Nintendo DSi

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The Nintendo DSi is a slim, foldable dual‑screen handheld game console from Nintendo. It’s a hardware upgrade to the Nintendo DS, not a full redesign. The DSi adds two cameras, bigger screens, more RAM, a faster processor, and more internal storage, plus a slot for SD cards and a new digital store for games and apps. It also drops compatibility with Game Boy Advance cartridges.

Launch timeline
- Japan: November 1, 2008
- Worldwide: April 2009 (Australia/New Zealand April 2; Europe April 3; North America April 5)
- Nintendo released a larger version, the DSi XL, later: DSi XL in Japan on November 21, 2009; Europe and North America in March 2010; Australia in April 2010.

Key features
- Two cameras (one on the inner hinge and one on the outer shell)
- Two 3.25-inch screens, with a touch-sensitive lower screen
- SD card slot, larger internal storage, and more RAM
- Built-in Wi‑Fi for online play and the Nintendo DSi Shop for downloads
- Supports DS and DSiWare titles; cannot play Game Boy Advance games or use GBA accessories
- Region-locked for DSi-only software, but DS game cards and some features work across regions
- A new media player and photo/video features, plus the ability to export some content to a 3DS later

DSi Shop and DSiWare
- The DSi introduced the DSi Shop for downloadable games and applications called DSiWare, paid with Nintendo Points or a credit card
- Over 500 titles were available across regions
- DSiWare can’t be transferred between a DSi and a non‑DSi device if the device isn’t repaired; most can be moved to a 3DS with some caveats
- The DSi Shop and Points service were discontinued in 2016–2017

DSi XL
- A larger variant with 4.2‑inch screens, longer battery life, and improved viewing angles
- Came in multiple colors and bundled software like Flipnote Studio and DSi Browser

What people thought
- Reviews were mostly positive for added features and easier sharing, but criticized the lack of exclusive games and the removal of the GBA cartridge slot
- The cameras were considered low‑resolution for their time, though adequate for the handheld’s screen size
- The DSi Shop was seen as a key new selling point

Impact and legacy
- The DSi line helped Nintendo keep the DS family strong and extend its lifecycle until the 3DS launched in 2011
- The DSi and DSi XL shipped about 41 million units combined
- The DSi was eventually discontinued as Nintendo focused on the 3DS family