The latest model of Nintendo’s portable gaming device, the DS (dual screen; the lower has touch functionality) was released on April 5. Nintendo has shipped more than 100 million handhelds since the launch of the original model in late 2004. The first revision to the hardware was the DS Lite, which hit stores in June 2006.

The new model, dubbed the DSi, is available for $199.95. It’s slightly thinner and longer than its predecessor, but still fits nicely in the palm. The finish — blue or matte black are the colours available to North Americans — has a pleasing feel. It’s easier to grip the DSi, and users are less likely to drop it in the middle of a stylus manoeuvre.

The DSi handheld includes a wealth of new features, including two cameras — one pointing at the player and one aiming away — improved speakers and brighter displays. It’s also outfitted with an SD card slot, which allows for expanded storage so you can save pictures, sounds and downloaded games.

The DSi Shop (available through a wi-fi connection) is an online store with downloadable apps and games, and Nintendo is offering 1,000 points for free to DSi users who connect to the DSi Shop service before October (dsioffer.nintendo.com/).

Among the apps available at the digital store are the Animal Crossing-themed clock and calculator, and a free Opera-enable web browser, but what’s most telling about the DSi is that after titles have been downloaded, they first appear on the menu screen as unwrapped presents that have to be “opened” before the games can be played.

What’s important to Nintendo is not what or how powerful hardware is as much as what you can do with it. Yes, you can use the DSi to take photos. Yes, it has added sound recording and audio playback functions. But what’s interesting and exciting about the DSi is what you do with those photos and sounds. Pictures taken with the low-resolution cameras can be altered with funhouse mirror-like filters that turn every portrait into a party. Voices and beat-boxing and music can be mixed together (although not saved or stored) to make DJs of us all.

The DSi turns Nintendo’s handheld into more than a game player, but anchoring the entire experience is the company’s philosophy of fun. Less megapixels, more Mario moustache.