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Should I Buy the Nintendo DSi?
I'm on the Fence
by Sarah
Over the last two days, you have read some pretty solid reasons why you should buy or not buy the Nintendo DSi. As you know, it launches this Sunday in North America, and I still am unsure about whether or not to make the plunge. Should I buy it? Should I hold off? I thought I knew what I wanted, but my mind is changing about every thirty seconds.
Why I Might Want the DSi:
I need to have every new system. I’m a little nuts about video games. They’re not just my hobby, but my career as well. I collect games and systems, new and old; and I like being able to play any game available on the market today. The fact that a new system might launch (even if it is just an upgrade from a system I already have) and I won’t have it really bugs me. Am I getting sucked in by launch hype? Absolutely, but it’s not the first time and won’t be the last.
I don’t want to miss out on any games. The launch line-up of DSiWare titles didn’t exactly thrill me, but I still think there’s potential in a handheld downloadable service. Also, once the DSi-enhanced and DSi-only games start rolling out, I know I’m going to feel left out. It will also suck to miss out on reviewing something because my DS Lite can’t play some hot new game. Oh, sure, this isn’t happening yet, but it will, and I will care.
It would be nice to have two DS systems at home. If I did get the DSi, I most certainly wouldn’t get rid of my DS Lite, which has served me so well. I live with my boyfriend, and though he uses the Nintendo handheld far less than I do, there are times when we’re both playing DS games. If I got the DSi, that would be one less thing I have to share with him.
Why I Might Not Want the DSi:
My DS Lite is so pretty. I’ve got a limited-edition Legend of Zelda DS Lite, and I love it. I like knowing that none of my friends have the same one, and that I can display my lifelong Zelda fandom with my handheld. It’s going to be pretty hard for the DSi to top that design—until they start rolling out new colors and bundles, that is. Which brings me to my next point…
If I wait, I’ll have more options. The black and blue launch colors are okay, but neither of them scream “must have!” to me. I don’t know when, but I think it’s a good guess that at some point in the future, Nintendo will be releasing new colors, and possibly limited-edition bundles with special DSi systems. Maybe then, I’ll be swayed, but for now, I feel like it’s better to wait.
I do use my GBA slot, actually. There’s a Game Boy Advance game in my DS Lite at any given time. I may not be playing it at the moment, but it’s nice to have that option. Since I take my DS Lite absolutely everywhere with me, that means if I get bored, have to wait, or just feel like playing a game, I have even more choices. Right now, I’ve got the GBA remake of Final Fantasy VI in my DS, and I don’t think anyone would tell me to ditch that.
So What Do I Do?
Right now, I’m fairly confident that I can hold off on getting a DSi at launch. If that happens, they will probably be hard to get for months, which will make my indecision easier. I definitely won’t be able to resist the lure of a new system forever; it’s just a matter of when. However, that “when” won’t be this Sunday.
Probably. Maybe. I guess…
Related Articles:
Nintendo Reveals DSiWare Launch Titles
Comments
oh just buy the damn thing already.
i wish i had copies of the text messages from december where you told me, very assertively, that there was no need to get a DSi.
@ Dix Thix: I stand by everything I said.
I'm just crazy, and lured by the hype of a new release.
Ooh, something shiny! Want!
I am super jealous of your DS lite. But I want you to know that if it ever mysteriously disappears off your desk, I definitely didn't take it.
If it were me, I would buy the DSi to avoid the wear and tear on my limited edition Zelda release. Still use the Zelda DS, but only when necessary or when the mood strikes you.
you just gave me an idea. I'm definitely getting the DSi, but i'm going to wait for some kind of bundle, and i don't care about the missing GBA slot because i love the shit out of my gameboy micro. Thanks Sarah.
DOOO IT! GOOOOOO! GET TO DA CHOPPA!!!
Oh, and don't forget to purchase your new DSi!
@PimpToast. Aww man you had to mention GBM? *sniff* I loved that thing, but alas it brokeded and I no longer have it. :( :(
The larger screen would be nice (though it's not THAT much larger).
But one interesting thing I read was that N replaced the processor from the original to a 133 mhz processor (from 66 mhz). When new titles come out that appear to be taking advantage of this I'll probably pick one up.
Lack of GBA slot sucks but then I wouldn't get rid of my Lite (or GBA SP).
And that Zelda DS is sweet :)