While no specific release date or pricing have been nailed down, Nintendo says that it plans to have the 3D version of its popular handheld out worldwide by March 31, 2010.

Nintendo’s new device features a wider, 3D-capable top screen, as well as new motion and analog controls. The 3DS was announced last march and officially unveiled at E3 this month.

The Nintendo DSi is 12% smaller than the DS Lite, but features slightly larger screens.  The new package also boasts dual cameras — inside and out — as well as an SD memory card slot and new music playback features.

The Japanese market has been enjoying the DSi since November.

“We believe the role of a new console, a new system, is to bring great new entertainment ideas to life … We will consider the launch of new consoles when we have got great new entertaining ideas that can only be done with a new console.”

There’s certainly no need to push forward yet.  Nintendo’s current strategy puts casual gameplay above graphic and technical marvels, and the Wii continues to deliver on that front.  The NPD recently reported that Nintendo continued to top the charts with the Wii and DS holding the first and second spots in sales, with the Xbox 360 coming in third.

The Nintendo Wii is expected to continue to top the charts through the holidays, while the Nintendo DSi repackaging will hit North America and Europe by the summertime.

“Specific plans will be unveiled by our local subsidiaries, but an autumn or year-end launch would probably be too late,” said Nintendo president Satoru Iwata.

The Nintendo DSi is an update to the DS Lite model, and will feature a smaller casing, larger screens, dual cameras and music playback.

The Nintendo DSi (left) is compared to the Nintendo DS Lite (right).

Nintendo has shipped 200,000 units of the system to prepare for tomorrow’s launch, and has 100,000 more lined up.

]]> http://www.game-machines.com/2008/10/31/nintendo-dsi-releases/feed/ 1 http://www.game-machines.com/2008/10/02/nintendo-dsi-confirmed/ http://www.game-machines.com/2008/10/02/nintendo-dsi-confirmed/#comments Thu, 02 Oct 2008 23:49:25 +0000 Colin Temple http://www.game-machines.com/?p=52 Nintendo has confirmed reports this week that it will be releasing a new version of its DS handheld system this year.  The new system is called the DSi.

The Nintendo DSi will have two built-in cameras.  Nintendo also confirmed that music playback and a new slot for an SD memory card.  As a price, the DSi will not include the Game Boy Advance cartridge slot.  The DSi will feature larger (3¼-inch screens) and be 12% smaller than the Nintendo DS Lite.

The DSi will connect to an online store, like the Nintendo Wii does, to download software directly to the system.

The Nintendo DSi will be released in Japan this November.  No North American or European releases have been promised.

Supposedly, the new DS model will feature a larger screen, built-in camera, music playback, improved Wi-Fi and SD card support.  It’s also been hinted that both screens will become touch screens.

This all looks like Nitnendo is looking to expand the functions of the device, from a standalone gaming machine to a more functional device, more like an iPod Touch.  Sources say Nintendo also plans to introduce a Wi-Fi service called Nintendo Spot that may offer local information, such as movie/plane/train schedules and weather reports.

The Japanese price is said to be under 20,000 Yen, which likely means a sub-$200 price for U.S. and Canada.

Teaser sites released on the Japanese and North American websites, along with a press release from the company, confirmed the news today, reports RPG news blog Roleplay.

Chrono Trigger is one of the most popular RPGs of the Super NES era, selling over 2.5 million copies worldwide.  Interestingly enough, neither the SNES nor PlayStation versions of the game were released in Europe.  Although the news today only confirms North America and Japan, similar re-releases from the Final Fantasy series did include Europe, and it’s possible that another announcement is on the horizon, although probably with a later release date.

The new models will each cost £99.

Nintendo also announced a new title that will be released the following week.  Cooking Guide: Can’t Decide What to Eat? will feature over 250 recepies, giving you a portable electronic cookbook.