DSi XL FAQ: Sized up
Early yesterday, Nintendo of Japan announced the DSi XL (DSi LL in Japan), a larger, larger-screened version of the DSi. It's a big system, and kind of a big mystery, given that the only advance notice we had of the thing was a Nikkei blurb two days prior. While we can't answer the big questions, like how long this idea has been in the works, and whether a bigger handheld is a good idea as an alternative to the DS's continual miniaturization, we can round up what we know and can reasonably speculate about the DSi XL -- right after the jump.
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Basics
The Nintendo DSi LL will be released in Japan on November 21 at a price of ¥20,000 ($218.50). It will be released in Europe and North America in Q1 2010. It is functionally identical to the current DSi, but features a larger body and larger screens.
Size
The DSi XL measures 161 x 91.4 x 21.2 mm (6.34 x 3.6 x 0.83"), 1.61x the total volume of the DSi, and 1.48x the volume of the DS Lite. It weighs 314 grams, compared to the DSi's 214 and the DS Lite's 218.
Screens
The screens are 4.2 inches diagonal. For comparison, the DSi's screens measure 3.25 inches, and the DS Lite's screens are 3 inches. Though there hasn't been a specific announcement about it, there is no reason to believe the screens will have a different resolution from the current DSi.
Colors
The Japanese version will launch in three colors: Wine Red, Dark Brown, and Natural White. No announcements have been made regarding color for any other region.
Included software
Preloaded on the internal memory: the DSi Browser, Flipnote Studio, Brain Age Express: Arts & Letters, Brain Age Express: Math, and Meikyou Kokugo Rakubiki Jiten, a dictionary program.
Accessories
The DSi XL, like every other DS, includes a stylus that fits into the unit. The DSi XL stylus is 96mm long, just 4mm longer than the stylus on the DSi. The XL also includes a 129.3mm-long pen-shaped stylus, which does not fit inside the console. In addition, for the first time in the DS line, two DS models will share a common AC adapter. The DSi XL will use the same AC adapter as the DSi.
Battery
Despite the increased size of the displays, the battery in the DSi XL supposedly outlasts that in the DSi. Nintendo claims 13-17 hours of runtime on the lowest brightest setting, compared to 9-14 on the DSi. On the highest brightness, the DSi XL supposedly lasts 4-5 hours, one hour longer than the range for the DSi.
Compatibility
As a DSi, the XL will be able to play DS cartridges, including those designed only for DSi and those enhanced for DSi. It will also be capable of downloading and playing DSiWare. Like the current DSi, there is no slot for Game Boy Advance cartridges.
Transfer of existing DSiWare
Don't expect to transfer DSiWare purchases to the new system if you plan to upgrade. There is no end-user mechanism for transferring content from one DSi to another, and, at least in Australia, the process involves sending both a new DSi and your (broken) one in to have the company do it.
