My New Toy

My new Street Fighter Tournament Edition joystick. Beautiful isn't it?

My DSI Review

First things first, I've been gaming since 1981 and in all my years I have never been a huge fan of hand-held gaming. Although I loved the old Atari Lynx, and Sega Game Gear. After those, I sorta lost all interest. Yes, I admit I was a little interested in the Game Boy Advance, but I never bought one even though I knew it was a great portable system from all the times I played it in stores, and at a friends. Flash forward a few years and we have both the PSP, and Nintendo DS. Again, I was curious about both, and played both through friends, but never had any real interest in buying one. Then last summer something came over me. It was that little inner gamer voice telling me to buy a DSI, so after a little thought, I decided to take the dive and order one with about 15 or so games off Walmart's website. Yes I said 15 or so. A few I got as part of an ultra cheap package deal off the site, and the others were mostly part of the 2 for $20 deal they have running. Anyway onto the system...

Upon getting my blue DSI in a few days later, I opened it up and did the usual putting your info in, registering and so on. The process was pretty simple. You can even link your DSI account up to your Club Nintendo account. This way you can earn coins there for taking surveys on downloaded games and so on.

Ok, in case you're clueless about the difference between DSI, the regular model, the DS Lite, or DSI XL, then let me clue you in. First off, the system has vertical duel screens. The lower screen is a touch screen which can be operated by either your finger, on an included stylus that can slide in the back of the system. The unit itself is a bit bigger then the DS Lite as well. Im not sure how it compares to the original model though, but im guessing its around the same size. The DSI also includes duel cameras as well. One is located on the outside of the system, and one on the inside. The original DS, and DS Lite models do not have this feature. Sadly, the quality of the images from the camera are pretty poor. Still, you can have some fun with it, as the system includes software which allows you to mess around with the pics you take in various ways. You can even upload them and publish them to your Facebook account with the click of a button. Other new features on the DSI model include multiple applications that you can download that range from useless digital clocks, to games, and an internet browser. The internet browser itself is a little slow, and doesn't allow for stuff like You Tube videos, but I think its pretty good for what it is. The DSI still has all 4 action buttons on its face, the same trigger buttons, and the same d-pad as previous models. One improvement in the design was how they moved the power button. On the older DS models, the power button was located on the side of the system where you could accidentally shut it off with your right hand. Nintendo smartly moved this button to the face just under the d-pad. And oh yeah, the system still has that cool built in mic on it as well.

Now for battery life. This is actually one of the few features that is not as good as the DS Lite. Im not sure on the exact time you'll get out of it, but the DSI definitely has a shorter battery life. Im guessing I would get maybe 5-6 hours of play time out of my DSI. I cannot comment on the DS Lite, since I just bought one of those 2 days ago and haven't had too much time to sink my teeth into it. However from what I read on the net, the battery life of the DS Lite is around double. Don't worry about constantly buying new batteries though. Both systems have rechargeable batteries built into them, and include a charging pack. Their removable too, so if they should ever die out, then their easily replaced.

One of the best features of the original DS, and DS Lite, was the Game Boy Advance cartridge slot. Having never owned a GBA, this was a feature that I really wanted. For some stupid reason, Nintendo decided that the DSI (as well as DSI XL) no longer needed that slot. Lame Nintendo, Lame.

Finally, how is the DSI different from the newer DSI XL model? Well, I just got a DSI XL in today, and from what I gather, there isn't much difference. The biggest difference is the size of the system. That XL isn't in the name for nothing. Other then that, the systems come in different colors, and the DSI XL has some DSI Ware downloadable games built in. I also hear the XL has a slightly longer battery life too.

So what about system specs? Im not going to bore you with those since specs mean nothing to me. Im a hardcore gamer, and as one gaming has always been about the fun. In all my years of gaming I have learned that flashy graphics, do not make a game. Solid, and fun gameplay make a game. This is why ancient games such as Pac-Man, and Galaga are still a blast to play after all these years. I will say this though. The system does have really good graphics for a hand held. Not quite as flashy as the PSP, but still very nice. Most people compare the DS graphics to the old N64, and I would have to agree about half way. You see, unlike the N64, the graphics on the DS are not blurry. However, there is a little pixelization with the textures in 3D games, but that honestly doesn't register with me after playing a fun game on it. It almost reminds me of a a graphic mix between a PS1, and N64. Not quite as blurry as an N64, but not as pixelated as PS1. The games seem to run at a much higher frame rate then most games on those systems too. Its most noticeable on racing games though. Im also a little surprised at the video quality of the system too. And when I say video, I mean full-motion video. Most DS games don't feature any, but the few i've seen that do left me impressed at what these little game cards can pack.

Sound wise, this on the DS are all good. Yeah it may not sound as crisp as a disk based game, but again these little DS cards don't fail to impress with impressive music, and crisp voices.

So, what about the games? Im happy to say the DS is loaded with tons of great games. From platformers like Mario, to RPGs like Dragon Quest, and Final Fantasy, the DS does not let down. It pretty much has all gaming genres covered with quality software too. The systems touch screen also offers loads of possibilities that can't be offered on other systems as well. Some games allow you to control your character from it, while others simply use it as means to make an easier inventory system, with display maps and so on. It almost makes up for the lack of an analog stick on the system. Still, the touch screen does upon up new gameplay possibilities, so I guess saying it "almost" makes up for it is a little harsh. The built in mic on the system also isn't just for show either. Many games actually utilize it to enhance the gameplay. For instance in the DS version of Ninja Gaiden, there is this one scene where you need to wake a character up to progress in the game. To do so, you must blow into the mic. The coolest use of this mic is for a downloadable game called "Dark Void Zero". The whole game is designed to look like an 8-bit NES game. When you first boot it up, it shows you a pic of a NES Dark Void Zero cart. In order to progress past this screen you must blow into the mic. While this might seem stupid to some, if you grew up playing a NES then you will get it. You see, the NES used to have a tough time with carts getting dirty and not working. The simple remedy that would fix this most of the time was blowing into the cart. Cool eh?

Apart from games, and the other features mentioned, the DSI has even more to offer. You can buy various other software programs such are language coaches, learning software, and a Korg Synthesizer. Nintendo is even releasing a DS card which contains 100 classic books for $20. Im not much of a reader, but that is something even im interested in.

In the end, I would highly recommend the DSI to anyone. Even if you're not a gamer, then I would suggest you check one out. There's a good chance you'll love it as much as I do. This is truly one of my favorite gaming platforms of all time. There's just so much good to say about it. Nintendo has made a truly great product with their DS line of systems.