The DSi just released today and I was one of the few who went and got mine at a Midnight Launch event at my local GameStop.

The DSi’s new interface is definitely a bit reminicent of Sony’s XMB found on both the PSP and PS3. That isn’t necessarily a bad thing as it is very sleek with everything moving very smoothly. New features found on this iteration of the DS versus the previous ones are the larger screens, 3 megapixel cameras with software to edit the pictures in interesting ways, the ability to record 10 seconds of sound and distort it, playing AAC files and an SD slot that you can download DSi Ware to. While the DSi Opera Browser is not installed on the system, it is a free download on the DSi shop channel, a much better deal than the unusually expensive $35+ one you can get on the DS Lite. As stated before, Nintendo has offered 1,000 free DSi Points with each system sold before October 5, 2009, promptly used on WarioWare: Snapped!. The process of downloading a DsiWare game is very similar to the Wii Shop channel in every way, with only the download animation changing from old school Mario jumping blocks to Mario, Luigi, Toad and Princess Peach all tossing bubbles into a bin to more clearly symbolize download progression.

One of my favorite features found on the system now is the ability to hit the power button to easily go back to the DSi Menu at any time (even in game). Previously, the DS Lite required a restart in order to change cartridges. That inconvenience is gone now with the DSi, fully allowing you to switch between games from the DSi menu easily just by swapping them.

Overall, the DSi would be a no-brainer upgrade for someone who still has the original DS hardware released in 2004. As someone who had the DS Lite, I’m not sure how much I can recommend jumping to adopt this new piece of hardware immediately. The main reason to do so would really end up being to play the Dsi Ware games, which actually only has six games launch at the moment. While WarioWare seems to be an excellent game to take advantage of the new DSi cameras, I’m not so sure it would be worth forking another $170 to Nintendo for. Those that currently own a DS Lite and are skeptical about upgrading at the time should continue to wait until a few more “killer apps” arrive to the DSi Store before doing so.

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