The Nintendo DSi is about 12% thinner than the Nintendo DS Lite.[10] The new handheld has two cameras, one VGA on the internal hinge pointed towards the user and the second one (0.3 megapixel) on the outside of the shell, larger screens (3.25 inches as opposed to the previous 3 inches), and improved speakers. The power switch was replaced with a power button, as the original DS had, now located next to the bottom left side of the touch screen.

A new SDHC card slot is utilized for external storage of pictures and downloaded software and to play AAC audio. The front slot for Game Boy Advance (GBA) cartridges has been removed, thus removing the unit's backward compatibility and its compatibility with accessories that require the GBA slot