Just four and a half years after its initial release, the Nintendo DS has sold more than 100 million units worldwide, solidifying itself as the best selling portable video game console of all time. Even the Sony PlayStation Portable (PSP), which is widely regarded as a commercial success, has only reached around 50 million in sales.

The Nintendo DSi is the third iteration of the DS, which was originally released in November 2004. In June 2006, the company refreshed the system in the form of the DS Lite, which dramatically changed the device’s overall design and vastly improved screen performance.

Rumors of a second redesign proved to be a reality when Nintendo announced the most recent, and what we believe to be the final rehash of the system, the Nintendo DSi. This upgrade adds two small-resolution cameras to the portable, slightly larger screens, and an SD card slot. The Game Boy Advance slot found in both previous versions has been removed.

While current DS Lite owners may want to think twice about upgrading, the DSi does offer plenty of innovative media features and online functionality that may warrant a purchase. Those who still have the original DS should definitely consider the step up as well–but if you’ve been holding out on a DS purchase up until now, the DSi is certainly the way go.

The good: Adds two larger screens; two 0.3-megapixel cameras; a bit thinner than the DS Lite; exclusive access to the DSi Shop for downloadable games and applications.

The bad: No longer supports Game Boy Advance games; lower battery life than its predecessor; Internet security settings are buried and confusing.

The bottom line: While not all previous DS owners should upgrade, the DSi is an ambitious and solidly designed portable gaming system.

Specifications: Product Description: Nintendo DSi - Handheld game system ; Form Factor: Handheld ; Media Type: Cartridge See full specs

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