Earlier today, Nintendo president Satoru Iwata and childhood memory manufacturer Shigeru Miyamoto
delivered a presentation about Wii Sports Resort and Wii/DS price cuts (or lack thereof). However, neatly tucked within the folds of their discourse was a fascinating figure for the
hardware salesophiles among us -- in its launch weekend in the US and Europe, the
DSi sold 300,000 units in each territory. Our on-call mathematician is currently visiting his grandkids in Des Moines, but we're pretty sure
that equals 600,000 units.
The two went on to discuss some of the miscellaneous features Nintendo hopes to implement in the shutterbug handheld, such as museum maps, schoolroom applications, and tour guide programs. Those sound intriguing, though ultimately not compelling enough to steal us away from our tireless
all-catching endeavors.
{ Apr 9th 2009 at 10:31AM } 
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Sir Buzz Killington( The Artist formerly known as Jakka) @ Apr 9th 2009 10:43AM
Question...does the increased CPU processing and RAM mean that everyone will start developing DSi exclusive games while DS Lite and Phat are left behind?
If that's the case, I'll be pretty pissed, having recently bought a Lite.
Massmass @ Apr 9th 2009 10:48AM
Unlikely. Look at the PSP 2000/3000. Granted the DSi is slightly different but the market share of the DS is just too large to ignore without a true successor.
Naota @ Apr 9th 2009 10:49AM
I wouldn't be too worried.
I'm looking to pick up one this weekend though.
Sir Buzz Killington( The Artist formerly known as Jakka) @ Apr 9th 2009 10:55AM
Still, PSP3000 didn't receive 4x CPU and RAM upgrade and the only hardware revision there was (32mb > 64mb RAM) was there to kill the hour-long loading times.
Me thinks Nintendo might really be onto something...then again, maybe it's just for the DSiWare support...
samfish @ Apr 9th 2009 11:32AM
Yeah, I'm a bit confused about that huge spec upgrade, too. I really don't want to be forced to upgrade to a DSi at some point :/
Markez @ Apr 9th 2009 11:58AM
They already said there will be DSi only games. While I'm sure the vast majority of all games coming out in the near future will still be for all DS models, I imagine it won't be too long before they announce a 'must have' title that's going to be DSi only. I think it's inevitable.
Don't be too miffed though, the DS catalog is outstanding and there's a mountain of games to catch up on.
CTC XBL-supapaypamawio PSN-ctclaw @ Apr 9th 2009 1:51PM
I'm guessing it's going to be just like the phasing out of the GBA. Remember when the DS came out and Nintendo said they were suppose to coexist or something? Slowly GBA games stopped coming out but you could still play them on your DS. Slowly DS games will stop coming out while more and more DSi games come out.
Massmass @ Apr 9th 2009 1:58PM
If the DSi was really THAT much more powerful for GAMES, Nintendo would have made that clear. Specs are one thing but real world application is another. It is only making use of that cpu and memory for multimedia purposes, for now at least. Any DSi exclusive games are just gimmicky camera junk with no real discernible graphical or gameplay upgrades.
So again, I doubt the DSi will really have any new games that couldn't be done on the DS (If they did, the games would be shown or at least tech demos shown). Otherwise, Nintendo would have marketed this better and as a true successor.
Massmass @ Apr 9th 2009 2:28PM
Also, the DSi only has twice the CPU power than the DS. To me, the hardware upgrades only signal a shift towards multimedia and online distribution consumption. Games will only receive minor improvements. Time will tell though, and I am not above putting my foot in my mouth ;)
Kenofthedead @ Apr 9th 2009 4:59PM
It will be like the Gameboy Color. Same games at the start, then Gameboy games that would get extras on the GBC, then finally a year + into the GBC we got games the Gameboy couldn't play at all. It took three or so years before there were no new Gameboy regular games being made.
Luckily this will be slow and you'll have plenty of years to go before too many games are DSi only.
PR0F3TA @ Apr 9th 2009 10:55AM
I bought one on launch day... my first GameBoy since Advance (not SP).... its good, i have been spoiled by my PSP graphics tho (God Of War: Chains of Olympus anyone?)
what i really need is some RPG suggestions, i have Crono Trigger and Fire Emblem, are there any action oriented RPG's out? thanx
Sir Buzz Killington( The Artist formerly known as Jakka) @ Apr 9th 2009 11:01AM
The World Ends With You for a very action-oriented combat system.
That, Final Fantasy, Chrono Trigger, Dragon Quest and Pokemon are basically the five Power Rangers of DS RPG Lineup.
samfish @ Apr 9th 2009 11:48AM
Etrian Odyssey is supposed to be really good.
I know Sonic Chronicles also has some action based combat and it's apparently not bad (albeit flawed).
Golden Sun for the GBA is really good, too (I don't even like RPGs and I enjoyed playing it)
The Mario & Luigi games
There's Tales of Innocence, but I don't think that ever left Japan...
There's a game called Contact, but it's a real niche, rare game. It'll be a bitch to find now, but it looks/is apparently ten kinds of awesome.
Does Zelda count as an RPG?
That's all I can think of off the top of my head aside from the ones Buzz mentioned.
Markez @ Apr 9th 2009 12:00PM
Not that Samfish mentions it, I really, really loved Mario & Luigi Partners in Time for the DS. I still have Contact lying around from when my girlfriend bought it ages ago, just never got too far into it.
Roto13 @ Apr 9th 2009 12:01PM
Get The World Ends With You. Get it now.
guttertalk @ Apr 9th 2009 12:26PM
@samfish:
Etrian Odyssey -- A bit of an "old school" dungeon crawl in that it's somewhat difficult. I love the mapmaking tool, where you can create your own map of the areas that you explore.
Contract -- I love this game. In some ways (style and humor), it reminds me of Earthbound. The combat system isn't sophisticated, but it's a very enjoyable game. And, no, I won't part with my copy. :)
WRE @ Apr 9th 2009 12:37PM
Go buy the World Ends With You right goddamn now. Also, Ninja Town, while technically not an RPG, is all kind of kick ass.
samfish @ Apr 9th 2009 12:39PM
Meh. I'll sell you my copy of TWEWY. I didn't like it at all.
CTC XBL-supapaypamawio PSN-ctclaw @ Apr 9th 2009 1:53PM
I'd recommend Contact as well. I don't know what all this talk is about it being rare though, Amazon has 3 copies of it for under $10.
OLDMIKE @ Apr 9th 2009 6:34PM
wow i am in the same boat i had a GBA and just got a DSi and am a PSP gamer
so far i am looking into games so far only have the new Pokemon (i had yellow)
whats World Ends With You like i love RPGs but i need a good story
hope they put up the old NES games as DSi downloads
dan @ Apr 9th 2009 10:57AM
I'm Just wondering where they are getting the market share from. Hasn't both NA and Europe been saturated with DS's? Are previous owners of Phat and Lite buying this and if so what percentage? AHHHH my marketing mojo is all out of whack because of this thing.
Knight Marquise @ Apr 9th 2009 11:18AM
I can only speak for myself and my family, however I bought everyone DS phats when they came out. Did not get any of the lites, but will be buying everyone the new DSi's. So...phat owners here buying DSis
sony boy @ Apr 9th 2009 11:35AM
well 2 of friend in mid school have bought a ds lite in the past and they both bought a dsi this week, but there nintendo freaks so it really doesn't matter.
samfish @ Apr 9th 2009 11:55AM
I was at Best Buy on Sunday and I saw two kids run up to the stack of DSi's and they started begging their parents to buy them "the new DS" because "ahh look dad! It's so awesome".
So...people seem to buy 'em just because they can.
Although in this case, the parents refused to buy one for them.
Lee @ Apr 9th 2009 11:01AM
just got one today. what a brilliant machine, now I don't care about exclusive games too, sorry!
Rhamsey @ Apr 9th 2009 11:11AM
is anyone really surprised by this news? i mean, look how well it did in japan.
Dirty @ Apr 9th 2009 11:19AM
Im really surprised that they missed an opportunity to break out the ol "it prints money" graphic.
sony boy @ Apr 9th 2009 11:31AM
ugh...most people already have iphones/ psp with CFW,so why do we need these kind of apps?
Roto13 @ Apr 9th 2009 12:02PM
"most people already have iphones/ psp with CFW"
No they don't.
Daniel @ Apr 9th 2009 11:37AM
well the more we buy foreign items, the American economy goes down, so go buy a Xbox and support the US
Ninbrendo @ Apr 9th 2009 11:55AM
I wonder where your magic internet box was manufactured...
Duke @ Apr 9th 2009 1:30PM
Daniel, that is so full of lols.
My XBox came from China...oh no!
Daniel @ Apr 10th 2009 10:34AM
I know it was made in China, but at least most of the profit goes to a American company, just like many of our American cars are made, not all parts are made here, but where does most of the money go to? so just try to be reasonable and I'm not being such a douche about either
3dpenguin @ Apr 9th 2009 11:52AM
For those of you keeping track this is around the same numbers that the 360 and PS3 each sold thier first week for the markets (most which were sold the first couple days), not bad for a 3rd gen upgrade system which can be ignored by many current owners, but not as good as the inital DS launch which broke 800k total for the first week release in Europe and America.
Bowser Rogozhin @ Apr 9th 2009 12:08PM
The gadgetophiles will obviously gobble up the first batch of shipments, even the Gizmondo broke the 10000 barrier, but sales will subside as resentment grows over the unsubstantial price hike. People will cling to the DS' like yokels to their guns, and NCL will have to reconsider their priorities in regards to their golden goose of a handheld. One mistake can destroy years of work, I just hope for Nintendo's sake that it's not terminal because next generation, with all the ill feeling that's been built up among the traditional fanbase, is going to be an almighty struggle. At this rate, Nintendo will be doing a Sega by the end of 2015.
Levi (God Hand Defense Force) @ Apr 9th 2009 12:22PM
Concern troll is concerned.
WRE @ Apr 9th 2009 12:39PM
I traded in my DS Lite for a DSi and I know I'm not the only one.
P.S.
The DSi kicks ass.
Bowser Rogozhin @ Apr 9th 2009 12:45PM
I'm sorry, WRE, but I have to give back my friendship bracelet. No more slumber parties, not for anybody with a DSI.
Vegeta (DAT ASS!!!) @ Apr 9th 2009 1:01PM
Just wondering. Will they take a DS even if there's dog chew marks on it?
WRE @ Apr 9th 2009 1:17PM
Vegeta,
As long as it's not broken, I think you should be fine.
Bowser,
Will you back off the DSi when they introduce Wii/DSi VC sharing?
Moptimus Slime (Gobot in disguise) @ Apr 9th 2009 1:21PM
yes, because everyone who bought a DS is part of the "traditional fanbase", all 100 million of em
Duke @ Apr 9th 2009 1:32PM
Late at night I hide in the darkness and cling to my DS and my guns. How did you know!?
trE @ Apr 9th 2009 1:23PM
I am waiting for the DSi v2. Not getting screwed again.
Bought GBA, some time later, bought GBA SP
Bought DS phat, some time later, bought ds lite
Skip DSi, some time later, buy DSi 2
Roto13 @ Apr 9th 2009 2:02PM
There have historically been 3 different versions of Nintendo's handheld hardware. The DSi 2 will probably be a whole new thing.
aMac @ Apr 9th 2009 2:14PM
News just in!
Technology gets updated as time goes on!
mewoks @ Apr 9th 2009 2:55PM
I was surprised at how plentiful these are around where I live. I figured they'd be impossible to find...in fact, this is the only game system I've ever seen so readily available after it's launch.
I'm not trying to say its sales are bad or anything, just saying I'm surprised that they're not impossible to find.
Roto13 @ Apr 9th 2009 5:23PM
You can probably blame the fact that a DSi is essentially a DS Lite with extras, so it's less of a risk to manufacture a lot of them.
kid_ic @ Apr 9th 2009 4:47PM
Hey folks,
Looong time reader, first time poster. I just picked up a US DSi after having got a White Japanese DSi off of eBay and I got to say I'm quite impressed. It's honestly a much larger jump than the DS - DSlite jump was (which was basically an aesthetic redesign w/ a higher brightness option).
To me, as someone who had a phat and waited on a lite, the fact that this thing not only bears an aesthetic & brightness upgrade that trumps that of the lite (I'm sorry but the matte finish, slimmer design, and clicky buttons win me over) BUT that it ALSO allows for hot-swapping ds cards, a drastically improved interface w/ "channels", two vga cameras w/ various filters that have a more than suitable resolution for the intended screens and which open up new gameplay opportunities, sd(hc) card support, notably larger screen real estate -- which helps visuals AND stylus controls, personalization options, improved audio, AAC music file support, $10 of free software, an integrated and improved web browser, and an online store w/ promising apps (trust me as a Japanese DSi owner, there's more cool stuff coming), AND improved hardware specs, it brings more than enough to the table to warrant a purchase and a price premium of one game.
It's definitely enough to entice all phat owners and most lite owners I know (admittedly late 20-something "gamers" with expendable cash) to upgrade. Gamers welcomed the GBA-SP and the DS-Lite, and -- as sales will show -- the DSi as well, but I think that forum posters are putting too much hate initial hate & skepticism on this thing b/c of the cameras and lack of added gba support, and current awesomeness of the Lite, and thus overlooking the most significant and brilliant update in handheld history (and this is from someone w/ every iteration of GB, GBA, Wonderswan, NGP, etc.)
Between strong "regular" DS support from first and third parties, DSiware, DSi enhanced (but still DS-playable) carts, and DSi exclusive carts, there's going to be a lot to play on this thing, and a long tail of co-existing support for the "regular" DS. See the early but significant support that ps2 re'cd once PS3 hit and the coexistence of GB/GBColor and GBA/DS in the early years. Now imagine that coexistence between DS and DSi being much longer...
kid_ic @ Apr 9th 2009 4:55PM
One of the most significant aspects of these sales -- and I see someone pointed out that theyre comparable to PS3 and xbox 360's initial launch weeks and only a bit behind other the DSLites 800k launch -- is that this was for the first "weekend" of DSi sales... That translates to one Sunday. This info that Miyamoto mentioned this morning comes from either just Sunday, or at most Sun-Weds... definitely not a whole week. Once sales through this coming saturday are in, I wouldn't be surprised if this is sits right up there w/ the DS Lite for first weeks sales... which is pretty impressive and a surprise considering its the DS's second refresh and they're not even marketing the games or half of the features for it yet...
3dpenguin @ Apr 10th 2009 9:35AM
Well actually its on par with the 360 and PS3 first week sales, both systems were for the most part sold out after the first 2 days on the shelves and only about 1 or 2 shipments during the first week, both of which also sold out, so a good percentage of their sales did come from the same time frame we're talking about as the DSi did with these 600k units.
You do bring up an interesting question though did those sales reflect only the weekend of April 3-5 or was it the first 3 days of sales, if its literally the weekend what that means is in the US we sold approximately 300k units of the system in 1 day, while Europe actually released on Friday.
You are right about there being potential for the DSi actually tying or exceeding its eldest brother, the DS (Brick), due to the fact that like the original DS these are readily available even after the initial release date, I don't have any firm numbers on the DS Lite's first weekend sales but from what I can sell it was slightly less than the DSi in both markets in question here, but then that was just an upgrade on the DS, where as the DSi is one step down from a whole new system, that step being a new primary delivery system for the games, which is currently DS game slotted, but the D/L content and SD card might change that in the future.