Nintendo Updates Japanese Classroom Program to DSi

The DS Classroom, a new program announced in June which allows teachers to interact with their students via the Nintendo DS, has just added a new caveat: the DS used with the program must now be of the “i” variety.

Nintendo had originally announced that the program would work with all DS units, but revealed that they were making amendments to the requirements earlier today. Now, rather than using any DS, the DSi is itself specifically instrumental to the process, due to its internal memory. For this purpose, students will utilize a custom DSi unit.

According to Nintendo, there are at least four distinct advantages to the new program specifications: the software is internal, making it easier to manage; faster wireless speed; the larger DSi screen allows for easier input; and of course, there’s a camera which can be utilized.

Nintendo and partner Sharp System Products are aiming to roll out the program in Spring.