Let’s start with the new. The DSi’s dual screens are larger than that of the DS lite, but are the same resolution. The handheld is thinner, but longer than its predecessor. The DSi’s buttons and d-pad also feel much better than those of the Lite, more similar to the original DS. The DSi has improved wifi capabilities, now supporting WPA2 in DSi applications such as the Opera browser, but not in games that did not previously support it.

One of the main new features of the DSi is the ability to take photos. The DSi has one camera on the outside and one on the inner hinge, both at VGA (640×480) resolution. This is more of a gimmick than anything though as even my VGA resolution cell phone camera is of better quality. It does have one nice new feature though which is the ability to upload photos to Facebook.

The system also features a built-in SD card slot for added storage capabilities, as well as an improved sound system. You can even use your DSi as an audio player and it features an app with which you can remix or add effects to your music as you listen. Unfortunately you cannot save these remixes, but you can save mixes if you record them yourself using the DSi’s built in microphone.

The main point the DSi lacks is the Gameboy Advanced game slot which the DS lite has, giving you the capability to play both DS and GBA games on your handheld. It makes sense for Nintendo to do this because they are not making GBA games anymore, but it is still something that left some players sour over the DSi.

Lastly a big selling point for the DSi was the DSiWare store, which is similar to the App Store on the iPhone. Unfortunately this has seen a very weak offering thus far with very few titles worth purchasing.

Overall I would give the Nintendo DSi a 3/5 rating. While I am very happy with it as a gaming device overall, the lack of titles on the DSiWare shop and only gimicky features over the DS lite bring this down. If you do not own a DS at all or still own the original DS, I would recommend upgrading to a DSi, but if you are a DS lite owner, you are probably safe to stay with your lite for now.

Logitech G5   Our Rating:

This is by far one of the best gaming mice on the market today.  It has many customizable options and is very comfortable to use.  This mouse has up to 9 buttons: right and left click, middle mouse down, right, and left, two buttons near your thumb, and two buttons below the middle mouse.  The last two buttons have a default setting of the mouse’s sensitivity which is a very nice option for gamers when you need to adjust quickly.  And, the two thumb buttons can be mapped to any function in most games, a very handy click for games such as World of Warcraft.  The last cool feature about this mouse is that it has two sets of weights which you can insert into a tray into the mouse depending on your preference so it can be as light or as heavy as you like.  This mouse retails at $49.99, which compares very well against it’s Razer competitor.

Intec Audio/Video Selector Our Rating:

If you’re like me, you have tons of things hooked up to your TV. You have your DVD player, video games, and anything else around. This means that whenever you want to switch over to another system, you have to hassle with all of the cables to get it working. This nifty audio/video selector takes away the hassle.

This product allows you to plug in up to 3 devices into it. Then, you use the provided cords to hook the product up to your equipment. It accepts the regular audio and video, along with S-video. Then, all you have to do it hit the switch for whatever device you want to use, and play away! It’s that simple, and this product does the job flawlessly.

Mad Catz Gamecube Control Pad Pro Our Rating:

Here is one controller you do not want to get. If you’re looking for an extra Gamecube controller for games, or for your Wii, skip right past this one and move to the next.

The controller’s feel is not bad. It fits comfortably and has those rubber grips on the joysticks and sides of the controller like the Microcon controller. It also has the same macro feature. The problem comes in with the buttons.

The buttons just don’t feel right. The “A” button presses really far, and kinda sticks, just because of the way the button is. The other buttons aren’t too bad. However, after a short while, the “B” button on our controller broke, and you now have to jam the button down as hard as you can to get any input at all. With funny feeling buttons and a button breaking so early after purchase, we do not recommend this controller.