Who's picking up a DSi tomorrow?

[c0ldb33r]

I'm planning to pick up a DSi tomorrow, a black one. I've already got a DS Phat and Lite, so why would I want a DSi? The d-pad. I hate the screens on my Phat and I hate the d-pad on the Lite. The DSi seems to solve both these :)

I wonder - how long will it be before I can buy a screen protector for the DSi? I've got screen protectors on both my other DS versions. I don't like the idea of using the stylus without one.

edit: I answered my own question about the screen protector. Amazon.ca has a screen protector and flash cover. (link (http://www.amazon.ca/DSi-3-In-1-Flash-Cover-Black/dp/B001TDLCNQ/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=videogames&qid=1238866356&sr=8-3)) The flash is an interesting idea, although I imagine that it sucks. Come to think about it, I don't know if I'd want "Dreamgear" screen protectors anyway. I'd like official ones.

edit 2: Ahhh.. here we go. Official Hori ones. They come with a longer stylus too, which I like. (link (http://www.amazon.ca/DSi-Screen-Protective-Filter-Stylus/dp/B001U8UQJG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=videogames&qid=1238866540&sr=1-1)). I've got Hori ones on my Phat and Lite and quite like em.

edit 3: I think I'll pick up a Hori clear case as well. (link (http://www.amazon.ca/DSi-Protector-for-Nintendo-Clear/dp/B001U0O6KO/ref=cm_lmf_tit_7_rsrscs1))

Damnit, Nintendo could shit in a bag and I would buy it :(

[joshnickerson]

I probably would love to buy one, but I LITEREALLY bought a DS Lite like a MONTH before the DSi was announced, and I just don't have the cash to buy one now.

Doesn't mean I won't buy one eventually of course... I guess it all depends on what the "DSi Exclusive" games will be...

[Misto]

Yea, I just got a Mario DS Lite around Christmas, and can't afford another handheld to play the same games. I'll probably wait for a price drop, or at least until there are a bunch of exclusives that I would be interested in playing.

[walrusmonger]

I've had my DSI (japanese) for a couple of months, if you play the DS enough it's well worth the upgrade. If you only place once in a while, the DS Lite is fine.

[Ed Oscuro]

Damnit, Nintendo could shit in a bag and I would buy it :(
Enjoy

In your defense, I totally understand the d-pad thing. Let us know how it feels when you get it.

Taking out the GBA cart slot was unforgivable though. Who needs two cameras?! The system itself isn't powerful enough to do decent 3D graphics, so doing texture-mapped player faces on characters seems out of the question :?

[walrusmonger]

Enjoy

In your defense, supposedly this thing has a better d-pad than the Lite, maybe better screens as well.

Taking out the GBA cart slot was unforgivable though. Who needs two cameras?! The system itself isn't powerful enough to do decent 3D graphics, so doing texture-mapped player faces on characters seems out of the question :?

The cameras are pointless, but the screens are both larger and brighter/clearer- so that alone is worth the upgrade if you are a heavy DS user. The new system firmware is also very slick, like the wii.

[Ed Oscuro]

What I really want is some kind of DS player, like the GB Player on the GC. I'm not saying I want to rush out and get a Wii, but having access to more controller options would be nice. Don't have any stylus games at the moment, although I'd like Ninja Gaiden DS - probably explains why I'm thinking about something TV-based.

[maxlords]

Screens are significantly better? Hmm. I really don't like the lack of a cart slot though....maybe when they drop from $200 to a more reasonable price...

[walrusmonger]

Screens are significantly better? Hmm. I really don't like the lack of a cart slot though....maybe when they drop from $200 to a more reasonable price...

Yup, it's not like going from a GBA to a GBA SP or a DS to a DS Lite, but more like going from the original GBA SP to the Micro (except the screens are larger in the DSi's case instead of smaller than the Micro's)

[Princess-Isabela]

no gba slot, no sale.
at least not at this price.
if they have announced some amazing nintendo titles available only through nintendo online store, that may overcome barrier of reluctance.

[Dangerboy]

As a person who bitched about the lack of GBA Slot, I sat back and tried to recall the last time I played a GBA game. After not recalling, I went to my shelf, and observed a protective layering of dust the same gray as an NES deck across all my GBA games.

As a person who bought a Mario Kart DS phat bundle, and has stuck by his DS phat since day 1 of purchase, I never felt the need to upgrade to the Lite.

Knowing my GBA games are rarely played, I proudly reserved a DSi and will be giddily christening it with Valkyrie Profile and Space Invaders Extreme at 12:01 tonight.

Besides, I'd rather hook up the Game Cube with Player and play GBA on the ol' Widescreen. It's the closest to a console Advance Wars I'll ever see. :)

[kupomogli]

I was thinking about picking up a DSi, then tried out my DS to see if it was in a somewhat decent working condition for me trading it into Gamestop for the 50 for purchase towards DSi(I didn't want to screw anyone over with a really bad working system and I do know they refurbish it.)

Luck came to have it that my phat DS is working perfectly again(drink spilled on it from earlier) and I've been playing Dragon Quest Monsters Joker.

While the DSi is a pretty neat upgrade, I'm not picking it up when my PSP can do everything the system can do aside from the touch screen aspect. I personally don't care about slightly smaller screens when the phat works just fine.

[c0ldb33r]

Knowing my GBA games are rarely played, I proudly reserved a DSi and will be giddily christening it with Valkyrie Profile and Space Invaders Extreme at 12:01 tonight.
Where can you get it at 12:01? I have to wait until tomorrow at noon.

[Ed Oscuro]

As a person who bitched about the lack of GBA Slot, I sat back and tried to recall the last time I played a GBA game. After not recalling, I went to my shelf, and observed a protective layering of dust the same gray as an NES deck across all my GBA games.
This is why I laugh at system completists. I love buying things I don't enjoy playing!

[Poofta!]

i play gba games on my ds... and the cameras are useless. i see no reason for me to spend 180 dollars on this piece of hardware.

[Oobgarm]

No, thank you.

[Cobra Commander]

Is the DSi region locked or no? Nintendo seems to be taking a few steps backwards for some reason in the import department. That was one main reason for not wanting the thing. If it's not locked, I may get one eventually.

[c0ldb33r]

Is the DSi region locked or no?
It's my understanding that everything is locked.

IGN has a DSi starter's guide posted:
http://ds.ign.com/dsi/index.html

It's nothing spectacular, but it covers the basics.

[guitargary75]

I picking one up. I hope it has better sound than the DS lite.

[Dangerboy]

This is why I laugh at system completists. I love buying things I don't enjoy playing!

Except I don't collect GBA games. I only have a few, under 10, actually. Both Advance Wars, Guardian Heroes, Gunstar Heroes, a Metroid, and like 3 others.

And considering I'm going through I *f_cking* Will: Story of London for the 5th time in a week on the Laser-freaking-active, some of us who DO have complete collections for their systems do play the all the games.

Hell, I played through Little Miss Spider's Tea Party for god's sake.

Eeesh.

[Dangerboy]

coldbeer:

My store is the only in the district having a midnight opening. THAT I'M NOT WORKING FOR ONCE!

YAY!

[GrandAmChandler]

No DSi for me at that price.

Zelda Gold Triforce DS Lite FTW

GBA Slot or GTFO.

[Dangerboy]

Official first 5 minutes with the DSi: this is going to be nifty.

Next 11 hours of DSi happiness will have to wait...found out at the midnight launch I work...today. I also have no wireless internet right now, so I can't partake in the free 1000
points.

-___-;

[Cobra Commander]

It's my understanding that everything is locked.


So it is.
I'm normally one of Nintendo's biggest fans, but I wouldn't touch this system with a 10 foot pole.

[walrusmonger]

So it is.
I'm normally one of Nintendo's biggest fans, but I wouldn't touch this system with a 10 foot pole.

The system plays DS games from every region, it's the DSi download shop that's locked.

[RPG_Fanatic]

I'll be picking my black one up today!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[NytroSkull7]

Damnit, Nintendo could shit in a bag and I would buy it :(

Did someone say GameCube?

JK! Picking my black DSi later but must visit the bank first.

[Eternal Tune]

Just got mine! Hurray!

[deltoidsteep]

just picked mine up. it almost feels like a completely new system. the menus are great and the dsiware games are pretty cheap, i got aquia and wario ware with with the 1000 free points. being seriously into photography, i was pretty skeptical about the resolution and functionality of these cameras, but they actually are a nice touch. this is by far the best ds.

[c0ldb33r]

I just got mine!

I had to go to work this morning to finish some paperwork. I told myself that I couldn't get the DSi until I was finished work, so it gave me some good incentive to get into work early and finish early.

I just got home with it. I opened it and turned it on to check for dead pixels and there are none. So, I turned it right off and am now fully charging it. The matte finish looks great and it feels really silky smooth too. The screens are nice and bright (brighter than the Lite) and you can actually tell that they're bigger than the Lite. I think the stylus is a little longer, but I'll check later. The d-pad seems awesome and I'll check it out more when it's charged. Finally I'll be able to play Contra 4!

I'm looking forward to checking out the DSi shop.

edit: One thing that I absolutely adore is that you can take out and insert a DS game without freezing the DS. That always pissed me off.

I've taken a few pics of my DSi:

http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s182/c0ldb33r/dsi/th_dsi001.jpg (http://s152.photobucket.com/albums/s182/c0ldb33r/dsi/?action=view&current=dsi001.jpg) http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s182/c0ldb33r/dsi/th_dsi004.jpg (http://s152.photobucket.com/albums/s182/c0ldb33r/dsi/?action=view&current=dsi004.jpg) http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s182/c0ldb33r/dsi/th_dsi005.jpg (http://s152.photobucket.com/albums/s182/c0ldb33r/dsi/?action=view&current=dsi005.jpg)

http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s182/c0ldb33r/dsi/th_dsi010.jpg (http://s152.photobucket.com/albums/s182/c0ldb33r/dsi/?action=view&current=dsi010.jpg) http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s182/c0ldb33r/dsi/th_dsi033.jpg (http://s152.photobucket.com/albums/s182/c0ldb33r/dsi/?action=view&current=dsi033.jpg) http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s182/c0ldb33r/dsi/th_dsi025.jpg (http://s152.photobucket.com/albums/s182/c0ldb33r/dsi/?action=view&current=dsi025.jpg)

http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s182/c0ldb33r/dsi/th_dsi022.jpg (http://s152.photobucket.com/albums/s182/c0ldb33r/dsi/?action=view&current=dsi022.jpg) http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s182/c0ldb33r/dsi/th_dsi055.jpg (http://s152.photobucket.com/albums/s182/c0ldb33r/dsi/?action=view&current=dsi055.jpg) http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s182/c0ldb33r/dsi/th_dsi028.jpg (http://s152.photobucket.com/albums/s182/c0ldb33r/dsi/?action=view&current=dsi028.jpg)

Some of the pics make the screen look blurry or have odd vertical lines, these are just interference with my camera and not noticeable in real life.

[Ed Oscuro]

The d-pad seems awesome and I'll check it out more when it's charged. Finally I'll be able to play Contra 4!
Groovy! :cool:

Thanks for the side-by-side pics. I'll wait for your hands-on about the d-pad because I'm a bit suspicious of any crosspad-shaped d-pad design.

[c0ldb33r]

I'll wait for your hands-on about the d-pad because I'm a bit suspicious of any crosspad-shaped d-pad design.
The d-pad is great. Contra 4 is actually fun now. It's a little more flush to the DS than the DS Lite's was. As a result, it feels a lot like the the d-pad on the GBA SP. If you liked the SP's d-pad, you should like this one. I really liked the SP's d-pad, so I'm pleased with it.

Here's a side-by-side with the DS Lite and GBA SP. The difference doesn't look like much, but the DSi feels a lot better than the Lite. (DSi on the left, Lite in the middle, GBA SP2 on the right)

http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s182/c0ldb33r/dsi/th_dsi008.jpg (http://s152.photobucket.com/albums/s182/c0ldb33r/dsi/?action=view&current=dsi008.jpg) http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s182/c0ldb33r/dsi/th_dsi009.jpg (http://s152.photobucket.com/albums/s182/c0ldb33r/dsi/?action=view&current=dsi009.jpg) http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s182/c0ldb33r/dsi/th_dsi068.jpg (http://s152.photobucket.com/albums/s182/c0ldb33r/dsi/?action=view&current=dsi068.jpg)

[Chemdawg]

my ds lite still works perfectly, and the camara really doesn't matter to me at all. so really i see don't see a slightly larger screen being worth $180, when i only play my ds a couples a week at best anyway.

[Ed Oscuro]

The d-pad is great. Contra 4 is actually fun now.
I take it diagonals are much easier to hit now, then?

[c0ldb33r]

I take it diagonals are much easier to hit now, then?
Well, they are for me. The diagonals on my Lite sucked. This is much better. I understand that there are some Lites that had better diagonals, I don't know how this compares to those. But yeah, it seems to me that diagonals are much better.

Also, while I've never used the original DS browser, I read that it was absolutely terrible. This one works pretty well. I checked out DP, checked my gmail, it was alright. It was pretty quick at loading pages and is easier to use than the PSP one.

PROTIP: You can now adjust the screen brightness mid-game. Hold select and then press vol + to increase brightness and vol - to reduce it. I love being able to do this mid-game.

[Sonicwolf]

I actually bought a DSlite a few days ago because I wanted the brighter screen and GBA compatability. It was an act of desperation... I wasnt expecting the DSlite to disappear so soon..

[c0ldb33r]

I'm typing this on the DSi. The web browser seems to work fine. It can view websites, images and animated gifs. It cannot, however, use youtube videos.

[glorfindel]

picked up my dsi at one of those lame midnight release "party's" it was a bunch of 10 year olds screaming the time from 11:55-12:01 and some very scary looking adults. but i was working all day and didnt have a chance to drive across town and pick it up today. been playing pokemon alot :) i love it

[kupomogli]

The system plays DS games from every region, it's the DSi download shop that's locked.

Well. I'll go and pick a DSi if my DS breaks. I don't buy data so I don't care if the DSiWare is region locked. I doubt I'll have another problem with my DS unless I spill another drink on it, means I probably won't get a DSi.

[c0ldb33r]

Hmmm... I've noticed, you can't transfer images from your PC onto the SD card and then view them on the DSi. Weird. I even tried renaming the files to the DSi's naming convention and it didn't work.

Also, I don't think it's possible to download stuff from the internet to the DSi.

[jcalder8]

I'm going to pass on it, at least for awhile. When the price drops I'll be picking it up but I'm still happy with my lite.

[Trumpman]

Honestly it really doesn't seem worth $180 to me. I will never use the camera function, and none of the DSiware really seems appealing. I have a laptop, so the browser seems little more than a gimmick. I also play tons of GBA games, so the removal of that slot seems pretty dumb. I don't see any reason why I'd buy one in the foreseeable future.

[chrissylas]

I really like my DSi. Been playing it alot and so far I'm definitely not regretting it. I carry a SP around with me in my bag everywhere so the lack of a GBA slot isn't a big deal. In fact, I really don't like playing GBA games on the Lite anyway so it REALLY isn't a big deal :)

[c0ldb33r]

In fact, I really don't like playing GBA games on the Lite anyway so it REALLY isn't a big deal :)
I'm actually the same way. I prefer the SP2/Micro for GBA anyway.

[Lothars]

Honestly it really doesn't seem worth $180 to me. I will never use the camera function, and none of the DSiware really seems appealing. I have a laptop, so the browser seems little more than a gimmick. I also play tons of GBA games, so the removal of that slot seems pretty dumb. I don't see any reason why I'd buy one in the foreseeable future.

I agree fully, I just don't think there's really any positives to own a DSI and honestly I really hope it doesn't do that well because the DS-Lite is perfectly fine.

[Retromangia]

was just curious to you guys who play there old GBA games on the SP2.... what makes it better than playing on a DSlite?

[duo_r]

the screen looks fantastic on DS lite. I have the GBA NES classic version, but it doesnt have the best screen available for SP. I need to get one of the "now brighter screen" SP's at some point.

[c0ldb33r]

was just curious to you guys who play there old GBA games on the SP2.... what makes it better than playing on a DSlite?
It annoys me that one screen is always dead black, I don't care for having 4 face buttons if I can only use two and the d-pad on my Lite sucks so that was always a problem too.

Coincidentally, my wife agrees. She's been playing through the GBA Super Mario World and found it annoying to control on her Lite (which has a decent d-pad) so she's switched to a Micro and loves it.


the screen looks fantastic on DS lite. I have the GBA NES classic version, but it doesnt have the best screen available for SP. I need to get one of the "now brighter screen" SP's at some point.
Or get a Micro. I love my Micros.

[Icarus Moonsight]

I just recently toyed around with a friends DSi. I honestly wasn't going to get one, but with the screens, the controls and the matte surface vs the glossy Lite... I had an immediate change of mind. I traded in and scored one for a little over $20 out of pocket. Once in a while, you get lucky. :D

[Sonicwolf]

Or get a Micro. I love my Micros.


I got a Micro and I believe it was horrendously underrated.

[joedick]

Personally, I prefer playing GBA games on the larger screen of the SP.

Anyways, I like the DSi more than I thought I would. Its online 'range' seems to be better, as I can access it from anywhere in my house, which wasn't the case with the Lite. Lots of 'little' touches like that make it better, but as stated, it's not for more casual portable users.

[zektor]

Well, I am a somewhat latecomer :) I barely get out these days, and picked up the light blue DSi at a local Walmart tonight. My take:

I *love* this color! They had two of these and like nine of the black units. I figured what the hell. Every freakin' thing I ever buy is black so it seems. Might as well change it up a bit. Glad I did. It really is beautiful.

YAY for matte finish! I am SO sick of this whole glossy mode everybody seems to be in to. I mean, glossy seems to work on white (because scratches are barely seen) but on black (and other dark colors) it just sucks in my book. I have seen glossy black PSP and DS Lite systems that look like dogshit over a short period of time (my wife's DS Lite looks like crud now) because if you simply don't completely baby these dark colored glossy consoles...well...this is just how they get. My few month old Samsung HDTV is the same way. I think it came with light scratches as a matter of fact. Either way, matte finish should be THE standard IMHO! The system is slimmer as well. Not by too much, but it is slightly noticeable from the DS Lite. I personally don't care how fat or slim a handheld is (ie: I am still fine with the Lynx!) but this may be a small factor that helps decide (or decline) the purchase.

The features are nice. The screens are larger, but really not enough for me personally to notice a major difference between it and the Lite. But, two speakers, the cameras, the internal memory (for storing downloadable games), the very nice audio player/record function, better volume control, push button power, hot swap DS card slot, and better LED design are all very welcome. I am a tinkerer. I like messing around with the video and audio functions. It is just something fun to do when I am not playing a game (although games are and will take advantage of these) and I enjoy it.

The non-inclusion of the GBA slot does not bother me at all. I have heard others complaining about it in various places, but come on really. If you are a gamer and play the older GBA titles, well, you already have a GBA or a compatible DS to do so. I guess it sucks for Guitar Hero (since you can no longer use that peripheral), but for me personally I can give two craps. I think I have had enough Guitar Hero to last me a few decades to be honest :)

Well, bottom line is that I REALLY like this unit! It is clearly the best Nintendo has put out in terms of functionality. I think it is worth the $170...that is if you do not have a Lite at all..or if your Lite is looking like it is in the need of a replacement. I sold my Lite off a long while back, and my wife is clung to hers. So, without a DS at all, I opted for the latest model instead of going for the old Lite. If you have a Lite that works fine, you may not want to jump on this right now. But, I am sure you will when the DSi store becomes more mature and starts offering some interesting things. Or, you may just want to bite the bullet to putz around with all of those other extra features I spoke of. You decide!

Anyway, my take on it. Game ON brothers and sisters!

[c0ldb33r]

zektor, congrats on getting a DSi. What are you going to buy with your free 1000 points?

Just a heads up, do not buy warioware snapped - it's a total ripoff. There's already an official dsiware thread (http://www.digitpress.com/forum/showthread.php?t=130016) if you want to check it out.

[zektor]

zektor, congrats on getting a DSi. What are you going to buy with your free 1000 points?

Just a heads up, do not buy warioware snapped - it's a total ripoff. There's already an official dsiware thread (http://www.digitpress.com/forum/showthread.php?t=130016) if you want to check it out.


Too late on the Warioware...already bought it...heh. The other title was Dr Mario. The webstore is VERY young. I probably should have saved them for the future...oh well. Either way, the DSi is very sweet :)