Features

Nintendo DSi start here

How to get the most from your dual-screen pocket gaming machine

Nintendo DSi start here
|
DSi

By Nintendo’s own admission, the DSi is an update of the DS rather than a new console. It may have double the power of its predecessor, a couple of cameras, and slightly bigger screens, but it’s nothing like the leap from Game Boy Advance to DS. So why does it get a section all to itself?

Simple: DSiWare.

With the iPhone and its partner in crime the App Store currently turning the portable games industry on its head, a digital download service is Nintendo’s best way of staying in the competition. One day, every game will be digitally downloadable, and if you want to enjoy Nintendo’s unparalleled back catalogue along with the fruits of its promised quality control, then the DSi is for you.

You can follow the DSi by coming to our DSi news and reviews sections, where we’ll be reporting on Nintendo’s latest handheld and telling you which DSiWare games are worth your Nintendo points and which DSi-exclusive games are worth buying with real life money.

You’ll also need to know how to download games and carry out the various other functions the DSi allows you to carry out. To get comprehensive instructions, simply browse our How To section. If you can’t find what you want in there, you can try our DSi subforum, where fellow DSi owners will cheerfully steer you in the right direction.

If you’re just looking for a good read why not check out our Nintendo’s Portable History series, which charts the evolution of Nintendo’s pocket gaming devices, from Game & Watch to DSi. Or you could take a look at our Portable Pedigree series, which looks back at the biggest and best gaming franchises.

Finally, for a complete guide to the DSi, check out our Complete Guide to the DSi, and if you're stuck wondering whether to buy a DSi, we've got just the feature for you. It's called, yes, "Should You Buy a DSi?"

Rob Hearn
Rob Hearn
Having obtained a distinguished education, Rob became Steel Media's managing editor, now he's no longer here though.