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Description of the Nintendo DSi

The DSi is a portable hand-held video game system developed by Nintendo. The company released the DSi in 2008. It's the third device released in the Nintendo DS line, following the original DS in 2004 and the DS Lite in 2006. The DSi's features include a pair of display screens, two onboard digital cameras and Wi-Fi capabilities.

Size and Battery Life
- With its flip top closed, the Nintendo DSi measures 5.4 inches wide, 2.9 inches deep and 0.7 inches thick at its thickest point. It weighs 7.5 oz. before optional accessories and upgrades and without any game cartridges loaded. The DSi is noticeably sturdier in terms of build quality than its predecessor, the DSi Lite, according to video-gaming website IGN. A rechargeable 840-mAh lithium-ion battery provides onboard power to the DSi, supplying it with up to 14 hours of gaming time under ideal conditions. Average battery life drops to around 3.5 hours per charge with the DSi's screen turned to full brightness.
Compatibility and Features
- The DSi offers native compatibility with Nintendo DS and Nintendo DSi games. Unlike the Nintendo DS, the DSi doesn't have a Game Boy Advance slot and, as a result, it can't play Game Boy Advance games. The DSi can download games from the Internet via its built-in 802.11b/g Wi-Fi card. Nintendo also equips the DSi with an onboard music player called DSi Sound. DSi Sound is compatible only with the AAC audio file format.
Displays and Cameras
- Nintendo equips the DSi with a pair of TFT active matrix color LCD display screens. Both screens measure 3.25 inches diagonally and display up to 262,144 colors. The bottom screen is touch sensitive, while the top screen isn't. Nintendo also outfits the DSi with a pair of integrated digital cameras. One camera is located on the front cover of the device, while the other can be found on the inner hinge. Both cameras feature 0.3-megapixel sensors and take VGA-quality photos. Onboard camera software allows you to edit and play photos taken on the DSi, with tools including facial blending and facial comparison. Preset camera modes include trick, frame and normal.
Additional Information
- The Nintendo DSi is powered by a 134 MHz ARM9 processor. The system comes with 256MB of built-in storage space. It also has a Secure Digital memory card slot for storing and transferring data as well as a combination stereo headphone and microphone connector. Nintendo sells the DSi with a stylus and an AC adapter for charging the device or running it off of external power. The DSi is available in a variety of colors, including black, blue and pink.

Nintendo DS