DSi offers an update from DS Lite with cameras, larger screens and more
Jen F. from Ambler asked “My son has been asking for a DS for a while now, and I don’t know what model to buy him. Can you tell me what the difference is between the DS Lite and the DSi?”
Jen, thanks for the e-mail, and to answer your question, there are several differences between the two models.
I will start by explaining that the DSi is Nintendo’s latest version of its handheld gaming devices. The new model has a slew of new features: a redesigned button layout, slightly larger screens, a Secure Digital (SD) memory card slot, two cameras and access to the DSi store.
The larger screens are really only noticeable when you hold them next to the DS Lite. The power switch is gone, replaced with a power button below the directional pad. The new power button also doubles as a back key. When you enter into a game or sub-menu, a quick tap of the power button allows you to return to the main screen.
This is a first for the DS and is a lot less annoying than having to restart the system every time you want to change to a different game. The volume has been changed, as well. Gone is the slide on the bottom of the DS, It’s been changed to a button on the left side of the system. While it does take longer to use, it feels much sturdier than the old slide did.
The big changes are the cameras, SD slots and the new interface. While the cameras allow you to take pictures, new software provided with the DSi allows you to alter the pictures.
There is also hope that games in the future will take advantage of these new cameras. With the camera also comes the addition of a new operating system. The interface looks similar to the Wii’s interface. Each program is represented by a block, and you scroll or touch what you want to play.
The other change is that there is a small internal memory, as well as a SD slot that can read up to a 32-megabyte card. This allows you to save your pictures on the DSi, as well as access and save games from the DS store.
Like the Wii store, you can exchange Wii points for games. To start out, new DSi owners receive 1,000 points to try out the shopping experience. I was able to get two games, “Dr. Mario” and “Wario Snap.” You can also download the Opera web browser, but the problem is it doesn’t support flash, so no Youtube.
There are some downsides to all these changes. First, to make room for the camera and the SD slot, the GameBoy Advance slot was removed. While this actually decreases the size of the DS, it kind of strands all those people who still play GBA games. It makes it impossible to play “Guitar Hero” anymore. If you’re a huge fan of GBA games or “Guitar Hero: On Tour,” you need to stick with the DS Lite.
The upgrades also takes a toll on your battery life. If you’re going for a long trip with your DSi, I highly recommend a car charger. Also, if you’re not online, turn off the wireless signal. It will greatly improve your battery life.
I should let you know that, for some reason, Nintendo decided to slightly change the shape of the power cord. All this really means if you can’t use your DS Lite charger (car or otherwise) with a DSi.
The DSi is a great system. The new features make the DSi far more versatile than the DS Lite. While I wouldn’t suggest running out and upgrading your DS Lite, if you still have the original DS, the DSi is a great upgrade.
Those of you with a DS Lite can probably wait a little bit. I would tell people that, if you don’t own a DS yet, the DSi is the way to go. While the DSi is slightly more expensive than a DS Lite, at $169.99, is a great system, and you will definitely enjoy the new features.
James Treacy is a lifelong gamer, across all platforms of the gaming community. He offers opinion-based reviews for Trend. His opinion is in no way the opinion of this paper, and is instead offered to give its readers more information on games and trends available in today’s market. To contact him with any questions about the gaming world, e-mail jtreacy@phillynews.com.
Jen, thanks for the e-mail, and to answer your question, there are several differences between the two models.
I will start by explaining that the DSi is Nintendo’s latest version of its handheld gaming devices. The new model has a slew of new features: a redesigned button layout, slightly larger screens, a Secure Digital (SD) memory card slot, two cameras and access to the DSi store.
The larger screens are really only noticeable when you hold them next to the DS Lite. The power switch is gone, replaced with a power button below the directional pad. The new power button also doubles as a back key. When you enter into a game or sub-menu, a quick tap of the power button allows you to return to the main screen.
This is a first for the DS and is a lot less annoying than having to restart the system every time you want to change to a different game. The volume has been changed, as well. Gone is the slide on the bottom of the DS, It’s been changed to a button on the left side of the system. While it does take longer to use, it feels much sturdier than the old slide did.
The big changes are the cameras, SD slots and the new interface. While the cameras allow you to take pictures, new software provided with the DSi allows you to alter the pictures.
There is also hope that games in the future will take advantage of these new cameras. With the camera also comes the addition of a new operating system. The interface looks similar to the Wii’s interface. Each program is represented by a block, and you scroll or touch what you want to play.
The other change is that there is a small internal memory, as well as a SD slot that can read up to a 32-megabyte card. This allows you to save your pictures on the DSi, as well as access and save games from the DS store.
Like the Wii store, you can exchange Wii points for games. To start out, new DSi owners receive 1,000 points to try out the shopping experience. I was able to get two games, “Dr. Mario” and “Wario Snap.” You can also download the Opera web browser, but the problem is it doesn’t support flash, so no Youtube.
There are some downsides to all these changes. First, to make room for the camera and the SD slot, the GameBoy Advance slot was removed. While this actually decreases the size of the DS, it kind of strands all those people who still play GBA games. It makes it impossible to play “Guitar Hero” anymore. If you’re a huge fan of GBA games or “Guitar Hero: On Tour,” you need to stick with the DS Lite.
The upgrades also takes a toll on your battery life. If you’re going for a long trip with your DSi, I highly recommend a car charger. Also, if you’re not online, turn off the wireless signal. It will greatly improve your battery life.
I should let you know that, for some reason, Nintendo decided to slightly change the shape of the power cord. All this really means if you can’t use your DS Lite charger (car or otherwise) with a DSi.
The DSi is a great system. The new features make the DSi far more versatile than the DS Lite. While I wouldn’t suggest running out and upgrading your DS Lite, if you still have the original DS, the DSi is a great upgrade.
Those of you with a DS Lite can probably wait a little bit. I would tell people that, if you don’t own a DS yet, the DSi is the way to go. While the DSi is slightly more expensive than a DS Lite, at $169.99, is a great system, and you will definitely enjoy the new features.
James Treacy is a lifelong gamer, across all platforms of the gaming community. He offers opinion-based reviews for Trend. His opinion is in no way the opinion of this paper, and is instead offered to give its readers more information on games and trends available in today’s market. To contact him with any questions about the gaming world, e-mail jtreacy@phillynews.com.
