Nintendo DSi XL Arrives in Stores March 2010

The long awaited DSi XL, the latest hand held gaming system from Nintendo, is scheduled to hit store shelves in March, but, with a bulkier appearance compared to its smaller siblings, will it appeal to gamers seeking a portable device?

It's difficult to remember and count how many variations of the Nintendo Game Boy there were during the product's reign, especially if you include the import models that found their way into the hands of US gamers. To reflect back on the current (and standard) DS product line, there was the original DS (2004), the DS Lite (2006), the DSi (2009), and now the forthcoming DSi XL. The newest model in the family to support the vast library of DS games, arrives with a slightly larger form factor, and some enhanced features.

In comparison to the most recent DS to hit store shelves, the DSi, the New DSi XL sports dual screens with about an inch more viewing area at a size of 4.2". Gamers are sure to appreciate the larger screen, however, the size increase will come at the cost of not only a somewhat larger gaming device, but with the same screen resolution of 256x192 as its predecessors. This means titles are at the risk of appearing blocky as the screen pixel count remains the same, yet, with each one obviously being larger.

In addition to a much larger screen, the DSi XL will also be sporting a much larger stylus; an actual pen sized stylus to be exact. This is sure to be a welcome upgrade over the tiny built-in stylus which is usually supplemented with something larger anyhow. The device will also arrive with three software titles pre-installed (Brain Age Express: Math, Brain Age Express: Arts & Letters, and Photo Clock. Other features found on the DSi still stand on the XL such as built in cameras, a web browser, and access to DSiWare.

The DSi XL is expected to have a release price of around $189.99, as Amazon.com for example, is currently taking pre-orders at their website for this price, and the DSi continues to sell at a slightly lower price for $169.99. It is yet to be determined how well the newer model will sell versus its older members of the family, or if current owners will spill out the cash for a newer system whose real difference is size. It is likely that the device will be extremely appealing to original model DS owners, yet, maybe a tough sell for those who have a perfectly working Lite, or DSi, unless trade-in is found to be a lucrative option. For those not yet enjoying the entertainment of a DS system, the XL may be the best ticket in.