...I'm a regular Nintendo hype machine.

I was under the impression GameStop didn't take preorders on hardware, as was the case with the past two major video game hardware releases in the storm surrounding the Wii and Playstation 3 two years ago. Well, the DSi (the new Nintendo portable DS hardware that emulates many features of the iPhone) is available for preorder at GameStop for a $25 deposit. For those unaware, much of GameStop revenue (and job structure) is based around preorders, with benefits and security going to those who can get the most money for games before they come out.

I'm not sure what the demand will be for the DSi at this point, as technophiles will already be inundated with the mostly superior gadgetry of the iPhone and iPod Touch for their "must have the latest" needs. Unless you're in it for the DS games themselves, other apps do what the DSi does and better (unless you find a 20 gig SD card stolen from the future and the camera is on par with most low-par SLRs) and, if you're in it for the games, don't you already have a DS?

What's also disappointing is the lack of Gameboy Advance compatibility, essentially cutting off a quarter of the functionality of the DS (and a very relevant portion of Pokemon Diamond/Pearl/Platinum) to make room for SmartPhone and WiiWare apps. This also, of course, assumes that the WiFi internet browser capability isn't a lie and that I can draw sex organs in PictoChat and watch YouTube videos while I catch a Pikachu. I'm totally buying the DSi because I'm not hip enough to own an iPhone, but I'd like to see how well the unit sells given the current state of the economy when most kids who will be bawling for one already have a DS and don't really need another.

Also, in the event I'm not making this clear, the DSi ISN'T a phone, unlike that foreign-exclusive cell-phone expansion on the Gameboy Color for Pokemon Crystal.

DSi finally has a release date: April 5. Preorder it, wait in line outside of your local electronics retailer, or whatever.