If you’re looking to purchase a Nintendo DSi this Sunday, you may not have considered a few software programs for your computer to use in conjunction with your new toy.  The DSi uses the AAC audio format, just as the Wii does.  With the prevalence of the .mp3 format, it’s likely you don’t have a collection of music in the required format.  This is where conversion software comes into play.  Also another piece of software that may come in handy is an image editor for the photos taken on the DSi that can then be transferred to an SD card.

All of the programs listed below are for Windows and were tested with Windows XP.

MP3 to AAC Conversion Software

If you’re interested in the audio functions of the DSi and want to play around with your own files, a converter is necessary.  Once converted, you’ll need to copy these to an SD card that will be inserted into the DSi for playback.  All three programs listed below have multiple conversion options, so it’s simply a choice of what’s right for you.
 

DVDVideoSoft Free Audio Converter

-Will install the Ask.com toolbar unless you say otherwise
- Simple to use, drag and drop operation
- Quick converting
- No need to install other codecs
- Good for basic use.

5.6 MB Program
 

dbpoweramp

- Installs a trial version of more features
- When the trial period is over, it will revert to the free version
- Must download appropriate codecs in order for it to convert, but they hold your hand in the process
- Integrates with Shell so you can right click on an .mp3 file to convert
- Doesn’t seem to take long.
- Due to the codec downloads required to make this work, it might be better for more advanced users

5.3MB Program
474KB AAC Encoder
1.7MB (1.06MB for the file inside you need) Nero AAC Codec
 

Abcc Free Music to Mp3 Amr aac ogg Converter
(Scroll down to the free software selections)

- Gives choice of desktop or quick launch icon on install
- Installs K-lite codec pack (If you use CCCP, it will try to uninstall it)
- Free version is limited to one song at a time
- When starting the program you must select free trial everytime
- Nag screen each time you convert
- Takes awhile
- Puts a number after the filename
- Wouldn’t recommend using this unless the other two options were unavailable

17.7MB Program

Give Away Of The Day (Website)
Another source of free programs that may be able to convert is Give Away Of The Day.  Everyday they offer up a program absolutely free and though it may not be an audio program, eventually they may offer it as they have in the past.

Image Editing

The DSi allows you to copy images taken with the cameras onto an SD card.  From there, you insert the card into a reader of some sort that’s connected to your computer.  The file hierarchy is similar to that of a digital camera, so if you have ever used one, this will be familiar ground as to how to copy the file.
 

Paint.NET

- Requires .NET Framework 3.5 SP1
- Small simple editor
- Easy to use and understand
- Good for basic users

1.6 MB Program
2.8 MB .NET Framework
 

GIMP

- Is a freeware alternative to Adobe Photoshop
- First start up is slow
- Has many advanced features
- Might be more for advanced users

15.3 MB Program

These are only a small sampling of freely available programs that you can use to get more from your Nintendo DSi.  Happy multimedia usage when you get your hands on a unit!