Nintendo pioneered hand-held entertainment in the 1980′s with the Game Boy video game system. There have been very successful incarnations (or iterations) over the years, and now Nintendo is releasing the Nintendo DSi handheld system. Priced at a manufacturers’ suggested retail price of $169.99, this new handheld features a sleek and slim design, the largest screen Nintendo handhelds have seen yet, a set of two cameras (external and internal, pointed at the user), an interactive voice recorder, and music player. Both the new sights and sounds features can be manipulated–photos can be taken using interactive lenses, and music or voice can be altered. The system will be released in black and matte blue versions.

Similar to the Nintendo Wii’s Wiiware, the DSi platform will allow downloadable games and applications using Nintendo DSi Points. Of course, there will be the usual retail games designed specially for the system.

Is it backwards compatible? In other words, will kids be able to play their current Nintendo DS games on the new DSi? The answer is “for the most part”. It will be able to play most DS games, according to Nintendo.

The system will be launched along with the game, Rhythm Heaven, a unique musical game that has been quite popular in Japan since its release.

For more information and/or to preorder: Nintendo DSi

With the PSP, it’s easy to connect to the Web for any number of activities. You can access RSS feeds, obtain your instant messages, make phone calls with Skype™ and more. The Playstation website also provides easy access to free demos, movie trailers, and screenshots.

The PSP also offers access to a variety of free items downloadable from the Playstation website. This includes wallpaper, backgrounds, custom themes, and much more. All of these features allow you to personalize your PSP to portray your own personality.

You can preset the background color to change automatically on a monthly basis or you can change it manually whenever you want. If you have a special photograph of digital image that you like, you can easily use it for your wallpaper. Plus, changing the look of you icons is simple with the PSP.

Plus, the PSP can be used to connect to the Playstation website in order to download exclusive games. PSP game downloads provide everything avid gamers want- the information needed for game play, game trailers, game demos, and game audio. It is also possible to access your personal PS3™ System using your PSP device.

Parents will discover that the PSP offers exceptional parental control through a variety of features so they never have to worry about what the kids are doing. This system comes with rating features for games and for movies. Plus, it provides hardware settings for that parents can preset what their children can access on the Web. It is also possible to implement a password in order to initiate Internet browsing, limiting what the children can do on the PSP without a parent’s permission.

The Playstation website offers excellent support features that make it easy to use the PSP. Whether you are looking to download Skype or find out how to download games or access Internet radio, the website provides all you need to know. Certain additional equipment might be necessary such as headphones or remote controls. Why not take advantage of the wonders of today’s technology and get a PSP for yourself today?

For more information, user reviews, or to buy: PSP 3000

See games for the Playstation Portable: Playstation Portable System & Games

By Susan M Keenan ©2009