There were no initial plans to release the DSi outside of Japan but the success of the unit meant that it is a financially sound proposition. Nintendo of Australia (and now New Zealand) have announced today that the DSi will launch in New Zealand and Australia on 2 April – that’s 3 days prior to the scheduled US launch.
The Australian price will be $299 compared to $199 for the DS Lite, while the NZ price is only tentatively set at $375 (compared to $249 for the DS Lite). Why tentative? In an unusual qualifier on the press release, Nintendo say that the “NZ price is based on current exchange rate”. One only hopes that this doesn’t mean all Nintendo products will have price shifts due to the fluctuating and weak dollar.
Full press release is after the break:
Nintendo DSi is Coming…
February 19th, 2009
Nintendo Australia announces that Nintendo DSi™ – an upgrade to the Nintendo DS® hand held console – will hit shelves in Australia and New Zealand, and you can get your hands on one on 2 April 2009.
Nintendo DSi has something for everyone, containing more functions to bring you more fun! Keep a photo diary via your Nintendo DSi Camera; store and play music with Nintendo DSi Sound; or why not browse the web on your Nintendo DSi via the Nintendo DSi Shop! New features include larger LCD screens, SD memory card slot, improved speakers and a slimmer unit.
Take photos with your Nintendo DSi Camera and manipulate and play with the images – real-time interactive imaging software makes the photo taking experience different from that offered by any other portable device. With 11 different types of lenses to choose from, edit, morph and distort your photos. You can even use the merge lens to blend two faces together! Watch slideshows of your photos, store your photos on your Nintendo DSi and exchange photos with other Nintendo DSi users.
Store and play music with Nintendo DSi Sound. You can also play with any music that you have on an SD memory card – make your favourite songs play faster! Learning a foreign language? Slow down the playback of someone speaking in that language so it’s easier for you to learn! You can also record sounds using the microphone, and edit them to create new sounds.
Get your Nintendo DSi online via the Nintendo DSi Browser which will be available as a free download at launch. You can then purchase Nintendo DSi software via the Nintendo DSi Shop. By purchasing a Nintendo Points Card – formerly a Wii Points Card – you can then use your points to download software – Nintendo DSiWare – in the Nintendo DSi Shop. The first time you connect to the web on Nintendo DSi Shop, you will receive 1,000 Nintendo Points for free so you can get started with Nintendo DSiWare. Nintendo DSiWare will be available in four different price categories: free, 200 points, 500 points, and 800 or more points.
Nintendo DSiWare will not only be games you can download, but also practical applications. Nintendo will launch a variety of applications, giving you the option to download the applications that work for you. This will further personalise and enhance the functionality of your Nintendo DSi.
The new features also include the dual LCD screens being 17 per cent larger than those on the Nintendo DS and PictoChat is now available in colour as you can choose between a black or rainbow pen!
Nintendo DS software is compatible with Nintendo DSi, except for software that requires the Game Boy Advance cartridge slot, as this has been removed resulting in a slimmer Nintendo DSi.
Available in matte black or matte white, inclusive of built in memory, Wi-Fi functionality, calendar with memo function and touch screen, Nintendo DSi is a more portable, personalised experience.
It’s your Nintendo DSi.
AU SRP $299.95 / NZ SRP $375.00 (NZ price is based on current exchange rate)
The DSi is a refreshingly original console – I hope it’s getting popular in Australia. It deserves to be more popular here in the UK than it is so far but I think it’s just a slow burner.