Wow, we’re actually going to be getting the DSi before the US. While Nintendo announced a US launch of April 5, we’ll be three days into our DSi gaming binge after Nintendo Australia announced the local launch date of April 2.The unit will cost $300, and fortunately we’ll be getting the white version as well as the black. The DSiWare store will be available in four different price categories: free, 200 points, 500 points, and 800 or more points.
But the biggest question here is whether any of you are actually interested in the DSi? Let us know in comments.
Australia, 19 February, 2009 -
Nintendo Australia announces that Nintendo DSi™ – an upgrade to the Nintendo DS® hand held console – will hit shelves in Australia and New Zealand, and you can get your hands on one on 2 April 2009.
Nintendo DSi has something for everyone, containing more functions to bring you more fun! Keep a photo diary via your Nintendo DSi Camera; store and play music with Nintendo DSi Sound; or why not browse the web on your Nintendo DSi via the Nintendo DSi Shop! New features include larger LCD screens, SD memory card slot, improved speakers and a slimmer unit.
Take photos with your Nintendo DSi Camera and manipulate and play with the images – real-time interactive imaging software makes the photo taking experience different from that offered by any other portable device. With 11 different types of lenses to choose from, edit, morph and distort your photos. You can even use the merge lens to blend two faces together! Watch slideshows of your photos, store your photos on your Nintendo DSi and exchange photos with other Nintendo DSi users.
Store and play music with Nintendo DSi Sound. You can also play with any music that you have on an SD memory card – make your favourite songs play faster! Learning a foreign language? Slow down the playback of someone speaking in that language so it’s easier for you to learn! You can also record sounds using the microphone, and edit them to create new sounds.
Get your Nintendo DSi online via the Nintendo DSi Browser which will be available as a free download at launch. You can then purchase Nintendo DSi software via the Nintendo DSi Shop. By purchasing a Nintendo Points Card – formerly a Wii Points Card – you can then use your points to download software – Nintendo DSiWare – in the Nintendo DSi Shop. Nintendo DSiWare will be available in four different price categories: free, 200 points, 500 points, and 800 or more points.
Nintendo DSiWare will not only be games you can download, but also practical applications. Nintendo will launch a variety of applications, giving you the option to download the applications that work for you. This will further personalise and enhance the functionality of your Nintendo DSi.
The new features also include the dual LCD screens being 17 per cent larger than those on the Nintendo DS and PictoChat is now available in colour as you can choose between a black or rainbow pen!
Nintendo DS software is compatible with Nintendo DSi, except for software that requires the Game Boy Advance cartridge slot, as this has been removed resulting in a slimmer Nintendo DSi.
Available in matte black or matte white, inclusive of built in memory, Wi-Fi functionality, calendar with memo function and touch screen, Nintendo DSi is a more portable, personalised experience.
It’s your Nintendo DSi.
AU SRP $299.95 / NZ SRP $375.00 (NZ price is based on current exchange rate)
For more information on Nintendo DSi, please visit: http://gamesites.nintendo.com.au/DSi
Jason
February 19, 2009 at 2:53 PM
YAY! Just in time for my bday =]
Report PermalinkMatt
February 19, 2009 at 4:20 PM
For me, it’s not worth the upgrade from my DS Lite. If I still had the original DS I would consider.
Report PermalinkDarkmime
February 19, 2009 at 8:59 PM
Finally! Australia is not the last!!!!
Report Permalinkmonkey man
February 19, 2009 at 10:30 PM
$300 is a little steep when a wii is only $400 with two games
Report Permalinkmorris
February 20, 2009 at 8:19 AM
monkey man: That’s a bit of an unfair comparison. The Wii may only be $100 more than the DSi, but it’s features are very very different. You could also say that it’s the same price as an XBox 360 Arcade, but the Wii and DS are used differently to the DS – they are not portable gaming devices.
Better off comparing its price to its competitor – the PSP which is priced at the $300 mark as well.
Both units now play music, although the PSP does MP4 movies and its larger screen is suited to movie playback.
Still the new features of the DSi make it competitive to the PSP for the same price. I’m very much considering getting one since my DS lite is starting to fail and I’m not keen on getting it repaired.
Report Permalinknintendo(Y)
February 21, 2009 at 3:41 PM
I have a DS lite and a Gameboy Advance SP so i can still play GB games. I’m gonna sell my ds and maybe get DSi. It is a little bit 2 expensive.
Report PermalinkRazza
February 23, 2009 at 4:37 PM
Hi, if any ausies think that 300$$ is a bit steep e.b. games has a promotion trade in ur old ds lite and get the dsi for only 170$$. Great seem how u wont ever use your ds again if you pay full price for a dsi
Report PermalinkTaliah
March 22, 2009 at 9:49 PM
if you think that it is a little steep then don’t get it……. thinking that you paid 200 for your plain DS lite and extra $100 for a DS i with all the extra features is worth it f you take into account that you can sell your old ds online on e-bay to make up the difference
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