Games for the Nintendo DSi

Spring 2009 will see the European release of the Nintendo DSi. This newest version of the DS is seen by industry observers as Nintendo’s response to Sony and Apple who have both produced new advances in portable game devices. When the release of the Nintendo DSi was announced some of the games that are lined up for the new console were also released. These included:

Valkyre Profile (Square-Enix)
Chocobo and the Magical Picture Book: The Witch, the Girl and the 5 Warriors (Square-Enix)
Mysterious Dungeon: Fuuren no Shiren DS 2 (Sega)
Let’s Make a Soccer Team DS: Touch and Direct (Sega)
Avalon Code (Marvelous)
DS Nishimura Kyotarou Suspense Detective Series 2 (Tecmo)
Tales of Hearts: Anime Movie Edition/CG Movie Edition (Bandai-Namco)
Prof. Layton and the Last Time Travel (Level 5)
Know by Walking: Life Rhythm DS (Nintendo)
World Food: Talk! DS Food Navi (Nintendo)
Power Pro-kun Pocket 11 (Konami)
Self-indulgent Fashion: Girl’s Mode (Nintendo)
Mega Man Star Force 3: Black Ace/Red Joker (Capcom)

The new Nintendo DSi has several new functions including the ability to download software via the internet so that the user can customise their console. The new console has a SD memory card which slots into the right hand side of the console and allows it to store pictures, music and games. Just as users of the Wii can download games from their own download store users of the Nintendo DS will also be able to buy games directly from the company’s DSi Shop. Some of the downloadable software will be free whilst other software will need to be purchased using Nintendo Points. DSi customers will receive 1,000 points to spend in 2010. Software will either be free or cost 200, 500 or 800+ Nintendo points. One of the free applications that will be available is the web browser. The browser is the result of collaboration between Opera and Nintendo and has been especially tuned for the Nintendo DSi to make browsing faster. Wi-Fi communication will also be faster with the Nintendo DSi.

The front slot for the Game Boy Advance has been removed which means that any games such as Guitar Hero: On Tour and Nintendo DS Rumble Pak that relied on this slot will not be compatible with the new console.

After its release UK consumers will be able to check which stores have the Nintendo DSi in stock and the Nintendo DSi prices using various online sites.

As Nintendo DSi stock will be held by many retailers Nintendo DSi availability should be good.