Giant Bomb Video Game News

The Nintendo DSi isn't even out in the States yet, and already the Fort Smith Police Department (of Arkansas) is issuing a warning about its potential as a tool for child predators.

The report comes our way via KSFM-TV (Channel 5!), and it's focused on the increased capabilities of the new handheld, specifically the two cameras and the web browser. And they clearly weren't messing around, as they went straight to the source... their local Best Buy.

Here's what THE MAN had to say about it. Oh, and by "THE MAN" I guess I mean Sergeant Adam Holland of the Fort Smith PD.

Well, just off the top of my head, I'm pretty sure the DSi doesn't actually do video sharing. But more importantly, it's sort of a shame that the mainstream media and the police alike are kind of getting into fear-monger territory on things like this. Considering how ridiculously restrictive Nintendo's online features have been on the Wii and DS in the name of child safety, you would think that someone would be lauding the company for its cautious approach to the Internet. I'm surprised the story doesn't cram in something claiming that the device says "Islam is the light" if you squeeze it just right.

But I digress. Even though the report is pretty ridiculous on the surface, it's hard to argue with the core message that parents need to take an interest in the stuff they're buying for their kids. If you wouldn't let your kid sit down at a computer unattended, then you're probably going to need to spend some time with whatever parental controls the DSi has built-in. If Nintendo's past track record is any indication, most parents shouldn't have any trouble configuring the device as they see fit.