When Did the Nintendo DSi Say Goodbye? A Look Back at a Revolutionary Handheld
The Nintendo DSi and its larger sibling, the DSi XL, officially ceased production worldwide on September 30, 2014. This happened without much fanfare, occurring just ten days before Nintendo unleashed the New Nintendo 3DS and New Nintendo 3DS XL upon the world. This marked the end of an era for a handheld that brought significant innovations to the Nintendo DS family. But its legacy lives on.
Remembering the DSi: More Than Just a DS
The DSi wasn’t just a minor upgrade to the Nintendo DS Lite. It introduced features that felt genuinely new and exciting at the time. Its dual cameras, built-in microphone, and the DSi Shop for downloadable games (DSiWare) truly set it apart. It was Nintendo’s attempt to embrace digital distribution and personalization in a way that resonated with gamers.
However, time marches on. As technology advanced and Nintendo shifted its focus to the 3DS and eventually the Nintendo Switch, the DSi naturally faded from prominence. While it’s no longer in production, its impact on handheld gaming is undeniable.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Nintendo DSi
Here are some common questions surrounding the Nintendo DSi, its lifespan, and its legacy:
1. Are DSi Games Still Being Made?
No. Production of games specifically for the Nintendo DSi ended long ago. Since the DSi was discontinued in 2014, game development for the system ceased around that time, with the focus shifting to the Nintendo 3DS. Most DS games are compatible with the DSi, but there are no new titles being produced.
2. When Did the DSi Shop Close?
The DSi Shop, the online marketplace for downloadable DSiWare games and applications, officially shut down on March 31, 2017. This meant that users could no longer purchase new games from the DSi Shop.
3. What Happened to DSiWare Games After the DSi Shop Closure?
Although the DSiWare games and apps remained accessible for some time, they ultimately became unavailable when the Nintendo eShop for the Wii U and 3DS closed on March 27, 2023. The DSiWare games and apps on the Nintendo eShop were not directly affected, but they became publicly unavailable due to the eShop’s closure. This event significantly impacted access to a unique library of games.
4. How Much Did a DSi Cost When It Was New?
When the Nintendo DSi launched in the United States on April 5, 2009, its Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) was $169.99. The DSi XL model, which featured larger screens, retailed for a slightly higher price.
5. Did the Price of the DSi Ever Change?
Yes. On September 12, 2010, Nintendo dropped the suggested retail price of the Nintendo DSi to $149.99, while the Nintendo DSi XL was reduced to $169.99. This price cut was likely an effort to remain competitive in the handheld market.
6. What Was the Reason Behind the “DSi” Name?
The “i” in DSi represents a double meaning. It symbolizes both the individual person (“I”) and the handheld’s cameras (“eyes”). This was in contrast to the “i”‘s in “Wii,” which represent players gathering together, highlighting the DSi’s focus on individual user experience.
7. How Many DSi Units Were Sold Worldwide?
The Nintendo DSi and DSi XL models combined sold over 41 million units worldwide. This significant number demonstrates the popularity and impact of the DSi during its lifespan. These sales figures were a major contributor to the overall success of the Nintendo DS family of consoles.
8. Which Nintendo DS Model Sold the Most Units?
While the DSi and DSi XL contributed significantly to the DS family’s success, the Nintendo DS Lite was the best-selling model, moving a staggering 93.86 million units worldwide. The original DS sold 18.79 million units. The entire Nintendo DS product line is the best-selling handheld consoles, selling 154.02 million units worldwide.
9. When Was the Peak of DSi Popularity?
The DSi experienced its peak popularity in the United States in 2009, with 11.22 million units sold. In Nintendo’s 2009 fiscal year, the DSi and DSi XL accounted for 16.88 million of the 27.11 million units sold worldwide of its product line. This period marked the height of the DSi’s commercial success.
10. Is It Still Possible to Buy DSi Games?
Officially, no. With the closure of the DSi Shop and the Wii U/3DS eShop, there is no legitimate way to purchase new digital DSiWare games directly from Nintendo. Physical DS game cartridges can still be found on the secondary market, but these are used and may come at inflated prices, especially for rare titles.
11. What is the Battery Life of the DSi?
The Nintendo DSi offered approximately 9 to 14 hours of playtime on the lowest brightness setting. The DSi XL boasted an even longer battery life, providing 13 to 17 hours on the lowest brightness setting. This improved battery performance was a significant advantage for gamers on the go.
12. What Made the Nintendo DS So Successful?
The Nintendo DS achieved widespread success for several reasons. It introduced touchscreen controls and wireless online gaming to a broad audience. The unique dual-screen design, coupled with a vast library of diverse games, appealed to gamers of all ages and skill levels. Its innovative features and accessible gameplay made it a cultural phenomenon. The Games Learning Society also acknowledges the Nintendo DS’ contribution to games as educational tools. Visit GamesLearningSociety.org to learn more.
13. What Replaced the Wii?
The Wii U was the successor to the Wii. It was a home video game console developed by Nintendo.
14. Is the Wii U Discontinued?
Yes. The Wii U was discontinued in 2017. It was one of the worst-performing consoles in Nintendo’s history.
15. What is the 4DS?
There is no official gaming console named Nintendo 4DS. The question is likely a misunderstanding or a joke.
The DSi’s Legacy: A Stepping Stone to the Future
While the Nintendo DSi may no longer be in production, it played a crucial role in the evolution of handheld gaming. Its introduction of digital downloads, cameras, and enhanced multimedia capabilities paved the way for future innovations in Nintendo’s handheld consoles. It remains a beloved device for many gamers, fondly remembered for its unique features and vast library of classic DS games. The DSi’s discontinuation marked the end of an era, but its influence on handheld gaming continues to be felt today.