Will DSiWare revolutionize applications for the Nintendo DSi?
The Nintendo DSi has a number of new features over its predecessor, including a larger screen, smaller size, two cameras, and improved sound. But one important addition that many overlook is the ability to download software through the DSiWare online store.
DSiWare is similar in concept to WiiWare, the download store for Nintendo’s Wii game console. The software is available for free or by exchanging points for certain titles. Points are earned by paying a fixed amount with your credit card, or some are given away on some offers when you buy the DSi. The software is downloaded to the resident SD card.
But how will the new handheld revolutionize a download store? Well, in the past the only way for producers to distribute games on the DS was to put them on a card that would fit into the DS slot. This is a base level cost that is passed on to the consumer, in addition to shipping costs and the retailer’s markup. So the consumer ends up paying not only for the game itself, but also for the cost of putting the game on the DS card!
With DSiWare, distribution of games and applications doesn’t involve physical media, it’s software that is immediately available for download directly to the Nintendo DSi’s resident SD card, a much cheaper option. This reduction in production can be passed on to the end user, making the software for the DSi more profitable than the DS Lite. Also, no publisher projects were released that were not considered to be highly profitable due to the inherent cost of DS cards. So publishers can now start publishing games and apps that become profitable due to negligible distribution costs through DSIWare.
Since the DSi was initially released in Japan, many of the DSiWare games and apps are aimed at that demographic, so there are more cartoon-based games. But there are some early hints at apps not normally seen on handheld consoles. For example, the Moving Notepad app that allows the user to take notes with words and images on the SD card. The bottom line is that neither app needs to have mass-market appeal to cover production costs.
This opens up a whole new market for DSi owners. Third-party apps, produced by smaller development houses, will ensure that the range of apps and games exceeds that of the DS Lite. There could be Skype software that uses the built-in camera and microphone, or apps like eBook readers to read books in pdf or the popular mobi formats. Games and apps could be ported from open source, such as video players that support the infamous DivX format.
Therefore, the Nintendo DSi with the DSiWare distribution channels will offer its users a large number of games and applications that far exceed the range available for its predecessor in both quality and diversity.
