N+ DSi: DSi is DS 1.9 to Developers

By .edDotEd. Wednesday, February 18, 2009 5:39:58 PM

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I've pretty much been waiting for this announcement to unleash the DSi updates that Khadgar and I have in store for everyone. So without further delay, here's another DSi update:

It's been a gaming generation since the Nintendo DS was first previewed at E3. The device has gone through one promotional display prototype and two major public revisions; the first shortly before launching and later the DS Lite, which at the time was like a dream come true from both a consumer and developer perspective. The more svelt 'Lite' was far more attractive, smaller, brighter, and took the DS out from the game drawer (where it was sitting on the PSP) and put it into purses and pockets. Excellent software at the time of revision helped propel the 'Lite' to the top of everyone's list for years - but nothing REALLY changed.

The DSi, after some careful thought can be considered the first true '1.5' update to a console - you know how people always joke about how:

[weakest next gen system] = [last gen system] x 1.5

It's not the 'DS 2,' but it practically is - I'm calling it the 'DS 1.9.' Continue reading as I explain why this means a shift in the industry from a developer standpoint.

My reasoning is simple: they've changed absolutely every aspect of this system but did not take it a full leap forward 'generationally.' It is hard to wrap your head around all that they've done and yet, new games still plug into the DS and perform as you'd expect from a very seasoned system and development community. Just no kick in the horsepower deartment. But with Nintendo's strategy of giving developers more interactive options rather than processor cycles, lowering the costs of development, and streamlined publishing, this is no surprise.

New to developers in this version of the DS are:
  • Front facing camera sensor - DSi Cameras
  • Rear facing camera sensor - DSi Cameras
  • Improved microphone sensor
  • Increased wireless range - more on this in an upcoming post (link added soon)
  • Software download from DSiWare to DS internal memory
  • DS Store for downloads like the Opera Web Browser, games, and applications - DSi Web Browser Comparison
  • SD card slot (not known if games will have read or read/write access to this or if DSiWare can be stored or played from SD)
  • No more DS Card / GBA Game Pak unlockables (an early announced and less frequently used feature of the DS. Some Sega and Pokemon games took advantage of this but it was rare that other developers would)
Developers can use these changes to be as creative as they want in addition to the DS's core features (two displays, audio input, touch input, wifi, download option, screen close sensor, etc). By adding the above list to the already feature packed device, the variety of experiences will certainly increase. Developers can once again look at this system with a completely new vision. Larger screens mean increased possibilities of e-Books, and desktop or ambient applications, too. The DS Store could house applications not unlike the Apple App Store for iPhone.

Heck, even a new Boktai is possible.. You know, that Konami GBA game that had a solar sensor in it to power your undead killing attacks and shine light through cracked ceilings? Why not use the DSi cameras to register the intensity of light sources?

I'm sort of sad to see the expansion slot go, because that really was the last place for a rumble feature - DS games can probably house a motion sensor, so I'm still hopeful for that in the future. Anyone think of crazy combinations of all of these DSi features that could revitalize a forgotten game franchise like Boktai?

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Comments

SpookSpook81 Wednesday, February 18, 2009 6:19:04 PM

Wasn't there a patent filed by Nintendo for a motion-sensing DS cartridge a few weeks ago? And I still think they could have added a mini-rumble feature on this one... alas, builtin rumble for DS probably will remain absent.
As for the applications of all the new features, I really hadn't thought about it being used as light sensors... it could also add a net interactive element to, say, survival-horror games, changing the surroundings or the general ambience of the game according to the lighting where you are playing the game (and would give playing under your blankets a twist wink ).
Let's hope developers really take advantage of these features and come up with REALLY good games for DSi... downside would be, of course, that such games would not be DS compatible, or at least not the added features...

Tony G. Martinez MoraNewTonyIc Wednesday, February 18, 2009 6:29:01 PM

cool
does anyone knows how many pixels the DSi camera has?

.edDotEd Wednesday, February 18, 2009 6:49:00 PM

it's .3 mega pixel, so like older mobile phone cameras. Not going to replace a camera you own, but it's surprisingly usefule because of it's great close up and white balance capabilities.

I will have sample pictures up soon.

Pikachu Electronkawaiipikachu Wednesday, February 18, 2009 9:55:56 PM

I like how you used the image of the prototype of the Orignal DS there .
That version looks like a fat Game & Watch .

MatthewHallucin0gen Wednesday, February 18, 2009 10:12:22 PM

It looks sexy.... I want one... I can't find my gold Legend of Zelda DS anywhere... my little brother stole it!!! It was The awesomest thing ever..

JasonLlamaBoy Thursday, February 19, 2009 3:23:35 PM

Wow, yesterday was awesome! =D

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