Tech Blog

[#1]

It wouldn’t be back to school without a little gaming treat, so Nintendo is making it easier for you to get into the swing of things with lower prices on their top selling portable systems.

Here’s the skinny from the press release:

“ Effective Sept. 12, the new suggested retail price of the Nintendo DSi system will be $149.99, while the new suggested retail price for the Nintendo DSi XL system will be $169.99. The Nintendo DS family of video game systems is the best-selling in the history of North America and worldwide. The new prices offer consumers tremendous value for their money while providing access to the best portable video game experiences possible. ”

Both the DSi and the DSi XL have more that 1300 games on the market, with 200 downloadable games online. They’ve got two cameras (one inside and one out) and they can double as a media player–and even upload photos to Facebook. There’s a great fall lineup coming for both systems, including the eagerly anticipated new puzzle game Professor Layton and the Unwound Future .

[#2]

There's a reason why they're slashing the prices. After the 3DS hits the market, no one will want the DSi or DSi XL/LL.

[#3]

Yeah, I'm not entirely sure that's true. The DS Lite lived on after the DSi hit the market.

[#4]

I think the DS Lite and DSi will have a long tail, even with the 3DS expected out by March 2011.  With over 130 million units sold and no lull in support in sight, the DS platform should be viable for many years to come.  There are too many great games on the market today, such as New Super Mario Bros., Dragon Quest IX, Scribblenauts, and Elite Beat Agents to be without.  Sure the 3DS is backwards compatible, so come spring 2011 it might be wiser to pick that up instead, but it'll come at a higher price point.  Given the value the DSi offers, $149.99 for the low-end model is a good investment.