Nintendo DSi#Larger model

File:Masato Kuwahara at GDC 2009.jpg.{{cite web|url=http://www.gdconf.com/news/gdc/gdc_2009_reveals_new_suda_ueda.html|title=GDC 2009 Reveals New Suda, Ueda, Nintendo DSi Talks|access-date=June 17, 2011|date=February 25, 2009|publisher=United Business Media|work=Game Developers Conference|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090401060945/http://www.gdconf.com/news/gdc/gdc_2009_reveals_new_suda_ueda.html |archive-date=April 1, 2009|url-status=live}}|alt=A man stands behind a podium, talking to the audience. Next to him is a projection screen displaying a presentation program slide.]]

Development of the Nintendo DSi started at the end of 2006.{{cite interview|subject=Masato Kuwahara|subject2=Yui Ehara|subject3=Kentaro Mita|interviewer=Satoru Iwata|title=Nintendo DSi (Volume 1 – Hardware)|url=http://www.nintendodsi.com/iwata-asks-chapter.jsp?interviewId=1&volumeId=1&chapterId=1|type=Interview: Transcript|work=Iwata Asks|publisher=Nintendo|access-date=April 17, 2010|location=Kyoto, Japan|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110714184418/http://www.nintendodsi.com/iwata-asks-chapter.jsp?interviewId=1&volumeId=1&chapterId=1|archive-date=July 14, 2011|url-status=dead|page=1}} It was the first time Masato Kuwahara of Nintendo's Development Engineering Department served as a hardware project leader.{{cite interview|subject=Masato Kuwahara|subject2=Masaki Amano|subject3=Kazou Yoneyama|subject4=Takaki Fujino|interviewer=Satoru Iwata|title=Nintendo DSi XL|url=http://www.nintendodsi.com/iwata-asks-chapter.jsp?interviewId=4&volumeId=1&chapterId=2|type=Interview: Transcript|work=Iwata Asks|publisher=Nintendo|date=November 30, 2009|access-date=February 11, 2010|location=Kyoto, Japan|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101126054155/http://nintendodsi.com/iwata-asks-chapter.jsp?interviewId=4&volumeId=1&chapterId=2 |archive-date=November 26, 2010|url-status=dead|page=2}} Work went at a quick pace to meet deadlines; his team had to devise a theme for the new DS in time for a late December presentation, and by February 2007, most specifications for a chipset had to be completed. Kuwahara reported that his team had difficulty determining the potential market for the handheld during the design process; he said of their goal, "We have to be able to sell the console on its own [without games at launch]. It also has to be able to meld into the already-existing DS market." The console's digital cameras were considered early in development: Nintendo president and Chief Executive Officer Satoru Iwata described the touchscreen as the Nintendo DS's sense of touch, and the microphone as its "ears"; a co-worker suggested that it should have "eyes". Kuwahara's team originally wanted one camera with a swivel mechanism, but this was abandoned due to concerns of reliability, cost, and the need of a thicker console. Owing to consumer demand, Nintendo also improved the handhelds' volume and audio quality and made it slimmer with larger screens compared to the Nintendo DS Lite.{{cite interview|subject=Satoru Iwata|interviewer=Yasuhiro Nagata|title=Nintendo DSi (Volume 4 – Asking Iwata)|url=http://www.nintendodsi.com/iwata-asks-chapter.jsp?interviewId=1&volumeId=4&chapterId=1|type=Interview: Transcript|work=Iwata Asks|publisher=Nintendo|access-date=June 3, 2011|location=Kyoto, Japan|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101126061952/http://nintendodsi.com/iwata-asks-chapter.jsp?interviewId=1&volumeId=4&chapterId=1|archive-date=November 26, 2010|url-status=dead}} However, to improve portability without sacrificing durability, the GBA cartridge slot present on earlier models was removed. To compensate, Nintendo continued to support the DS Lite as long as there was consumer demand for it.{{Sfn|Satoru Iwata|2008|p=2}}

{{Quote box |width=30em | bgcolor=#F9F9F9 |align=left | quote="I made the presentation [...] then at the end asked everyone if this was a game system they would want to own. The result was three to seven. Three people wanted it, seven didn't. And I imagine that since one of the designers was standing right there in front of them, some of them held back their true opinion. In truth, it was probably more like one to nine. It was as bad as I had feared." |source=— Kuwahara on Nintendo EAD's reaction to the original DSi designs.{{cite interview|subject=Masato Kuwahara|subject2=Yui Ehara|subject3=Kentaro Mita|interviewer=Satoru Iwata|title=Nintendo DSi (Volume 1 – Hardware)|url=http://www.nintendodsi.com/iwata-asks-chapter.jsp?interviewId=1&volumeId=1&chapterId=2|type=Interview: Transcript|work=Iwata Asks|publisher=Nintendo|access-date=2010-04-17|location=Kyoto, Japan|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110809201907/http://www.nintendodsi.com/iwata-asks-chapter.jsp?interviewId=1&volumeId=1&chapterId=2|archive-date=2011-08-09|url-status=dead|page=2}}}}

The DSi's size was changed midway through development, delaying its release.{{cite web |url=http://www.andriasang.com/e/articles/2008/10/27/satoru_iwata_asks_about_dsi/|title=Satoru Iwata asks about DSi|access-date=December 15, 2009|author=Anoop Gantayat|date=October 27, 2008|publisher=Andriasang|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081102103956/http://www.andriasang.com/e/articles/2008/10/27/satoru_iwata_asks_about_dsi/|archive-date=November 2, 2008|url-status=dead}} Its original design included two DS game card slots, because of demand from both fan communities and Nintendo employees, which consequently made it larger. When the console's designs were unveiled to Nintendo Entertainment Analysis and Development producers in October 2007, it was met with lukewarm reception due to its size. However, Iwata and Kuwahara's own hopes resulted in the creation of a prototype. A quick hands-on investigation led them to abandon the dual-slot design, which made the DSi approximately {{convert|0.12|in|mm|0}} slimmer. Ever since the handheld's in-company unveiling, its internal designs were finished along with assembly and durability specifications. Iwata described having to resize the console so close to manufacturing as being essentially the same as making another handheld.

Yui Ehara, designer of the DS Lite and DSi's original casing, had to redesign the revised case. He advocated changing the six speaker apertures, as their circular perforations were redundant to the rest of the handheld's interface. He believed that this alteration also signaled a clearer distinction between the DSi and its predecessors while keeping the unit "neat" and "simple".{{cite interview|subject=Masato Kuwahara|subject2=Yui Ehara|subject3=Kentaro Mita|interviewer=Satoru Iwata|title=Nintendo DSi (Volume 1 – Hardware)|url=http://www.nintendodsi.com/iwata-asks-chapter.jsp?interviewId=1&volumeId=1&chapterId=3|type=Interview: Transcript|work=Iwata Asks|publisher=Nintendo|access-date=April 17, 2010|location=Kyoto, Japan|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110809201946/http://www.nintendodsi.com/iwata-asks-chapter.jsp?interviewId=1&volumeId=1&chapterId=3|archive-date=August 9, 2011|url-status=dead|page=3}} Ehara hoped the DSi's added features would not interfere with his desired iconic image of the Nintendo DS product line: two rectangles, one on top of the other, with each half containing another rectangle inside. This model was publicly revealed at the October 2008 Nintendo Conference in Tokyo, along with its Japanese price and release date.{{Sfn|Satoru Iwata|2008|p=1}} While the DS product line's worldwide yearly sales figures consistently surpassed those of its primary market rival, Sony's PlayStation Portable,{{cite web|url=http://www.scei.co.jp/corporate/data/bizdatapsp_sale_e.html|title=PSP (PlayStationPortable) Worldwide Hardware Unit Sales|publisher=Sony Computer Entertainment|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110722094920/http://www.scei.co.jp/corporate/data/bizdatapsp_sale_e.html|archive-date=July 22, 2011|url-status=dead|access-date=September 18, 2011}}{{cite web|url=http://psp.ign.com/articles/775/775176p1.html|title=The Future of PlayStation Portable|access-date=November 2, 2011|author=Marc Nix|date=March 23, 2007|work=IGN|publisher=Fox Interactive Media|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090221040903/http://psp.ign.com/articles/775/775176p1.html |archive-date=February 21, 2009|url-status=live}} demand for it in Japan was decreasing; Nintendo's launch of the DSi was intended to stimulate sales. The company was less concerned with releasing the DSi in other territories, where DS Lite market demand remained high.{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1596162/20081002/story.jhtml |title=New Nintendo DSi Won't Be Sold In U.S. Until 'Well Into 2009' |access-date=October 3, 2008 |work=MTV Networks |date=October 2, 2008 |author=Patrick Klepek |publisher=Viacom |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090221065348/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1596162/20081002/story.jhtml |archive-date=February 21, 2009 |url-status=dead }}{{cite web|url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/en/library/events/080425/02.html|title= Financial Results Briefing|access-date=June 20, 2009|author=Satoru Iwata|date=April 25, 2008|publisher=Nintendo|page=2| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080430215509/http://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/en/library/events/080425/02.html|archive-date=April 30, 2008|url-status=live|ref=none}}

Development of a large DS Lite model in 2007 eventually led to the DSi XL. Nintendo had designed a large DS Lite model with {{convert|3.8|in|mm|adj=on}} screens, compared to the standard {{convert|3|in|mm|adj=on}} screens; development of this new handheld advanced far enough that it could have begun mass production. However, Iwata placed the project on hold due to consumer demand for the DS Lite and Wii. He later pitched the idea of simultaneously releasing large and small versions of the DSi instead, but Nintendo's hardware team was incapable of developing two models concurrently. After finishing work on the DSi, Kuwahara started the DSi XL project and became project leader.{{cite interview|subject=Masato Kuwahara|subject2=Masaki Amano|subject3=Kazou Yoneyama|subject4=Takaki Fujino|interviewer=Satoru Iwata|title=Nintendo DSi XL|url=http://nintendodsi.com/iwata-asks-chapter.jsp?interviewId=4&volumeId=1&chapterId=1|type=Interview: Transcript|work=Iwata Asks|publisher=Nintendo|date=November 30, 2009|access-date=February 11, 2010|location=Kyoto, Japan|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101125182859/http://nintendodsi.com/iwata-asks-chapter.jsp?interviewId=4&volumeId=1&chapterId=1 |archive-date=November 25, 2010|url-status=dead|page=1}} The DSi XL, a DSi model with {{convert|4.2|in|mm|adj=on}} screens, was announced on October 29, 2009.{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/news/6238345.html|title=DSi XL hits US & EU Q1 2010, DS sales top 113 million|access-date=October 29, 2009|author=Tor Thorsen|date=October 29, 2009|work=GameSpot|publisher=CBS Interactive|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100724040222/http://www.gamespot.com/news/6238345.html|archive-date=July 24, 2010|url-status=live}} Various names for it were considered, including "DSi Comfort", "DSi Executive", "DSi Premium", "DSi Living", and "DSi Deka" (Japanese for "large"). Mario creator Shigeru Miyamoto insisted on "DSi Deka".{{cite web |url=http://www.andriasang.com/e/blog/2009/12/15/dsi_ll_names/|title=The Other DSi LL Names|access-date=December 15, 2009|author=Anoop Gantayat|date=December 15, 2009|publisher=Andriasang|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100608222611/http://www.andriasang.com/e/blog/2009/12/15/dsi_ll_names/|archive-date=June 8, 2010|url-status=dead}} The handheld has an improved viewing angle over its predecessor, which allows onlookers to see the screen's contents more easily.{{cite web|url=http://reviews.cnet.co.uk/portable-gaming/nintendo-dsi-xl-review-49305467/|title=Nintendo DSi XL review|access-date=November 13, 2011|author=Jeff Bakalar|author2=Charles Kloet|date=April 16, 2010|work=CNET UK|publisher=CBS Interactive|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100930160116/http://reviews.cnet.co.uk/portable-gaming/nintendo-dsi-xl-review-49305467/|archive-date=September 30, 2010|url-status=dead|pages=1, 3}} This feature was absent from the large DS Lite model due to cost issues at the time, which also limited LCD screen size. The cost of LCD screens is determined by how many pieces are cut from a single large glass sheet. To keep these costs within a certain threshold, Nintendo set a screen size limit of approximately {{convert|3.8|in|mm}}, which was later increased to {{convert|4.2|in|mm}}.

On November 1, 2008, the DSi was released in Japan; on April 2, 2009, in Australia and New Zealand, and on April 3 in Europe, all with a black and white casing.{{Sfn|Satoru Iwata|2008|p=5}}{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/news/nintendo-dsi-set-for-april-2-aussie-launch-6204868|title=Nintendo DSi set for April 2 Aussie Launch|access-date=June 20, 2009|date=February 18, 2009|author=James Kozanecki|work=GameSpot|publisher=CBS Interactive|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130204222442/http://www.gamespot.com/news/nintendo-dsi-set-for-april-2-aussie-launch-6204868|archive-date=February 4, 2013|url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=http://www.mcvuk.com/news/33291/Nintendo-DSi-hits-Europe-on-April-2nd-priced-14999|title=Nintendo DSi hits Europe on April 3rd, priced £149.99|access-date=February 25, 2009|author=Michael French|date=February 19, 2009|work=Market for Home Computing and Video Games|publisher=Intent Media|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090318161817/http://www.mcvuk.com/news/33291/Nintendo-DSi-hits-Europe-on-April-2nd-priced-14999|archive-date=March 18, 2009|url-status=live}} It launched in the United States and Canada on April 5, alongside the game Rhythm Heaven.{{cite web |url=https://www.nintendo.com/whatsnew/detail/Q5D4ti_bPqJO_I0Oup0AMFudaUOLz6C7 |title=Nintendo DSi launches April 5 in the United States |access-date=February 18, 2009 |date=February 18, 2009 |work=Nintendo of America |publisher=Nintendo |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100428050947/http://www.nintendo.com/whatsnew/detail/Q5D4ti_bPqJO_I0Oup0AMFudaUOLz6C7 |archive-date=April 28, 2010 |url-status=dead }} It was the first DS console to launch with multiple colors in North America—black and blue.{{cite web |url=http://ds.ign.com/articles/100/1001445p1.html|title=Nintendo DSi Interim Report|access-date=July 30, 2009|author=Craig Harris|date=July 6, 2009|work=IGN|publisher=Fox Interactive Media|pages=1–2|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110807050033/http://ds.ign.com/articles/100/1001445p1.html|archive-date=August 7, 2011|url-status=live}} iQue released a Chinese DSi model in black and white, with a pre-installed version of Nintendogs, in December 2009;{{cite web |url=http://www.andriasang.com/e/blog/2009/12/08/chinese_dsi/|title=Chinese DSi Comes With Nintendogs Built In|access-date=December 23, 2009|author=Anoop Gantayat|date=December 8, 2009|publisher=Andriasang|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100605081249/http://www.andriasang.com/e/blog/2009/12/08/chinese_dsi/|archive-date=June 5, 2010|url-status=dead}}{{cite web |url=http://www.ique.com/DSi/20100318.htm |date=March 18, 2010 |publisher=iQue |access-date=September 19, 2010 |title=iQue DSi 新颜色4月发售 |language=zh |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110928101315/http://www.ique.com/DSi/20100318.htm |archive-date=September 28, 2011 |url-status=dead}} the Nikkei Sangyo Shimbun reported that the Chinese and Korean models featured improved security, to combat piracy.{{cite web |url=http://www.andriasang.com/e/blog/2009/10/27/nintendo_ds_push/|title=Nintendo Plans DS Push|access-date=December 23, 2009|author=Anoop Gantayat|date=October 27, 2009|publisher=Andriasang|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110622234401/http://www.andriasang.com/e/blog/2009/10/27/nintendo_ds_push/|archive-date=June 22, 2011|url-status=dead}} On April 15, 2010, the DSi was launched in South Korea in white, black, blue, and pink, alongside the game MapleStory DS. MapleStory DS was also bundled with a red limited-edition DSi, which had characters from the game printed around its external camera.{{cite press release|title=한 국닌텐도, 닌텐도 DSi 및 신작 소프트웨어 발표 |publisher=Nintendo Korea |date=February 25, 2010 |url=http://www.nintendo.co.kr/PR/NewsRelease06.php |access-date=April 10, 2010 |language=ko |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100401004252/http://www.nintendo.co.kr/PR/NewsRelease06.php |archive-date=April 1, 2010 |url-status=live }} Other countries the DSi was released in include Brazil,{{cite web|url=http://nintendoworld.uol.com.br/content.php?id=1185|publisher=Nintendo|work=Tambor Digital|title=DSi oficialmente no Brasil|access-date=November 2, 2010|language=pt|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110726075529/http://nintendoworld.uol.com.br/content.php?id=1185|archive-date=July 26, 2011|url-status=dead}} Russia,{{cite web|url=http://www.nintendo.ru/dsi/ |publisher=Nintendo |work=Nintendo of Europe |title=Nintendo DSi |access-date=October 31, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100925161151/http://nintendo.ru/dsi/ |archive-date=September 25, 2010 |language=ru |url-status=dead }} and Turkey.{{cite web |url=http://www.nintendo.com.tr/index.php/konsollar |title=Konsollar |access-date=October 31, 2010 |publisher=Nintendo of Europe |work=Nortec Eurasia |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100925024014/http://www.nintendo.com.tr/index.php/konsollar |archive-date=September 25, 2010 |language=tr |url-status=dead}}

Nintendo had shipped 200,000 units for the DSi's Japanese launch, and during its first two days on sale, over 170,000 units were sold{{#tag:ref|170,779 units were sold according to sales tracking service Enterbrain;{{cite web |url=http://gear.ign.com/articles/927/927390p1.html|title=Japanese Nintendo DSi Sales|access-date=November 7, 2008|author=Chris Iaquinta|date=November 5, 2008|work=IGN|publisher=Fox Interactive Media|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090203002311/http://gear.ign.com/articles/927/927390p1.html|archive-date=February 3, 2009|url-status=live}} or 171,925 units according to Media Create.{{cite web|url=http://www.edge-online.com/news/ps3-outsells-all-home-consoles-japan|title=PS3 Outsells All Home Consoles in Japan|author=Rob Crossley|date=November 7, 2008|access-date=January 30, 2011|work=Edge|publisher=Future plc|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090205134517/http://www.edge-online.com/news/ps3-outsells-all-home-consoles-japan|archive-date=February 5, 2009|url-status=live}}|group=cn|name=Japanese launch}}—the remaining units were either unclaimed pre-orders or reserved for sale on Culture Day.{{cite web|url=http://wii.ign.com/articles/926/926327p1.html|title=Viewtiful Joe Coming to Tatsunoko VS Capcom|access-date=September 22, 2011|author=John Tanaka|date=November 3, 2008|work=IGN|publisher=Fox Interactive Media|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090103064604/http://wii.ign.com/articles/926/926327p1.html|archive-date=January 3, 2009|url-status=dead}} By the end of the month, the DSi sold 535,000 units, in comparison to 550,000 DS Lites sold in its launch month.{{cite web|url=http://www.mcvuk.com/news/32542/JAPAN-DSi-sells-half-a-million |title=Japan: DSi sells half a million|access-date=December 7, 2008|author=Ben Parfitt|date=December 2, 2008|work=Market for Home Computing and Video Games|publisher=Intent Media|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090205183425/http://www.mcvuk.com/news/32542/JAPAN-DSi-sells-half-a-million|archive-date=February 5, 2009|url-status=live}} In the two-day launch period, Europe and North American sales totaled 600,000 units combined.{{cite web|url=http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/nintendo-ready-to-revive-the-japanese-market-iwata|title=Nintendo ready to revive the Japanese market – Iwata|access-date=April 9, 2009|author=Oli Welsh|date=April 9, 2009|work=GamesIndustry.biz|publisher=Eurogamer Network|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090506034703/http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/nintendo-ready-to-revive-the-japanese-market-iwata |archive-date=May 6, 2009|url-status=dead}} North American first week sales almost doubled the DS Lite's 226,000 units by selling 435,000.{{cite web|url=http://www.next-gen.biz/news/dsi-435000-first-week-us-sales|title=DSi: 435,000 First Week US Sales|author=Tom Ivan|date=April 17, 2009|access-date=July 26, 2010|work=Edge|publisher=Future plc|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090420173404/http://www.edge-online.com/news/dsi-435000-first-week-us-sales|archive-date=April 20, 2009|url-status=dead}} In the United Kingdom, the console totaled 92,000 sales within two days of release,{{cite web|url=http://www.mcvuk.com/news/33849/DSi-sells-92000-in-opening-weekend|title=DSi sells 92,000 in two days|access-date=April 9, 2009|author=Tim Ingham|date=April 7, 2009|work=Market for Home Computing and Video Games|publisher=Intent Media|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090410070008/http://www.mcvuk.com/news/33849/DSi-sells-92000-in-opening-weekend|archive-date=April 10, 2009|url-status=live}} which GfK/Chart-Track data showed to be the fourth-best opening weekend ever in the region—higher than previous records set by other DS iterations.{{cite web|url=http://www.mcvuk.com/news/33844/DSi-enjoys-rampant-demand-in-opening-weekend|title=DSi enjoys rampant demand in debut weekend|access-date=March 24, 2009|author=Christopher Dring|date=April 6, 2009|work=Market for Home Computing and Video Games|publisher=Intent Media|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090409084948/http://www.mcvuk.com/news/33844/DSi-enjoys-rampant-demand-in-opening-weekend|archive-date=April 9, 2009|url-status=live}}

File:Nintendo World Store 1.png in New York City hosted a launch event.|alt=Interior view of a building with kiosks and merchandise running alongside its walls.]]

DSi launch events were held on the western and eastern coasts of the United States. Nintendo sponsored an official launch event at the Universal CityWalk in Los Angeles and the Nintendo World Store in New York City. The LA midnight launch party featured several events, including merchandise handouts, signings and art galleries from iam8bit, parkour demonstrations, and performances by Gym Class Heroes.{{cite magazine|url=http://www.gamepro.com/article/features/209600/nintendo-dsi-launch-party-universal-studios/|title=Nintendo DSi: Launch Party @ Universal Studios|access-date=April 11, 2009|author=McKinley Noble|author2=Will Herring |date=April 7, 2009|publisher=IDG|magazine=GamePro|pages=1–3|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090611192512/http://www.gamepro.com/article/features/209600/nintendo-dsi-launch-party-universal-studios/ |archive-date=June 11, 2009|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://ds.ign.com/articles/968/968133p1.html|title=DSi Launch Party in LA This Saturday|access-date=March 15, 2010|date=March 31, 2009 |author=Craig Harris |work=IGN|publisher=Fox Interactive Media|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090403081304/http://ds.ign.com/articles/968/968133p1.html|archive-date=April 3, 2009|url-status=live}} Hundreds attended and over 150 stayed until midnight to purchase a unit at GameStop. A human-sized Lego DSi by artist Sean Kenney was on display at the Nintendo World Store.{{cite web |url=http://www.cnet.com/news/human-size-lego-dsi-model-on-display/|title=Human-sized Lego DSi model|date=April 8, 2009|access-date=April 26, 2014|author=John Chan|work=CNET|publisher=CBS Interactive|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140427054946/http://www.cnet.com/news/human-size-lego-dsi-model-on-display/|archive-date=April 27, 2014|url-status=live}}

The Nintendo DSi XL was released in Japan on November 21, 2009, in bronze, burgundy, and white. The former two colors were available for its European launch on March 5, 2010,{{cite web|url=http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/nintendo-dsi-xl-to-launch-in-europe-in-march|title=Nintendo DSi XL to launch in Europe in March|access-date=September 10, 2011|author=Kath Brice|date=January 14, 2010|work=GamesIndustry.biz|publisher=Eurogamer Network|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100117075017/http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/nintendo-dsi-xl-to-launch-in-europe-in-march |archive-date=January 17, 2010|url-status=dead}} and its North American launch on March 28.{{cite web|author=Michael Thompson|title=Nintendo shows off new DSi, digital games push at summit|url=https://arstechnica.com/gaming/news/2010/02/nintendo-summit-2010.ars|date=February 25, 2010|access-date=March 1, 2010|work=Ars Technica|publisher=Condé Nast Publications|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100531135924/http://arstechnica.com/gaming/news/2010/02/nintendo-summit-2010.ars|archive-date=May 31, 2010|url-status=live}} The console launched in Australia on April 15, 2010, in bronze and burgundy.{{cite web |author=Adam Ghiggino |url=http://palgn.com.au/nintendo-ds/16056/dsi-xl-release-date-announced/ |title=DSi XL release date announced |website=PALGN |date=February 25, 2010 |access-date=August 14, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121026140956/http://palgn.com.au/nintendo-ds/16056/dsi-xl-release-date-announced/ |archive-date=October 26, 2012 |url-status=dead }} The DSi XL was released in other countries including Brazil,{{cite web|url=http://nintendoworld.uol.com.br/content.php?id=2425|publisher=Nintendo|work=Tambor Digital|title=DSi XL oficialmente no Brasil por R$799|access-date=November 2, 2010|language=pt|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110726075540/http://nintendoworld.uol.com.br/content.php?id=2425|archive-date=July 26, 2011|url-status=dead}} South Africa,{{cite web|url=http://www.nintendo.co.za/NOE/en_ZA/news/2010/a_bright_future_ahead_for_nintendo_dsi_xl_19103.html |publisher=Nintendo |work=Nintendo of Europe |title=A bright future ahead for Nintendo DSi XL |date=October 1, 2010 |access-date=October 16, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111006150230/http://www.nintendo.co.za/NOE/en_ZA/news/2010/a_bright_future_ahead_for_nintendo_dsi_xl_19103.html |archive-date=October 6, 2011 |url-status=live }} and Turkey. Over 100,500 units were sold during the console's first two days on sale in Japan,{{#tag:ref|103,524 units were sold according to sales tracking service Enterbrain;{{cite magazine|url=http://www.famitsu.com/game/news/1229910_1124.html|publisher=Enterbrain|magazine=Famitsu|title=ニンテンドーDSi LL、発売から2日間で10万3524台を販売(エンターブレイン調べ)|access-date=April 1, 2013|date=November 24, 2009|language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121122224000/http://www.famitsu.com/game/news/1229910_1124.html|archive-date=November 22, 2012|url-status=live}} or 100,553 units according to Media Create.{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/news/big-in-japan-nov-16-22-dsi-xl-6242052|title=Big in Japan Nov. 16-22: DSi XL|date=December 4, 2009|author=Brendan Sinclair|work=GameSpot|publisher=CBS Interactive|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100317112442/http://www.gamespot.com/news/6242052.html|archive-date=March 17, 2010|url-status=live}}|group=cn|name=XL Japanese launch}} and 141,000 units were sold during its first three days in the United States.{{cite web|url=http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/34126/Nintendo_3DS_Sells_Just_Under_400000_In_First_Week_Of_US_Sales.php|title=Nintendo 3DS Sells Just Under 400,000 In First Week Of U.S. Sales|author=Kyle Orland|date=April 14, 2011|publisher=United Business Media|work=Gamasutra|access-date=April 1, 2013|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20121111082230/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/34126/Nintendo_3DS_Sells_Just_Under_400000_In_First_Week_Of_US_Sales.php|archive-date=November 11, 2012|url-status=dead}}

The 2011 release of the Nintendo 3DS, the successor to the Nintendo DS series of handhelds, was announced on March 23, 2010, to preempt impending news leaks by the Japanese press and to attract potential attendees to the Electronic Entertainment Expo.{{cite web|url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/en/library/events/100507qa/03.html|title= Financial Results Briefing for Fiscal Year Ended March 2010: Q&A|access-date=June 18, 2012|author=Satoru Iwata|date=May 7, 2010|publisher=Nintendo|page=3| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100516020940/http://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/en/library/events/100507qa/03.html|archive-date=May 16, 2010|url-status=live}} According to industry analysts, the timing drew attention from the North American launch of the DSi XL. M2 Research senior analyst Billy Pigeon argued the "XL is old news ... in Japan – and Nintendo is a very Japan-centric organization. This is just the corporate parent in Japan maybe not acting in the best interest of Nintendo of America."{{cite web |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2010/03/29/did-nintendo-doom-new-handheld-before-its-release.html |title=Did Nintendo Doom New Handheld Before Its Release?|date=March 29, 2010|work=CNBC|publisher=NBC Universal|access-date=October 10, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110611042557/http://www.cnbc.com/id/36087758|archive-date=June 11, 2011|url-status=live}} Iwata dismissed any significant impact when speaking to concerned investors, "those who are eager to buy Nintendo 3DS right after the announcement generally tend to react quickly to anything new on the market, and those who are purchasing a Nintendo DS today tend to react relatively slowly."{{Cite web |url=http://www.g4tv.com/thefeed/blog/post/704646/nintendo-doesnt-believe-3ds-announcement-impacted-dsi-xl-sales/ |title=Nintendo Doesn't Believe 3DS Announcement Impacted DSi XL Sales |date=May 12, 2010 |author=Patrick Klepek |publisher=G4 (U.S. TV channel) |access-date=June 22, 2012 |archive-date=September 21, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160921011705/http://www.g4tv.com/thefeed/blog/post/704646/nintendo-doesnt-believe-3ds-announcement-impacted-dsi-xl-sales/ |url-status=dead }}

{{see also|Nintendo DS sales}}

Nintendo targeted a wider demographic profile with the first Nintendo DS (2004) than it had with the Game Boy line.{{Sfn|Satoru Iwata|2008|p=1}}{{cite web |url=http://retro.ign.com/articles/100/1007864p6.html|title=IGN Presents the History of Game Boy|access-date=October 22, 2011|author=Travis Fahs|date=July 27, 2009|work=IGN|publisher=Fox Interactive Media|page=6|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100528083415/http://retro.ign.com/articles/100/1007864p6.html|archive-date=May 28, 2010|url-status=live}} Comparing 2008 life-to-date DS and DS Lite sales to the best-selling game console, Sony's PlayStation 2,{{cite press release|title=Sony Computer Entertainment Asia Starts Its PlayStation Business In Republic Of Indonesia|publisher=Sony Computer Entertainment|date=January 18, 2010|url=http://www.scei.co.jp/corporate/release/100118e.html|access-date=April 20, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110703164006/http://scei.co.jp/corporate/release/100118e.html|archive-date=July 3, 2011|url-status=dead}} showed potential in further expanding the Nintendo DS gaming population—particularly in Europe and the United States. To further promote the product line while expanding its gaming population, Nintendo created the DSi.{{cite web|url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/en/library/events/081031/05.html|title=Corporate Management Policy Briefing / Semi-annual Financial Results Briefing|access-date=June 20, 2009|author=Satoru Iwata |date=October 31, 2008|publisher=Nintendo|pages=5–6|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081210211345/http://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/en/library/events/081031/05.html|archive-date=December 10, 2008|url-status=live|ref=none}} Iwata has said that families often share DS and DS Lite consoles, so to encourage each family member to buy an individual handheld, Nintendo added personalization features to the DSi.

The "i" in DSi symbolizes both an individual person (I) and the handheld's cameras (eyes); the former meaning contrasts with the "i"'s in Wii, which represent players gathering together.{{cite web|url=http://www.techradar.com/news/portable-devices/mp3-players/what-does-the-i-in-ipod-and-dsi-mean--534928|title=What does the 'i' in iPod and DSi mean?|access-date=September 18, 2013|author=Adam Hartley|date=February 20, 2009|publisher=Future plc|work=Techradar|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120422011525/http://www.techradar.com/news/portable-devices/mp3-players/what-does-the-i-in-ipod-and-dsi-mean--534928|archive-date=April 22, 2012|url-status=dead}} Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils-Aimé said, "If Wii was about gaming for the masses, then think of DSi as creativity for the masses."{{cite magazine|url=https://www.wired.com/gamelife/2009/04/qa-reggie-fils/|title=Q&A: Nintendo's Fils-Aime Talks DSi, Wii and Everything in Between|access-date=June 3, 2011|author=Chris Kohler|date=April 3, 2009|magazine=Wired|publisher=Condé Nast Publications|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091028145601/http://www.wired.com/gamelife/2009/04/qa-reggie-fils/|archive-date=October 28, 2009|url-status=live}} Iwata has said that the DSi is meant to be a first camera for children, and a social networking device for adults.{{Sfn|Satoru Iwata|2008|p=2}} In response to media commentary following the DSi's announcement, Iwata insisted that its new audio and camera capabilities are not meant to compete with mobile phones, the iPod, or the PSP. He explained their role in the marketplace:

{{quote|While cell phone and digital camera manufacturers have been trying to compete against each other by intensifying the picture pixel quality and zooming ability of their camera functions, and while music players are making its improvements mainly by making smaller exterior design and by increasing memory storage capacity, DSi is trying to propose a different path of evolution by providing the users with the opportunity to be able to touch and play with photographs and sounds.}}

The DSi helped maintain strong sales for Nintendo's handheld product line. The DSi accounted for 40 percent of its product line's 2009 United Kingdom sales and frequently topped weekly sales charts in Japan during its first year of availability.{{cite web |url=http://www.mcvuk.com/news/37130/Trade-faces-premium-DSi-XL-price|title=Trade faces 'premium' DSi XL price|access-date=February 27, 2010|author=Dave Roberts|date=January 14, 2010|work=Market for Home Computing and Video Games|publisher=Intent Media|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100117073415/http://www.mcvuk.com/news/37130/Trade-faces-premium-DSi-XL-price|archive-date=January 17, 2010|url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=http://ds.ign.com/articles/104/1048858p1.html|title=DSi LL Launches in Japan|access-date=February 12, 2010|author=Anoop Gantayat|date=November 23, 2009|work=IGN|publisher=Fox Interactive Media|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091127051848/http://ds.ign.com/articles/104/1048858p1.html|archive-date=November 27, 2009|url-status=live}} In the United States, the console's initial three-month sales surpassed those of the DS, DS Lite, and Wii.{{cite web |url=http://ds.ign.com/articles/101/1012759p1.html|title=Nintendo Minute: 08.10.09|access-date=December 12, 2009|author=Matt Casamassina|date=August 10, 2009|work=IGN|publisher=Fox Interactive Media|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101211072639/http://ds.ign.com/articles/101/1012759p1.html|archive-date=December 11, 2010|url-status=live}} Average weekly sales of the Wii and Nintendo DS declined slightly in March; Nintendo DS hardware sales stabilized at over 200,000 units for seven months after the DSi's April launch, while Wii sales diminished. Gamasutra estimated that, in October 2009 and February 2010, 50 percent of Nintendo DS unit sales were DSi consoles.{{cite web|url=https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/npd-behind-the-numbers-october-2009|title=NPD: Behind the Numbers, October 2009|author=Matt Matthews|date=November 16, 2009|publisher=United Business Media|work=Gamasutra|access-date=February 9, 2010|pages=1, 3–4|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100807132144/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/4192/npd_behind_the_numbers_october_.php |archive-date=August 7, 2010|url-status=live}}{{cite web|author=Matt Matthews|date=March 15, 2010|url=https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/npd-behind-the-numbers-february-2010|title=NPD: Behind the Numbers, February 2010|publisher=United Business Media|work=Gamasutra|access-date=March 15, 2010|page=4|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100810063344/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/4299/npd_behind_the_numbers_february_.php?page=4 |archive-date=August 10, 2010|url-status=live}} In an October 2009 interview, Fils-Aimé announced that the DSi had sold 2.2 million units in the United States. He said, "If you give the consumer great value in terms of what they pay, they're willing to spend, and we say [that] based on the experience of launching the DSi".{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/news/6232108.html|title=DSi sells 2.2 million in US, no more Wii price cuts in '09|access-date=December 14, 2009|author=Tor Thorsen|date=October 7, 2009|work=GameSpot|publisher=CBS Interactive|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100105231612/http://www.gamespot.com/news/6232108.html|archive-date=January 5, 2010|url-status=live}} The United States had its highest yearly DS sales in 2009 with 11.22 million units sold.{{cite web|url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/en/library/events/100129/04.html|title=Third Quarter Financial Results Briefing|access-date=August 8, 2011|author=Satoru Iwata|date=January 29, 2009|publisher=Nintendo|page=2| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100202081710/http://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/en/library/events/100129/04.html |archive-date=February 2, 2010|url-status=live}} The DSi and DSi XL accounted for 16.88 million of the 27.11 million units sold worldwide of its product line for Nintendo's 2009 fiscal year beginning April 1, 2009, and ending March 31, 2010.{{cite web|url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/library/historical_data/pdf/consolidated_sales_e1106.pdf |title=Consolidated Sales Transition by Region |publisher=Nintendo |page=1 |access-date=August 31, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111027052007/http://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/library/historical_data/pdf/consolidated_sales_e1106.pdf |archive-date=October 27, 2011 }}

In Gamasutra's United States hardware sales estimate for July 2010, the DSi and DSi XL each outsold the DS Lite. The website reported DSi sales of approximately 300,000 units in July 2009 and February 2010, which remains consistent for July 2010 if combined with DSi XL sales. As a result, the average price consumers were spending on the Nintendo DS hardware family rose to over $165 (in 2004 dollars, ${{Inflation|US|165|2004|2010}} adjusted for inflation as of 2010), which is over $15 more than the November 2004 launch price of the original Nintendo DS.{{cite web|url=https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/npd-behind-the-numbers-july-2010|title=NPD: Behind the Numbers, July 2010|author=Matt Matthews|date=August 16, 2010|publisher=United Business Media|work=Gamasutra|access-date=September 22, 2010|pages=3–4|url-status=live| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110509092211/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/6027/npd_behind_the_numbers_july_2010.php?page=3|archive-date=May 9, 2011}} Nintendo made its first DSi price cuts in Europe on June 18, 2010, for DSi and DSi XL consoles in Japan on June 19, and in North America on September 12.{{cite web |url=http://www.mcvuk.com/news/read/price-cuts-for-dsi-and-dsi-xl|title=Price cuts for DSi and DSi XL|access-date=January 23, 2011|author=Ben Parfitt|date=August 31, 2010|work=Market for Home Computing and Video Games|publisher=Intent Media | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100906073601/http://www.mcvuk.com/news/40676/Price-cuts-for-DSi-and-DSi-XL|archive-date=September 6, 2010|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.gamedeveloper.com/game-platforms/nintendo-cutting-dsi-prices-in-japan-europe|title=Nintendo Cutting DSi Prices In Japan, Europe|author=Eric Caoili|date=June 3, 2010|publisher=United Business Media|work=Gamasutra|access-date=January 23, 2011| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110509200430/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/28825/Nintendo_Cutting_DSi_Prices_In_Japan_Europe.php|archive-date=May 9, 2011|url-status=live}} The DSi and DSi XL accounted for 14.66 million of the 17.52 million units sold worldwide of its product line in fiscal year 2010.

In a United States hardware sales estimate for July 2011 by Gamasutra following the DS Lite's price drop a month earlier, about 60 to 70 percent of approximately 290,000 DS units sold were DSi and DSi XL consoles.{{cite web|url=http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/36549/Analysis_Howd_The_3DS_Do_At_250.php|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111109064254/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/36549/Analysis_Howd_The_3DS_Do_At_250.php|url-status=dead|archive-date=November 9, 2011|title=Analysis: How'd The 3DS Do At $250?|author=Matt Matthews|date=August 15, 2011|publisher=United Business Media|work=Gamasutra|access-date=August 20, 2011}}{{cite web|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2011-08-12-ms-xbox-360-to-end-2011-as-global-no-1|title=MS: Xbox 360 to end 2011 as global no. 1|access-date=September 11, 2011|author=Robert Purchese|date=August 12, 2011|work=Eurogamer|publisher=Eurogamer Network}} Lackluster 3DS sales forced Nintendo to drop its price to match the DSi XL in the United States on August 12. Japan and Europe had similar price reductions.{{cite web|url=https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/nintendo-3ds-reduced-to-170-20-free-games-for-ambassadors-|title=Nintendo 3DS Reduced to $170, 20 Free Games For 'Ambassadors'|author=Mike Rose|date=July 28, 2011|publisher=United Business Media|work=Gamasutra|access-date=October 6, 2011|page=3}} Gamasutra speculated potential DS buyers in the United States opted for the 3DS as a result; DS sales for August 2011 decreased by 45 percent, while it combined with 3DS sales remained steady compared to the previous month.{{cite web|url=https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/npd-behind-the-numbers-august-2011 |title=NPD: Behind the Numbers, August 2011|author=Matt Matthews|date=September 12, 2011|publisher=United Business Media|work=Gamasutra|access-date=October 6, 2011|page=3|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120312054042/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/6483/npd_behind_the_numbers_august_.php?page=3|archive-date=March 12, 2012|url-status=live}} Nintendo made its second DSi and DSi XL price cuts in North America on May 20, 2012.{{cite web |url=http://www.mcvuk.com/news/read/nintendo-cuts-dsi-and-dsi-xl-price-in-us/095835|title=Nintendo cuts DSi and DSI XL price in US|access-date=June 24, 2012|author=Ben Parfitt|date=May 10, 2012|work=Market for Home Computing and Video Games|publisher=Intent Media}} Gamasutra called these price cuts the DS product line's "final send-off" and expects "by this time next year its contributions to the market will be minuscule. After Christmas, Nintendo will effectively be a single-handheld system company, putting all of portable software efforts into the Nintendo 3DS."{{cite web|url=https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/annual-u-s-game-retail-could-hit-six-year-low-in-2012 |title=Annual U.S. game retail could hit six-year low in 2012|access-date=May 16, 2012|author=Matt Matthews|date=May 14, 2012|publisher=United Business Media|work=Gamasutra}}

{{Clear}}

{{see also|Seventh generation of video game consoles#Handheld game console comparison|label 1 = Handheld game console comparison}}

The Nintendo DSi's design is similar to that of the second DS iteration, the Nintendo DS Lite. It is approximately 12 percent shorter ({{convert|0.10|in|mm}}) than the Nintendo DS Lite when closed, but slightly wider and lighter.{{cite web|url=http://www.bit-tech.net/gaming/dsi/2009/03/17/nintendo-dsi-review/1| title=Nintendo DSi Review|access-date=March 20, 2009|author=Joe Martin|date=March 17, 2009|work=Bit-tech|publisher=Dennis Publishing|page=1|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090320033234/http://www.bit-tech.net/gaming/dsi/2009/03/17/nintendo-dsi-review/1 |archive-date=March 20, 2009|url-status=live}} The DSi has two {{convert|3.25|in|mm|adj=on}} TFT-LCD screens—{{convert|.25|in|mm}} larger than those of previous models—that are capable of displaying 262,144 colors.{{cite web |url=http://reviews.cnet.com/consoles/nintendo-dsi-black/4507-10109_7-33319298.html |title=Nintendo DSi specifications |access-date=March 17, 2010 |work=CNET |publisher=CBS Interactive |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100421102019/http://reviews.cnet.com/consoles/nintendo-dsi-black/4507-10109_7-33319298.html |archive-date=April 21, 2010 |url-status=dead }} The touch sensitive lower screen accepts input from the included stylus. The handheld features four lettered buttons (X, Y, A, B), a directional pad, and Start, Select, and Power buttons. Two shoulder buttons, a game card slot, and a power cable input are placed under the console's hinge.{{Sfn|Nintendo|2009|pp=8, 11}} The included AC adapter (WAP-002) is not compatible with any previous DS model.{{Sfn|Nintendo|2009|p=13}}

Unlike previous models, the handheld has two VGA (0.3-megapixel) digital cameras. The first is on the internal hinge and points toward the user; the second is on the outer casing and faces away from the user.{{cite web|url=http://www.bit-tech.net/gaming/dsi/2009/03/17/nintendo-dsi-review/2| title=Nintendo DSi Review|access-date=March 20, 2009|author=Joe Martin|date=March 17, 2009|work=Bit-tech|publisher=Dennis Publishing|page=2|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090320033239/http://www.bit-tech.net/gaming/dsi/2009/03/17/nintendo-dsi-review/2 |archive-date=March 20, 2009|url-status=live}} The SD card slot is also new, set behind a cover on the right side. While the DS Lite used a switch, the DSi, like the original Nintendo DS, features a button to power on or off. The button has extra functions and unlike the original's power button, it is located on the bottom-left side of the touchscreen.{{cite web |url=http://reviews.cnet.com/consoles/nintendo-ds-lite-polar/4505-10109_7-31756952.html|title=Nintendo DS Lite review|access-date=September 17, 2013|author=John Falcone|date=March 16, 2009|work=CNET|publisher=CBS Interactive|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120903130115/http://reviews.cnet.com/consoles/nintendo-ds-lite-polar/4505-10109_7-31756952.html|archive-date=September 3, 2012|url-status=live}} Brightness and volume controls are on the left side; five brightness settings—one more than on the DS Lite—are available. The headset port is on the bottom.

The DSi has a matte surface to hide fingerprints. It is available in numerous colors, but color selection varies by region.{{cite press release|title=Nintendo Unveils Wii Fit Plus Launch Date and New Colors of Nintendo DSi, Wii Remote|publisher=Nintendo|date=September 1, 2009|url=http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20090831006002/en|access-date=September 1, 2009}}{{cite web|url=http://www.next-gen.biz/news/nintendo-reveals-3-new-dsi-colours|title=Nintendo Reveals 3 New DSi Colours|access-date=August 25, 2010|author=Rob Crossley|date=February 25, 2009|work=Edge|publisher=Future plc|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101027155932/http://www.next-gen.biz/news/nintendo-reveals-3-new-dsi-colours|archive-date=October 27, 2010|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=https://www.nintendo.co.uk/NOE/en_GB/news/2009/new_colours_for_the_nintendo_dsi_14609.html |publisher=Nintendo |work=Nintendo of Europe |title=New colours for the Nintendo DSi |date=September 22, 2009 |access-date=September 23, 2009 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130421055728/http://www.nintendo.co.uk/NOE/en_GB/news/2009/new_colours_for_the_nintendo_dsi_14609.html |archive-date=April 21, 2013 |url-status=dead }} For example, lime green is exclusive to Japan,{{cite web|url=http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/nintendo-unveils-black-coloured-wii-in-japan|title=Nintendo unveils black-coloured Wii in Japan|access-date=June 4, 2009|author=David Jenkins|date=June 4, 2009|work=GamesIndustry.biz|publisher=Eurogamer Network|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090607074742/http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/nintendo-unveils-black-coloured-wii-in-japan |archive-date=June 7, 2009 }} while red is available in Europe and North America.{{cite web|url=https://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2407943,00.asp|title=Nintendo Tips Matte Red, Blue DSi Models|access-date=August 1, 2012|author=Angela Moscaritolo |date=August 1, 2012|work=PC Magazine|publisher=Ziff Davis}} North America also received a different shade of blue. Numerous special-edition models and bundles have been released, including those for Ace Attorney Investigations: Miles Edgeworth, Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Echoes of Time, and the 2009 Black Friday shopping day.{{cite web|url=http://ds.ign.com/articles/940/940383p1.html|title=Echoes of Time DSi Design Revealed|access-date=September 22, 2009|author=John Tanaka|date=December 22, 2008|work=IGN|publisher=Fox Interactive Media|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090206071808/http://ds.ign.com/articles/940/940383p1.html|archive-date=February 6, 2009}}{{cite web|url=http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3173566|title=Limited Edition Ace Attorney DSi Coming to Japan|access-date=June 11, 2009|author=Justin Haywald|date=April 2, 2009|work=1UP.com|publisher=UGO Networks|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120630021441/http://www.1up.com/news/limited-edition-ace-attorney-dsi|archive-date=June 30, 2012|url-status=dead}}{{cite magazine|url=https://techland.time.com/2009/11/23/two-new-nintendo-dsi-bundles-for-black-friday/|title=Two New Nintendo DSi Bundles For Black Friday|access-date=February 11, 2012|author=Peter Ha|date=November 23, 2009|magazine=Time|publisher=Time Inc.}}

File:Nintendo DSi main and sub pcb.jpgs|alt=A large and small printed circuit board connected together. A metal chassis and main electronic components dominate opposite ends of the large PCB.]]

The DSi has more RAM and a faster CPU than the DS Lite.{{cite web|url=http://news.cnet.com/gaming-preview-who-should-buy-the-nintendo-dsi-and-who-shouldnt/|title=Gaming preview: Who should buy the Nintendo DSi and who shouldn't|author=Jeff Bakalar|date=February 20, 2009|access-date=March 18, 2009|work=CNET|publisher=CBS Interactive|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110617083914/http://news.cnet.com/gaming-preview-who-should-buy-the-nintendo-dsi-and-who-shouldnt/|archive-date=June 17, 2011|url-status=live}} Developers reported the console has a native mode, which runs software specifically designed for its hardware, access to the system's extra processing and memory resources.{{cite web|url=http://ds.ign.com/articles/951/951086p2.html|title=Virtual Console on DSi?|access-date=October 1, 2010|date=February 4, 2009|author=Craig Harris|work=IGN|publisher=Fox Interactive Media|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090226095909/http://ds.ign.com/articles/951/951086p2.html|archive-date=February 26, 2009|url-status=live}} The inclusion of a codec integrated circuit (a microchip) amplifies sound signals and converts them from digital to analog. This increases audio output, and depending on the mode, higher audio quality. Unused space on the motherboard was removed; the CPU was relocated, and the battery housing was expanded.

The camera's resolution is two-and-a-half times higher than the handheld's screens. However, their resolution is considerably lower than contemporaneous digital cameras and mobile phones. This was done to help keep their price reasonable and to maintain a preferable response time for viewing photos in quick succession, particularly since numerous applications will use them.{{cite web|url=http://www.1up.com/news/gdc-2009-inspired-dsi|title=GDC 2009: What Inspired the DSi's Creation?|access-date=May 28, 2011|author=Ray Barnholt|date=March 26, 2009|work=1UP.com|publisher=UGO Networks|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121019143137/http://www.1up.com/news/gdc-2009-inspired-dsi|archive-date=October 19, 2012}}

• CPU: The DSi has two ARM architecture CPUs: ARM9 clocked at 133 MHz and ARM7 clocked at 33 MHz.{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2010/09/23/the-nintendo-3ds-vs-the-world|title=The Nintendo 3DS vs. The World|access-date=March 9, 2013|author=Scott Lowe|date=September 22, 2010|work=IGN|publisher=Fox Interactive Media|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120120104213/http://www.ign.com/articles/2010/09/23/the-nintendo-3ds-vs-the-world|archive-date=January 20, 2012|url-status=live}} Its ARM9 is twice as fast as previous models.{{cite journal |author=Jan Birkeland |date=May 26, 2009 |title=Nintendo DSi: Handheld console |publisher=Fairfax Media Business Group |journal=PCWorld |url=http://pcworld.co.nz/pcworld/pcw.nsf/reviews/C38AEE5112690F4ECC2575C1000A4FBE |access-date=February 6, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100513092001/http://pcworld.co.nz/pcworld/pcw.nsf/reviews/C38AEE5112690F4ECC2575C1000A4FBE |archive-date=May 13, 2010 |url-status=dead }}
• RAM: 16 MB (four times as much as previous models)
• Screen resolution: 256 × 192 pixels per screen (same as previous models){{cite web|url=http://ds.ign.com/articles/549/549922p1.html|title=Nintendo DS Specs|access-date=May 28, 2011|author=Craig Harris|date=September 20, 2004|work=IGN|publisher=Fox Interactive Media|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100706181331/http://ds.ign.com/articles/549/549922p1.html|archive-date=July 6, 2010}}
• Cameras: 640 × 480 pixels
• Storage: 256 MB of internal flash memory with an SD card (up to 2 GB) and SDHC card (up to 32 GB) expansion slot{{cite web|url=https://www.nintendo.com/consumer/systems/dsi/en_na/sdCards.jsp |title=Nintendo DSi & Nintendo DSi XL – SD Cards |work=Nintendo of America |publisher=Nintendo |access-date=May 27, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100804110351/http://www.nintendo.com/consumer/systems/dsi/en_na/sdCards.jsp |archive-date=August 4, 2010 |url-status=dead}}
• Battery: Shorter than the DS Lite, regardless of brightness setting; for example, the DSi has a battery life of 9–14 hours on the lowest brightness setting, compared to the 15–19 hours of the DS Lite on the same setting. The battery is an 840 mAh internal rechargeable, compared to 1000 mAh for the DS Lite, and has an optimal lifespan of approximately 500 cycles; after this point, it may be replaced by the user.{{Sfn|Nintendo|2009|p=13}}

{{Infobox

| image = File:ニンテンドーDSiとDSiLLの比較 (cropped).JPG

| caption = The Nintendo DSi (left) with its DSi XL model. The larger model's white, black (pictured), and burgundy color schemes were intended to match with living room and dining room settings.{{cite interview|subject=Masato Kuwahara|subject2=Masaki Amano|subject3=Kazou Yoneyama|subject4=Takaki Fujino|interviewer=Satoru Iwata|title=Nintendo DSi XL|url=http://nintendodsi.com/iwata-asks-chapter.jsp?interviewId=4&volumeId=1&chapterId=4|type=Interview: Transcript|work=Iwata Asks|publisher=Nintendo|date=November 30, 2009|access-date=February 11, 2010|location=Kyoto, Japan|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110907123938/http://www.nintendodsi.com/iwata-asks-chapter.jsp?interviewId=4&volumeId=1&chapterId=4 |archive-date=September 7, 2011|url-status=dead|page=4}}

| label3 = Dimensions
(when closed)

| data3 = Depth: {{convert|91.4|mm|in|order=flip}}
Width: {{convert|161.0|mm|in|order=flip}}
Height: {{convert|21.2|mm|in|order=flip}}

| label4 = Weight

| data4 = {{convert|314|g|oz|order=flip}}

}}

The Nintendo DSi XL features larger screens, and a greater overall size, than the original DSi. It is the fourth DS model, the first to be available as a pure size variation.{{cite web|url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/en/library/events/091030/09.html|title=Corporate Management Policy Briefing / Semi-annual Financial Results Briefing|access-date=November 9, 2009|author=Satoru Iwata |date=October 30, 2009|publisher=Nintendo|pages=9–10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091106150931/http://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/en/library/events/091030/09.html|archive-date=November 6, 2009|url-status=live}} Iwata said that cost restraints had, until then, limited the screen size and multiplayer aspects of portable game consoles, and that the DSi XL offers "an improved view angle on the screens", which makes it the first "portable system that can be enjoyed with people surrounding the gamer." He argued that this introduces a new method of playing portable video games, wherein those "surrounding the game player can also join in one way or the other to the gameplay." While the original DSi was specifically designed for individual use, Iwata suggested that DSi XL buyers give the console a "steady place on a table in the living room," so that it might be shared by multiple household members.

The DSi XL is the longest, widest and heaviest DS model.{{cite web|url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ds/dsiLL/spec.html|publisher=Nintendo|access-date=November 9, 2009|title=ニンテンドーDSi LL：スペック|language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110722115913/http://www.nintendo.co.jp/ds/dsiLL/spec.html|archive-date=July 22, 2011|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://ds.ign.com/articles/687/687783p1.html|title=DS Lite Colors Revealed|access-date=December 3, 2009|author=Anoop Gantayat|date=February 10, 2006|work=IGN|publisher=Fox Interactive Media|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090203170240/http://ds.ign.com/articles/687/687783p1.html|archive-date =February 3, 2009|url-status=live}} The console features two {{convert|4.2|in|mm|adj=on}} wide-viewing-angle LCD screens with the same resolution as the smaller model. It has improved battery life over the DSi on all brightness settings; for example, batteries last 13–17 hours at the dimmest setting. The handheld is outfitted with identical speakers contained in larger speaker enclosures, enabling them to produce louder sound. The hinges stop the screen at 120° in addition to the original DSi's position of 155° to allow easier table-top viewing. The DSi XL is bundled with two longer styli, one of which is thicker, rounded, and pen-like,{{Sfn|Nintendo|2009|p=111}} and does not fit inside the unit.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.wired.com/reviews/2010/02/pr_dsi_xl|title=Product reviews: Nintendo DSi XL|access-date=April 7, 2010|date=February 1, 2010|author=Chris Kohler|magazine=Wired|publisher=Condé Nast Publications|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100812045047/http://www.wired.com/reviews/product/pr_dsi_xl|archive-date =August 12, 2010|url-status=live}}

The DSi XL has a matte surface, and the exterior of its top panel is coated with a gloss finish. It is available in eight two-toned colors, varying by region{{cite web|url=http://ds.ign.com/articles/109/1095411p1.html |title=Midnight Blue DSi XL in July|author=Craig Harris|date=June 8, 2010 |access-date=July 14, 2010|work=IGN|publisher=Fox Interactive Media|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110803111223/http://ds.ign.com/articles/109/1095411p1.html |archive-date=August 3, 2011|url-status=dead}}{{cite web |url=https://www.nintendo.com.au/index.php?action=news&nid=309&pageID=6 |title=New Colours for Nintendo DSi XL (Plus great new Nintendo DS games) |date=August 26, 2010 |work=Nintendo Australia |publisher=Nintendo |access-date=September 5, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100914215340/http://www.nintendo.com.au/index.php?pageID=6&action=news§ionID=1 |archive-date=September 14, 2010 |url-status=dead }} such as white, green,{{cite web|url=https://www.nintendo.co.uk/NOE/en_GB/news/2010/a_bright_future_ahead_for_nintendo_dsi_xl_19103.html |publisher=Nintendo |work=Nintendo of Europe |title=A bright future ahead for Nintendo DSi XL |date=September 14, 2010 |access-date=September 23, 2009 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130421011910/http://www.nintendo.co.uk/NOE/en_GB/news/2010/a_bright_future_ahead_for_nintendo_dsi_xl_19103.html |archive-date=April 21, 2013 |url-status=live }} red, yellow, and pink.{{cite web|url=http://www.1up.com/news/dsi-xl-same-price-3ds-pink-color|title=DSi XL, Still the Same Price as a 3DS, Gets Pink as a New Color|access-date=October 6, 2011|author=Chris Pereira|date=September 9, 2011|work=1UP.com|publisher=UGO Networks|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111015165401/http://www.1up.com/news/dsi-xl-same-price-3ds-pink-color|archive-date=October 15, 2011}} Two special-edition models were released: those for LovePlus+ and the 25th anniversary of Super Mario Bros.{{cite web|url=http://andriasang.com/comlaj/love_plus_plus_special_systems/|title=You'll Love the Love Plus+ DSi LL Systems|author=Anoop Gantayat|date=June 2, 2010|publisher=Andriasang|access-date=October 14, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100607043040/http://www.andriasang.com/e/blog/2010/06/02/love_plus_plus_special_systems/|archive-date=June 7, 2010|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://andriasang.com/compmc/mario_anniversary_dsi/|title=Nintendo Readying Mario Anniversary DSi LL|author=Anoop Gantayat|date=June 2, 2010|publisher=Andriasang|access-date=October 12, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101003231552/http://www.andriasang.com/e/blog/2010/09/29/mario_anniversary_dsi/|archive-date=October 3, 2010|url-status=dead}} Flipnote Studio and the Nintendo DSi Browser come pre-installed with the DSi XL, alongside other, region-specific software.{{cite interview|subject=Masato Kuwahara|subject2=Masaki Amano|subject3=Kazou Yoneyama|subject4=Takaki Fujino|interviewer=Satoru Iwata|title=Nintendo DSi XL|url=http://nintendodsi.com/iwata-asks-chapter.jsp?interviewId=4&volumeId=1&chapterId=5|type=Interview: Transcript|work=Iwata Asks|publisher=Nintendo|date=November 30, 2009|access-date=February 11, 2010|location=Kyoto, Japan|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110904172447/http://www.nintendodsi.com/iwata-asks-chapter.jsp?interviewId=4&volumeId=1&chapterId=5 |archive-date=September 4, 2011|url-status=dead|page=5}}{{cite web|url=http://www.totalvideogames.com/Nintendo-DS/news/Nintendo-Announces-DSi-LL-14707.html|title=Nintendo Announces DSi LL News|access-date=November 24, 2009|author=Chris Leyton|date=October 29, 2009|work=Total Video Games|publisher=TVG Media Ltd|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091101104532/http://www.totalvideogames.com/Nintendo-DS/news/Nintendo-Announces-DSi-LL-14707.html|archive-date=November 1, 2009}}

{{Main|Nintendo DSi system software}}

File:Dsi closed traced.svg

Like the Wii, the DSi has upgradeable firmware, and features a menu interface that displays applications as selectable icons. The seven primary icons represent the game card software, "Nintendo DSi Camera", "Nintendo DSi Sound", "Nintendo DSi Shop", "DS Download Play", "PictoChat", and "system settings"; additional applications may be downloaded from the DSi Shop. Icons are set in a single-row grid navigable with the stylus or D-pad, and may be re-arranged via drag-and-drop.{{Sfn|Nintendo|2009|pp=24–25}} The power button can either soft reset the console, returning it to the main menu, or shut it down. Game cards may be hot swapped when the console is set to the main menu, allowing players to switch game cards without shutting down.{{cite interview|subject=Masato Kuwahara|subject2=Yui Ehara|subject3=Kentaro Mita|interviewer=Satoru Iwata|title=Nintendo DSi (Volume 1 – Hardware)|url=http://www.nintendodsi.com/iwata-asks-chapter.jsp?interviewId=1&volumeId=1&chapterId=4|type=Interview: Transcript|work=Iwata Asks|publisher=Nintendo|access-date=April 17, 2010|location=Kyoto, Japan|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110809201956/http://www.nintendodsi.com/iwata-asks-chapter.jsp?interviewId=1&volumeId=1&chapterId=4|archive-date=August 9, 2011|url-status=dead|page=4}}

The DSi has more extensive multimedia features than previous models; AAC audio files from other devices, pictures, and downloadable software can be stored to an SD card.{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/features/6201087/index.html |title=Nintendo DSi Hands-On |access-date=September 25, 2009 |author=Sarju Shah |date=April 3, 2009 |work=GameSpot |publisher=CBS Interactive |page=1 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100527213353/http://www.gamespot.com/features/6201087/index.html |archive-date=May 27, 2010 |url-status=live }} The latter two do not need external storage and can be stored internally.{{cite web|url=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/213467/features/7-dsi-features-you-may-have-missed/|title=7 DSi Features You May Have Missed|access-date=October 20, 2013|author=Mike Jackson|date=April 24, 2009|work=ComputerAndVideoGames.com|publisher=Future plc|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090427130348/http://computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=213467|archive-date=April 27, 2009|url-status=live}} Before taking a photograph, users may modify the viewfinder's live image with ten "lens" options.{{Sfn|Nintendo|2009|pp=29–31}}{{cite web|url=http://ds.ign.com/articles/927/927128p2.html|title=IGN: Nintendo DSi Hands-on|work=IGN|publisher=Fox Interactive Media|author=Craig Harris|date=November 5, 2008|access-date=March 18, 2009|page=2|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090223035532/http://ds.ign.com/articles/927/927128p2.html|archive-date=February 23, 2009|url-status=live}} Images captured can be uploaded to the Wii's Photo Channel, and, for consoles with the 1.4 firmware update or greater, to the social networking website Facebook.{{Sfn|Satoru Iwata|2008|p=3}}{{cite web|url=https://www.nintendo.com/consumer/systems/dsi/en_na/facebook.jsp |title=Facebook integration with the Nintendo DSi Camera |work=Nintendo of America |publisher=Nintendo |access-date=January 24, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100428052229/http://www.nintendo.com/consumer/systems/dsi/en_na/facebook.jsp |archive-date=April 28, 2010 |url-status=dead }}

The built-in sound player has voice recording and music playback functionality. Voice recordings can be edited with audio filters and manipulated through pitch and playback. Users may save and modify up to 18 ten-second sound clips. These clips cannot be exported to an SD card. Users can play music from SD cards with visualizations displayed on the upper screen. AAC audio with .mp4, .m4a, or .3gp filename extensions are supported, but non-AAC formats, including MP3, are not supported.{{Sfn|Nintendo|2009|p=102}} Sounds like drum beats and the classic Mario jumping noises can be added with button presses. Playing music also has its own set of manipulation options similar to those used for voice recordings, as well as a group of audio filters.{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/features/6201087/p-2.html |title=Nintendo DSi Hands-On |access-date=September 25, 2009 |author=Sarju Shah |date=April 3, 2009 |work=GameSpot |publisher=CBS Interactive |page=2 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100206092231/http://www.gamespot.com/features/6201087/p-2.html |archive-date=February 6, 2010 |url-status=live }} Using headphones, music can be played when the case is closed. Users may export photos, sounds, and Internet settings to a 3DS.{{cite web |title=What Is Transferred During the Data Transfer Process? |url=https://www.nintendo.com/consumer/systems/3ds/en_na/gi_index.jsp?menu=transfer&submenu=ctr-gi-apps-transfer-what-data |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120217205853/https://www.nintendo.com/consumer/systems/3ds/en_na/gi_index.jsp?menu=transfer&submenu=ctr-gi-apps-transfer-what-data |archive-date=February 17, 2012 |access-date=August 23, 2011 |work=Nintendo of America |publisher=Nintendo}}

The Nintendo DSi connects to the Internet via either its built-in 802.11b/g Wi-Fi or a Nintendo Wi-Fi USB Connector; both methods granted access to the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection service.{{Sfn|Nintendo|2009|pp=76–79}} The DSi supports WEP, WPA (AES/TKIP), and WPA2 (AES/TKIP) wireless encryption;{{Sfn|Nintendo|2009|p=94}} only software with built-in support can use the latter two encryption types, as they were not supported by the DS and DS Lite.{{cite web |title=Wireless Home Router Support |url=https://www.nintendo.com/consumer/wfc/en_na/ds/wrWEPkeyHelp.jsp |access-date=July 3, 2009 |work=Nintendo of America |publisher=Nintendo|url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090422040130/https://www.nintendo.com/consumer/wfc/en_na/ds/wrWEPkeyHelp.jsp |archive-date=April 22, 2009}}{{cite interview|subject=青山|subject2=畑山|subject3=藤原|interviewer= Satoru Iwata|title=社長が訊く「ニンテンドーWi-Fiネットワークアダプタ|url=http://wifi.nintendo.co.jp/wap/interview/index.html|type=Interview: Transcript|work=Iwata Asks|publisher=Nintendo|year=2008|access-date=September 24, 2009|location=Kyoto, Japan|language=ja|quote=Though the new browser and those programs designed exclusively for the DSi will use a high level of security, existing DS software will use existing encryption.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090501204118/http://wifi.nintendo.co.jp/wap/interview/index.html|archive-date=May 1, 2009}} Up to six wireless Internet connection profiles can be saved; using the traditional setup method, the first three profiles support WEP encryption, while the remaining three are selectable under a more advanced option, which supports WPA encryption. Under this advanced option, users may access the Wi-Fi Protected Setup method and configure proxy settings.{{Sfn|Nintendo|2009|pp=87–88}} The DSi could automatically detect Nintendo Zone service areas thus preventing the need to manually setup Wi-Fi connections. The service offered demos of upcoming and currently available games, access to the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection and DSi Shop, and may have had location-specific content.{{Sfn|Satoru Iwata|2008|p=5}}

{{See also|List of DSiWare games and applications|List of Nintendo DS games (A–C)|List of Nintendo DS games (D–I)|List of Nintendo DS games (J–P)|List of Nintendo DS games (Q–Z)}}

File:Nintendo DS Guitar Grip - 2625601134.jpg

All DS games are compatible with the DSi, except those that require the GBA slot.{{cite web |url=https://www.nintendo.com/consumer/systems/dsi/en_na/faq.jsp|title=Frequently Asked Questions (What games can be played on the Nintendo DSi?)|work=Nintendo of America|publisher=Nintendo|access-date=October 28, 2009}} Because of its absence, the DSi is not backward compatible with GBA Game Paks or with accessories that require the GBA slot, such as the Nintendo DS Rumble Pak and the Guitar Hero: On Tour series guitar grip.{{cite web|url=http://ds.ign.com/articles/921/921239p1.html|title=DSi: Bye Bye GBA Slot|access-date=February 22, 2009|author=Craig Harris|date=October 17, 2008|work=IGN|publisher=Fox Interactive Media|pages=1–2, 4|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090301072339/http://ds.ign.com/articles/921/921239p1.html|archive-date=March 1, 2009|url-status=live}} "DSi-enhanced" game cards contain DSi-exclusive features, but can still be used with earlier models; "DSi-exclusive" game cards cannot.{{cite web|url=http://ds.ign.com/articles/966/966301p1.html|title=GDC 09: DSi Hybrid, Exclusive Carts Soon|access-date=June 23, 2010|date=March 25, 2009|author=Craig Harris|work=IGN|publisher=Fox Interactive Media|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090327175846/http://ds.ign.com/articles/966/966301p1.html|archive-date=March 27, 2009|url-status=live}} The DSi is Nintendo's first region-locked handheld; it prevents using certain software released for another region. Due to regional differences in Internet services and parental controls, DSi-specific software is region locked. However, cartridge software compatible with previous models, Internet browsing, and photo sharing are not locked.{{cite web|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/nintendo-dsi-software-region-locked|title=Nintendo DSi software region-locked|access-date=February 25, 2009|author=Tom Bramwell|date=October 6, 2008|work=Eurogamer|publisher=Eurogamer Network|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090126204037/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/nintendo-dsi-software-region-locked|archive-date=January 26, 2009|url-status=live}}{{#tag:ref|IGN, however, tested a United States DSi-enhanced game on a Japanese DSi handheld and found it to be region-locked.{{cite web|url=http://ds.ign.com/articles/102/1027349p1.html|title=Yes, DSi Carts are Region Locked|access-date=November 4, 2011|author=Craig Harris|date=September 22, 2009|work=IGN|publisher=Fox Interactive Media|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101212124255/http://ds.ign.com/articles/102/1027349p1.html|archive-date=December 12, 2010 |url-status=live}}|group=cn|name=DSi enhanced}} Homebrew flash cards designed for previous DS models are incompatible with the DSi, but new cards capable of running DS software on a DSi were available.{{cite web|url=http://www.mcvuk.com/news/32587/Hackers-crack-the-DS|title=Hackers crack the DS|access-date=February 25, 2009|author=Christopher Dring|date=December 4, 2008|work=Market for Home Computing and Video Games|publisher=Intent Media|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090530013950/http://www.mcvuk.com/news/32587/Hackers-crack-the-DS|archive-date=May 30, 2009|url-status=live}}

Like the Wii, the DSi could connect to an online store.{{cite web|url=http://uk.ds.ign.com/articles/926/926277p1.html|title=DSi Versus The Internet|access-date=February 22, 2009|author=Anoop Gantayat|date=November 1, 2008|work=IGN|publisher=Fox Interactive Media|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090122125657/http://uk.ds.ign.com/articles/926/926277p1.html|archive-date=January 22, 2009|url-status=live}} The store, called the DSi Shop, allowed users to download DSiWare games and applications, which were paid for with DSi points. This is acquired with a Nintendo Points Prepaid Card (previously known as Wii Points Prepaid Card){{Sfn|Satoru Iwata|2008|pp=3–4}} or a credit card.{{cite web|url=https://www.pocketgamer.com/how-tos/how-to-buy-nintendo-dsi-points/|title=How to buy Nintendo DSi Points|access-date=December 13, 2023|date=April 3, 2009|author=Jon Jordan|work=Pocket Gamer|publisher=Steel Media Ltd|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230309074141/https://www.pocketgamer.com/how-tos/how-to-buy-nintendo-dsi-points/|archive-date=March 9, 2023|url-status=live}} Application prices followed a three-tiered pricing scheme.{{cite web|url=http://ds.ign.com/articles/917/917200p1.html|title=DSi: Just the Facts (And a Little Speculation)|access-date=November 19, 2009|date=October 7, 2008|author=Craig Harris|work=IGN|publisher=Fox Interactive Media|pages=1–3|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090317183536/http://ds.ign.com/articles/917/917200p1.html|archive-date=March 17, 2009|url-status=live}} The service launched with the DSi Browser, a free web browser developed by Opera Software and Nintendo.{{Sfn|Satoru Iwata|2008|p=4}} A DSiWare trial campaign, whose expiration date varied by region, formerly offered 1,000 free Nintendo Points to each DSi that accesses the DSi Shop.{{#tag:ref|Trial expiration date is based on when the DSi is released for the respective region. For example, expiring March 2010 in Japan,{{Sfn|Satoru Iwata|2008|p=4}} but March 2011 in China.{{cite web|url=http://www.ique.com/DSi/DSiware.htm|title=iQue DSiWare |access-date=December 11, 2009|publisher=iQue |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091206045236/http://www.ique.com/DSi/DSiware.htm|archive-date=December 6, 2009|url-status=dead|language=zh}}|group=cn|name=trial}} Over 500 downloadable games were available, varying by region.{{cite web|url=https://www.polygon.com/nintendo/2017/3/28/15086824/nintendo-dsi-shop-closing|title=PSA: Nintendo closing DSi Shop this week|access-date=May 26, 2019|author=Owen Good|date=March 28, 2017|work=Polygon|publisher=Vox Media|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170331002940/https://www.polygon.com/nintendo/2017/3/28/15086824/nintendo-dsi-shop-closing|archive-date=March 31, 2017|url-status=live}} Purchased DSiWare on DSi or DSi XL consoles cannot be transferred between units unless that console is repaired or replaced by Nintendo.{{cite web|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/dsiware-buys-are-non-transferrable|title=DSiWare buys are {{sic|non-transferrable|nolink=y|expected=non-transferable}}|access-date=March 13, 2010|author=Robert Purchese|date=September 30, 2009|work=Eurogamer|publisher=Eurogamer Network|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091003001156/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/dsiware-buys-are-non-transferrable|archive-date=October 3, 2009|url-status=live}} Most DSiWare can be transferred to a 3DS, however saved data cannot.{{cite web |url=https://www.nintendo.com/consumer/systems/3ds/en_na/gi_index.jsp?menu=applications%20and%20features&submenu=ctr-gi-apps-dsiware-wont-transfer|title=What DSiWare Games Cannot be Transferred to the Nintendo 3DS?|work=Nintendo of America|publisher=Nintendo|access-date=August 23, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130209001731/http://www.nintendo.com/consumer/systems/3ds/en_na/gi_index.jsp?menu=applications%20and%20features&submenu=ctr-gi-apps-dsiware-wont-transfer|archive-date=February 9, 2013|url-status=dead}} Funding DSi Points was discontinued on September 30, 2016, and the Nintendo DSi Shop was shut down on March 31, 2017.{{cite web|url=https://www.nintendo.com/whatsnew/detail/XGEfEBHAg9SN7BGTyAWrVQKt_3lR4Laj|title=A Message about the Nintendo DSi Shop|work=Nintendo of America|publisher=Nintendo|access-date=May 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160406043142/http://www.nintendo.com/whatsnew/detail/XGEfEBHAg9SN7BGTyAWrVQKt_3lR4Laj|archive-date=April 6, 2016|url-status=dead}}

{{Clear}}

File:Nintendo DS product line.jpg

The Nintendo DSi received generally positive reviews. Critics praised many of the console's changes to the DS Lite's aesthetic and functionality, but complained that it launched with insufficient exclusive software.{{#tag:ref|According to Bit-tech,{{cite web|url=http://www.bit-tech.net/gaming/dsi/2009/03/17/nintendo-dsi-review/3| title=Nintendo DSi Review|access-date=March 20, 2009|author=Joe Martin|date=March 17, 2009|work=Bit-tech|publisher=Dennis Publishing|page=3|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090320033244/http://www.bit-tech.net/gaming/dsi/2009/03/17/nintendo-dsi-review/3|archive-date =March 20, 2009|url-status=live}} PCWorld New Zealand, Ars Technica,{{cite web|url=https://arstechnica.com/gaming/reviews/2009/04/where-were-going-we-wont-need-stores-ars-reviews-the-dsi.ars/2|title=The toy that roared: Ars reviews the DSi|access-date=February 9, 2010|author=Ben Kuchera|date=April 4, 2009|work=Ars Technica|publisher=Condé Nast Publications|pages=2–3|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090620010004/http://arstechnica.com/gaming/reviews/2009/04/where-were-going-we-wont-need-stores-ars-reviews-the-dsi.ars/2|archive-date=June 20, 2009|url-status=live}} IGN,{{cite web|url=http://gear.ign.com/articles/970/970172p1.html|title=Nintendo DSi Review|access-date=April 20, 2009|author=Craig Harris|author2=Scott Lowe |date=April 6, 2009|work=IGN|publisher=Fox Interactive Media|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090409101758/http://gear.ign.com/articles/970/970172p1.html|archive-date=April 9, 2009|url-status=live}} and CNET UK.{{cite web |url=http://reviews.cnet.co.uk/gamesconsoles/0,139102148,49301534,00.htm |title=Nintendo DSi review |access-date=September 12, 2009 |author=Rory Reid |date=March 16, 2009 |work=CNET UK |publisher=CBS Interactive |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100527001615/http://reviews.cnet.co.uk/gamesconsoles/0,139102148,49301534,00.htm |archive-date=May 27, 2010 |url-status=dead }}|group=cn|name=exclusive software}} IGN's Craig Harris noted that the DSi-exclusive software library and DSi Shop were lacking in content even after five months on the Japanese market. Jeff Bakalar of CNET said that owners of the original DS should consider buying a DSi, but that its only incentive for DS Lite owners was the DSi Shop.{{cite web |url=http://reviews.cnet.com/nintendo-dsi/|title=Nintendo DSi review|access-date=April 20, 2009|author=Jeff Bakalar|date=April 5, 2009|work=CNET|publisher=CBS Interactive|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090618035743/http://reviews.cnet.com/nintendo-dsi/|archive-date=June 18, 2009|url-status=live}} PCWorld New Zealand's Jan Birkeland shared Bakalar's opinion, but believed that it was too early to judge the quality of DSi Shop software. Many critics were disappointed by the removal of the GBA cartridge slot,{{#tag:ref|According to Bit-tech, CNET, BusinessWeek, IGN, and PCWorld.|group=cn|name=gba slot}} but some of them, such as PCWorld{{'}}s Darren Gladstone, Bit-tech{{'}}s Joe Martin, and IGN's Harris and Lowe, believed that it was a reasonable exchange for SD card support and the DSi Shop. However, Bakalar stated, "We'd gladly give up the 4 millimeters [of reduced thickness] to be able to play any Game Boy Advance game."

Most reviewers criticized the quality of its cameras,{{cite news|title=Loaded but limited – Nintendo DSi features Web access, 2 cameras – and a few problems|author=Victor Godinez|work=The Dallas Morning News|publisher=A. H. Belo|date=April 10, 2009|page=2D}}{{cite news|title=Game Review: DSi adds cameras, downloads to – Nintendo's portable|author=Lou Kesten|via=Associated Press|work=The Daily News |publisher=Johnson Newspaper Corporation|date=April 8, 2009|page=1A}} particularly due to their resolution in comparison to contemporaneous mobile phones.{{cite journal| author=Darren Gladstone| date= April 1, 2009| title= Nintendo DSi Review: Slimmer, More Multimedia-Savvy| journal=PCWorld| url= http://www.pcworld.com/article/162366/nintendo_dsi_review_slimmer_more_multimediasavvy.html| access-date= April 20, 2009|publisher=IDG|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110606051239/http://www.pcworld.com/article/162366/nintendo_dsi_review_slimmer_more_multimediasavvy.html|archive-date=June 6, 2011|url-status=live}} They considered them sufficient for the DSi's screens, however.{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/features/6201087/p-3.html |title=Nintendo DSi Hands-On |access-date=September 25, 2009 |author=Sarju Shah |date=April 3, 2009 |work=GameSpot |publisher=CBS Interactive |page=3 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100217111042/http://www.gamespot.com/features/6201087/p-3.html |archive-date=February 17, 2010 |url-status=live }} Harris and Lowe believed that the camera's only use was to take "silly pictures of yourself and others". They complained about the difficulty of taking photographs in low-light environments, and said that low-light images were tinged green or blue. Opinions on the DSi's photograph-editing tools were varied: Bit-tech{{'}}s Martin and Reid considered them to be a gimmick, but Bakalar and Cliff Edwards of BusinessWeek thought otherwise.{{cite journal|author=Cliff Edwards |date=April 10, 2009 |title=Nintendo's New DSi: Well Worth the Money |journal=BusinessWeek |url=http://www.businessweek.com/technology/content/apr2009/tc2009049_147316.htm |access-date=April 20, 2009 |publisher=McGraw-Hill |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100401203913/http://www.businessweek.com/technology/content/apr2009/tc2009049_147316.htm |archive-date=April 1, 2010 |url-status=dead }} Edwards said that the camera's use in gameplay was a new opportunity for developers; Martin did not think that the concept would be widely adopted, as he believed it to be "a gimmick that would alienate [...] DS Lite owners". Eurogamer's Tom Bramwell speculated that the DSi follows Game & Watch and Game Boy creator Gunpei Yokoi's philosophy of using dated technology developers are familiar with to introduce new game design concepts that are inexpensive enough for mass production at a profit. He argued its features are designed to "briefly entertain" early adopters while encouraging "developers to consider it as an alternative [of the DS Lite]" to build an attractive game library for the long term.{{cite web|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/nintendo-dsi-article|title=Nintendo DSi: A defence|access-date=March 6, 2010|author=Tom Bramwell|date=March 6, 2009|work=Eurogamer|publisher=Eurogamer Network|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100819045326/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/nintendo-dsi-article|archive-date=August 19, 2010|url-status=live}}

Because of the DSi's additions to the DS Lite design, critics recommended the console to those who had not purchased a previous DS model.{{#tag:ref|According to CNET, PCWorld New Zealand, BusinessWeek, IGN, CNET UK, and the Los Angeles Times.{{cite news|author=Pete Metzger |date=April 5, 2009 |title=Review: Nintendo DSi offers evolutionary, not revolutionary, upgrade over DS Lite |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |url=http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/technology/2009/04/nintendodsireviewconsole.html |access-date=July 13, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110210073707/http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/technology/2009/04/nintendodsireviewconsole.html |archive-date=February 10, 2011 |url-status=live }} |group=cn|name=dsi addition}} Pete Metzger of the Los Angeles Times considered the DSi to be "more like version 2.5 than a total reboot", but called its new features "worthwhile additions to an already great product." Gladstone gave the DSi a score of 75/100, and said that Nintendo "puts in smart nips and tucks to its already-svelte handheld while adding a raft of useful multimedia features." Harris and Lowe defined the console's hardware redesign as "evolutionary", rather than "revolutionary". After the DSi was unveiled, Goldman Sachs analyst Matthew J. Fassler called the DSi Shop a "tangible early threat" to big-box stores and retailers.{{cite journal| via=Associated Press| date= October 2, 2008| title=Analyst: Best Buy video-game sales vulnerable| journal=BusinessWeek|url=http://www.businessweek.com/ap/financialnews/D93IEBIG0.htm|access-date=November 25, 2009|publisher=McGraw-Hill|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081005035805/http://www.businessweek.com/ap/financialnews/D93IEBIG0.htm|archive-date=October 5, 2008|url-status=dead}} Martin believed that the cameras and DSi Shop did not justify purchasing the DSi at launch, but, in line with the general consensus, saw potential in future software for the console.{{#tag:ref|According to Bit-tech, Ars Technica, BusinessWeek, IGN, Eurogamer, and GameSpot.{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/features/6201087/p-4.html |title=Nintendo DSi Hands-On |access-date=September 25, 2009 |author=Sarju Shah |date=April 3, 2009 |work=GameSpot |publisher=CBS Interactive |page=4 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100413080305/http://www.gamespot.com/features/6201087/p-4.html |archive-date=April 13, 2010 |url-status=live }}|group=cn|name=future}}

Douglas Rankine of Wired UK and McKinley Noble of GamePro thought previously existing Nintendo DS games were revitalized with the Nintendo DSi XL's larger screens; games like Scribblenauts and The World Ends with You benefited from increased touchscreen precision and increased legibility of text, respectively.{{cite web|author=Douglas Rankine|url=https://www.wired.co.uk/reviews/gadgets/2010-01/29/nintendo-dsi-xl-review|title=Nintendo DSi XL review|work=Wired.co.uk|date=January 29, 2010|access-date=July 14, 2010|publisher=Condé Nast Publications|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110105021609/http://www.wired.co.uk/reviews/gadgets/2010-01/29/nintendo-dsi-xl-review|archive-date=January 5, 2011|url-status=dead}}{{cite magazine|url=http://www.gamepro.com/article/reviews/214595/nintendo-dsi-xl/|title=Nintendo DSi XL (review)|access-date=August 18, 2011|author=McKinley Noble|date=March 29, 2010|publisher=IDG|magazine=GamePro|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100808023915/http://www.gamepro.com/article/reviews/214595/nintendo-dsi-xl/|archive-date=August 8, 2010|url-status=dead}} CVG's Mike Jackson argued that the bigger screens, which made its unchanged resolution blockier, would probably be less noticeable to the older demographic for which the XL is undoubtedly designed.{{cite web|url=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=228030|title=Nintendo DSi XL Review|access-date=November 30, 2009|author=Mike Jackson|date=November 23, 2009|work=ComputerAndVideoGames.com|publisher=Future plc|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100102120153/http://computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=228030|archive-date=January 2, 2010|url-status=live}} However, Jackson and IGN's Scott Lowe and Chris Burke agreed its clear and vivid colors considerably compensated for its unchanged resolution.{{cite web|url=http://gear.ign.com/articles/108/1080049p1.html|title=Nintendo DSi XL Review|access-date=April 20, 2009|author=Scott Lowe|author2=Chris Burke |date=April 6, 2009|work=IGN|publisher=Fox Interactive Media|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100915113759/http://gear.ign.com/articles/108/1080049p1.html|archive-date=September 15, 2010|url-status=live}} Carol Mangis of PC Magazine thought families looking to share a handheld between members should consider a DSi XL, but the larger screens were not enough of an incentive for current DSi owners to upgrade.{{cite web|url=https://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2361947,00.asp |title=Nintendo DSi XL Review & Rating |access-date=February 6, 2011 |author=Carol Mangis |date=March 29, 2009 |work=PC Magazine |publisher=Ziff Davis |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120106132558/http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0%2C2817%2C2361947%2C00.asp |archive-date=January 6, 2012 |url-status=live }} Lowe, Burke, Jackson, and Bakalar concluded the larger DSi model is not an essential upgrade; Jackson explained "if you tend not to carry it out with you, and only ever tend to use it at home, then the DSi XL is the better choice".

• Game Boy Micro—second revision of Nintendo's previous handheld product line.
• Clamshell design

{{Portal bar|Video games}}

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{{Reflist|30em}}

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• {{cite book|author=Nintendo|year=2009|title=Nintendo DSi Instruction Manual|url=https://www.nintendo.com.au/support/files/DS_Manuals/DSiOperationsManual.pdf|access-date=March 30, 2009|publisher=Nintendo Australia|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110706110533/http://gamesites.nintendo.com.au/support/NintendoDSi_Operations_Manual_AUS.pdf|archive-date=July 6, 2011|url-status=dead}}
• {{cite web|url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/n10/conference2008fall/presen/e/index.html|title=Nintendo Conference Fall 2008|access-date=November 23, 2008|author=Satoru Iwata|date=October 2, 2008|publisher=Nintendo|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090501061452/http://www.nintendo.co.jp/n10/conference2008fall/presen/e/index.html|archive-date=May 1, 2009|url-status=dead}}

{{refend}}

{{Commons category|Nintendo DSi}}

Official websites

• [http://www.ique.com/DSi/index.htm China] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160423074441/http://www.ique.com/DSi/index.htm |date=April 23, 2016 }}
• [https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ds/series/dsi/index.html Japan] ([https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ds/dsiLL/index.html DSi LL])
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20170309015529/http://www.nintendo.co.kr/DSi/intro/DSi_intro1.php South Korea]
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20091208042549/http://www.nintendodsi.com/ United States] ([https://web.archive.org/web/20110128091632/http://www.nintendodsi.com/meet-dsi-xl.jsp DSi XL])

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