The Nintendo DSi is not a ‘minor update’

GamePro noted yesterday that Japanese consumers aren’t showing much enthusiasm for the Nintendo DSi’s forthcoming release, as indicated by gray market sales for reservation tickets (or preorder guarantees).

Bids on Yahoo Auctions for DSi tickets are hovering around ¥3,000 ($30), compared to PlayStation 3 tickets that went for ¥20,000 ($203) when the console launched.

This lack of Japanese anticipation doesn’t bother me, as it means there will be more systems available to import after launching, but this statement in GamePro’s article caught my attention:

“It’s perhaps this minor update on features that appears to have dulled the excitement.”

Is the DSi a minor update? Do you consider the DS Lite a minor update? Most wouldn’t. But aside from its smaller, lighter, and more aestheticaly pleasing frame, the DS Lite’s biggest innovation is its brighter screen settings.

The DSi, for comparison, adds SD storage, music playing capabilities, and two cameras among other new features. The built-in browser and online shop alone seem enough to classify the new hardware as a “major update,” whether or not you believe the DSi to be a “good update.”

What do you think?

Expected DSi launch dates around the world:

• Japan: November 1st, 2008
• North America: After April 2009
• Europe: Spring 2009
• Australia: Fall 2009

See more: Our previous Nintendo DSi coverage

tags / dsi / upgrade / gray market / import / ec