There’s a rule of thumb in video game journalism: If you ask a company about a rumor and they deny it, it’s just a rumor. But if you ask a company about a rumor and they decline comment, it’s guaranteed to be true.

Such is the case with the new model of Nintendo DS due out early next year, dubbed the DSi. Among the new features are two built-in cameras (one facing the player, the other facing away), an SD card slot for storage, music playback, and a DSi Shop designed to sell downloadable content. The new design also offers slightly larger screens and is 12% thinner overall.

This upgrade looks quite impressive, but I may just stick with my trusty DS Lite model. I’m satisfied with the screen and already pocket-sized dimensions. I think that the camera functions are very nifty, but I honestly have no need for them. I doubt any games that I would want to play would require them. The DSi Store is also intriguing to me, but I’ve yet to find appeal of digital distribution as a whole. Maybe I’ll wait for Nintendo’s next portable platform to enjoy these functions, but I’m content for now without them.

Then there’s the biggest turn-off: No more GBA slot! I still have Game Boy Advance games that I love and have yet to experience! Hell, I kept my GBA SP just so I could continue playing some of my original Game Boy titles. I understand that with progress, we have to let go of the previous generation to focus on the current. I just feel that the GBA had such a short run (less than 4 years!) and still so many great titles for me to pick up.

Funny as it may sound, the one big selling point for me on the DSi above all the rest would be the improved power button. I’ve always been worried that the one on my DS Lite would break! Alas, it’s just a fear I’m willing to live with, since replacing that function alone isn’t worth me dishing out another $180. As is, I’m presently saving up to buy a PSP 3000 as a birthday/Christmas present for myself later this year.

This entry was posted on Thursday, October 2nd, 2008 at 8:58 am and is filed under Games. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.