Updates, which are downloaded via the system's Internet connection, allow Nintendo to add and remove features and software.

The DSi's user interface is a single row of icons which can be navigated by sliding the stylus across them.

From the home menu, the user can take a picture at any time by pressing the shoulder (L/R) buttons.

The DSi Sound program is split into two modes: voice recording and music playback.

For example, users can make the clip play backwards or forwards, isolate small sections using A-B repeat, and modify the speed and tone by dragging a pointer around on a 2D graph.

In addition, Nintendo has provided a set of sound effects which can be selected quickly by using the stylus, then inserted freely using shoulder buttons.

Furthermore, compared with Sony's PlayStation Portable it is more difficult to interface the DSi with a PC, as there is no USB port on the system.

In order to transfer music and podcasts over, users will need to remove the SD Card and plug it directly into their PC.

Unlike the original Nintendo DS and Nintendo DS Lite which only featured minimal network connectivity, download content and firmware updates are at the core of the DSi experience, similar to the Wii and Sony's PlayStation Portable consoles.

For example, when users first power up the system and click on the DSi Shop icon from the main menu, they are immediately prompted to run a firmware update.

Users can permanently login with their Club Nintendo account to track purchase rewards, and the main shopping interface also lets users add DSi Points and read the DSi shop manual.

Because of this absence, the DSi is also not backward compatible with accessories requiring the GBA slot, such as the Nintendo DS Rumble Pak.