Thats right! We have the details on the DSi’s Australian launch and just like with the DS Lite, we even get it before America. The Nintendo DSi is coming to Australia on April 2nd and well be getting both the Black and White units. Unfortunately the Blue DSi will remain a US exclusive for now. The added features such as the cameras, new larger LCD screens, music player and DSi Ware will come at a cost with the DSi planned to be $299AU and $375NZ- thats a $100 premium over the DS Lite price (discuss here). Nintendos press release confirms for us that DSi Ware will be available from launch day. More inside Press Release

Australia, 19 February, 2009 Nintendo Australia announces that Nintendo DSi – an upgrade to the Nintendo DS hand held console – will hit shelves in Australia and New Zealand, and you can get your hands on one on 2 April 2009. Nintendo DSi has something for everyone, containing more functions to bring you more fun! Keep a photo diary via your Nintendo DSi Camera; store and play music with Nintendo DSi Sound; or why not browse the web on your Nintendo DSi via the Nintendo DSi Shop! New features include larger LCD screens, SD memory card slot, improved speakers and a slimmer unit.

Take photos with your Nintendo DSi Camera and manipulate and play with the images – real-time interactive imaging software makes the photo taking experience different from that offered by any other portable device. With 11 different types of lenses to choose from, edit, morph and distort your photos. You can even use the merge lens to blend two faces together! Watch slideshows of your photos, store your photos on your Nintendo DSi and exchange photos with other Nintendo DSi users. Store and play music with Nintendo DSi Sound. You can also play with any music that you have on an SD memory card make your favourite songs play faster! Learning a foreign language? Slow down the playback of someone speaking in that language so its easier for you to learn! You can also record sounds using the microphone, and edit them to create new sounds.

Get your Nintendo DSi online via the Nintendo DSi Browser which will be available as a free download at launch. You can then purchase Nintendo DSi software via the Nintendo DSi Shop. By purchasing a Nintendo Points Card formerly a Wii Points Card – you can then use your points to download software Nintendo DSiWare – in the Nintendo DSi Shop. Nintendo DSiWare will be available in four different price categories: free, 200 points, 500 points, and 800 or more points. Nintendo DSiWare will not only be games you can download, but also practical applications. Nintendo will launch a variety of applications, giving you the option to download the applications that work for you. This will further personalise and enhance the functionality of your Nintendo DSi. The new features also include the dual LCD screens being 17 per cent larger than those on the Nintendo DS and PictoChat is now available in colour as you can choose between a black or rainbow pen! Nintendo DS software is compatible with Nintendo DSi, except for software that requires the Game Boy Advance cartridge slot, as this has been removed resulting in a slimmer Nintendo DSi.

Available in matte black or matte white, inclusive of built in memory, Wi-Fi functionality, calendar with memo function and touch screen, Nintendo DSi is a more portable, personalised experience.

Its your Nintendo DSi.

AU SRP $299.95 / NZ SRP $375.00 (NZ price is based on current exchange rate)
For more information on Nintendo DSi, please visit: http://gamesites.nintendo.com.au/DSi

For more information on the DSi and DSiWare why not read our hands on impressions and reviews of the Japanese DSi and DSi Ware service

– Nintendo DSi – Hands on
– Nintendo DSi – Full Review
– DSi Ware Round 1 – Impressions
– DSi Ware Round 2 – Impressions

Remember to stick with Vooks for more DSi coverage. We’re your Aussie DSi Hub.