Nintendo Dates European DSi Launch - 3rd April, 2009

Nintendo will launch its new handheld console, DSi, in Europe on 3rd April 2009.  The Nintendo DSi will be available in black or white and is the thinnest and lightest member of the DS family.  The console is packed with new features that will excite fans of and newcomers to the Nintendo DS range.  There are many ways to have fun with the DSi, from creating, customising and sharing photos with friends and family or listening to and experimenting with your favourite music, to playing more than 1000 Nintendo DS games and downloading new DSiWare games directly onto your console. The Nintendo DSi also features built-in Internet capabilities, meaning the fun begins the moment you switch it on.

Motion-Detecting
The DSi brings motion-detecting cameras to handheld gaming, thanks to two cameras adding an entirely new dimension to gameplay. The cameras are able to accurately detect facial features and players’ movements. Moving the upper body, hands, arms and head in front of the camera now means play can be directed by movement alone, bringing a whole new way of interacting with the handheld.

Play With Pictures
The DSi’s cameras face inside and outside; mounted on the console’s flip-up lid, so users can snap themselves or their friends and families just as they choose. What sets the DSi’s cameras apart, however, is that the camera software comes fully loaded with 11 special camera effects so that users can take shots using a range of special effects.  Users can edit their images during or even after they are taken. Choices include a distortion tool which allows users to use the stylus to distort their image in a variety of quirky and fun ways, the ability to turn any face into fans' favourite Mario, with his famous moustache and hat, or frame the image beautifully. All of which can be saved into a personal photo album that in turn allows you to use your DSi as a personal digital photo frame. Users can share their snapshots with friends and family wirelessly or by saving the content onto an SD memory card, where users can then upload to their PC or Wii to share with friends and family using WiiConnect24.

Play With Sound
The DSi has enhanced volume and sound quality so that users can experience the sound application, as well as in-game music, at its best.  In addition to bringing portable music to the DSi (as owners will be able to play AAC-encoded music files), Nintendo DSi Sound introduces new ways for users to experiment and play with sound and music – changing the pitch, speed and even applying effects to sound files that are played.  For example, a phrase in a foreign language can be slowed down to get the pronunciation just right.  But people can equally have fun recording their own voices and manipulating the play-back – adding sound effects to create new fun with sound.  Players can also change the speed or add sound effects to songs, enabling them to create their own unique mixes, as well as learn words and instrumental solos more easily.
 
Download DSiWare and customise your DSi with a whole host of new titles and applications
The Nintendo DSi can also be customised by downloading games and applications from the DSi Shop.  A variety of software will be available for download in the forthcoming months. Examples include an application that enables users to make animated cartoons or by combining photos to create mini-movies (incorporating both sound and moving images); or the fun-filled WarioWare software that utilises the motion-detecting camera for a completely interactive experience.  Users will also be able to download the Nintendo DSi Browser for free from launch that will enable them to have quick and easy Internet access.  All of this and more can be downloaded directly from the DSi Shop using the Internet and thanks to the Nintendo DSi’s in-built flash memory these can be saved directly onto the system, meaning you can take all of your games and other applications with you wherever you go.

Packed with features, but thinner than ever
In addition to all of the new features, the Nintendo DSi comes in a matt finish and is a full 12% thinner than the Nintendo DS Lite, making it Nintendo’s most portable handheld ever.  However, it also packs a punch with a bigger, brighter, 3.25” screen. The Nintendo DSi has been designed to enable players to use almost all of their existing games on the new console, so those who already have a Nintendo DS (but would like to upgrade to Nintendo DSi) won’t have to re-stock their library.

Nintendo DSi launches across Europe on April 3rd in black and white.