Go to Source 
 

Nintendo DSi XL (Hardware Preview) 

Despite the DS outselling its Sony rival and even the big consoles on a regular basis, Nintendo are determined to get one into every gamer’s (and their relative’s) hands. With the children's market sorted they’re going for the grownups in force.

Handheld console manufacturers just can’t help but fiddle around. With both the DS and PSP getting numerous make-overs over the last few years getting bigger, smaller, slidier but rarely cheaper.

So it’s surprising to say that this is one upgrade that looks pretty good. Adding all the extra functions of the still recent DSi and supersizing the console to fit in adult hands and give them a screen big enough to make all the extra features worthwhile for once. While still not exactly cheap, the console will retail at £150 which is only £10 more than the smaller DSi.

So what does it do that we haven’t seen before on the DSi? Well not much to be honest. No Nintendo, new colours don’t count. There are only two colours available at launch, Wine Red and Dark Brown. It would seem Nintendo believe this the best strategy to attract the more ‘mature’ gamer, assuming they all like merlot and dirt.

The bigger screens are more appealing though, and should help Nintendo really push the downloadable books feature, as they’re big enough to compete with the range of electronic books slowly making their way into the market. Still, drop it in the bath and you’re screwed.

You can use the old stylus or when you’re at home, go for Touch Pen which is shaped like a proper pen instead of a twig which will make it much more comfortable to hold and hopefully harder to lose!

The DSi XL is a bit of a sizeable beast, which may be a little off-putting if you want to carry it around with you all day. Good luck fitting it in your jeans pocket for example. This console will shine the most at home though. If you love the DS for the games and software just to play at home then this is great for you thanks to the massive screens.

While we’ve yet to see it for ourselves, apparently there will be prolonged battery life compared to the DSi which would be impressive with the bigger screens surely requiring more power. But if you’re at home that shouldn’t be an issue.

All the DSi perks are included, such as the Wi-Fi web browser, online multiplayer gaming and downloadable game titles or apps from the DSi Shop. SD memory cards are supported for music and photos too. Hopefully the camera will be upgraded from the miserly 0.3 megapixel effort of the DSi. Some of the picture editing features might be a fun distraction though.

There’s be some free software already installed: A Little Bit of Brain Training: Arts Edition, Dictionary 6 in 1 and the Nintendo DSi Browser, so digital-book reader-types in denial can try and convince themselves they’ve not just bought a games console. They’ll be hooked on Mario Kart in less than a month.

If you own an original DS and have been holding out on upgrading, this might be the ideal time as the bigger screen (4.2" instead of 3") works wonders and you can finally check out all the online functions but with a reassuringly familiar weighty heft that’s missing from the rather dainty DS Lite and DSi. If you’re still waiting for your first DS experience, you can take your pick between the extra portability of the DSi and the home luxury of the DSi XL.

The Nintendo DSi XL is released 5th March 2010.  

I have just about committed to waiting for the XL, but I'm still not positive yet. I really like the look of those bigger screens, especially in the last picture you supplied. 

I think anyone who still plays on the Phat DS is crazy. You guys seriously need to upgrade at least to a DS Lite... 
 
I have a DS Lite and DSi, but I sadly don't play my DS Lite anymore unless I'm going to try a GBA game. I use it mostly for friends and multiplayer. I'll probably pick up a DSi XL sometime later in the future.

I'm happy with my DSi so I don't need an upgrade.

I always thought the XL was a model aimed towards old people (or anyone) with poor vision. Still, a DS with a bigger screen? Who can complain? It's kinda weird in this day and age though when they make a handheld smaller then orignal, and then make it big again. Ha.

" I think anyone who still plays on the Phat DS is crazy. You guys seriously need to upgrade at least to a DS Lite... "

Ya. DSi XL looks like the way to go for me.

I think I'm going to stick with DSi.

you could have made a better dick joke

" I always thought the XL was a model aimed towards old people (or anyone) with poor vision. Still, a DS with a bigger screen? Who can complain? It's kinda weird in this day and age though when they make a handheld smaller then orignal, and then make it big again. Ha. "

" you could have made a better dick joke "

I still have a Phat; sister has a DS Lite but I don't really see the need to upgrade. Not convinced by DSware or any of the other features of the DSi yet.

I never take my DS lite anywhere, it's strictly a home console and i enjoy it thoroughly. So this appeals to me. A larger console overall would be very appealing as the larger screens, stylus and comfort factor of the machine are greatly above the tiny DS lite i have today.

" I still have a Phat; sister has a DS Lite but I don't really see the need to upgrade. Not convinced by DSware or any of the other features of the DSi yet. "

" I never take my DS lite anywhere, it's strictly a home console and i enjoy it thoroughly. So this appeals to me. A larger console overall would be very appealing as the larger screens, stylus and comfort factor of the machine are greatly above the tiny DS lite i have today. "

If I'm ever going to pick up my own DS, this might be the one. I'm not really digging the actual bigger size of the handheld, but bigger screen trumps that for me. I'm just waiting for a period, maybe of a year or so, of when they stop making more DS models.
 
I get it Nintendo, you're trying to keep the DS steamrolling in sales, but I mean, isn't it selling well enough?

" If I'm ever going to pick up my own DS, this might be the one. I'm not really digging the actual bigger size of the handheld, but bigger screen trumps that for me. I'm just waiting for a period, maybe of a year or so, of when they stop making more DS models.  I get it Nintendo, you're trying to keep the DS steamrolling in sales, but I mean, isn't it selling well enough? "

" I sold my phat to my friend about a year ago, so i'm gonna need to get a new DS.  Considering the DSi or the XL, but not sure if i want a huge DS to go along with my psp. That and, i can get a Lite for half the price. "

It's as big as I expected it to be, as in bigger than I could ever imagine.
 
It's about time for me to replace my old DS Phat, whose top screen is already failing for such horrible abuse, so at least I have multiple sizes to choose from....
 
It sucks that the DS increased in price since 2004.

My reaction to this product is an overwhelming 'meh.' I love the DS, but Nintendo still hasn't convinced me that the DSi is $170 better than the DS Lite, and screen size isn't an issue.

I gave my phat old DS to my neice because I didn't want to buy anymore games for it but after playing a bit of the new super mario bros and the portable Zelda game I really want to get a DS again. 150 quid's a bit steep though for me so I probably won't get it. I'd rather put the money towards a new PC for instance.