Nintendo unveils DSi XL

Author: Joe Martin
Published: 29th October 2009
Comments (10) Stumble
Nintendo unveils DSi XL

The DSi XL goes on sale in Japan next month and boasts a much larger screen than ever before.

Nintendo has unveiled a new DS model, dubbed the DSi XL, which will go on sale in Japan next month in a new games bundle, with a European release planned for early 2010.

Rather than getting smaller though, as is usual for handheld consoles, the DSi XL is actually bigger than previous models.

The DSi XL's new screen measures 4.2 inches, which is a 93 percent increase compared to the screen of the DS Lite. In terms of interface and core hardware though, it appears like it may be fundamentally the same as the DSi - complete with dual cameras and DSiWare support.

Nintendo will supposedly by targetting the DSi XL at older handheld users, or those who have more specific needs for a portable gaming system - such as surfing the internet, MP3 playback or playing graphic adventure or reading-intesive games. Thus, the screen is bigger to allow larger characters and more screen space.

The DSi XL will also come with two touch pens, one much larger and easier to hold than previous models, and three pre-installed DSiWare games; DS Easy Dictionary and two unnamed Brain Training titles.

The console will be available in Dark Brown, Wine Red and Natural White colour schemes when it launches in Japan for 20,000 Yen ($220 USD / £135 GBP). No word on an official European or American price just yet though.

Let us know your thoughts in the forums.
Quote docodine 29th October 2009, 13:08
Won't the games not look very good when they're stretched to nearly 2x the size? Other than that, pretty cool idea. The DS should start selling in northern Europe as well lol.
Quote Krikkit 29th October 2009, 13:10
Sounds like they're after the crossword brigade to me! Looks pretty good though, that's my biggest issue with the current DS size, too small!
Quote sandys 29th October 2009, 13:15
Same size screen as a PSP, its not that big, about right really, PSP games look pretty good as do low res PS1 stuff played back on it so don't reckon the DS will have any problems accommodating the size, although saying that was is the DS resolution, a lot of PS1 games are 320x240

Course what they are lacking for the older types like my mother in law who likes to play stuff like Sudoku on these handhelds is a choice of control methods, she can't handle the pen for long period and some games don't let you use buttons or are inconvenient to do so whilst tilted, so long since dropped DS in favor of PSP.

Bigger screen might mean its easier to get by with just fingers?
Quote Mentai 29th October 2009, 14:09
With the DSi out a couple of months ago, and very little in the way of features actually being used so far (just like wiimote+, <3 Nintendo), it must burn pretty bad if you bought one and they're releasing such an improvement already. Too soon? I guess you could see it as an alternative rather than improvement, but I imagine there'd be few who'd want the smaller one.
Quote DeathAwaitsU 29th October 2009, 15:13
Bas****s is all i can say, esp as ive gotta buy the mrs one this week for her birthday then they go and announce this :(
Quote HourBeforeDawn 29th October 2009, 16:36
oh about time they increased the screen size maybe just maybe I would consider getting this now, to bad they got rid of the GBA port ><
Quote Horizon 29th October 2009, 19:01
Quote:
Originally Posted by DeathAwaitsU
Bas****s is all i can say, esp as ive gotta buy the mrs one this week for her birthday then they go and announce this :(

Just get her a little box with a note inside that has I.O.U. one DSi XL written on it./
Quote McGarnacle 29th October 2009, 21:48
Quote:
Originally Posted by Krikkit
Sounds like they're after the crossword brigade to me! Looks pretty good though, that's my biggest issue with the current DS size, too small!

That's my problem too. The DS Lite (and in turn DSi) are too small for my big clumsy hands. Anything longer than 15 minutes gameplay, and I get a cramp in both hands from trying to hit buttons, especially the shoulder ones, while supporting it at the same time.

This new larger model should cure that problem. :-)
Quote Kiytan 29th October 2009, 22:08
Very nice idea, although i too wonder how they will deal with original DS games being stretched.
Quote D-Cyph3r 29th October 2009, 22:15
I still have my original chunky DS from launch day and even that gives me hand cramps after half hour or so..... May have to upgrade in the new year.
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