A Guide To: DSiWare

When the third model of the Nintendo DS, the DSi was announced back in October 2008, news came out that there would be an online download service for it. DSiWare (if you didn't know already) would enable the user to download games via the Nintendo DSi Shop, much like the WiiWare service on Wii. Downloads come under four points brackets, based upon the game content:

Free of Charge
Programs which have previously been announced such as the DSi Browser and the Moving Notepad.

DSiWare 200
Very compact, small games, priced at 200 points

DSiWare 500
Simple puzzle games and other, more complex utility applications priced at 500 points

DSiWare Premium
Bigger games and applications priced at 800 points

At this point in time, the DSiWare service is only available in Japan, as the DSi is yet to have made it to American, Australian and European shores. Also there are four "Mario" games which have been released on the DSiWare they are:

Chotto Dr. Mario - 500 points
The game is just a "smaller" version of the Wii's Dr. Mario & Germ Buster, which the reduction of a few features

Kami Hikōki - 200 points
A remake of the classic WarioWare Inc: Mega Microgame$, Paper Plane

Tori to Mame - 200 points
A remake of mini-games, Pyoro and Pyoro 2 again from WarioWare Inc: Mega Microgame$.

Utsusu Made in Wario - 500 points
A new game in the WarioWare series. In the game Wario decides to open an Amusement Park.

The DSi is currently priced at ¥18,900, which is roughly £140. Sales figures varied from sources but were around 170,000 within the first 2 days. First month's sales around 535,000, which is down on the DS Lites first months sales which were 550,000.

According to Satoru Iwata, Nintendo's president, the DSi will be available to the rest of the globe before Q4 2009. It's European release is predicted to be in Spring 2009, with America later in 2009. Reason being, "DS Lite's sales still strong".

Nonetheless, the DSiWare service allows it's users games and applications, which can be easily downloaded. These games don't have to be in-depth to be worth playing, some simple puzzle games aswell as Mario Minigames seem to fit the DSi's purpose just right.

More on the DSi, and it release dates later in 2009