Nintendo Wii and DSi Nintendo DSi XL handheld games console
The DSi XL is Nintendo’s fourth console in the range, following the original DS, DS Lite and DSi.
The Nintendo XL is the biggest of the DS models and launches in March 2010 in the UK. It has two 4.2-inch screens, compared to the DSi’s 3.25-inch screen. The Nintendo DSi XL weighs 100grams more than the original DSi. The console also comes with a thicker ‘pen-like’ stylus, as well as the standard slimmer stylus.
Watch our video of the Nintendo DSi XL in action
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The move by Nintendo to produce a bigger version of the DSi is something of a contrast with Sony's approach. Sony's recent PSP Go launch saw a smaller, more compact version of the PSP with a reduced screen.
However, Nintendo appears to be marketing the console as a handheld which is primarily for home use, although it's compact enough to take comfortably take out and use on the train or bus. When closed, it's about the same size as the original Sony PSP.
The DSi XL feels comfortable to hold in our first look hands-on test, and the increased size of the two screens makes playing games easier on the eyes. Returning to the smaller screens of the original DSi after having the luxury of the XL is slightly disappointing.
Nintendo DSi XL larger screen size
Given the larger 4.2-inch screen size, players will also notice that their hand doesn’t obscure as much of the screen when using the touch screen, especially when using the ‘pen’ stylus, which is longer than the standard stylus.
At 314grams the XL is noticeably heavier than the DSi (and even heavier than the original Gameboy), but most people shouldn't find this too cumbersome.
The standard functions of the DSi remain, such at the two cameras, photo-manipulation software and audio player. Photos taken can be saved to an SD card, or uploaded directly to Facebook using the DSi Wi Fi capability. There is also a built-in web browser.
The XL comes with pre-loaded software, including a dictionary and a sample of a popular Brain Training game.
The DSi XL will be available to buy in the UK from 5th March, and will retail for around £150.
