Nintendo DSi XL (LL) - Bigger is Better

Nintendo is planning to release the DSi XL (or LL in Japan) on March 2010 and the price would probably be around the $220 to $240 mark. It cost about $220 USD in Japan without including the shipping. It comes with three DSiware and it is basically the same as the DSi package but 2x the size.

My friend imported the Japanese version in December of 2009 (Released in Japan Novemeber 2009). First look, it is ridiculously larger than the DSi and the DS Lite. At almost twice the weight, size and pretty much everything in general; you might think why Nintendo would do this. It all started with people in the Nintendo DS community asking for a larger system.

In my opinion, this actually defeats the purpose of being portable. It was impossible to put this in any of my pockets unless I was carrying a messenger/book bag. This is actually the only downside as there is many, many upside to the larger DSi.

First thing is the larger and improved dual screens. If you put the DSi and the DSi XL, side by side and playing the same game (I tested Professor Layton and the Diabolical Box); you can see that there are significant improvements. The cut scenes look less blocky even though Nintendo basically doubled the pixel count. The backlight is also improved providing less glare/shadowing if another person were to view the DSi LL. A larger bottom touch screen is a much welcome addition as it appears to recognize my writing a tad better than the normal size DS. It is also easier to poke, draw, and interact since you have twice the surface.

Along with the larger system, Nintendo provides an equally ridiculous larger stylus. I never had any problem with the tinier stylus but my friend said it was a perfect fit. It is a tad thicker than your normal pen or pencil but it really feels like you are holding a pen.

I definitely would recommend the DSi XL to anyone that really needs it. The larger screen will decrease eye strain. It is really hard to category the DSi XL because it is neither portable nor a home system. You could say it is the best of both worlds.