In one episode of CSI (I can’t remember which one, with Las Vegas, Miami and New York going around), one of the investigators placed a smart phone on a table top which then extracted and displayed the files within the device on the table top itself, which played the role of a high-tech induction based data extraction device and touch-screen. Pretty cool eh? I wonder such technologies exists at this point of time since CSI is known to take liberties on how forensic equipment is portrayed on the TV screen.

While the device might be fictional, I came across something that works on the principle of induction (e.g. Look Mum! No cables attached!) in the form of a non-contact induction charging pad for the Nintendo DSi and DSi XL. CTA Digital (http://ctadigital.com) has introduced a new accessory for the Nintendo® DSi™ and DSi™ XL, the Induction Charging Pad with rechargeable battery.

Using the latest in induction technology, the Charging Pad allows mobile gamers to simply rest their portable gaming units on top of the pad, eliminating the hassle of connecting the DSi to a tangled web of cables for charging or swapping out their batteries regularly .By simply swapping out the DSi’s battery with the included lithium ion battery, which features induction charging technology, gamers can lay their devices on the charge pad to fully recharge the units.

Powered by either a USB cable or the included DC 5volt adapter, the versatile touch charge pad takes only four hours to fully charge the induction technology battery to allow users to return to gaming as quickly as possible. The induction technology means that gamers can simply place their DSi units on the charger, rather than having to match miniscule metal touch points or connect troublesome cables.

The DSi or DSi XL can be configured in a few easy steps to use the charging pad. Using the included screwdriver, mobile gamers can easily unscrew the previous battery from their DSi units, replace with CTA Digital’s included lithium ion battery, connect the charging pad to a power supply, turn on the charging pad, and place the DSi or DSi XL on top of the charging pad. The device’s four LED lights display the power level and charge of the battery. When the charge is completed, the LED lights remain brightly lit. The charging pad uses a charging current of about 500mA.

The CTA Digital Nintendo DSI Induction Charging Pad is available at Amazon (click here) and many other retail outlets, including retailers such as Target, Wal-Mart, and Best Buy. In the mean time, check out the Charging Pad demo video:

What happens when you take the typical Tower Defense formula of building defenses along a maze crawling with enemies, and turn it on its head? While most developers would put out such bold claims and end up with yawners, the guys over at Pixel Federation will have YOU as the one attacking and taking over towers in their latest Nintendo DSIWare game, Libera Wing.

That actually sounds pretty smart.

The premise of Libera Wing is set within a 3D comic, sci-fi environment. The background story is that an alien attack from outer space threatens  the Earth Union’s space stations. The Union’s elite squad – Libera Wing – is sent out to protect the Union from alien aggression and regain control of the lost stations.

What’s unique about Libera Wing’s gameplay is that it is divided into 2 phases. Each level is played twice with the first phase, known as the attack phase is used to recapture the space stations. The second phase involves defending them against wave and wave of aliens.

The phases highlight the use of the player’s fleet, used to attack occupying alien forces and to defend from the waves of aliens. Bolstering the player’s efforts are the use of items.

Check out the following screenshots from the game:

Having trouble looking for accessories for your brand new Nintendo DSi LL/XL? Well look no further as Nine Over Ten 9/10 knows where you can get Nintendo DSi LL/XL accessories, particularly the all-important screen protectors.

Check out the following list:

Screen Protectors:

• Hori Liquid Crystal Protection Filter DSi LL/XL (USD 7.99) ~ Click here for details

Battery:

• Rechargeable Battery Pack (USD 6.99) ~ Click here for details

Carry Case:

• DSi-LL Airfoam Pocket-XL Wine Red (USD 9.90) ~ Click here for details
• DSi-LL Airfoam Pocket-XL Natural White (USD 9.90) ~ Click here for details

For more Nintendo DSi-related items, check out Nine Over Ten 9/10 complete ultimate guide to Nintendo DSi accessories over here.

A couple of things were released in Japan that are sure to put the lines back in front video game stores or cause a spike in sales. First up, the Nintendo DSi now sports a brand new colour, red, and it kinda reminds me of Ferrari cars, so if you do have one, this handheld console will do nicely to match it.

Currently available as an import at Play-Asia, the Red NDSi has a price tag of USD 249 and the package comes with Japanese 110v charger (click here to order). If you need other NDSi accesories (including power chargers friendly to your region), check out Nine Over Ten 9/10′s Ultimate Guide to Getting Nintendo DSi (NDSi) Accessories.

OK, the next release is not a console, but a highly anticipated game for the Nintendo DS. Yup, Dragon Quest IX Hoshizora no Mamoribito, otherwise known as Defenders of the Starry Sky has just been released in the Land of the Rising Sun, and along with it, a whole slew of Nintendo DSi tie-in accessories.

The game, like the Red NDSi, is currently available as an import, which means you’ll need to be proficient in Japanese  to play the game. The game is selling for USD 69.90 and can be purchased here.

Check out the following tie-ins:

• Dragon Quest IX Protect Case DSi (USD 14.90) (Click here for details)
• Dragon Quest IX Slime Speaker Stand (USD 49.90) (Click here for details)
• Dragon Quest IX DSi Pouch (USD 16.90) (Click here for details)
• Dragon Quest IX DSi Seal (USD 9.90) (Click here for details)
• Smile Slime Touch Pen (DSi) (USD 6.99) (Click here for details)
• Smile Slime Ear Headphone (USD 24.90) (Click here for details)
• Smile Slime Touch Pen (NDSL) (USD 6.99) (Click here for details)

The best thing about bargain bins is that sometimes, you’ll get limited/special edition games included in the list. Check out the following bargain bin limited edition Nintendo DS titles:

• Dokidoki Majo Shinpan! 2 DUO [First Print Limited Edition Box] (USD 29.90) ~ Click here for details.
• Koharu no DS Uchigohan. Shokuji Balance Guide Tsuki Hibaihin [Special Edition] (USD 29.90) ~ Click here for details
• Tokyo Majin Gakuen: Kenfuuchou [Limited Edition] (USD 29.90) ~ Click here for details
• Zekkyo Senshi Sakebrain [Club Nintendo Limited Edition] (USD 29.90) ~ Click here for details
• Game & Watch Collection [Club Nintendo Limited Edition] (USD 39.90) ~ Click here for details
• Harukanaru Toki no Naka de: Yumenoukihashi [Premium Box] (USD 39.90) ~ Click here for details

On other news, the Gyakuten Kenji NDSi has been priced at a pretty conventional price of USD 299. While it’s not exactly cheap, the price is not enough to blow someone out of the water, so check it out over here.

For those of you who don’t want another new console, you can also join in on the Gyakuten Kenji Limited Edition bandwagon with the Gyakuten Kenji [e-capcom Limited Edition]. It looks to be worth the USD 149.90 price tag for the following items, so be sure to pre-order it here:

Check out the following pictures of the Gyakuten Kenji Nintendo DSi which goes on sale next week on the 28th of May. The package consists of the game itself and what looks to be a Japanese Nintendo DSi complete with Gyakuten Kenji embelishments.

While there’s no word on pricing, pre-orders should be opening soon at everyone’s favourite import site, Play-Asia. Check out the product page over here.

Need a new Touch Pen for your NDSi or a sleek red metal armor to protect your new handheld console? Well, you came to the right place as the Ultimate Guide to NDSi Accessories has just been updated with even more cool accessories.

Among the new highlights are Disney-themed Hard Pouches, replacement Touch Pen, and new Alumnor metal casings. Check out the entire list here.

As if playing games with the new Nintendo DSi isn’t enough, Wired.com came up with a list of 10 things to do with your new DSi. While some range from pretty useful tips (getting free DSi Shop points), to the inane (play a game already), some will raise a couple of eye brows (getting a new flashkart).

Man, good thing this doesn’t come with a vibrating function, otherwise who knows what these writers can come up with next.

Check out the rest of the article here. If you are a proud owner of a brand new NDSi, be sure to check out Nine Over Ten’s handy guide to NDSi accessories, covering everything from power adapters to screen protectors and many more. Click here for details.

Need a power adapter for your brand new Nintendo DSi, or a cool pouch to carry the NDSi in? Well, you can find these and so much more in the newly updated Nine Over Ten 9/10′s Guide to Gerring Nintendo DSi (NDSi) Accessories. Check it out here.

Good news for those who have waited for the US version of the Nintendo DSi. It’s now available at Play-Asia in Black and Blue, along with rest of the Japanese NDSi lineup (click here for details). At USD 249 (RM 905) each, these babies are a little pricey. Nevertheless I’ve got one listed on my shopping list this year. What about you?

Don’t know where to get important accessories like touch screen protectors? Don’t worry as Nine Over Ten has you covered with our Guide to Nintendo DSi (NDSi) Accessories.