How Does the DSi Work

In the beginning of 2009, Nintendo released the new handheld DSi unit.  It is an evolution of the Nintendo DS Lite and seeks to bring even more gamers closer to their games.  It is backwards compatible and allows users to interact with other gamers over the Internet.  It also allows gamers to interact a bit more with the Nintendo Wii.  When you start using your DSi, there are seven menus to navigate to: Games, DSi Camera, DSi Sound, DSi Shop, DS Download Play, Pictochat and Settings.  Games and Settings should be familiar to DS Lite users.  DSi Camera controls all the digital camera and editing functions while DSi Sound controls the audio recorder and playback.  The DS Download Play and DSi Shop allow you to purchase content for the unit and play it on the handheld device.  Pictochat lets you chat with other DSi users in your area over a network connection or between devices when linked up.

It is a fully interactive handheld unit, including two digital cameras, a microphone, an audio recorder and audio playback.  You can even send pictures to and from the DSi via the Photo Channel which can be synced via wireless networking to your Nintendo Wii.  Pictures can also be sent to your Facebook account when linked to it from the device.  The audio recorder lets you record snippets and store or send them.  The DSi also utilizes the Power button as a soft reset when tapped so as not to turn the unit fully off and lose your place in a game, who you are talking to or other functionality if you need to set it down for a section.

The Nintendo Wii sought to let gamers move with their games and the DSi seeks to let users interact with them in different ways.  Games using the camera, the mic and audio playback gives gamers the chance to take control of their video games in ways never before possible.  Coupled with the stylus, the DSi gives users the opportunity to get inside their games like never before.