Reasons DSi Is Worth the Upgrade

I just finished reading a thread in which several people said that if you already have a DS Lite, there's not enough in the DSi to make a person want to upgrade. I've had all 3 versions of the DS....and here are the reasons I think it's worth the upgrade:

1) The number one reason is, of course, the ability to down DSiWARE games. One of my favorite games in my collection cost me $8 to download, "MARIO VS. DONKEY KONG: MINIS MARCH AGAIN."

2) Also as a result of the ability to download from the DSi Store, I can now take notes on my handheld......because of a $2 download, "My Notebook."

3) I have a free Web browser on the DSi. Granted, you can buy a browser for the DS Lite, but every review I've read says the browser for the DSi has been upgraded so that it runs a lot faster.

4) The screen is noticeably brighter than on the DS and DS Lite.

5) As an adult owner of the DSi I feel a lot better being seen with a matte DSi than with a glossy DS Lite. The glossy effect seems like a toy to me. The matte DSi seems like something more grown up.

6) When I need to take a quick picture to upload, say to eBay or Craigslist, for me it's a lot faster to take it with my DSi and upload it instantly to Facebook (one of the options on the DSi) and then transfer it to where i needed than it is to take the picture with my cell phone, hook up the USB card and then transfer it to my computer.

7) I'm one of those people who does not have an iPod, so the DSi has become my primary mobile music player.

8) And of course, it's almost inevitable that because of the additional processor power on the DSi, there will eventually be games that play ONLY on the DSi and not on the other DS systems.

All very true. But even iPhone owners will find plenty to do with it. Mine's coming next week, and I can't wait for it. The DSi exclusive games that will start coming next year are the reason I decided my first DS would be a DSi :D

You pay an extra load for a rubbish camera. So, DS Lite.

You pay an extra load for a rubbish camera. So, DS Lite.

Tomrock101

I'll quote this for a time when DSi exclusives are the talk of this forum...

i doubt big games will be DSi exclusives... and DSi Ware games are essentially DSi exclusives........ if there'll be a big DSi exclusive game, then production of DSL at that time will also stop.. or probably even before that time... so when Nintendo announces that it will stop producing DSL's, get ready to buy a DSi.... as for now, and probably 2010, DSi and DSL will still be together... even if the DSi has more processing power, they need larger capacity cartridges AND upgrade the graphics card before they can make, for lack of a better word, "better" games.... and besides, what can one do with more processing power anyway? it was probably added for the camera and menu upgrades and firmware updates... they use up RAM too when used.. even the music player and reading the SD card...... i don't see games using it much unless the graphics card has been upgraded too... the only games that i know of that are DSi exclusives, uses the camera..... so... they're still gimmicky.... if Nintendo plans to make DSL obsolete, they should've made Spirit Tracks DSi exclusive..... but they're didn't so I know they're still hanging on the DSL....greenarcher02

I would get it, but they took away the GBA slot. Also, if I want to take pictures, I just use my actual camera. One that can take pictures and do videos.

I'm still kinda angry that their coming out with DSi only games at stores now, but I need a camera AND a new DS so if I get the money (and if it's cheap) I'll get the DSi XL.SuperfastSonic

Yep, even though I literally JUST got my DSi a few weeks ago, I gotta have the XL too.....Bigger is better to me, in the area of video game screens.

Interesting take. 1) The DSiWare games aren't a sell to me. DLC only is hard for me to take still, especially when if my DSi were to break Nintendo would just flip me the bird and make me pay for them again. That's a no sell to me. I don't rent games at full price. 2 - 3) There are other ways to make a DS lite do the notebook stuff, as well as browsing... I see investing in those other options still a better play than upgrading. 4) The screen is brighter... I run my DS lite on a middle level screen brightness as it is... better battery life and it doesn't get in the way anyhow. 5) ok. 6) Hum, never been one for photos. If I had something that did it easier, then yeah, that might be important. Because my current method of doing it is convoluted I just don't do it. no loss, and my facebook friends thank me for it. 7) This is indeed the same boat I'm in. Can the DSi put music through a car MP3 player jack like other MP3 players? This might be all I need to have it hit my - 'yeah, I guess I should buy it' list. Thanks for posting.raahsnavj

1) Well let's do the math. The original MARIO VS. DONKEY KONG: MARCH OF THE MINIS was a $30 game. Even used it's now selling on Gamestop for $22. As a DSiWare download the sequel costs $8. Even if you did break your DSi and had to get another one and had to download the game a second time, that's still just $16. Quite a bargain, even in that scenario.

2-3) Other ways to take notes on the DS Lite? Other ways to do web browsing? I don't know of any way to do those things on the DS Lite without spending enough money that you could have just bought the DSi in the first place.

4)Ok your preference. Mine is to go maximum brightness (And since I play 90% of the time at home, it's plugged in most of the time anyway).

6) Ok....again, I find the camera-linked-to-Facebook a convenient way of immediately getting my pictures online.

7) Not sure about that.

They are alreading making ADSi exclusive game. It's called Monster....something something :lol:

[QUOTE="raahsnavj"]Interesting take. 1) The DSiWare games aren't a sell to me. DLC only is hard for me to take still, especially when if my DSi were to break Nintendo would just flip me the bird and make me pay for them again. That's a no sell to me. I don't rent games at full price. 2 - 3) There are other ways to make a DS lite do the notebook stuff, as well as browsing... I see investing in those other options still a better play than upgrading. 4) The screen is brighter... I run my DS lite on a middle level screen brightness as it is... better battery life and it doesn't get in the way anyhow. 5) ok. 6) Hum, never been one for photos. If I had something that did it easier, then yeah, that might be important. Because my current method of doing it is convoluted I just don't do it. no loss, and my facebook friends thank me for it. 7) This is indeed the same boat I'm in. Can the DSi put music through a car MP3 player jack like other MP3 players? This might be all I need to have it hit my - 'yeah, I guess I should buy it' list. Thanks for posting.RichardWrite

1) Well let's do the math. The original MARIO VS. DONKEY KONG: MARCH OF THE MINIS was a $30 game. Even used it's now selling on Gamestop for $22. As a DSiWare download the sequel costs $8. Even if you did break your DSi and had to get another one and had to download the game a second time, that's still just $16. Quite a bargain, even in that scenario.

2-3) Other ways to take notes on the DS Lite? Other ways to do web browsing? I don't know of any way to do those things on the DS Lite without spending enough money that you could have just bought the DSi in the first place.

4)Ok your preference. Mine is to go maximum brightness (And since I play 90% of the time at home, it's plugged in most of the time anyway).

6) Ok....again, I find the camera-linked-to-Facebook a convenient way of immediately getting my pictures online.

7) Not sure about that.

I prefer the original DS model over every other model that came after it.The button feel,size,GBA port,and durability make it much better,and while the screen brightness and clarity might not be as good,the good outweights the bad.Personally,all the positives you listed aren't really good selling points.DSiWare and apps don't seem too inticing,I already own a camera,and I already own an MP3 player.

The DSi was worth every penny for me. I didn't sell my previous DS's. I kept both DS Lites, and it was worth it.

The DSi was worth every penny for me. I didn't sell my previous DS's. I kept both DS Lites, and it was worth it.

awssk8er716

This, I did sell my DS Lite though.

[QUOTE="awssk8er716"]

The DSi was worth every penny for me. I didn't sell my previous DS's. I kept both DS Lites, and it was worth it.

ACL0V3R

This, I did sell my DS Lite though.

I was reading about that DSi-excusive game, Monster Finder. It's DSi-only because it uses a stupid camera gimmick; it has nothing to do with extra processing power or RAM. Besides, it's my understanding that the DSi has 4x the amount of RAM than the other models, but no extra processing power. This is because of the browser most likely.

My deciding factor upon whether or not I bought one was what kind of games would be released over their download service, and if it would compensate for losing the GBA slot. I don't care about the camera or the MP3 player; I have seperate devices that do both those things, and I feel they're just gimmicks. The games they're releasing so far in the DSi store are just puzzle games and misc apps, nothing exciting. If they released GBA and GB/GBC games, similar to the Wii's Virtual Console, I would have been all over that and probably bought one in an instant. There just wasn't enough for me to justify buying a whole new system, especially since they nixed the GBA slot.

I would get it, but they took away the GBA slot. Also, if I want to take pictures, I just use my actual camera. One that can take pictures and do videos.

sonictrainer

Not to rain on your parade, but I would just buy a GBA SP for about 10 bucks at Game crazy.

I really want a DSi...

I was reading about that DSi-excusive game, Monster Finder. It's DSi-only because it uses a stupid camera gimmick; it has nothing to do with extra processing power or RAM. Besides, it's my understanding that the DSi has 4x the amount of RAM than the other models, but no extra processing power. This is because of the browser most likely.

My deciding factor upon whether or not I bought one was what kind of games would be released over their download service, and if it would compensate for losing the GBA slot. I don't care about the camera or the MP3 player; I have seperate devices that do both those things, and I feel they're just gimmicks. The games they're releasing so far in the DSi store are just puzzle games and misc apps, nothing exciting. If they released GBA and GB/GBC games, similar to the Wii's Virtual Console, I would have been all over that and probably bought one in an instant. There just wasn't enough for me to justify buying a whole new system, especially since they nixed the GBA slot.

WoodenSword

What if Monster Finder turns out to be really fun? What if the gamera "Gimmick" actuallyis quiteawesome?

Holiday coming up soon and I'm getting a new DSL. Why? I just prefer the DSL more. And imo, I think the DSi is kinda a waste. But that's just me. As for your points:

1. Not big of a fan of DLC. It's either waste of money to me or too expensive to buy (I can give $8, but the first reason will probably kick in).

2&3. Well I guess it would be handy to have that stuff. If you don't have a laptop (or can't survive 30 minutes without internet) it would be worth it. It doesn't bother me much so... no-no.

4. I play on the second lowest level of light on my DSL. Not really important to me.

5. Um...yeah I'll give you that.

6. I don't like getting my picture taken and I don't use facebook so I'll pass.

7. Got an iPod.

And sure, there will be more DSi exclusive coming soon, but unless they release a HUGE titile on the DSi only, like SSB, I'll stick to my DSL. Besides, I have something that won't run on a DSi anyways.

I was reading about that DSi-excusive game, Monster Finder. It's DSi-only because it uses a stupid camera gimmick; it has nothing to do with extra processing power or RAM. Besides, it's my understanding that the DSi has 4x the amount of RAM than the other models, but no extra processing power. This is because of the browser most likely.

My deciding factor upon whether or not I bought one was what kind of games would be released over their download service, and if it would compensate for losing the GBA slot. I don't care about the camera or the MP3 player; I have seperate devices that do both those things, and I feel they're just gimmicks. The games they're releasing so far in the DSi store are just puzzle games and misc apps, nothing exciting. If they released GBA and GB/GBC games, similar to the Wii's Virtual Console, I would have been all over that and probably bought one in an instant. There just wasn't enough for me to justify buying a whole new system, especially since they nixed the GBA slot.

WoodenSword

My understanding is that the camera is far more than just a tacked-on "gimmick" in MONSTER FINDER, but is an essential element, as you use the camera to "find monsters" in the real world, somehow.

As for the games on the DSiWare service, this of course depends on your tastes, but far more is now available than just puzzle games. Real games that you would expect to pay real money for at WalMart or GameStop are available now and getting great reviews in the gamimg press. For instance, there's the MARIO VS. DONKEY KONG: MINIS MARCH AGAIN game I mentioned earlier, ASPHALT 4 is as good a racing game as you can expect to find for a handheld, and CASTLE OF MAGIC was originally released for the iPhone and is a stunning looking platformer every bit as good as any of the Mario series.

There are two reasons one must absolutely own a DSi.

1) Rayman. The entire PS1 game is downloadable! I was surprised to find that it is a FAR better and more faithful port than the GBA version. They may have given you a little too many hit points this time round though. This is one of the absolute best 2D platformers ever made.

2) Flipnote Studio. This thing is superb. Once you master the advance controls, the possibilities are endless. Also it's FREE!!!

What if Monster Finder turns out to be really fun? What if the gamera "Gimmick" actuallyis quiteawesome?

Robbie8912

Fair enough o: It could be pretty cool, but a lot of times gimmicks ruin what could be a good game, so a lot of times I'm skeptical... But look at Spirit Tracks: tons of gimmicks, but it's a great game. So there can be exceptions.

My understanding is that the camera is far more than just a tacked-on "gimmick" in MONSTER FINDER, but is an essential element, as you use the camera to "find monsters" in the real world, somehow.

As for the games on the DSiWare service, this of course depends on your tastes, but far more is now available than just puzzle games. Real games that you would expect to pay real money for at WalMart or GameStop are available now and getting great reviews in the gamimg press. For instance, there's the MARIO VS. DONKEY KONG: MINIS MARCH AGAIN game I mentioned earlier, ASPHALT 4 is as good a racing game as you can expect to find for a handheld, and CASTLE OF MAGIC was originally released for the iPhone and is a stunning looking platformer every bit as good as any of the Mario series.

RichardWrite

Yeah, gameplay elements like that are either great or awful. Only time will tell for Monster Finder. As for the DSi Ware titles, I haven't checked the list in a couple months, so I dunno what new stuff has been released. Last I checked it was just games like Sudoku (which are nice, but not console sellers). I'd still like to see some classic titles released; the old Pokemon games, Link's Awakening, etc... It'd be nice having those on the go again, and that would definitely tip the scale for me personally. It's nice to hear they're releasing more games for it though. It sounds like it's coming into its own.

Still, I'm very upset over losing the GBA slot. I mean, I could always use my SP or DS Lite, but it was nice having it in one handheld, you know?

The only reason why I would buy a DSi is for the DSiware but so far that's been awful. Sure there are 4-5 good games I would get for it but for the price of the DSi I could just as easily buy 20 full DS games instead. That doesn't seem like a good trade for me.

The only reason why I would buy a DSi is for the DSiware but so far that's been awful. Sure there are 4-5 good games I would get for it but for the price of the DSi I could just as easily buy 20 full DS games instead. That doesn't seem like a good trade for me.

JLF1

????? Where are you shopping that a DSi costs $600?

[QUOTE="sonictrainer"]

I would get it, but they took away the GBA slot. Also, if I want to take pictures, I just use my actual camera. One that can take pictures and do videos.

KillerWabbit23

Not to rain on your parade, but I would just buy a GBA SP for about 10 bucks at Game crazy.

I really want a DSi...

Already have one, but I wouldn't be able to use my GBA games to transfer stuff to my DS games.

[QUOTE="JLF1"]

The only reason why I would buy a DSi is for the DSiware but so far that's been awful. Sure there are 4-5 good games I would get for it but for the price of the DSi I could just as easily buy 20 full DS games instead. That doesn't seem like a good trade for me.

RichardWrite

????? Where are you shopping that a DSi costs $600?

I buy a lot of used games and games that was released a long time ago. I don't have the need to buy games on release. The average price for the DS games I buy is around $10-$15. The DSi is $230 where I live. That's potentially 15-20 full DS game I would miss out on. There is not 15-20 DSiware games that is currently worth owning.

I have a strict gaming budget every month and buying a new system eats a huge hole in that. Buying a glorified update would be very stupid right now for me.

DSiWare is great, as it's finally getting some real quality games (Rayman, Pop Island just came out a couple days ago). I agree, it is worth the upgrade.

i've heard that anything you buy on DSiWare cannot be transferred... so if you broke your DSi, then say goodbye to them all.. this was on news on GS a while back...

EDIT: here

...it seems you can transfer it but you have to send both the broken one and the new one....

anyway, DSi is still not worth all that.... i mean, there are stll people who prefer simple stuff (DSphat and DSL...) and find the added DSi features "gimmicky" or not that important... give me a break about Monster Finder, i can bet anything people will still prefer Pokemon over that game.. i know i'll be satisfied with my DSL even if that game turns out good......you think people with a properly working DSL/Phat will just throw out their money for a DSi just because of a single game? if Mario and Zelda came out as DSi exclusives, then..........

on the other hand, DSi as a first DS is totally worth it....

I too am looking to get my first DS but my question is, if I get the DSi, will DS games in the future be for DSi only?email2003

There's already one DSi only game to be released soon. Seems a good bet that this is the first of many.