Making The Transition To DSi

Because video game consoles utilize the latest technologies, each time a new game console is released, improvements are made from the previous versions. Sometimes this means that previous consoles aren't used anymore, but sometimes the changes are more subtle, so the video gamer has to decide for him or herself whether to make the decision to upgrade to the new game console.
nWith the upcoming launch of the hand held game console the Nintendo DSi in early April 2009, many people are asking themselves whether the changes made between the Nintendo DS Lite and the Nintendo DSi are worth making the upgrade, or if the Nintendo DS or Nintendo DS Lite is "good enough." To help you decide whether to make the upgrade to the Nintendo DSi, it's important to make sure you know exactly what changes have been made so you can decide if the benefits of the additions outweigh the drawbacks of the eliminations.
nIn terms of physical changes, the Nintendo DSi is slightly slimmer than its predecessor, though the screens are larger. The screens also feature five brightness settings instead of the four offered by the Nintendo DS Lite. The speakers were also improved for the new console. Finally, the power switch was replaced with a power button, which allows players to change games or go to the main menu screen without shutting down the hand held console.
nOne of the significant additions to the Nintendo DSi is the hidden SD card slot. The SD card in the hand held game console allows you to play AAC audio, store photos taken by the consoles two cameras, and store applications downloaded from the DSi Shop.
nThe applications are similar to the applications that can be downloaded to the Nintendo Wii system from the Wii Shop Channel. The DSi Shop uses Nintendo Points (formerly known as Wii Points) to "purchase" the applications for either 200, 500, or 800 points. The applications worth 800 points are marked as "Premium."
nThe two cameras on the Nintendo DSi may seem unnecessary to a video game console, but Nintendo may incorporate them into video game play in the future using motion or facial recognition. Photos taken with the cameras can also be used as character profile pictures.