Nintendo’s confirmed that the third iteration of its DS handheld, the DSi, will launch in the States on April 5, and a European release date surely can’t be far away now!
Coming in blue and black models upon its U.S. release, the DSi will cost $169.99, which is about $40 more than the DS Lite currently retails for.
If you’re thinking about upgrading from your existing DS or picking up the portable for the first time, you’ll be interested to know that, beyond the fact that it’s slimmer and has bigger screens, the DSi introduces a raft of new features…
The system will come with two digital cameras, one internal and one external, which will allow you to take and share pictures. The cameras will also feature “ten different interactive lenses that can manipulate your photos”, according to Nintendo, which says the cameras will be used by developers to create new ways to interact with games as well.
Another feature built into the handheld is the Nintendo DSi Sound application, “which serves as both an interactive voice recorder and music player”. It can be used to play around with the pitch, speed and tempo of recordings, or as a simple player via music saved on an SD (secure digital) card.
For a price you’ll also be able to download software from the Nintendo DSi Shop, just like you can from the Wii Shop Channel on the handheld’s big brother.
Nintendo says that the DSi will play “most” DS games – about 850 in total, so you’d be highly unlucky if you found that you couldn’t play one of your old favourites if you chose to buy the new hardware.
Expect further news on the system’s features and a UK release date soon.