Nintendo DSi Console

Time to look back at some of the highlights of the DSi launch.

The Nintendo DS has had a long history over the years and is continuing to dominate the entire handheld environment. However, it wasn’t a perfect handheld console, but Nintendo responded by making a few cosmetic changes to the original DS and formed it into the Nintendo DS Lite – a smaller and more comfortable alternative.

The Nintendo DS Lite was popular during its early days as well, but the target audience wasn’t wide enough for some of the non-gamers to dive to into. This is where the Nintendo DSi comes in, which was recently launched in the nearly 3 years after the DS Lite launch. Just like the other DS launches, there were four different areas where the DSi was introduced on different dates. Out of these four, it was the UK launch that gained the most attention. Here are some of the highlights.

Over 92,000 Units Sold 2 days after the Launch

This achievement beat out the old milestone set when the original Nintendo DS sold around 87,000 consoles. Because the DS has grown in popularity overtime, more people become curious with the new DSi and be amazed by the new features it offers. The DSi is now the fourth fastest selling handheld console.

UK Launch was Scheduled Before the US Launch
Nintendo decided to try something different by launching the product in the UK before the North American regions. This reduced the massive wait times that UK users experienced, but finally that has come to an end. The plan worked resulting to a huge increase in the number of sales made.

No Major Event was hosted

All of the DSi handhelds went directly to the shelves without any huge launch party. Its success wasn’t affected at all because of the many stores it went to giving a lot of choices for people to buy.

No Major Game was introduced

Usually, the handheld launches some with a freebie or two in order to attract more people, but nothing came up during the launch of Nintendo’s latest handheld. This only meant that people really cared about the new console itself rather than the games that only work on DSi. However, the DS games sales slightly increased because of people looking for new games to play with their new DS model.

DSi Ware Service Opened

The DSi Ware service is an online service where people spend Nintendo Points (previously known as Wii Points) so that people can download or purchases applications and games. More items should be added real soon resembling the WIi Shop. Some of these items are even free like free browser application.

Preserved Price

Just like the Nintendo DS Late, the Nintendo DSi will cost 150 euro. Prices are expected to lower over time as usual. The interesting thing was that people didn’t have to spend more to enjoy the new features.

The DSi is definitely out there in many stores that sell games and consoles. It has also gained respect from critics and consumers for its fair price and good range of features making it a fine upgrade despite the lack of GBA slot and lower battery life.