News: Iwata Asks DSi - Vol 2: Cameras, Music Page 1

Iwata Asks DSi - Vol 2: Cameras, Music

28.02.2009

Iwata Asks DSi - Vol 2: Cameras, Music on Nintendo gaming news, videos and discussion

The second part of Iwata Asks DSi discusses the possible features that could have been implemented.

When considering the device's functionality, Nintendo felt the need to strike a balance. It is a new piece of kit, but still had to retain the DS's core functionality and design, a sense of newness. Some of the ideas from included the ability to do video calls, even an all-purpose image editor but only two or three of these could be implemented in time for release. A few can be downloaded at a later stage via the DSi Shop (much like the Wii's add-ons like Browser, News etc).

A lot of work went into developing the user interface. It had to be clear that photos can be taken, set as wallpaper, effects added etc, by easy to read menus and icons. Given the handheld nature, the DSi needed to be more of a "pick up and play" device, easy to get into but with depth for those wanting to take it further.

Another interesting point is competition. Nintendo don't have any intention of competing with existing products (iPods and mobile phones) by adding in cameras and a music player, supposedly. Iwata feels it's due to a need to "pleasing as many people as possible who pick up a DS" and hopes those who think this is out of character for Nintendo would pick up a DSi themselves.

More on the design and functionality in Iwata Asks DSi - Volume 2.

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Scorp 28.02.2009#1

When I try to put my DS online via my wireless router, it says my router is not set up properly to connect my ds, yet i have no trouble with my wii, ps3, laptop etc, does anyone know if the DSi will overcome this problem? It seems very odd. Does anyone think they've changed the DS enough to warrant bringing out this better model? The changes don't honestly seem THAT impressive, especially not for the proposed price. Game stores are asking for a £20 deposit too...is it THAT likely to sell out like the Wii did at launch?

J4K 28.02.2009#2

Yep, typical Nintendo.

Engineers: "Hey, we could actually use the DSi's camera and microphone for video calling!"

-Management: "That would actually take money and effort to implement. Make pictochat in color and then ship."

Keven 28.02.2009#3

Jacob4000 said:
Yep, typical Nintendo.
Engineers: "Hey, we could actually use the DSi's camera and microphone for video calling!"
-Management: "That would actually take money and effort to implement. Make pictochat in color and then ship."

That's so true.

Smilie

The former top user was Keven! You'd probably give birth to yourself 1000 times over until you sprout wings to fly away into the fading sun, that or you'd just turn into a lesbian. Who knows @_@ - L, 12/06/09

crackedthesky 01.03.2009#4

Keven said:
Jacob4000 said:
Yep, typical Nintendo.
Engineers: "Hey, we could actually use the DSi's camera and microphone for video calling!"
-Management: "That would actually take money and effort to implement. Make pictochat in color and then ship."

That's so true.

Yeah, but it could be worse. They could be making their systems all about extra, non-gaming features that it's almost a stretch to call it a game system *cough PS3 cough*.

NNID: crackedthesky
My blog, mostly about writing: http://www.davidjlovato.com

Angus 01.03.2009#5

What you on about? The PS3 is clearly a gaming system. We don't tolerate your kind 'round here!

Yeah to look at the features of Japanese phones, I would've expected the DSi to have much more than it does. Like that inbuilt TV tuner (1 seg or whatever its called), yes it would displease the wider international market, but it would still be excellent for those in Japan. And there really should be some sort of instant messenger or even MSN support (I know its Microsoft but surely there's a way?). Like the camera and mic would suit it perfectly!

Supa_hyped 01.03.2009#6

Scorp said:
When I try to put my DS online via my wireless router, it says my router is not set up properly to connect my ds, yet i have no trouble with my wii, ps3, laptop etc, does anyone know if the DSi will overcome this problem? It seems very odd. Does anyone think they've changed the DS enough to warrant bringing out this better model? The changes don't honestly seem THAT impressive, especially not for the proposed price. Game stores are asking for a £20 deposit too...is it THAT likely to sell out like the Wii did at launch?

you may need to change your routers security settings. i think the ds only recognises WPSK

crackedthesky 03.03.2009#7

Angus said:
What you on about? The PS3 is clearly a gaming system. We don't tolerate your kind 'round here!
Yeah to look at the features of Japanese phones, I would've expected the DSi to have much more than it does. Like that inbuilt TV tuner (1 seg or whatever its called), yes it would displease the wider international market, but it would still be excellent for those in Japan. And there really should be some sort of instant messenger or even MSN support (I know its Microsoft but surely there's a way?). Like the camera and mic would suit it perfectly!

When I had my PS3, there really wasn't anything for it. Heavenly Sword and Resistance were fun while they lasted... which was maybe 5 hours. If I can beat a game in one sitting, then I can hardly call it a game.
Since then, games like MGS4 and Silent Hill have come out, with some sweet games like GOW3 on the way. But overall, there are so few games on the PS3 that provide an experience you can't get elsewhere for cheaper. I used mine for music more than anything else. Looking back, I wish I had bought a 360 instead. I sold my PS3 after only a few months of owning it. I probably would still have a 360, had I bought one.

I'd bet Microsoft would kill to have MSN messenger on DS... if I recall, the DS outsells ALL of the home consoles by a ridiculous margin?

NNID: crackedthesky
My blog, mostly about writing: http://www.davidjlovato.com

Ikana 03.03.2009#8

If I can beat a game in one sitting, then I can hardly call it a game.

Meh, game length isn't everything. Portal. It is nice though...

crackedthesky 04.03.2009#9

Well, replay value helps, too. If it takes 5 hours and then I never even think of it again, then it probably isn't a very great game.
And then you have the polar opposite, like Folklore... I spent so much time just talking to af reaking scarecrow. It was more text-based interlude than game. I wanted so badly to like it, but that really, really got on my nerves.