The Nintendo DSi (ニンテンドーDSi Nintendō DSi?)[1] is a handheld game system created by Nintendo and launched in 2008 and 2009 in Japan, North America, PAL territories, and other regions. It is the third iteration of the Nintendo DS, and its primary market rival is Sony's PlayStation Portable. A larger model, entitled Nintendo DSi XL, was launched in 2009 and 2010 in the aforementioned regions.
Development of the DSi began in late 2006, and it was unveiled during an October 2008 Nintendo conference in Tokyo. Consumer demand convinced Nintendo to produce a slimmer handheld with larger screens than the DS Lite. Consequently, Nintendo removed the Game Boy Advance (GBA) cartridge slot to ensure durability. While the DSi's design is similar to that of the DS Lite, it features two digital cameras, supports internal and external content storage, and connects to an online store called the Nintendo DSi Shop. This new functionality was intended to facilitate personalization, so as to encourage each member of a household to purchase an DSi.
Reviews of the Nintendo DSi were generally positive; although they decried the console's lack of exclusive software and removal of the GBA cartridge slot, its added functionality caused many to recommend it to those who did not purchase previous DS models. Many critics were disappointed with the limited resolution of DSi's cameras, but thought they were adequate for the handheld's screens. CNET and PC World considered the DSi Shop to be the most important buying incentive for current DS owners. Critics believed the DSi XL was not an essential upgrade. GamePro and Wired UK thought that the DSi XL's larger screens revitalized Nintendo DS games.