How Much Did a Nintendo DSi Cost? A Nostalgic Price Guide
When it first launched in 2009, the Nintendo DSi carried an MSRP of $169.99 in the United States. This was the baseline retail price for the innovative new handheld that added cameras, downloads, and a web browser to the popular Nintendo DS line.
Over a decade later, it‘s fascinating to take a nostalgic look back at what the DSi cost when it hit the market and how its pricing compared to other handhelds of the era. Beyond just the MSRP numbers, analyzing the value proposition and price evolution of the DSi provides deeper insight into Nintendo‘s portable strategy.
So join me on this fun trip down memory lane as we explore DSi prices, special editions, sales, and how it stacked up to the competition!
DSi Pricing in Context
First, let‘s put the DSi‘s original $169.99 asking price in 2009 into wider context against other Nintendo handheld consoles:
| Handheld | Launch Date | MSRP |
|---|---|---|
| Game Boy Advance | 2001 | $99.99 |
| Nintendo DS | 2004 | $149.99 |
| Nintendo DS Lite | 2006 | $129.99 |
| Nintendo DSi | 2009 | $169.99 |
| Nintendo 3DS | 2011 | $249.99 |
As we can see, the DSi launched at a similar price point to the original DS in 2004. This makes sense given the DSi was positioned as an upgraded DS revision rather than a totally new generation.
Adjusted for inflation, the DSi‘s $169.99 price in 2009 would be about $205 in 2022 money. So while not cheap, it was a reasonable price to pay for the dual screen portable gaming Nintendo provided at the time.
Justifying the DSi Price Tag
What exactly were buyers getting for that original $169.99 MSRP? A lot, as it turns out!
The DSi added significant new capabilities over previous DS models:
- Two integrated digital cameras (0.3MP) allowing photos and AR gameplay
- Larger 3.25” displays vs 3” on DS Lite
- Built-in web browser with WiFi for basic internet connectivity
- DSi Shop to download DSiWare apps and games
- SD card slot for storing photos and downloaded content
- MP3/AAC music playback abilities
- A suite of bundled photo editing tools and apps
For 2009, packing all these cutting-edge features into a handheld was quite ambitious. Having an app store in your pocket was especially ahead of its time. In this light, the $169.99 pricing seems very reasonable and arguably a good deal.
Consider that in 2009, the average new smartphone cost $171 according to Nielsen. The DSi compared well as a mini-computer and multimedia device, not just a game system.
Value Compared to the PSP
Sony‘s PlayStation Portable (PSP) was the DSi‘s main competitor in the handheld space. But the DSi boasted advantages in price and software library:
- DSi MSRP in 2009: $169.99
- PSP-3000 in 2009: $169.99 (same price!)
- Total PSP games in 2009: ~575
- Total DS games in 2009: ~1,500
So for the same price, the DSi gave you 2-3x more game choices than the PSP. This excellent value helped drive strong sales throughout its lifespan.
Falling Price and Special Editions
In September 2010, around 18 months after launch, Nintendo dropped the DSi MSRP to $149.99 – a $20 price cut. Additional discounts from retailers made it easy to find below $140.
This pricing adjustment kept sales momentum going strong. Nintendo also boosted interest with many special edition DSi models:
- 2010 McDonald‘s DSi Giveaway – only 2,000 made, insanely rare now
- Various color and design variants like DSi LL (Japan)
- Pokemon editions
- Mario Party edition
- Green peace/recycling awareness editions
Today these special DSis can sell for $200-$500 depending on model, condition and rarity. But the standard used price is under $50 now.
DSi XL – Bigger Screen, Bigger Price
In early 2010, Nintendo introduced the DSi XL, a larger variant with 4.2” screens. It launched at a premium:
Nintendo DSi XL MSRP: $189.99
This $20 higher price reflected the much bigger displays and improved form factor. For avid gamers and those with less than perfect vision, the extra real estate was worth paying for. It drove sales alongside the base DSi through 2014.
Strong Lifetime Sales at Competitive Pricing
In the end, over 41 million DSi and DSi XL units were sold globally during the system‘s impressive 5-year production run. This makes it Nintendo‘s 3rd best-selling handheld ever behind the DS Lite and Game Boy Advance.
Clearly the pricing hit a sweet spot. Had the DSi launched for significantly more, those sales volumes likely would have suffered. Nintendo found a balance between capability and value that resonated.
DSi Today – A Worthwhile Retro Investment
In 2022, used Nintendo DSi systems can easily be found for $50 or less online. For less than a tank of gas, you can grab one to play a massive library of classic DS titles.
Given its historical significance and many exclusives, the DSi remains a fun retro gaming pick-up. Just be sure to browse the DSi Shop and add any missing digital titles before the store closes!
Conclusion – Innovation at a Fair Price
Looking back, the Nintendo DSi delivered a tremendous amount of innovation and entertainment value in 2009 at its $169.99 MSRP. Early-adopters were rewarded with cutting-edge features wrapped in Nintendo‘s polished dual-screen gaming formula.
While the DSi line is obsolete today, it holds an important place in Nintendo‘s portable legacy. For gamers on a budget, it‘s still one of the best values around for experiencing this landmark era in handheld gaming. Just be sure to grab one before prices start climbing higher!