DSi enters a new dimension.

• Position: VIDEO GAMES

The DS Lite, with its touch screen and built-in microphone, brought a whole new dimension to portable video game systems. Nintendo has taken this a step further with its just-released DSi, which aims to turn the popular system into more of a mobile entertainment device. Slightly slimmer than its predecessor, the DSi features two cameras: one on the external body and a second that points at the user when the game is flipped open. It has interactive capabilities, allowing photos to be distorted, made into mirror images or kaleidoscope collages, have talk bubbles added, etc.

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Another enhancement is the DSi Sound application, which serves as both a voice recorder and music player. Users can access different audio filters or control the pitch and speed of the recording or other music files. Voices can be altered and tempos changed in your favorite tunes. There is a stereo headphone output jack permitting listeners to play music saved on an SD card, even with the screen shut.

In addition to the vast library of DS games that are compatible with the DSi--the GBA slot is gone, so games from the older system will not play--software will be downloadable through DSiWare. Of course, we expect new games to be coming to stores to take full advantage of these new features, such as Rhythm Heaven, where players tap and slide me stylus on the touch screen in time to original music.

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Meanwhile, if you're already missing the snowy winter weather, check out the fresh powder and miles of pristine slopes in Namco Bandai's We Ski & Snowboard for the Wii. With an interactive, dynamic environment, beginners and experts alike can perform jumps--including backwards-riding, flips, daffy ducks, and helicopters. Or try the huge halfpipe, rails, and fun boxes in the Fun Park. For an even more authentic experience, use your...