In a recent interview withNikkei Net, Nintendo President Satoru Iwata spoke about Nintendo’s intentions withthe announcement of the DSi, clarifying that it was not intended in any way to compete with the iPhone, but simply a way to make the gaming device more essential for everyday users.
From the interview:
“We wanted users to have the device on them at all times,” he stated. “By downloading subway maps and other things, for instance, the DSi can be useful for applications other than playing games. We wanted to create an offering that would fit naturally into people’s everyday lives.”
Iwata also mentioned that the hardware would “probably” launch in late 2009, which is probably more like “maybe, but likely not.” I’m sure Nintendo is interested to see how Japan reacts to their shiny new invention first.
It’s no surprise that Nintendo would choose this direction to move in with the DS — all kinds of software aimed at language, cooking and other day to day necessities has already been released in Japan. However, since the iPhone can make calls in addition to providing internet services and gaming, it’s still a great deal higher up on my want list than the DSi is (although I’m sure I’ll want both in the end). Do you think the DSi could be useful enough to carry with you everywhere?
