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[Captain N]

Color me a bit shocked at the early announcement of DSi-only retail games in the press release. I guess this means they are coming sooner rather than later. GDC hype train?

I kind of thought it would mean you can buy cards or something that will give you a code to download the said DSiware game on the card.

 

[Yes Boss!]

Imho part of the success (just one factor of a great bunch though) of the DS and Wii is that Nintendo isn't confusing consumers with different versions. I'm not talking colors here, but actual different versions with different price points. So I'm not sure it's a good thing to keep the DS Lite, and add the DSi with a higher price.

This is true. I hate to see them overlap like this and make the same mistakes as the other platform holders. They should have initially released the DSi at the segregating price of $199 to make a dramatic comparison between the two until all DS Lite stock is depleted. My guess, they will ride these two systems in tandem till the end of third quarter then everything will be DSi for a $150 price point going into Holiday 2009.

I don't get it.

Its uglier, more expensive, and doesn't really do anything better.

Until the downloadable software becomes truly compelling, whats the real reason to buy over the DS lite? the screens are only a tiny bit bigger aren't they?

What, just the new OS is worth it. Clearly, you've yet to use the machine.

 

[cws]

I don't get it.

Its uglier, more expensive, and doesn't really do anything better.

Until the downloadable software becomes truly compelling, whats the real reason to buy over the DS lite? the screens are only a tiny bit bigger aren't they?

The thing is, you don't have to buy it.

 

[big black woman]

- CPU speed doubled compared to the Lite and 4times as much ram.

so is this potentially the next gen portable?

 

[dallow_bg]

The thing is, you don't have to buy it.

He never said he had to.

 

[mrklaw]

What, just the new OS is worth it. Clearly, you've yet to use the machine.

I guess. Are there videos anywhere?

The mp3 player that dosen't play mp3s. the same old SD card download that can't be used directly as the wii. the 'super fast' CPU that won't make any difference to DS games.

It just feels like its not something that Nintendo are putting their weight behind - the Wii is hardly straining under downloadable games compared to marketplace or PSN. and I doubt they'll push DSi retail games that strongly with such a large installed base of DS owners, and so little (relatively) difference in the hardware.

I'd have spooged over a DS2, but this just doesn't feel like that. And I usually buy anything

 

[gkryhewy]

This is true. I hate to see them overlap like this and make the same mistakes as the other platform holders. They should have initially released the DSi at the segregating price of $199 to make a dramatic comparison between the two until all DS Lite stock is depleted. My guess, they will ride these two systems in tandem till the end of third quarter then everything will be DSi for a $150 price point going into Holiday 2009.

What, just the new OS is worth it. Clearly, you've yet to use the machine.

On the other hand, there is the iPod model, which seems to be what they're going for. As long as they maintain core DS compatibility.

 

[swerve]

I kind of thought it would mean you can buy cards or something that will give you a code to download the said DSiware game on the card.

I don't see how you get that reading, really.

In addition to downloadable games, Nintendo DSi is able to play games made specifically for the system and sold at retail. The system can also play most Nintendo DS™ games, and will have access to a library of more than 850 titles originally made for that system

 

[ZeoVGM]

Its uglier, more expensive, and doesn't really do anything better.

Until the downloadable software becomes truly compelling, whats the real reason to buy over the DS lite? the screens are only a tiny bit bigger aren't they?

a) It isn't uglier. It's pretty much the same.

b) Oh, I dunno, 2 cameras and a download service might be compelling to some people when deciding between it and a Lite.

 

[Neo C.]

This is true. I hate to see them overlap like this and make the same mistakes as the other platform holders. They should have initially released the DSi at the segregating price of $199 to make a dramatic comparison between the two until all DS Lite stock is depleted. My guess, they will ride these two systems in tandem till the end of third quarter then everything will be DSi for a $150 price point going into Holiday 2009.

I don't think they will stop the Lite production anytime soon unless the sales are painfully low. I bet the two system will co-exist a bit longer than you expect.

 

[whatdidyousay]

Anybody have any idea when it's going to be available for pre-order from Amazon?

 

[gkryhewy]

Anybody have any idea when it's going to be available for pre-order from Amazon?

already available. here's the link again:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001T8W2LW/?tag=neogaf0e-20

 

[ZeoVGM]

The blue is cool, but it is weird that they wouldn't put out a white at the same time.

 

[swerve]

It just feels like its not something that Nintendo are putting their weight behind.

I'd have spooged over a DS2, but this just doesn't feel like that. And I usually buy anything

Until you get it in your hands, and you have Paper Plane from Wario Ware always on your DS, and you have the moving memo pad which is seamlessly synched to a massive web community making some genuinely amazing/hilarious animations.

The music player recently got a whole lot more relevant seeing as iTunes went DLC-Free and sells tracks in the same format as DSi plays. It's not a replacement for an iPod but it's a cute addition which gets a fair bit of use from me now.

Trust me, moving memo pad will have you sold. Everything else is just gravy at this point (but I'm sure there'll be even more meat to come soon).

 

[Azure J]

Oh nice. I'm glad to see that holding out for a DS upgrade's gonna pay off soon. I'm definently getting that black DSi.

 

[zigg]

The blue is cool, but it is weird that they wouldn't put out a white at the same time.

Someone said in the other thread that white DSLs are hard to find in the U.S. now. I haven't looked specifically but thinking back to the last few times I've been by a display of DSL boxes, I think I've seen a similar situation.

Either white isn't as popular here or NOA doesn't think it meshes with their image

Until you get it in your hands, and you have Paper Plane from Wario Ware always on your DS, and you have the moving memo pad which is seamlessly synched to a massive web community making some genuinely amazing/hilarious animations.

Seamlessly synced to an online community? Bet you NOA passes on it.

 

[whatdidyousay]

already available. here's the link again:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001T8W2LW/?tag=neogaf0e-20

Nice, thanks! Your avatar makes me wants noodles and it's almost lunch time...

 

[Catchpenny]

$150 might've hooked me at launch. Now I think I'll hold off until the DSiWare library matures.

Still curious about these DSi-exclusive retail games. Does Nintendo really plan on pushing this going forward, or is it just going to be a few games that use the cameras?

 

[zigg]

Still curious about these DSi-exclusive retail games. Does Nintendo really plan on pushing this going forward, or is it just going to be a few games that use the cameras?

Nobody really knows at this point, nothing's been announced.

It surprised me that Nintendo acknowledged this in the PR, though. I wonder if they plan on showing something later this year (E3?)

 

[dallow_bg]

$150 might've hooked me at launch. Now I think I'll hold off until the DSiWare library matures.

Still curious about these DSi-exclusive retail games. Does Nintendo really plan on pushing this going forward, or is it just going to be a few games that use the cameras?

I'm in the same boat.

I wonder if the DSi games will look any better, or just what kind of a difference there will be.
Hope it's not all camera gimmicks.

 

[d+pad]

Either white isn't as popular here or NOA doesn't think it meshes with their image

So I guess we should expect NOA to switch out the all-white Wii sometime soon

Anyway, I'm with the guy who wants a white DSi. I'd rather have a pink one than the bird-egg blue one, personally...

 

[Cirekiller]

Nobody really knows at this point, nothing's been announced.

It surprised me that Nintendo acknowledged this in the PR, though. I wonder if they plan on showing something later this year (E3?)

They'll probably show it off at GDC seems like good timing and Iwata is having a keynote right?

 

[Jaruru]

surprised Nintendo push Rhythm Heaven as "launch title" for DSi.
where are the DSiWares? I hope Nintendo will make some announcement soon.

 

[Captain N]

I don't see how you get that reading, really.

I totally read that wrong.

 

[Costanza]

I just preordered a black one from Amazon. Not sure if I'll keep it or sell it when prices skyrocket after launch.

 

[cws]

Plz MegaMan 9 and FF4 After for DSiWare - come on SE/Capcom.

I just preordered a black one from Amazon. Not sure if I'll keep it or sell it when prices skyrocket after launch.

Good luck with that. Actually...nah..

 

[larvi]

Blue is nice but still no sale for me.
Also what a stupid release date, what the hell is in April?

pokemanz. I was hoping for a limited edition Giratina DSi.

 

[Costanza]

Good luck with that. Actually...nah..

I mean, I want to keep it, but if by some chance they're going for 500 bucks the day after release, the thing is going straight to ebay.

 

[swerve]

Seamlessly synced to an online community? Bet you NOA passes on it.

Seems like they are already in the process of localising it. In the Iwata Q&A it was referred to as 'flickbook', which sounds very much like an official name for it. Similarly, the website has started including the capabilities for foreign accounts...

 

[tetrisgrammaton]

no white bah

 

[Triz]

Nooooooo....wait what ? Nintendo wants to make money with their hardware ? Shit.
i bet you're the type of guy who bitch about every apple product announcment, right ? how much did you pay for your shoes ? Guess what, the production costs were far below that. higher demand = higher price......easy isn't it ?

btw. Camera alone ?

- exclusive Games ( DSiWare + Retail )
- Apps and Channels
- Firmwareupdates
- WPA Support ( new Wifi Chip)
- better and louder speakers
- bigger Screen
- 2 Cams, SDHC Slot
- CPU speed doubled compared to the Lite and 4times as much ram.

is that confirmed?

 

[biggyfries]

Trust me, moving memo pad will have you sold. Everything else is just gravy at this point (but I'm sure there'll be even more meat to come soon).

Here is a link for uploaded DSi memo pad animations: http://ugomemo.hatena.ne.jp/

DSiWare has me sold, as long as the Art Style games are available on launch day.

 

[Gamecocks625]

I would rather have had white as an option than this piece of garbage:

 

[Synless]

I have a black one pre-ordered, I don't know if I can stand bright colors when looking at the screen. Although the blue is sexy....

 

[Graphics Horse]

is that confirmed?

Yes, but not compatible with existing DS games.

 

[Triz]

I would rather have had white as an option than this piece of garbage:

that blue is sexy.

 

[mrklaw]

Until you get it in your hands, and you have Paper Plane from Wario Ware always on your DS, and you have the moving memo pad which is seamlessly synched to a massive web community making some genuinely amazing/hilarious animations.

The music player recently got a whole lot more relevant seeing as iTunes went DLC-Free and sells tracks in the same format as DSi plays. It's not a replacement for an iPod but it's a cute addition which gets a fair bit of use from me now.

Trust me, moving memo pad will have you sold. Everything else is just gravy at this point (but I'm sure there'll be even more meat to come soon).

see, now that sounds interesting.

 

[TheGrayGhost]

The lack of a white unit suggests that NOA is trying to differentiate the DSi aesthetically from the DS Lite. Are you really that attached to white to be disappointed?

I'm surprised to see a few here choosing not to upgrade. If you've followed the DSi since the Japanese launch, you'd know it is well worth it and then some. Among the other new features, DSiWare is hot. Very hot.

Blue is mine. I've been waiting for a blue handheld for a while.

 

[Yes Boss!]

I would rather have had white as an option than this piece of garbage:

White is played out. Glad they took a dramatic color shift for the US.

 

[TheGrayGhost]

I would rather have had white as an option than this piece of garbage:

That looks incredible.

Some of you have very off-taste.

 

[cws]

Blue DSi + Rhythm Tengoku seems like a nice combination.

 

[Like the hat?]

in for 1 blue one.

 

[gimz]

nice, i like the blue, and my lite is not working
time to get a new ds for myself

 

[Gamecocks625]

White is played out. Glad they took a dramatic color shift for the US.

I guess so. I'm still getting black model, it's just that I had my heart set on the white since that was my favorite Lite color. Heck, I'm just glad we're getting this thing in April along with Rhythm Heaven. awww yeah

EDIT: Blue Defense Force unite! haha.

 

[AstroLad]

From "auto-confirm@amazon.com" <auto-confirm@amazon.com>
Sent Wednesday, February 18, 2009 1:08 pm
Shipping Method: Two-Day Shipping
Subtotal of Items: $169.99
Shipping & Handling: $0.00
------
Total: $169.99
Gift Cards: -$2.00
------
Total for this Order: $167.99

Delivery estimate: April 8, 2009 1 "Nintendo DSi Matte Black"
Video Game; $169.99

 

[Gamecocks625]

From "auto-confirm@amazon.com" <auto-confirm@amazon.com>
Sent Wednesday, February 18, 2009 1:08 pm
Shipping Method: Two-Day Shipping
Subtotal of Items: $169.99
Shipping & Handling: $0.00
------
Total: $169.99
Gift Cards: -$2.00
------
Total for this Order: $167.99

Delivery estimate: April 8, 2009 1 "Nintendo DSi Matte Black"
Video Game; $169.99

Dang, Astro. Hook me up with your free two-day shipping. I went with Free Super Saver. Does that mean I'll get it sometime in May? :lol

 

[Crazymoogle]

Still not convinced about retail DSi carts; something about the ambiguity in the PR...hrm.

Anyway, for those who care - such as club nintendo reward owners - the DSi is built to hold DSi or DSlite stylus types, so if you have extras they don't have to go to waste like the DSfat types.

 

[minor effort]

No white, no sale.

I'll either import once JP DSi prices drop, or hold out for an NA white one.

 

[starmud]

Maybe they plan an ipod type organization of the systems at retail, going by color. Given the absence of a white dsi and the rumor that the black ds lite has been discontinued,

white = ds lite
black/blue = dsi

 

[Graphics Horse]

Still not convinced about retail DSi carts; something about the ambiguity in the PR...hrm.

There have been rumblings about this on GAF, one developer mentioned they weren't allowing DSi enhanced carts to be DS compatible, unlike the early GBColor titles.