PREVIEW: Nintendo DSi

 

NINTENDO’S hugely successful DS handheld console just got even better—and GADGiTS has been given a sneak preview.

The DSi, which is almost certain to sell out when it hits the shelves early next month, is packed with new features that will make it a mini Wii and media centre all in one tiny package.

Soon you’ll be able to direct game play by arm and head movement in front of its motion-detecting cameras, much as you do with the Wii.

But there will be no need for a Wiimote control as the cameras are able to accurately detect facial features and gestures.

The DSi is the thinnest and lightest version of the DS handheld yet, but it’s packed with other advancements like bigger, brighter, 3.25-inch dual screens, enhanced sound and the ability to go online to download games straight to the console.

Mounted either side of the flip-up lid, the twin cameras face inside and out, so users can snap themselves or their friends.

There’s even an editing suite with 11 special effects and a distortion tool—which allows you to make fun of any face by stretching or squashing it like the Face Melter app does on the iPhone.

These fun pics can be saved and shared wirelessly or on an SD card.

You can also mash up your AAC music files--creating unique mixes--by altering the pitch, speed and applying sound effects.

So it’s a mixing desk as well.

The Nintendo DSi’s own web browser will be free to download for quick and easy internet access.

And at the console’s dedicated online shop you’ll be able to buy apps as well as games.

For example one application will convert the console into an animation studio and help you create mini-movies.

And there’s no reason that this model won’t be able in theory to run internet phone programmes like Skype.

Crucially, the DSi will let you play most of your existing games, and you can expect a whole host of new ones custom-made for it, including some which will require parental controls.

It lands here on April 3 and is available in matt black and white. Preorder now for around £150 at several online stores.