From DS To DSi

Since video game consoles utilize the latest technologies as they're created, it only makes sense that previous consoles are considered less productive, or even obsolete, as new consoles are released.' After all, there aren't many people that regularly play Atari games anymore, are there?' So when a new game console is released, video gamers have to decide if their most recent consoles will stay with them, or if the improvements made make it worth the upgrade to the new console.' And as video gamers prepare for the upcoming launch of the Nintendo DSi console in early April, some people may be asking why they should upgrade to the new hand held console if they already own a Nintendo DS or Nintendo DS Lite.

In order to decide whether to upgrade, it's important to first look at the new features being introduced with the Nintendo DSi to better understand what you're getting with the new hand held console.

There are a few significant additions that have been made to the Nintendo DSi console that were not in the Nintendo DS Lite.' In addition to the two cameras on the console, there is a hidden SD card slot available to store photos taken, play AAC audio, and store downloaded applications.

While the cameras may seem simply a fun addition to a hand held game console that allows you to make funny pictures, Nintendo has plans to further incorporate the cameras into game play, using motion or facial recognition.' For those who decide against upgrading to the Nintendo DSi, there may be games that they won't be able to play since they won't have the cameras.

Other changes include larger screens that offer five brightness settings as opposed to the four that were available with the Nintendo DS Lite.' The speakers in Nintendo DSi consoles are also better than those in the Nintendo DS Lite.' The power switch was replaced by a power button.' The button can now be used as a "soft reset," allowing you to go back to the main menu, move around, and change games without shutting down the Nintendo DSi and needing to restart it again.

In an effort to improve portability, the game slot in the Nintendo DS Lite that allowed you to play Nintendo Game Boy Advance games was eliminated in the final design of the Nintendo DSi console.' This means the new game console is not backward compatible with Nintendo Game Boy Advance games.' It also means you can't use the Nintendo DS RumblePak, or use the grip needed to play Guitar Hero: On Tour and Guitar Hero: On Tour Decades.

Ultimately, only you can make the decision whether or not to upgrade from the Nintendo DS or Nintendo DS Lite to the Nintendo DSi console. You have to look at the changes made between the two game consoles and decide if the added benefits of the Nintendo DSi outweigh the elements eliminated from the final design.