Welcome to IGN's handy DSi Starter Guide where you can learn all about Nintendo's latest handheld. Already own a DS Lite? Want to know why you should spend the extra dough to pick up a DSi anyway? Because once you see the DSi's slick double cameras, its completely revamped interface, its cheap and easy-to-download DSiWare (games), and all of the fun software on the way, you might just be ready to plunk down your cash for the upgrade. And if you do, we can assure you that that quirky blonde girl from Friends will find you more attractive -- or if you're a girl, she'll want to be your best friend. We already asked her and she told us so.
April 5, 2009 is big for Nintendo fans, because that's the day that the brand new Nintendo DSi hits shelves all over North America. An enhanced version of the popular DS system that's kept us playing for years, the DSi adds a bunch of new features to the mix including larger screens, two digital cameras, built-in storage for downloaded games, an SD card slot for techies, and most importantly -- enhanced online capabilities.
At cost of $169.99 and two colors to choose from at launch (black and blue, like our thumbs after playing for too long), the DSi will not only allow you to play any existing Nintendo DS game already on the market, but also all-new downloadable games unique to the DSi's online service.
Sound like something you want? Not sure if you should upgrade to the DSi from your old DS Lite or original DS fat? If your answer is yes to any of those, then this DSi starter guide was meant for you!
You know what you can do with the DSi? You can grab pictures using the system and change them on the fly with just a few button pushes. Sstretch and skew faces, draw on portraits, and turn color photos black and white whenever you want. The DSi even tracks faces and turns happy friends angry, or automatically puts mustaches or cat ears in the appropriate places.
Another cool thing the DSi does is allow you listen to music and podcasts. But you don't have to settle for just normal audio -- you can also speed up or slow down your tracks, remove vocals from your favorite songs, or run your audio through some crazy sound-manipulating filters.
The DSi Shop makes it possible to buy and download new games and software for very little money. Simply buy Nintendo Points and spend them in the shop. Nintendo will continuously update the library with a variety of different titles too.
