download Stations will be expanded upon and renamed Nintendo Zones, and will once again appear at McDonald’s locations. The DSi also features a relocated power button under the D-pad, and better speakers with expanded audio functionality, such as pitch and speed control. The DSi is set to release in Japan on November 1st for 18,900 yen, approximately $180 USD. The system now has a matte finish and will be available in white and black models.

Nintendo also showcased a video featuring upcoming DS titles for this year and the next. Among the biggest hits were a 3D version of the puzzle game Picross, what seems to be a new WarioWare game in which players design their own Microgames, and a new entry in the Mario & Luigi series. Visit the official Japanese DSi website for a nice comparison between the new model and the DS Lite, as well as some insight on the new user interface and design of the system. The DSi is set to be released sometime in 2009 outside of Japan, and it is not yet clear if imported DSi’s will feature full functionality outside of Japan.

[Via]