The Nintendo DSi is a handheld game console with two screens that can be folded. It was released in Japan on November 1, 2008, and globally starting in April 2009. It is the third version of the Nintendo DS, and its main competitor was Sony's PlayStation Portable (PSP). The fourth version, called the Nintendo DSi XL, was larger and launched in Japan on November 21, 2009, and worldwide in March 2010. Development of the DSi began in late 2006, and the device was shown off during a meeting in Tokyo in October 2008. Consumer interest led Nintendo to create a thinner handheld with bigger screens than the DS Lite. To improve portability without reducing durability, Nintendo removed the slot for Game Boy Advance (GBA) cartridges.

The DSi has a design similar to the DS Lite but includes two digital cameras, supports storing games and other content internally and externally, and connects to an online store named the Nintendo DSi Shop. Nintendo noted that families often shared DS and DS Lite consoles. The new features were meant to help users personalize their devices, encouraging each family member to buy a DSi. The handheld works with exclusive physical media, DS games with special DSi features, and standard DS titles. The only games it cannot play are earlier DS games that required the GBA slot. Nintendo sold over 41 million DSi and DSi XL units combined. These devices were replaced by the Nintendo 3DS in 2011.

Most reviews of the Nintendo DSi were positive. IGN and bit-tech criticized the lack of special games and the removal of the GBA slot, but many journalists recommended the DSi to people who had not owned a previous DS model. Some critics were unhappy with the DSi's camera quality, though others, like Ars Technica and GameSpot, said the cameras were good enough for the handheld's screen. CNET and PCWorld believed the DSi Shop was the biggest reason to buy the device. Some critics thought the DSi XL was not necessary, but GamePro and Wired UK praised its larger screens for improving gameplay and making older DS games easier to play.

Development

The development of the Nintendo DSi began in late 2006. This was the first time Masato Kuwahara, from Nintendo's Development Engineering Department, led a hardware project. His team worked quickly to meet deadlines. They had to create a theme for the new DS in time for a December presentation. By February 2007, most details about the console’s chipset needed to be completed. Kuwahara said his team struggled to understand how many people would want the handheld before it was released. He explained their goal: "We need to sell the console on its own, without games at launch. It must also fit into the existing DS market."

The console’s digital cameras were considered early in development. Nintendo president Satoru Iwata described the touchscreen as the DS’s "sense of touch" and the microphone as its "ears." A coworker suggested the console should have "eyes." Kuwahara’s team first planned one camera with a swivel, but this idea was dropped because of concerns about cost, reliability, and the need for a thicker console. To meet consumer demand, Nintendo improved the DSi’s volume and audio quality, made it slimmer with larger screens than the DS Lite, and removed the GBA cartridge slot from earlier models. This change was made to improve portability and durability. To help users still want the DS Lite, Nintendo continued supporting it as long as there was demand.

Kuwahara shared his experience presenting the DSi: "I asked people if they would want to own the system. Three said yes, seven said no. I think the real numbers were even worse, like one to nine. It was as bad as I feared."

The DSi’s size changed during development, which delayed its release. Originally, the console had two DS game card slots because of fan and employee demand. This made the console larger. When the design was shown to Nintendo producers in October 2007, it received only average feedback because of its size. However, Iwata and Kuwahara created a prototype. After testing, they removed the dual-slot design, making the DSi about 3 mm slimmer. After this change, the console’s internal design, assembly, and durability details were finalized. Iwata said resizing the console so close to manufacturing was like creating a new handheld.

Yui Ehara, who designed the DS Lite and DSi’s original casing, had to redesign the case after changes. He suggested replacing the six speaker holes, as their circular shape was not needed for the console’s design. He believed this change made the DSi look different from earlier models while keeping it "neat" and "simple." Ehara hoped the DSi’s features would not change the iconic look of the Nintendo DS line, which had two rectangles, one on top of the other, with smaller rectangles inside each. The DSi was shown publicly in October 2008 at a Nintendo conference in Tokyo, along with its price and release date. At the time, the DS sold more units worldwide than Sony’s PlayStation Portable, but demand in Japan was falling. Nintendo launched the DSi to boost sales in Japan, but focused less on other regions where the DS Lite was still popular.

In 2007, Nintendo planned a larger DS Lite model with 3.8-inch screens, compared to the standard 3-inch screens. The project advanced enough for mass production, but Iwata paused it because of high demand for the DS Lite and Wii. Later, he suggested releasing large and small DSi models at the same time, but the hardware team could not develop two models at once. After finishing the DSi, Kuwahara began the DSi XL project and became its leader. The DSi XL, with 4.2-inch screens, was announced on October 29, 2009. It was considered for names like "DSi Comfort" and "DSi Deka" (Japanese for "large"). Mario creator Shigeru Miyamoto supported the name "DSi Deka." The DSi XL has a better viewing angle than the DSi, making it easier for others to see the screen. This feature was not included in the larger DS Lite model due to cost issues at the time. Screen size limits were set to control costs, but Nintendo later increased the size to 4.2 inches.

Launch

On November 1, 2008, the DSi was released in Japan. It launched in Australia and New Zealand on April 2, 2009, and in Europe on April 3, 2009. All versions had a black and white case. The console was released in the United States and Canada on April 5, 2009, along with the game Rhythm Heaven. It was the first DS console in North America to come in multiple colors: black and blue. iQue released a Chinese DSi model in black and white, which included a pre-installed version of Nintendogs in December 2009. The Nikkei Sangyo Shimbun reported that the Chinese and Korean models had improved security to reduce piracy. On April 15, 2010, the DSi was released in South Korea in white, black, blue, and pink, along with the game MapleStory DS. A special red version of the DSi was bundled with MapleStory DS and featured characters from the game on its external camera. The DSi was also released in Brazil, Russia, and Turkey.

Nintendo shipped 200,000 DSi units for its Japanese launch. Over 170,000 units were sold in the first two days, with the remaining units either unclaimed or reserved for sale on Culture Day. By the end of the month, 535,000 DSi units were sold, compared to 550,000 DS Lite units sold during its launch month. In Europe and North America, combined sales reached 600,000 units in the first two days of the launch. North American sales for the first week reached 435,000 units, nearly double the 226,000 units sold for the DS Lite in its first week. In the United Kingdom, 92,000 DSi units were sold in two days, making it the fourth-best opening weekend for a Nintendo console in the region.

Launch events for the DSi were held on the western and eastern coasts of the United States. Nintendo held an official launch event at the Universal CityWalk in Los Angeles and the Nintendo World Store in New York City. The Los Angeles event included merchandise handouts, art galleries from iam8bit, parkour demonstrations, and performances by Gym Class Heroes. Hundreds attended the event, and over 150 stayed until midnight to purchase a DSi at GameStop. A human-sized Lego DSi, created by artist Sean Kenney, was displayed at the Nintendo World Store.

The Nintendo DSi XL was released in Japan on November 21, 2009, in bronze, burgundy, and white. Bronze and burgundy versions were available in Europe on March 5, 2010, and in North America on March 28, 2010. The console was released in Australia on April 15, 2010, in bronze and burgundy. The DSi XL was also released in Brazil, South Africa, and Turkey. In Japan, over 100,500 DSi XL units were sold in the first two days of its release. In the United States, 141,000 units were sold in the first three days.

The Nintendo 3DS, the successor to the Nintendo DS series, was announced on March 23, 2010. This was done to prevent news leaks in Japan and to attract attention to the Electronic Entertainment Expo. Industry analysts noted that the timing of the 3DS announcement coincided with the launch of the DSi XL in North America. Billy Pigeon, a senior analyst from M2 Research, said the DSi XL was no longer a major focus in Japan, where Nintendo is based. However, Nintendo’s president, Satoru Iwata, told investors that the 3DS announcement would not significantly impact sales, as people who wanted to buy the 3DS would likely purchase it quickly, while those buying the DSi would take longer to decide.

Demographic and sales

Nintendo aimed to reach a broader group of people with the first Nintendo DS in 2004 compared to the Game Boy line. By comparing total DS and DS Lite sales in 2008 to Sony’s best-selling PlayStation 2, Nintendo saw potential to grow its DS user base, especially in Europe and the United States. To promote the product and expand its audience, Nintendo introduced the DSi. According to Iwata, families often shared DS and DS Lite consoles, so Nintendo added personalization features to the DSi to encourage individual ownership.

The "i" in DSi stands for both an individual (I) and the handheld’s cameras (eyes). This meaning differs from the "i" in Wii, which represents people coming together. Reggie Fils-Aimé, president of Nintendo of America, said, "If Wii was about gaming for the masses, then think of DSi as creativity for the masses." Iwata stated the DSi was designed to serve as a first camera for children and a social networking tool for adults. Iwata also clarified that the DSi’s audio and camera features were not meant to compete with mobile phones, the iPod, or the PSP.

The DSi helped keep Nintendo’s handheld sales strong. In 2009, the DSi made up 40% of Nintendo’s handheld sales in the United Kingdom and often topped sales charts in Japan during its first year. In the United States, the DSi’s first three months of sales surpassed those of the DS, DS Lite, and Wii. Sales of the Wii and Nintendo DS slightly declined in March, but Nintendo DS hardware sales remained steady at over 200,000 units for seven months after the DSi launched in April. Gamasutra estimated that 50% of Nintendo DS unit sales in October 2009 and February 2010 were DSi consoles. In October 2009, Fils-Aimé reported that the DSi had sold 2.2 million units in the United States. He noted that offering consumers good value encouraged them to spend. The United States had its highest yearly DS sales in 2009, with 11.22 million units sold. The DSi and DSi XL accounted for 16.88 million of the 27.11 million units sold worldwide in Nintendo’s 2010 fiscal year.

In July 2010, Gamasutra estimated that the DSi and DSi XL each sold more units than the DS Lite. The website reported about 300,000 DSi units sold in July 2009 and February 2010, which remained consistent in July 2010 when combined with DSi XL sales. As a result, the average price consumers paid for Nintendo DS hardware rose to over $165 (equivalent to $190 in 2004 dollars adjusted for inflation in 2010), which was $15 more than the original DS’s 2004 launch price. Nintendo first reduced DSi prices in Europe on June 18, 2010, in Japan on June 19, and in North America on September 12. The DSi and DSi XL accounted for 14.66 million of the 17.52 million units sold worldwide in fiscal year 2011.

In July 2011, Gamasutra estimated that 60 to 70% of about 290,000 DS units sold in the United States were DSi and DSi XL consoles. Weak 3DS sales led Nintendo to lower the DSi XL’s price in the United States on August 12, with similar reductions in Japan and Europe. Gamasutra speculated that some potential DS buyers chose the 3DS instead, causing DS sales to drop by 45% in August 2011, while combined DS and 3DS sales remained stable. Nintendo made its second price cuts for the DSi and DSi XL in North America on May 20, 2012. Gamasutra described these cuts as the DS product line’s "final send-off" and predicted that by the next year, the DS would contribute little to the market. After Christmas, Nintendo would become a single-handheld system company, focusing all portable software efforts on the Nintendo 3DS.

Hardware

The Nintendo DSi’s design is similar to the Nintendo DS Lite, which was the second version of the DS. The DSi is about 12% shorter (0.10 inches or 2.5 mm) than the DS Lite when closed, but it is slightly wider and lighter. The DSi has two 3.25-inch (83 mm) TFT-LCD screens, which are 0.25 inches (6.4 mm) larger than those on earlier models. These screens can display 262,144 colors. The lower screen is touch-sensitive and accepts input from the included stylus. The handheld includes 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 located under the console’s hinge. The included AC adapter (WAP-002) is not compatible with earlier DS models.

Unlike previous models, the DSi has two VGA (0.3-megapixel) digital cameras. One is on the internal hinge and faces the user, while the other is on the outer casing and faces away from the user. The DSi also has a new SD card slot, which is placed behind a cover on the right side. Unlike the DS Lite, which used a switch to power on or off, the DSi uses a button, similar to the original Nintendo DS. This button is located on the bottom-left side of the touchscreen and has additional functions. Brightness and volume controls are on the left side, with five brightness settings available—more than the DS Lite. The headset port is on the bottom.

The DSi has a matte surface to reduce fingerprints. It is available in many colors, though color choices vary by region. For example, lime green is only available in Japan, while red is available in Europe and North America. North America also received a different shade of blue. 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.

The DSi has more RAM and a faster CPU than the DS Lite. Developers noted that the DSi has a native mode, which allows software to use the system’s extra processing power and memory. A special microchip, called a codec integrated circuit, improves sound quality by converting digital signals to analog. Unused space on the motherboard was removed, the CPU was relocated, and the battery housing was expanded.

The DSi’s cameras have a resolution 2.5 times higher than its screens, but their resolution is much lower than that of digital cameras and mobile phones from the same time. This was done to keep costs low and ensure faster response times when viewing photos quickly, as many applications use the cameras.

• CPU: The DSi has two ARM architecture CPUs: one (ARM9) runs at 133 MHz and the other (ARM7) runs at 33 MHz. The ARM9 is twice as fast as previous models.
• RAM: 16 MB (four times as much as previous models).
• Screen resolution: 256 × 192 pixels per screen (same as previous models).
• Cameras: 640 × 480 pixels.
• Storage: 256 MB of internal flash memory, with an SD card slot (up to 2 GB) and SDHC card slot (up to 32 GB).
• Battery: The DSi has a shorter battery life than the DS Lite, even on the lowest brightness setting. For example, the DSi lasts 9–14 hours on the lowest brightness, compared to the DS Lite’s 15–19 hours. The DSi uses an 840 mAh internal rechargeable battery, which has an optimal lifespan of about 500 cycles before it may need replacement.

The Nintendo DSi XL is larger than the original DSi and has bigger screens. It is the fourth DS model and the first to be available as a size variation. The DSi XL has two 4.2-inch (110 mm) wide-viewing-angle LCD screens with the same resolution as the smaller model. It has improved battery life compared to the DSi on all brightness settings. For example, the DSi XL lasts 13–17 hours on the lowest brightness setting. The DSi XL has the same speakers as the DSi but in larger enclosures, allowing for louder sound. The hinges allow the screen to open to 120°, in addition to the original DSi’s 155°, for easier viewing on a table. The DSi XL comes with two longer styli, one of which is thicker, rounded, and pen-like and does not fit inside the unit.

The DSi XL has a matte surface, and its top panel has a glossy finish. It is available in eight two-toned colors, with options varying by region, such as white, green, red, yellow, and pink. Two special-edition models were released: one for LovePlus+ and one for the 25th anniversary of Super Mario Bros. The DSi XL comes with Flipnote Studio and the Nintendo DSi Browser pre-installed, along with other region-specific software.

Features

The Nintendo DSi has upgradeable firmware, which means its software can be updated. It uses a menu screen with icons that show different applications. The main icons include game card software, "Nintendo DSi Camera," "Nintendo DSi Sound," "Nintendo DSi Shop," "DS Download Play," "PictoChat," and "system settings." Additional apps can be downloaded from the DSi Shop. Icons are arranged in a single row and can be moved using the stylus or D-pad. The power button can restart the console or turn it off. Game cards can be swapped while the console is on the main menu, allowing players to switch games without shutting down.

The DSi has better multimedia features than earlier models. It can store AAC audio files, pictures, and downloadable software on an SD card. Pictures and downloadable apps can also be stored inside the console without needing an SD card. Before taking a photo, users can use ten different "lens" options to change the viewfinder image. Photos can be uploaded to the Wii’s Photo Channel. For consoles with firmware version 1.4 or higher, photos could also be shared on Facebook until January 30, 2014.

The built-in sound player can record voice and play music. Voice recordings can be edited with effects and adjusted for pitch or playback speed. Up to 18 ten-second sound clips can be saved, but they cannot be moved to an SD card. Music from SD cards can be played with visual effects on the upper screen. The DSi supports AAC audio files with specific file names (.mp4, .m4a, or .3gp) but does not support other formats like MP3. Sounds such as drum beats or Mario’s jump noises can be added by pressing buttons. Music can be manipulated with effects similar to voice recordings and played through headphones even when the console is closed. Settings, photos, and sounds can be transferred to a Nintendo 3DS.

The DSi connects to the Internet using built-in Wi-Fi (802.11b/g) or a Nintendo Wi-Fi USB Connector. Both methods allow access to the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection service. The DSi supports WEP, WPA (AES/TKIP), and WPA2 (AES/TKIP) encryption. Only apps with built-in support can use WPA and WPA2, as earlier models like the DS and DS Lite did not support them. Up to six Wi-Fi connection profiles can be saved. The first three support WEP encryption, while the other three support WPA encryption through an advanced setup option. This option also allows users to use Wi-Fi Protected Setup or configure proxy settings. The DSi could automatically detect Nintendo Zone service areas, reducing the need for manual Wi-Fi setup. Nintendo Zone offered game demos, access to the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection and DSi Shop, and location-specific content. The Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection service ended on May 20, 2014. The Nintendo Zone service ended in Europe on March 28, 2018, and in Japan on February 28, 2020.

Software library

All DS games work with the DSi, except those that need the GBA slot. Because the DSi does not have this slot, it cannot use GBA Game Paks or accessories that require the GBA slot, such as the Nintendo DS Rumble Pak and the Guitar Hero: On Tour guitar grip. "DSi-enhanced" game cards include features only available on the DSi but can still be used with older DS models. "DSi-exclusive" game cards are only for the DSi and cannot be used with earlier models. The DSi is the first Nintendo handheld to be region-locked, meaning it cannot use software made for other regions. This is due to differences in Internet services and parental controls across regions. However, games that work with older DS models, Internet browsing, and photo sharing are not region-locked. Custom cards made for older DS models do not work with the DSi, but new cards that can run DS software on the DSi were available.

Like the Wii, the DSi could connect to an online store called the DSi Shop. This store let users download DSiWare games and apps, which required DSi points. These points could be bought with a Nintendo Points Prepaid Card or a credit card. App prices had three different levels. The service started with the DSi Browser, a free web browser made by Opera Software and Nintendo. A trial campaign once gave 1,000 free Nintendo Points to each DSi that accessed the DSi Shop, but the number of points varied by region. Over 500 downloadable games were available, though they differed by region. Games bought on the DSi or DSi XL could not be moved between devices unless Nintendo repaired or replaced the console. Most DSiWare games could be transferred to a 3DS, but saved game data could not. Nintendo stopped selling DSi Points on September 30, 2016, and the DSi Shop closed on March 31, 2017.

Reception

The Nintendo DSi received mostly positive reviews. Critics appreciated changes to the DS Lite's design and features but noted that the console launched with too few exclusive games. IGN's Craig Harris said the DSi's special game collection and DSi Shop had limited content even after five months on the Japanese market. CNET's Jeff Bakalar suggested that original DS owners should consider buying a DSi, but he believed the only reason for DS Lite owners to upgrade was the DSi Shop. PCWorld New Zealand's Jan Birkeland agreed with Bakalar but thought it was too early to judge the quality of DSi Shop games. Some critics were upset about removing the GBA cartridge slot, but others, including Darren Gladstone of PCWorld, Joe Martin of Bit-tech, and IGN's Harris and Lowe, said the trade-off for SD card support and the DSi Shop was reasonable. However, Bakalar said, "We would gladly give up 4 millimeters of thickness to play Game Boy Advance games."

Most reviewers criticized the DSi's camera quality, especially its low resolution compared to mobile phones at the time. They said the cameras were adequate for the DSi's screens, though. Harris and Lowe believed the cameras were only useful for taking "fun pictures of yourself and others." They also pointed out problems with taking photos in low light, which often had green or blue tones. Opinions on the DSi's photo-editing tools varied: Martin and Reid of Bit-tech called them a gimmick, but Bakalar and Cliff Edwards of BusinessWeek disagreed. Edwards said the camera's use in games offered new possibilities for developers, while Martin thought the idea might not be widely accepted. Eurogamer's Tom Bramwell suggested the DSi followed the philosophy of Gunpei Yokoi, the creator of Game & Watch and Game Boy, by using familiar technology to introduce new game ideas that could be produced affordably. He argued the DSi's features were meant to entertain early buyers while encouraging developers to create games for the long term.

Because of the DSi's improvements over the DS Lite, critics recommended it to those who had not bought a previous DS model. Pete Metzger of the Los Angeles Times called the DSi "more like version 2.5 than a complete redesign" but said its new features were "worthwhile additions." Gladstone gave the DSi a score of 75/100, saying Nintendo made "smart improvements" and added useful multimedia features. Harris and Lowe described the hardware changes as "evolutionary," not "revolutionary." After the DSi was announced, Goldman Sachs analyst Matthew J. Fassler called the DSi Shop a "real early threat" to large retailers. Martin said the cameras and DSi Shop were not enough to justify buying the DSi at launch but saw potential for future games.

Douglas Rankine of Wired UK and McKinley Noble of GamePro said existing Nintendo DS games improved with the DSi XL's larger screens. Games like Scribblenauts and The World Ends with You benefited from better touchscreen control and clearer text, respectively. Mike Jackson of CVG said the bigger screens might make the unchanged resolution look more pixelated, but he and others like Scott Lowe and Chris Burke of IGN agreed the vibrant colors made up for this. Carol Mangis of PC Magazine thought families who wanted to share a handheld between members should consider the DSi XL, but she said the larger screens were not enough to encourage current DSi owners to upgrade. Lowe, Burke, Jackson, and Bakalar said the larger DSi model was not essential; Jackson explained, "If you mostly use the console at home, the DSi XL is a better choice."