Nintendo explains the “i” is in “DSi”

It appears that Nintendo’s unusual game system naming trend (GameCube and the Wii ring a bell?) continues with the DSi, the latest portable that will become available to consumers on April 5, 2009. When asked by Techradar about the significance of that lowercase letter at the end of the system’s name, a Nintendo representative responded with the following:

1. The “i” is symbolic of the subject “I” and its personal aspect.
2. Plus, the addition of two cameras gives the system its own “eye” on things.

Along with these points, the Nintendo representative reiterated the company’s hopes that people see the DSi as “more than a game system and more of a personal tool to enrich our daily lives.”

This is an interesting explanation for their device, to say the least, and one wonders just how successful it will be. Taking at look at it initially some will balk at the omission of the cartridge slot which made it possible to enjoy Game Boy Advance games as well as the Guitar Hero portable titles. Others may accuse Nintendo of trying to imitate the Playstation Portable’s multimedia capabilities, while still some may accuse Nintendo of trying to imitate Apple with its fancy naming structure.

Either way, Nintendo’s DSi will be available in April and will set gamers back an estimated $170. Here is hoping that it lives up to the high bar of success that is currently set by Nintendo’s Wii and DS.

Read [1UP] Via [Techradar] Also Read [Gamertell]