Larger-screen DSi coming to Japan - Report

Nikkei news service claims a 4-inch-plus-screen version of the handheld could arrive across the Pacific as early as this year for ¥18,900 ($205).

Last November, the latest hardware revision of the DS handheld, the DSi, went on sale in Japan. Less than a year later comes word that its replacement is already on the verge of production. The Nikkei news service (subscription required) is citing unnamed sources as confirming that a larger-screen version of the handheld will be unveiled shortly and could go on sale in Japan as early as this year.

The DSi will soon have a big brother.

According to Nikkei, the new DSi has larger screens than the current version, which sports two 3.25-inch screens. The new version will feature screens in excess of four inches, about the same size as the PSP-3000's 4.3-inch screen and larger than the PSP Go's 3.8-inch display. Commensurate with the increased production cost, the handheld's price will be higher, ringing up at ¥18,900 ($205).

As of press time, US Nintendo reps had not responded to requests for comment on the new DSi or its release in the West. However, its introduction will raise some issues with the US' 2.2 million DSi owners who have bought games from the DSi store. According to reports, DSiWare games are not transferable to another handheld, meaning they would have to be repurchased on any new DSi.

One reason for the restricted rights is Nintendo's ongoing battle against DS piracy. According to Nikkei, the new DSi will have improved antipiracy features that will be beefed up in hack-prone territories such as China and South Korea.

323 Comments

  • NerdyGeekboy

    Posted Oct 28, 2009 7:26 pm PT

    dang is it really needed? how about a widescreen dsi? and why cant you transfer dsiware games to the new dsi? isnt that what the sd card was for? pictures, music, and games?

  • Roxol

    Posted Oct 28, 2009 1:55 pm PT

    @runefa u just won the internet

  • psycho_path

    Posted Oct 28, 2009 1:09 am PT

    This is stupid. Why another DSi? Isn't t enough that they already released a new version last year so why build a new one? That is a total bullcrap.

  • mxouail

    Posted Oct 27, 2009 11:50 pm PT

    this ound funny thow this new dsi might just be the same

  • Glade_Gnarr

    Posted Oct 27, 2009 10:07 pm PT

    They should just release the next ds altogether.

  • runefa

    Posted Oct 27, 2009 8:50 pm PT

    well, i was reading some coments about the DSi being the same as the ds lite, i just readed that the nintendo DSi has 16 MB ram, and has dobled the proccesor power, i still have my nintendo ds lite, not own a dsi, but the that means that the dsi is more powerfull that the old nintendo ds, so why do you keep moaning give a new console, man i just remember the old days when i bougth games for get fun, not for graphics, come on just think a little, is the same with ps3 and xbox 360, yes they have same graphics and awesome ones, but is rare the game that makes you feel like an 8 years old kid amazed about the game, yes nintendo is triying to get more money with new apps, but isnt that what any company would do? and if you say me, the only thing that the nintendo ds needs is more good games and larger capacity cartdriges, i mean if i can get a micro sd 2 gb for like 10 dlls, why they dont use that kind of tecnology? guys i dont know but let me tell you one thing, consoles are for play and not to get mad at them, but well i know many people will put me negative votes, so see ya later.

  • Quezakolt

    Posted Oct 27, 2009 8:15 pm PT

    the thing about locked purchases is really stupid. i stick with my DS Lite. Plus, only a larger screen? arent the pixels big enought already?...

  • HerbalVideogame

    Posted Oct 27, 2009 5:18 pm PT

    @hatieshorrer Kind of like that. Except the psp 3000 had a few more upgrades that came with it. But yeah, everyone clones Nintendo's business strategy, eventually. You are so smart hatieshorrer! *sarcasm* (note the asterisks) That would be correct.

  • dekusnake

    Posted Oct 27, 2009 5:10 pm PT

    ... Just a larger screen?!?!

    I KNEW this would happen.

    Get ready for Wii Motion Plus 1.00000000000001!!

  • hatieshorrer

    Posted Oct 27, 2009 4:48 pm PT

    @HerbalVideogame

    Yeah its like when Sony released the PSP2000 and PSP3000

    (note the sarcasm)

  • frogloe

    Posted Oct 27, 2009 4:45 pm PT

    There's no real reason to complain here their simply giving a slight change. It's not going to force you to buy a new DSi to keep up with changing hardware nor will it play newer games. It's just perhaps a little spice on your meal. Perhaps just good for those who are considering a DSi but still don't see enough of a reason. Just calm down. It's no major change. It's not going to force us to wait another year for a new console or anything rediculous like that.

  • GCwasthebestsys

    Posted Oct 27, 2009 4:25 pm PT

    nobody should care or be upset. this will not affect your current dsi duh. if you don't wanna buy a new one, guess what? you don't have to! and that is the handheld industry. if Nintendo doesn't constantly upgrade and reduce prices they will lose their stronghold and domination of handhelds (as well as their domination of the entire video game industry)

  • Evil_Robo

    Posted Oct 27, 2009 4:21 pm PT

    Well who's to blame for multiple updates of electrical appliances? Apple. They proved that people will frequently pay £200 for a slightly better product that was already purchased the year before. Nintendo were pretty uncool with the Gamecube and N64, but for the Wii its obvious they have taken their cue from stuff like the Ipod, in terms of sleek design and colours. Facts are, if the people will pay for it, it's worth making.

  • Flint247

    Posted Oct 27, 2009 4:11 pm PT

    I am fine with my DS Lite.

    (I just want Flipbook Studio, though)

  • HerbalVideogame

    Posted Oct 27, 2009 3:57 pm PT

    Classic Nintendo business strategy.

  • KillerWabbit23

    Posted Oct 27, 2009 3:51 pm PT

    um... sure. whatever.
    I'm going to get Nintendo's next handheld when it comes out, considering I'm not in the mood to replace my broken one right now and I have other things to do.

  • somomom

    Posted Oct 27, 2009 2:40 pm PT

    Why are you all complaining? This handheld is pretty much the same as the dsi, except a some larger screens and stronger anti-piracy. Its not a successor to the dsi in any way. Its just like nintendo releasing different colored dsi's. They aren't expecting people to sell their dsi and get this.
    Mainly just for those who don't already own a dsi.

  • StarvingPoet

    Posted Oct 27, 2009 2:27 pm PT

    @ DamnedApples; If the new chipset rumors are true, it will offer high def graphics at lower power demands.

  • StarvingPoet

    Posted Oct 27, 2009 2:25 pm PT

    @ angelGP32; Damned if I know! I was just relaying the hardware rumors from the nVidia side

  • DamnedApples

    Posted Oct 27, 2009 2:14 pm PT

    @m64

    gotta agree with you there...

    Also...the resolution doesn't get any better does it?

    The DS currently has worse res than the PSP and ITOUCH, which isn't really a bad thing, but for $200+ you can get those other two...I originally got the DS b/c it was the cheapest hand-held and had pokemon--neither of which are helped by a bigger screen.

  • punkdsk8erdude

    Posted Oct 27, 2009 2:05 pm PT

    god dang it. im sick and tired of 8 million versions of the same console!! all of us dish out cash and cash and cash for the same system over and over again with minor improvements that are just enough to make us want to buy it again! it's ridiculous!! the original DS was just fine! The DS Lite was a lot better, but the DSi's new features to me are useless bc i just want to play games and this NEW DSi is absolutely atrocious because they are releasing so soon after the DSi!! Same with the PSP!! And to me the improvements on the PSP are even more minimal than those on the DS. Why must these companies focus so much on revamping the same system, when they can put all that time money and effort into creating a brand new console that's amazing right from the start? Is that so much to ask?
    I have never bought a DS because of 2 reasons...one there is not enough great games for me to want to play at home bc i dont go anywhere where id use a DS so id just play at home, and two is because they keep remaking it!!
    I'm REALLY sick and tired of it! Sure its great for people who havent bought it before but what about the fans who bought the first DS, then the DS lite, then the DSi, then the DSi2, what's next? Rerelease it with a better camera or something? Jesus. And one last angry thing - they got rid of the BEST thing on the DSi. GAMEBOY ADVANCE SLOT!!!! Need i say more?

  • SoNin360

    Posted Oct 27, 2009 2:03 pm PT

    Lol why make something smaller only to make it even bigger?

  • noirsake

    Posted Oct 27, 2009 2:02 pm PT

    it must be a japan thing

  • m64

    Posted Oct 27, 2009 1:52 pm PT

    nintendo has lost it

  • angelGP32

    Posted Oct 27, 2009 1:30 pm PT

    @StarvingPoet; so then why not release a new DS entirely? So with more processing power, are new games NOT going to be able to be played on the old DSi or will there be 2 versions of the games or games for one system and games for another?? More and more this sounds overall like a bad idea. Like they are going all Sony with the handheld..shakes fist at PSPGo which will destroy PSP brand.

  • Donkey_h03

    Posted Oct 27, 2009 1:20 pm PT

    It's been 5 years nintendo how about making a DS 2? They could easily make a new ds with gamecube graphics for cheap, technology has more than caught up.

  • nini200

    Posted Oct 27, 2009 1:15 pm PT

    No GBA Slot is a No Buy for me. If it has it, I'm all for it but if not, then no.

  • ninja_where

    Posted Oct 27, 2009 12:59 pm PT

    Oh, because Nintendo thinks everyone just LOVES larger stuff...

  • cananyonehelp

    Posted Oct 27, 2009 12:56 pm PT

    come on, how many more ds consoles are they going to make!?

  • gohoanq

    Posted Oct 27, 2009 12:55 pm PT

    Okay, so.... i get a DSi... and a little while later they come out with one that has bigger screens...As much as i would like that, I Am Not going to be spending money on the same exact thing with a tiny modification. But, maybe this will be enough to get people that passed on the first.

  • StarvingPoet

    Posted Oct 27, 2009 12:50 pm PT

    Bigger screen and a new CPU made by nVidia (Tegra)- should be more powerful than the current DSi. The DSi is quickly approaching the processing power of a netbook.

    http://games.venturebeat.com/2009/10/14/rumor-suggests-nvidias-tegra-chip-will-power-the-next-nintendo-ds/

  • UnknownForm

    Posted Oct 27, 2009 12:19 pm PT

    *Yawn*, you ain't gonna milk $$$$ again Nintendo...

  • Ric_SlayeR

    Posted Oct 27, 2009 12:07 pm PT

    "One reason for the restricted rights is Nintendo's ongoing battle against DS piracy." Keep trying Nintendo. FAIL.

  • solidwarrior2

    Posted Oct 27, 2009 11:58 am PT

    looks like I am going to buy a DS

  • daabulls23

    Posted Oct 27, 2009 11:45 am PT

    Another one? Gee whiz.

  • MamaLukuBuku

    Posted Oct 27, 2009 11:43 am PT

    I always say to myself: "Wow a new DS is coming out, glad I waited to get one." I don't think I am ever going to get one at this rate lol.

  • toddze

    Posted Oct 27, 2009 11:28 am PT

    man what ever happened to the days that when you bought a handheld and it didnt change until the next version? PSP and DS just keep tweaking the same thing.

  • lukas1051

    Posted Oct 27, 2009 11:24 am PT

    Can anybody say cash-in?

  • glennvolio

    Posted Oct 27, 2009 11:04 am PT

    NintenFAIL

  • OldStupidGeezer

    Posted Oct 27, 2009 10:42 am PT

    if the screen is larger, does that mean the image will be stretched or what. i hate how the dsi's image is slightly stretched

  • OldStupidGeezer

    Posted Oct 27, 2009 10:40 am PT

    when the hell is the downloadable GB/GBC/GBA games coming? come on nintendo

  • Yoweeh

    Posted Oct 27, 2009 10:15 am PT

    I think we should be able to trade our current DSis for the new ones. =/
    I'll be pissed if we can't.

  • Tauu

    Posted Oct 27, 2009 9:58 am PT

    "However, its introduction will raise some issues with the US' 2.2 million DSi owners who have bought games from the DSi store."

    As if to suggest that everyone is going to get rid of their perfectly working DSis just to get the new one with the larger screen. Silly.

  • bowsersenemy

    Posted Oct 27, 2009 9:50 am PT

    OMG! ANOTHER new ds! must have! YEAH RIGHT! i just shelled out $180 for my CURRENT DSi. i ain't paying for ANOTHER DS, just because it has bigger screens, and does the same crap my current system does. i like bigger screens on handhelds, but when they could have and SHOULD HAVE done it in the first place, that just ticks me off. sorry nintendo, you've already taken enough of my money. WHY DON'T YOU TRY PUTTING GAMES OUT FOR WHAT YOU ALREADY BUILT FIRST? the DS was doing fine as far as sales went! why put people through this? Nintendo is turning in to sega! too many systems too fast!

  • Dualmask

    Posted Oct 27, 2009 9:49 am PT

    @angelGP32 you're right. Even a Nintendo enthusiast like me can't keep up with it all.

    @Predalien3000 There's no real difference, at least in regards to the DS and Game Boy Advance revisions. You can play the same games on GBA, GBA SP or GB Micro, and you can play mostly the same games on DS or DSi (except the downloadables). It's the same basic concept. Yeah, the jump from GB to GB Color was more significant.

  • killer_rabbit20

    Posted Oct 27, 2009 9:43 am PT

    So companies are making gaming consoles using the engine Borderlands used to make a ton of randomly generated guns?

  • hi-buzz

    Posted Oct 27, 2009 9:43 am PT

    Hey NiNtendo...save all this cost N' expense...for the DS2....and stop hurtin'
    ppl's pocket with more ds iterations...

  • hi-buzz

    Posted Oct 27, 2009 9:26 am PT

    Here we go again... Nintendo tryin' 2 milk $$ with the same old ds engine
    now with a newly redesign dsi w/ bigger screens... how clever..... to begin with, the current DSi shoulda have bigger screens 2 compete with PSP'S bigger screens.....now the current dsi owners will b disappointed 4 sure.....

  • xbox_psp

    Posted Oct 27, 2009 9:21 am PT

    Why the hell would I need another DSi?
    That's BS()

  • hajjjustin

    Posted Oct 27, 2009 9:20 am PT

    this is all just another way that the big Co. screw us. they damn well no they could have originally made the Dsi with a bigger screen but they thought to them selves that hey if we put a smaller screen in first then a year later put a bigger screen in we can make more money. but if they did this like 2 years after they came out with the Dsi than i would understand that they wanted to make an upgrade but it hasn't even been a year in japan let alone 8 months in the USA that the DSi has been available. that's how i can smell that the Bull from here. if they wanted to put a bigger screen on the DSi it should have been done from the start. at least thats how i feel

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