When Did Nintendo Stop Making the DSi? A Retrospective on a Dual-Screen Revolution
The Nintendo DSi and DSi XL quietly ceased production worldwide on September 30, 2014. This occurred without any grand announcement and only ten days before the launch of the New Nintendo 3DS and New Nintendo 3DS XL. This marked the end of an era for a console that, while not as commercially dominant as its predecessor, the DS Lite, brought significant innovation to the handheld gaming market.
The DSi: A Bridge Between Eras
The DSi represented a crucial step in the evolution of Nintendo’s handheld consoles. Launched initially in Japan in November 2008 and subsequently worldwide beginning in April 2009, it built upon the success of the Nintendo DS and DS Lite by adding features that are now commonplace but were groundbreaking at the time. These included dual cameras, an SD card slot, and the Nintendo DSi Shop for downloadable games, known as DSiWare.
While it maintained compatibility with most Nintendo DS game cartridges, the removal of the Game Boy Advance (GBA) cartridge slot was a controversial decision. This meant that games designed for the GBA could no longer be played natively on the DSi, a move that signaled Nintendo’s shift away from backwards compatibility with their older handheld systems.
Legacy of Innovation
The DSi’s impact on the handheld gaming landscape is undeniable. It introduced features that became standard in future consoles and influenced the design of the Nintendo 3DS. The ability to download games directly to the console via the DSi Shop was a precursor to the Nintendo eShop, a digital marketplace that continues to be a vital part of Nintendo’s ecosystem.
Furthermore, the dual cameras opened up new possibilities for gameplay and user interaction, paving the way for innovative augmented reality experiences on later consoles. The Games Learning Society also recognizes the DSi’s potential as an educational tool, fostering creativity and problem-solving skills through its unique features.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Nintendo DSi
1. Does Nintendo still support the DSi?
No. Nintendo no longer supports the DSi. The DSiWare store has been closed, meaning no new DSiWare can be downloaded.
2. Are DSi games still being made?
No. With the closure of the Nintendo DSi Shop, it is no longer possible to release new DSiWare games. However, many DSiWare titles are available for purchase on the Nintendo eShop for Nintendo 3DS family systems.
3. When was the last physical DSi game released?
The last physical game for the Nintendo DS, including the DSi, was Big Hero 6: Battle in the Bay, released on October 28, 2014.
4. How much did the DSi cost when it was released?
The Nintendo DSi launched in the United States on April 5, 2009, with a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $169.99.
5. When was the DSi most popular?
The DSi and DSi XL were particularly popular during Nintendo’s 2009 fiscal year (April 1, 2009, to March 31, 2010). They accounted for 16.88 million units sold out of the 27.11 million units sold within the entire Nintendo DS product line worldwide.
6. How old is the DSi?
The Nintendo DSi was first released in Japan on November 1, 2008, and subsequently launched worldwide beginning in April 2009. As of 2024, the original DSi is over 15 years old.
7. Why are DSi games so expensive now?
The prices of DS games, including those playable on the DSi, have increased significantly in recent years due to increased demand from collectors and gamers seeking nostalgic experiences, combined with a limited supply of physical cartridges.
8. When was the Nintendo Wii discontinued?
The Nintendo Wii was formally discontinued in October 2013. While the original Wii ceased production, Nintendo continued to produce and market the Wii Mini through 2017 and offered a subset of the Wii’s online services through 2019.
9. How many DSi consoles were sold?
The DSi and DSi XL combined sold 41.37 million units worldwide, contributing significantly to the overall success of the Nintendo DS family, which sold over 154 million units globally.
10. Can I play 3DS games on my DSi?
No. Nintendo 3DS game cards are not compatible with the Nintendo DSi, DS Lite, or original DS systems. 3DS games can only be played on Nintendo 3DS family systems.
11. Are Nintendo DS games still being produced?
No. Nintendo ceased production of all DS handhelds in 2020. New copies of the original hardware are no longer available at major retailers.
12. Is there a difference between DS and DSi games?
All software released for the Nintendo DS is compatible with the Nintendo DSi. However, due to the DSi’s lack of a Game Boy Advance Game Pak Slot, certain DS games that utilized this slot for additional features or content cannot be fully enjoyed on the DSi.
13. Can the Nintendo DSi download games?
Yes, the Nintendo DSi could download games through DS Download Play and the DSiWare service. However, with the closure of the DSiWare service, downloading new games is no longer possible. Through DS Download play, you can download games temporarily from another Nintendo DS family system.
14. Has Nintendo discontinued online service for the DSi?
Yes. Online play and other functionality that uses online communication ended for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U software in early April 2024. This included online co-operative play, internet rankings, and data distribution for the DSi, if those services were still active.
15. Should I get a DSi if I have a 3DS?
Unless you are a collector or have a strong nostalgic attachment to the DSi, there is little reason to purchase one if you already own a Nintendo 3DS. The 3DS offers backwards compatibility with DS games, as well as access to 3DS titles and other features not available on the DSi.
The End of an Era, but Not Forgotten
While the Nintendo DSi is no longer in production and its online services have been discontinued, its impact on the gaming world remains significant. It introduced features that paved the way for future innovations in handheld gaming and served as a bridge between the Nintendo DS and the Nintendo 3DS. Its legacy lives on in the continued success of Nintendo’s handheld consoles and the memories of gamers who enjoyed its unique blend of features and functionality. Understanding the nuances of game design and the impact of consoles like the DSi is crucial for anyone interested in the field. For those seeking a deeper dive into the world of game design and its educational applications, GamesLearningSociety.org offers valuable resources and insights.