It’s gaming system release day. The best day of all!

This new system is a “handheld” console that is not completely new, but one that is more of a technological upgrade to the Nintendo DS Lite. Nintendo is calling this new DS the DSi.

Changes made to the DSi (over previous versions) are:

• slightly changed case dimensions (but not so much that I think people will notice a change when they first hold the system in their hands)
• slightly larger screens (1/4 of an inch bigger than the DS Lite)
• a new power button replaces the old power switch
• the Game Boy Advance slot was removed in the DSi
• the ability to record and manipulate audio clips, or play music was added (however the DSi can only play media in the AAC format)
• the ability to take and manipulate pictures with the 2 built in cameras was added
• Wi Fi Protected Access was added
• a DSi Shop was created to allow people to download all sorts of software for the DSi
• a web browser known as DSi Browser is available on the DSi Shop.

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The launch of the DSi is a nice technological upgrade, but it is also the sign that Nintendo is tossing their hat in the ring for a very crowded fight. The fight were tech-toy companies compete to create the most popular all-in-one portable entertainment unit. To quote J.R.R. Tolkien, “One Console to rule them all, One Console to find them, One Console to bring them all and in the darkness bind them…”

It’s a good idea, but nowhere near an original one. It could also be said that it’s an idea that has already been done better, but I wish to hold back on making a final judgment on that until we see what the DSi can do. This new version of the DS comes with many technological upgrades that will improve the system’s performance. I am just not sure if it will mean a better experience for gamers (but it has that potential).

It has also caused a major drop in the price of the DS Lite. You should be able to get a DS Lite for $100 if you shop around Toronto a bit. That is an amazing price for what the DS Lite offers. I love my PSP to death, but even I have to admit that Nintendo has the greatest library of games every created for any system ever made. There is something for everyone in the DS library. Also considering that many of the new Nintendo games coming out for the DSi can be played on the DS Lite as well, that library will just continue to grow for a while. If you are a gamer at all and you have been waiting to for the right time to pick up a DS (of any model)… well now’s the time.

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