Nintendo Announces New DSi: Thinner, built-in cameras, online store

The rumors, for once, turned out to be true, and Nintendo introduced an updated version of its DS in Japan a few hours ago. Called the Nintendo DSi, it’s the same console we’re all familiar with, but Nintendo has added two digital cameras and slimmed the console down by some 12 percent. No more GBA slot, we’re afraid.

Even better than the new hardware is the new online store, called the DSi Shop. There, you’ll be able to download games using the DSi’s built-in Wi-Fi connection. These games are then saved to an SD card, another new feature of the DSi.
That DSi Shop is so the killer app. The cameras, eh, who cares; the lack of a GBA slot stinks; but being able to wirelessly download games from the Internet is pretty significant. A long overdue development, to be sure. It’s due for release in Japan in November for around $180. We’ll have to wait till early 2009 to grab one.
Image [AP]