subject: Nintendo DSi Game Downloads - Watch Out! [print this page] When the Nintendo DSi was first released in Japan late in 2008, gamers all over the world were excited to take advantage of the new handheld-console's ability to download games and other content from the internet. While legitimate DSi game downloads make up the bulk of available content, there are also some things to avoid like the typical adware, spyware and virus issues that currently plague PC owners.
The main source of downloadable content for the DSi is Nintendo's own DSi Shop. It uses the same Wii Points (now called Nintendo Points) model to purchase games. DS games are fully compatible with the DSi with the exception of games that use the DS's Game Boy Advance slot, such as the Guitar Hero: On Tour series. The highlight of DSi game downloads are the DSiWare games available in an downloadable-only format from the DSi Shop.
The download process is relatively simple. Once a game is purchased, it is first downloaded to the either DSi's internal memory or an external SD card. The content must be transferred to the internal memory before it is playable, however. Nintendo fixed this issue with the Wii, as Wii Ware games are now playable directly from a SD card; hopefully a firmware upgrade for the DSi will allow games to be played from a SD card as well. It is important to note that while DSiWare applications can be backed up to a SD card, they are only playable on the DSi that downloaded the content.
Despite the online presence of hacked DS games, these illegal downloads are a source of adware, spyware and other nasty things that can harm the DSi. Also, because of a firmware update, these illegally acquired games are unplayable on the DSi. This is also similar to a downloadable game from one DSi being unplayable on another DSi when the game is transferred on a SD card.
The creation of the DSi Shop gives Nintendo DSi owners access to downloadable DSI games and content in a similar fashion as the popular Wii console. But it is important to remember to limit one's downloads to only those legally available through Nintendo. A adware and virus-free DSi is a happy DSi. However there is a great other source for DSI Downloads: Pockedownloadcenter. For a flat onetime fee you will get access to unlimited DSi game downloads. And best of all: download speeds are incredible fast and there is no need ot be afraid of viruses or spyware. Pocketdownloadcenter offers lifetime membership with a one time membership fee. Right now they are offering a special and the price for the lifetime membership is $29.00. Considering that one commercial came cartridge can be $40 that is a pretty good deal for lifetime unlimited downloads. They also provide a guide for purchasing and setting up whatever cartridge and SD card you wish to use to play your downloads.
