Point/Counterpoint: Nintendo DSi
by David Hinkle 
{ Oct 10th 2008 at 1:45PM }
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It's on everyone's mind. The upcoming Nintendo DSi handheld is quite the attractive gadget ... or is it? We're back with another edition of Point/Counterpoint, this time dealing with Nintendo's upgraded portable system. Click the button below to read the pros and cons of Nintendo's DSi.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Nushio (NDF - Blue) @ Oct 10th 2008 2:08PM
I'm not buying a DSi at launch. Hell, if my current Crimson Red DS breaks after the DSi launch, I'd get another DSLite instead.
I'm currently not interested in an expensive and mediocre DSLite, the lack of a gba port and higher price-tag killed it for me. They could've removed one of those cameras and drop a dollar off the price...
igorponweed @ Oct 10th 2008 2:15PM
My Lite broke the day before the DSi was announced (too much L-button mashing). I'm excited for DSWare, and SD. Camera looks good, and playing with songs on the go could be fun, but I think I'll stay with my iPod for that. I'm keeping my broken one to play guitar hero/GBA games, but I'm DSi all the way, but seriously Nintendo. I want a new system altogether. I think Sony will release PSP2 soon. Lets hurry up, Nintendo.
igorponweed @ Oct 10th 2008 2:16PM
Oh yeah! And I don't mind the price.
Nebinator @ Oct 10th 2008 4:51PM
I pretty much agree with you, but I've gotten into homebrew recently, and the built in sd card slot gives me a limitless imagination. I mean seriously, if it can support SDHC, than I could smash in a 32 GB card and throw away my ipod. It could be the equivalence of an ipod classic. Think about it- smaller, with great memory (sd card), screen size. Now I just need to check the file formats, screen resolution, and other features involving graphics.
And plus, I can keep my GBA for GBA games, it's a better experience.
igorponweed @ Oct 10th 2008 5:21PM
But does the DSi su8pport video? I think not!
Nebinator @ Oct 10th 2008 5:25PM
There's no limitation for homebrew, it will soon enough.
Peter S @ Oct 10th 2008 2:16PM
Definitely not getting one at launch unless I win it. I don't see enough benefit over the DS Lite to justify the cost. The DSWare has promise, but if it's like the VC releases on the Wii, that promise will just not be realized. There are a ton of great games that could be released and just aren't out there. I like the idea of being able to download and play games off the SD card, but if no good games are released or if we pay full retail when we're not paying for manufacturing/packaging/manuals, why would I not just buy the actual game?
Cool concept, but I'll be waiting to see what comes of it.
Brandon Lee @ Oct 10th 2008 2:17PM
just as a little comment, can't the DSi only play it ACC, not mp3?
m-p{3} @ Oct 10th 2008 2:38PM
You're right, no mp3 playback. If they could at least get OGG, there would be at least an alternative.
Nebinator @ Oct 10th 2008 4:52PM
I'm sure homebrew will find a way around that.
Brandon Lee @ Oct 10th 2008 5:37PM
hopefully...
Most people probably don't even know what AAC is -__-
David Hinkle @ Oct 10th 2008 7:01PM
Yeah, sorry, that was my bad. It has been fixed. Thanks, Brandon Lee! I love your dad!
Brandon Lee @ Oct 10th 2008 8:11PM
xD lol
nageltron @ Oct 10th 2008 2:24PM
Nope. No friggin' way. Not buying it EVER. Dumbest thing ever... What do i do with my guitar grip, paddle controller, rumble pack, M3 DS Real, and suitcase of GBA games? 0.3 megapixel camera is a joke. As for DSWare, between a Wii, Xbox360, and DS retail and homebrew I have enough money invested as is. This system is for children and not serious gamers. Very disapointed in the Big N on this one...
igorponweed @ Oct 10th 2008 2:30PM
It's not like you can't keep your DS Lite/Phat.
m-p{3} @ Oct 10th 2008 2:38PM
I might give a chance to the new DS Browser revision, considering the additional on-board RAM should boost the responsiveness a bit compared to that turtle-slow GBA port RAM expansion it was using before.
C.G. @ Oct 10th 2008 2:44PM
Unless the camera has some gameplay interest (who here remembers the camera gadget for Game Boy?), then it's useless for me. My cellphone already does that. I like the DS(lite) for the touchscreen, the few but good games, and the awesome homebrew applications floating around the Internet.
The only features truly appealing me are the bigger screens and the SD card slot. But, shouldn't they have thought of that already, for the DSlite? And why, -why- the region lock system?! That is such a sad thing.
I liked Nintendo because, unlike the other companies, it used to seek to provide us the best gaming experience, for all the family. Now, they're taking the same strategies as everyone else: add more gadgets that we already have in our daily life, and provide us nothing new. Thus, I'll keep my pretty red DSlite. It doesn't have a camera, but it plays games, that's what matters in a gaming console.
Come on, Nintendo, where's the innovation? Surprise us.
Brandon Lee @ Oct 10th 2008 2:49PM
it would definately make it alot easier -_-
Plus I'm pretty sure the general public doesn't even know what AAC even is much less know how to convert music files to it >_>
Personally not a very good decision on Nintendo's part
Michael @ Oct 10th 2008 3:03PM
iven that my phatjust had a hindge break... my chances f getting a DSi justwent up... I might have to do some mild amutation and convert it into a gba. a fat ass gba that is
Fernando @ Oct 10th 2008 3:08PM
I believe the DSi will be the Vista of Nintendo: people will simply not buy it. I for one like gadgets that do one thing well, instead of multi-functional ones that don't do well any of theirs. My cell phone doesn't have a camera, I prefer to own a good digital camera instead.
I don't see how a camera would improve my gaming experience, or provide new game possibilities. EyeToy sucked on the PS2 so... The SD slot? A simple FlashCart can do the trick.
For safekeeping, I'm getting a new DS Lite just before they pull it out of the market.
gamesilike @ Oct 10th 2008 3:18PM
The counter-point argument has the right idea: Compare the DSi to the homebrew scene, not the plain DS Lite. That is what Nintendo is doing with the DSi and besides emulators and homebrew itself, they mostly succeeded. I wrote an entire blog post about it here: http://gamesilike.com/?p=38 if you want to read more.
strike @ Oct 10th 2008 3:12PM
At the end of this article, you get a voting poll. It's kinda biased, isn't it? There are two positive views and two 'no opinion views.'
What if we hate the DSi?
Allison @ Oct 10th 2008 3:23PM
I was just thinking that myself. I think the DSi sounds like a big waste, but there's no negative answer on the poll.
kodona @ Oct 10th 2008 3:23PM
I must admit that the new features are not as great, and anyone with a Lite probably would not need to get a DSi at launch, but being a DS-(in fact, everything game!)lover I am going to get it anyway.
There are mixed feelings thanks to all the pro and anti-views but you just don't know for sure until you've got a chance to experience it yourself, is what I think.
So yeah I am buying it, but doesn't mean I am loving it, yet.
Joie @ Oct 10th 2008 3:23PM
hey guys,
I'm very confused on one issue that really determines whether or not I pick up a DSi.
are they going to be coming out with games that ONLY work on the DSi? I understand the downloadable games can't work on a DSLite, but I'm thinking those games will be more like quirky, smaller games - much like WiiWare.
but like, I'm worried they would come out with a really killer game and then require you to take pictures in it or something stupid just so that you couldn't play it w/o a DSi.
so... is that's what's going to happen? will there be retail games that CAN'T be played on the DS!?!?
Hardy @ Oct 10th 2008 3:30PM
lol. People are willing to drop hundreds of dollars every 6 months when a new Ipod comes out that has a minor upgrade (OMG dual screen touching!) but when a handheld gaming machine comes out with some small yet cool upgrade everyone is pissed?
wth!?
GrungeSpoo @ Oct 11th 2008 1:17AM
As bizzare as this may seem, the folks who're adamant about not buying the DSi probably aren't the type to buy a iPod every few months.
aj @ Oct 11th 2008 9:35AM
I don't think that there are as many people who buy iPods every 6 months as you think.
I did know one guy who had two dozen iPods, but he was ridiculously rich AND an Apple fanboy. There may be a few of those out there, granted....
EMaster @ Oct 10th 2008 3:32PM
As much as we Love Nintendo please stop giving into their Marketing ploys. They are selling us the exact same thing just with some extra crap no one cares about and no one needs. SD slot? Is it SDHC? No? Forget it! Camera? My iphone and any cell phone will have a better camera than a 0.3mp. Better Wifi? Wasn't using it to begin with unless it was mariokart. No GBA slot?? So waht are all the people gonna do that bought Guitar hero on tour or My Weight loss coach or better yet the Paddle for Arkanoid? "Sorry there Buddy but yer screwed". Come on people It's just like the Wii, simply a gamecube that has some motion controls ductaped to it. Other than that nothing.
Gennataos @ Oct 10th 2008 3:47PM
I voted "wait and see", it all rests on how DSWare shakes out for me. I still don't get the detractors, though...
Alisha's argument against it hinges largely on homebrew, something in which I'm not interested. I toyed around with the PSP homebrew scene when the PSP was first launched, and I found it to be filled with the following:
- Rampant piracy
- Games which weren't as good as retail releases
- Marginally useful apps
Looking at DS homebrew every once in a while, my opinion hasn't changed...it's mostly the same stuff. Some also suggest that the SD slot and some other features are made redundant by homebrew. I would propose that homebrew is a very, very niche scene and that the vast majority of current DS owners can see the benefit of these new features.
Peter S said...
if no good games are released or if we pay full retail when we're not paying for manufacturing/packaging/manuals, why would I not just buy the actual game?
It's subject whether or not VC and WiiWare stuff is any good, but they have already stated the pricing model for DSWare, which is nowhere near full retail price.
nageltron said...
This system is for children and not serious gamers. Very disapointed in the Big N on this one...
How is the DSi for children and the DS is for serious gamers?
EMaster said...
As much as we Love Nintendo please stop giving into their Marketing ploys. They are selling us the exact same thing just with some extra crap no one cares about and no one needs. SD slot? Is it SDHC? No? Forget it! Camera? My iphone and any cell phone will have a better camera than a 0.3mp. Better Wifi? Wasn't using it to begin with unless it was mariokart. No GBA slot?? So waht are all the people gonna do that bought Guitar hero on tour or My Weight loss coach or better yet the Paddle for Arkanoid? "Sorry there Buddy but yer screwed". Come on people It's just like the Wii, simply a gamecube that has some motion controls ductaped to it. Other than that nothing.
This is an example of the hyperbole and undocumented assumption most detractors exude. I've never understood why gamers hate on something they haven't even seen in action.
nintendroid wiiboy101 uk @ Oct 10th 2008 4:17PM
the ram thing is being hyped up and misunderstood...
yes its there for web browser and the basic op system (media)....but it can also be used for games/graphics
but the people scream dslite dont have the extra ram it would split the market BULL SHIT THERES NUMEROUS WAYS AROUND THAT
WAY 1 dslite games can come with a dsi graphics mode that loads in a set of extra graphic wows from a dsi only set of files on the gaming cart presto dsi better graphics
way 2 continued manufacturing and support of ds/dslite RAM PACK
dsi graphics on ds via the ram pack witch could be supplied free or at very low cost
the dsi extra power can be used in game ether of the above ways dsi modes could be made to work on both dslite with ram pack and dsis
its just a case of some extra code on the game cart ITS NOTHING THAT IS HARD OR EXPENSIVE how people have missed how simple this is is beyond mii a simple solution is clearly there if dsi power graphics are to be supported and any other function the extra ram is doing
bug frawg @ Oct 10th 2008 4:16PM
This is a very uninformed article. you guys should have paid more attention to Iwata's explanation for why the camera(which has lenses for multiple effects, photo editing software) & music player(which can filter out vocals so you can listen to the instruments) are there and what they do beforehand.
LocalToast @ Oct 10th 2008 5:02PM
I'm most likely not buying one when they launch. Primarily because I only use my flashcart with my DS, so if it doesn't work on a DSi, I don't have much of a reason to get one.
Although I think I would have fun with the camera. Messing around with pictures is fun on the Wii, but with the DSi you can take them and mess with them in an instant. I'm not one of those people who takes pictures a lot, but if I got the DSi, that would probably change.
The media player means nothing to me. I'm not really an audiophile, but anything under 320kbps is compromising my standards. I don't think the DSi can handle my media better than my Video iPod with Rockbox. (I mostly have lossless tracks)
aj @ Oct 11th 2008 9:37AM
You're not an audiophile, but you only listen to high bitrate lossless files?
o_o @ Oct 11th 2008 11:37PM
With 320k, he's probably referring to mp3, not lossless.
The Doctor @ Oct 10th 2008 8:23PM
I continue to boycott reading point/counterpoint until the return of Phoenix Wright and Miles Edgeworth, you fascist communists!
zchry @ Oct 10th 2008 11:29PM
I am fully ready to take on the matte finish now, as I have recently purchased some High Gloss Mod Podge (also known as heaven in bottled scrapbooking varnish form).
Ayumin @ Oct 11th 2008 12:30AM
I do like it. It's a nice improvement, but I've never been too crazy about things that do EVERYTHING. But it's probably something Nintendo needed to do to keep up because Nintendo for a while now has been "It's all aboout the games" while everyone else is "This box does everything."
It does open up more possibilities, but I do have a feeling the first DSi games will be like the first DS games. The first DS games used touch in odd ways, so I imagine the DSi will use cameras in odd ways at first. But then I'm sure some things will become very natural.
Psalm Bowser @ Oct 11th 2008 8:34AM
The DSi caps off a weak year for Nintendo on the DS front. Third partys have thankfully picked up the slack, but it shows that Nintendo are well to small a company to concentrate on both the Wii and DS at the same time.
I worry for them in the next generation.
aj @ Oct 11th 2008 9:39AM
They did okay when they had the Gameboy and the NES. Or the SNES and Gameboy. Or the GameCube and the GBA.....well, okay, maybe not too well in the GameCube department, but still, they've been the leaders of the handheld market and heavyweights in the console market forever. So why can't they handle the Wii and the DS?
Matthew @ Oct 11th 2008 12:05PM
Super noob question here so bare with me. I'm interested in the Dsi but over here in Canada we don't plan on seeing it until way in 2009 until DS lite sales die off (way to go Reggie >.>) so I'm interested in importing one from Japan. If I do that will the current games I've bought and others I plan to buy in the future work or is there a language barrier thing that will be an issue? (NOA game vs Jap system type thing?)
gremlinzrus @ Oct 11th 2008 5:06PM
My DS Lite pretty much broke the other day, so I don't know if I will wait until after April or not to get a new DSthing.
Bryan @ Oct 14th 2008 3:45PM
Good idea, but obviously its just going to be a DS with 12mb of ram instead of 4, so is it really an upgrade, or, is it another DS thats skinnier than the last =/ I might get excited if they anounce an arm 9 clocked at 200mhz and an arm 7 at 100mhz with ATLEAST 32mb of ram and 4mb of vram (making it better specs than the psp by having 2 screens as well as porting windows95 atleast to it), but nintendo is to stingy to give fans what they want AND deserve... =/
Nadril @ Oct 15th 2008 3:10AM
Now, is it known how much extra RAM the DSi will have? If it is a decent amount (more than the EZ Flash 3-in-1) it would be great for homebrew devs.
Nadril @ Oct 15th 2008 3:11AM
Just read the comment ahead of me, disregard this.
Abbii @ Oct 16th 2008 8:18PM
I'm hesitant about this upgrade.
At the initial announcement, I was super psyched about the DSWare...hoping that I could legally play SNES classics for around $8 like I can on the Wii. But, they are now saying that its going to be a while before there's much going on with DSWare in the US.
Also, how many developers are going to take advantage of the new memory/features if that means cutting out the huge market of DSLite users?
Aaron @ Nov 1st 2008 9:50AM
The thing that you guys (including the author of the article) don't realize, is that the camera's primary use is not just for taking pictures; it was implemented because of gameplay applications. Iwata didn't mean for it to be some sort of camera you would use all the time in place of your phone's camera, he meant for it to drive fun gameplay ideas. Also, the music is not meant to be just another media player. They chose an AAC format, so you could have fun with the music you load onto the dsi. With AAC, you can change basically any aspect of the music-from speed to pitch. So, in conclusion, STOP HATING ON THE DSi BECAUSE IT HAS FEATURES WE ALREADY HAVE IN OTHER DEVICES!
Thank you for listening to me systematically destroy all of your arguments against the dsi. Oh, and also, they will eventually start making games that are only for dsi, because they use one of its features (one of the features is a slight graphics update). So you will eventually have to buy one.
Theresa @ Nov 21st 2008 11:24AM
One thing to be aware of when you say "oh i already have a camera/mp3 player" is that this is still also meant to be sold to the parents of young children. Perhaps young children who cannot yet handle owning a 100$+ phone, or a 200$+ mp3 player.