Hands on with the Nintendo DSi

Last October we told you about a successor to the DS Lite, the Nintendo DSi. The DSi features two larger screens, two 0.3-megapixel cameras, and an SD card storage slot. In addition, the new DSi will allow users to download software and add-ons over the Internet from a specially designed DSi store.

The editors at CNET sister-site GameSpot were able to get their hands on a DSi and performed an in-depth analysis of the device as well as a physical comparison to the DS Lite. Check out some select photos from their feature in our slideshow.

While the DSi is already on sale in Japan (which is where GameSpot snagged the model shown here), we still don't have a definitive release date for North America beyond the vague label of "2009." However, online chatter points to an April release along with a $180 price tag although those details have yet to be confirmed by Nintendo.

Up close with the Nintendo DSi

[someguynamedbob]

i wish they didn't get rid of the GBA slot.

[stalepie2]

same here

[tipoo_]

Still waiting for a true next generation handheld...this is just another revamp.

[mild546]

Hey dude, there IS a true next generation handheld coming in febuary. its called the pandora. Check it out!
http://openpandora.org/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pandora_(console)

[JordyKun]

That pandora thing is so weird, it doesn't even look like a hand held device in terms of size. There are just too many buttons on the thing.

[tcr071]

The pandora is more like a smaller netbook than it is a next generation handheld gaming device. If it ever reaches the market (big IF) as a gaming device it likely won't sell well and have just about no developer support.

[neverforgetJeff]

That pandora thing is a joke. It is like calling a computer the next handheld gaming device if you put emulators on it. No publisher will develop for the Pandora because it runs on SDHC cards, which are easily pirated. It's just another overpriced, open source dream that will never be a reality. If it ever sells mainstream, law suits will shut it down fast.

[Notoapplefanbois]

Pandora ftw!

but why would you run games off of it when it can run ubuntu with those specs, i'd see it more as a umpc than a games console

[carrige]

I could be wrong, but I remember reading somewhere that the cameras are to be 0.3MP and 5MP. The 0.3 one is supposedly for video-chat while in-game or something, and the 5MP has some other purpose, probably integrating it into some games?

[Notoapplefanbois]

0.3 for video chat and 3.0 for frames for blogging

[Fil0403]

I prefer my PSP 10 times. Final Fantasy, Football Manager, God of War, GTA, Lumines, PES, Ridge Racer, Wipeout, you name it. Good for the kids though.

[Undune]

Don't confuse accessibility for something being childish. I have a DS and I love the innovative games. Just because there aren't games focused on violence or have an "M" rating doesn't mean it's for kids. Personally, I think the DS library is much more diverse and challenging than the PSP's.

[Notoapplefanbois]

I think the dsi is mainly aimed at bloggers because of the small size, full internet capability and camera.

[bearvp]

I have a DSLite and I barely use it, other than on plane rides or long car trips. The controls are too small as they hurt my hands over time to use them. [CNET editors' note: Prohibited content deleted.]

[i8246i]

Here's hoping you both get banned

[not2worried]

$180 is to high a price IMO...
wonder if the DS lite price will drop...