New DSi for the Elderly?

[RedStarWarrior]

http://ds.ign.com/articles/103/1039028p1.html

"A new Nintendo DSi with a larger screen will be available by year's end in Japan, reports website Nikkei.

The report states the screen will now be close to the size of Sony's PSP, nearly double that of the current DSi screen area. This will not only allow for higher display of graphics and text, but possibly new applications as well, such as reading electronic books and watching video.

The new DSi will be priced at 18,900 yen ($205 USD), the same as the current model at retailers. The report states Nintendo is considering releasing the new DSi overseas.

We've contacted Nintendo of America for a response and possible release. Keep checking back."

It's been nearly a year since the DSi was released in Japan, so timing wise, this isn't too bad. I'm not sure whether we'll see it outside of Japan, but if so, I'm sure there will be a long wait.

EDIT:

Quick update. Here's an article that discusses the idea of 4" screens on a DS and what it might look like: http://kotaku.com/5391387/what-would-the-ds-look-like-with-a-four-inch-screen

Also, rumors of it being called a DSi XL or LL (depending on country sold in). No confirmation on that...

[Andrew]

I've never seen a retiree with a DS so we'll see.

[Roy Karrde]

So I take it that at most this magnifies the graphics of the current DS games.

I dunno how good of a idea this is, obviously for older people such a thing would be great, especially with the brain training software.

But for the rest of us who have good eyes, a magnified screen, especially with games that were not built for it, can make the games you have look a tad bit uglier. So if you are a graphics whore, a bigger DS screen may not be the best thing.

[MToolen]

I'm 20 and my eyes aren't that great. I don't have a DS, but I'm sure I'd appreciate the bigger texts. I have the same problems trying to play some of today's games on a regular-sized television screen (it's been a while, but things like Mirror's Edge, where the text is designed for huge HDTV's).

[RedStarWarrior]

So I take it that at most this magnifies the graphics of the current DS games.

I dunno how good of a idea this is, obviously for older people such a thing would be great, especially with the brain training software.

But for the rest of us who have good eyes, a magnified screen, especially with games that were not built for it, can make the games you have look a tad bit uglier. So if you are a graphics whore, a bigger DS screen may not be the best thing.
You are right, however, the larger screen would allow more smaller text to appear on it, as mentioned in the article. I don't think the graphical resolution would be too much worse.

[RedStarWarrior]

Some new pictures:

http://gonintendo.com/wp-content/photos/wr_1_2.jpg
http://gonintendo.com/wp-content/photos/nw.jpg
http://gonintendo.com/wp-content/photos/db.jpg
http://gonintendo.com/wp-content/photos/k3nji8.png
http://gonintendo.com/wp-content/photos/comp_1.jpg
http://gonintendo.com/wp-content/photos/touchp.jpg

According to this source (http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/29/nintendo-dsi-ll-goes-large-in-japan-on-november-21/), the DSi LL is set to release in Japan on November 21st with a pricetag of around $221USD.

Another source (http://www.electricpig.co.uk/2009/10/29/nintendo-dsi-xl-jumbo-gaming-uk-bound/) has stated that Nintendo of Europe has released a statement that the new DSi XL will go on sale in Europe in the first quarter of 2010 (note the name difference from the Japanese version).

[Master Rudy]

A model with a bigger screen could potentially be good for those of us with poor eyesight (such as myself). However until they toss back in GBA support then I could care less about what new features get added. Nintendo trying to sell me a DSi XL would go something like this:

NoA-This new model can store up to 2 GB of music on it without any kind of extenal storage device!
Rudy-Cool.....not as much as an iPod but that's more than enough for me. What else?
NoA-It can cure cancer and launch a tatical nuclear strike.
Rudy-Damn......is there anything this new model can't do?! ^_^
NoA-Well.....it's not backwards compatible with the GBA........ :heh:
Rudy-.......And your expecting me to buy this? :what:

[Mr. Brightside]

So I take it that at most this magnifies the graphics of the current DS games.

I dunno how good of a idea this is, obviously for older people such a thing would be great, especially with the brain training software.

But for the rest of us who have good eyes, a magnified screen, especially with games that were not built for it, can make the games you have look a tad bit uglier. So if you are a graphics whore, a bigger DS screen may not be the best thing.

Agree with that.


A model with a bigger screen could potentially be good for those of us with poor eyesight (such as myself). However until they toss back in GBA support then I could care less about what new features get added. Nintendo trying to sell me a DSi XL would go something like this:

NoA-This new model can store up to 2 GB of music on it without any kind of extenal storage device!
Rudy-Cool.....not as much as an iPod but that's more than enough for me. What else?
NoA-It can cure cancer and launch a tatical nuclear strike.
Rudy-Damn......is there anything this new model can't do?! ^_^
NoA-Well.....it's not backwards compatible with the GBA........ :heh:
Rudy-.......And your expecting me to buy this? :what:

and that

To me this whole new Dsi version sounds stupid. Why on earth someone would buy it when we know that next year Nintendo will show the new handheld?

And more important, why don't they release the console with all those stuff from the beginning? It's the fourth DS for crying out loud! http://www.nintendo.co.jp/ds/dsiLL/index.html

Thanks but i'll pass, i'm fine with my Lite.

[RedStarWarrior]

Agree with that.



and that

To me this whole new Dsi version sounds stupid. Why on earth someone would buy it when we know that next year Nintendo will show the new handheld?

And more important, why don't they release the console with all those stuff from the beginning? It's the fourth DS for crying out loud! http://www.nintendo.co.jp/ds/dsiLL/index.html

Thanks but i'll pass, i'm fine with my Lite.
First of all, as you can see, the graphics don't really decrease in quality as much as expected. Second, this was Nintendo responding to customer complaints and I applaud them for doing something to help a portion of their userbase.

[Roy Karrde]

TV Osaka this morning broadcast the first video of the new DS.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ghukC2XXLSI&feature=player_embedded

Not really that big of a difference when seen in action, but I guess I need one in my hands for a true comparison.

[Blademaster]

And THIS is why I didn't buy a DSi yet. :D

[Austrian ViceMaster Alex]

I'll get this new DSi ... but only because I'm collecting all Nintendo handhelds. :P

I like that pen-like stylus though, looks classy.

[PNT510]

I think I'll end up getting this. I was on the fence about picking up a DSi seeing as how I have an old DS Phat with no stylus, but I think I can wait another 6 months and pick this up.

[RedStarWarrior]

I think I'll end up getting this. I was on the fence about picking up a DSi seeing as how I have an old DS Phat with no stylus, but I think I can wait another 6 months and pick this up.
I'm in the same boat as you. My mother would probably borrow it from me a lot, but that's okay.