Sure, it's been available in Japan for quite some time, but this is the first chance we've gotten to really sit down and play with Nintendo's "more communal" (as we overheard one PR rep describe it, given it's propensity for more eyes comfortably viewing the screens) portable gaming experience, the DSi XL. So let's get the comparisons out of the way: obvious volumetric differences aside, the maximum brightness versus the DSi seems to be slightly higher, and the stylus is inexplicably a handful of millimeters longer -- not a big deal, but you'll definitely figure it out when trying to stuff it into an older model. We're not really a fan of the top lid being glossy again -- we rather like the matte DSi lid, and this one seems even more fingerprint-coveting than its DS Lite predecessor. So with all that said, is the extra screen size worth it? Admittedly we do appreciate the extra room, and it comes without a cost to the picture clarity. The inherent tradeoff, however, is a complete inability to stuff this in our pockets -- we had better luck with the Mini 5, to be blunt. You'll be able to decide for yourself soon enough, but in the meantime, there's pictures below and video after the break!
@glenskey you mean the NDS in general? dude, you've had more than five years to say meh. if you're still saying "meh" now you're just being an antifan boy.
@willyolio why would i mean the DS in general, this is a post about the DSXL(or LL). i have nothing against the DS and i do own the original 'bulky' version, i just believe that the fact that nintendo would bother to re-release the DSI, but in a larger form factor is boring/strange, and that this is another "meh" product
Are you actually complaining about no GBA slots? We have had 3 past systems with. Albeit the pokemon crowd, why do you need a GBA slots anymore. I hope they don't include it on the DS's successor.
@AlienSix What about games that require another port, like guitar hero for the DS? I mean it doesn't have to be a GBA slot, but it might as well be. Why would you complain about being able to play older games on it?
Come on now, by now you should have something to play those GBA games on. You can't expect every new Nintendo handheld to be backwards compatible with GBA games forever right? From what I've noticed in this and the last handheld generation, it seems Nintendo might continue this current trend. Making the current-gen handheld backwards compatible with the last-gen's games, then phasing out that backwards compatible with the third revision of their current handheld (like they did with the GBA Micro & DSi). I don't see what there is to complain about, Nintendo has supported GBA cartridges for two whole generations, and you can still buy a DS Lite for GBA games. I don't think many other companies would have done that (especially not Sony or MS given the state their BC is in). When the DS3 comes out it probably won't be compatible with DS games, only the upcoming DS2, so you should get use to it now.
Thats pretty much how it goes. Nintendo has all but dropped GBA support now, but at the same time the lack of backwards comparability is being compromised with digital distrbution. GB and GBA on virtual console is not far off, and im sure the next home console will not support gamecube discs, but will hopefully be able to be downloaded via a new virtual console store. It's just the gap on complete lack of support between backwards compatibility and digital distribution with the GBA is making people feel uncomfortable.
@Broderbund Yah, I guess GBA slots are a thing of the past in their perception. As for the DSi XL - it has(93% bigger than the screen on the Nintendo DS Lite) Examined: http://bit.ly/dsi-xl-updates
Truly, I too would love to download Golden Sun to a DSi ( and if it were possible, I would go buy a DSi right now in the snow and all). With the success of the virtual console, I understand why people want the same experience with the GameBoy line. But alas, it seems we're gonna have to wait till the DS2 for digital GBA downloads. It can be done right now (since the DSi has the capability), but it seems Nintendo doesn't want to put all their eggs in one basket. In order to increase DS2 sales, Nintendo's DS2 announcement will probably go something like, "Yea boi! Ninty's in da iz house, wit the DS2 rockin VC selling da GB. Throw dem monies, son." (:D yea)
In the meantime I'll continue my search for Golden Sun (man I regret selling that game, so young and stupid I was), I definitely refuse to pay $85 plus for it online though (argh, I hate fruitless treasure hunts).
Not really, the iPad just has the same OS, but different applications, different uses and different accessories to make it a machine fitting a different niche all together.
The DSi XL is literally exactly the same...just bigger
Wow...So, non-interesting. Would Sony or Nintendo PLEASE release some NEW handheld gaming consoles? As in, not just minor rehashes, bigger ones, smaller ones, different coloured ones? They have had the same basic internal specs since 2004 (ok, so the DSi brought a spec update, but that is mainly to drive the two cameras, and developers still have to develop for the slowest one) and there are MUCH better chips out now. Look at the Tegra 2, or Snapdragon 2.
Look, Nintendo managed to find another way to INCREASE the price of a system that is almost six years old now. Instead of dropping prices, they just keep launching more and more variations of the hardware.
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posted February 25th 2010 12:00AM
meh
@glenskey
In before "That's what she said " comments replying to size increases.
@glenskey *yawn*
@glenskey
Meh = First
@hhfhhfhhfh
actually, "meh" completely describes my feelings towards this product, i just felt that it needed to be said.
@glenskey
you mean the NDS in general? dude, you've had more than five years to say meh. if you're still saying "meh" now you're just being an antifan boy.
@willyolio why would i mean the DS in general, this is a post about the DSXL(or LL). i have nothing against the DS and i do own the original 'bulky' version, i just believe that the fact that nintendo would bother to re-release the DSI, but in a larger form factor is boring/strange, and that this is another "meh" product
[imo!!]
Why didn't they bring back the GBA slot, it couldn't have been because they didn't have enough room.
@Broderbund
Are you actually complaining about no GBA slots? We have had 3 past systems with. Albeit the pokemon crowd, why do you need a GBA slots anymore. I hope they don't include it on the DS's successor.
@Broderbund because they are ass holes.
@AlienSix GBA slot for Golden sun, tactics ogre and all the other great GBA RPGs
It is a major selling point for me, thats why I have a DS Lite and not a DSi
@AlienSix
What about games that require another port, like guitar hero for the DS? I mean it doesn't have to be a GBA slot, but it might as well be. Why would you complain about being able to play older games on it?
@jellotime91
lol... ding ding ding!
@Broderbund
Come on now, by now you should have something to play those GBA games on. You can't expect every new Nintendo handheld to be backwards compatible with GBA games forever right? From what I've noticed in this and the last handheld generation, it seems Nintendo might continue this current trend. Making the current-gen handheld backwards compatible with the last-gen's games, then phasing out that backwards compatible with the third revision of their current handheld (like they did with the GBA Micro & DSi). I don't see what there is to complain about, Nintendo has supported GBA cartridges for two whole generations, and you can still buy a DS Lite for GBA games. I don't think many other companies would have done that (especially not Sony or MS given the state their BC is in). When the DS3 comes out it probably won't be compatible with DS games, only the upcoming DS2, so you should get use to it now.
@Broderbund it could be because of things like the flashcards and other third-party slot 2 cards that let you play ROMS.
I do agree that it's nice to play GBA and Guitar Hero/Band Hero on a DSi though.
Guess Nintendo decided to prioritize making piracy a bit harder over those features.
@Zer0Kage Right, and the SD card slot promotes what now?
@Broderbund I love golden sun, its such an awesome game.
@Cyrs
Thats pretty much how it goes. Nintendo has all but dropped GBA support now, but at the same time the lack of backwards comparability is being compromised with digital distrbution. GB and GBA on virtual console is not far off, and im sure the next home console will not support gamecube discs, but will hopefully be able to be downloaded via a new virtual console store. It's just the gap on complete lack of support between backwards compatibility and digital distribution with the GBA is making people feel uncomfortable.
@Broderbund Yah, I guess GBA slots are a thing of the past in their perception. As for the DSi XL - it has(93% bigger than the screen on the Nintendo DS Lite) Examined: http://bit.ly/dsi-xl-updates
@Karate Tortoise
Truly, I too would love to download Golden Sun to a DSi ( and if it were possible, I would go buy a DSi right now in the snow and all). With the success of the virtual console, I understand why people want the same experience with the GameBoy line. But alas, it seems we're gonna have to wait till the DS2 for digital GBA downloads. It can be done right now (since the DSi has the capability), but it seems Nintendo doesn't want to put all their eggs in one basket. In order to increase DS2 sales, Nintendo's DS2 announcement will probably go something like, "Yea boi! Ninty's in da iz house, wit the DS2 rockin VC selling da GB. Throw dem monies, son." (:D yea)
In the meantime I'll continue my search for Golden Sun (man I regret selling that game, so young and stupid I was), I definitely refuse to pay $85 plus for it online though (argh, I hate fruitless treasure hunts).
@Cyrs
It goes for $85? :O
I've got 2 copies of 1, and 1 copy of 2 laying around somewhere...
well, americans ARE bigger...
@xKNGx that's true in soooo many ways.
@jellotime91 He mean fatter
@xKNGx
Thats what she didn't say.
Man that's huge ahaha
@MikeyVesagas must i even....
@MikeyVesagas
To think the Mini 5 fits in a pocket better than this thing, lol
That must be huge
@MikeyVesagas
THAT'S WHAT SHE SAID!
Just make it with slightly bigger buttons, a Tegra 2 processor and call it a DS2 then maybe I'll be interested.
They kept the same charger from the GBA SP to the NDS.
@danbrunell
no they didn't, it's all different!
When is Nintendo going to actually add more umph! to the DS ecosystem, think big N ran out of ideas; now they resell original NDS on steroids!
DSi XL to DSi = iPad to iPod Touch
"It's just... bigger"
@Doomtomb
If the iPad was 480x320 people would be laughing their asses off.
@Doomtomb Yeah, and Nintendo's CEO 'dissing' the iPad as such, and then doing the same thing, is even more stupid.
@Doomtomb
Not really, the iPad just has the same OS, but different applications, different uses and different accessories to make it a machine fitting a different niche all together.
The DSi XL is literally exactly the same...just bigger
@BergerFan: Except of course, the DSi XL came out a LONG time before the iPad was even announced. The DSi XL came out in Japan last year.
Wow...So, non-interesting. Would Sony or Nintendo PLEASE release some NEW handheld gaming consoles? As in, not just minor rehashes, bigger ones, smaller ones, different coloured ones? They have had the same basic internal specs since 2004 (ok, so the DSi brought a spec update, but that is mainly to drive the two cameras, and developers still have to develop for the slowest one) and there are MUCH better chips out now. Look at the Tegra 2, or Snapdragon 2.
yes, its just bigger. but since when did gadget nerds start complaining about bigger screens?
@NoOrdinaryMSFT yea its that plus the bigger price.
is it any faster?
Look, Nintendo managed to find another way to INCREASE the price of a system that is almost six years old now. Instead of dropping prices, they just keep launching more and more variations of the hardware.
@outunderstars
The apple syndrome.
I agree with this. New handhelds please.
How can picture clarity be the same when the pixels are so much more spread out? Shouldn't there be a drop in picture quality?
I'm convinced it's a conspiracy; parents requested a larger DSi so their kids could quit losing them.
Yep, when my autistic friend loses his 4th NDS this will be his upgrade
I'm still going to wait for their next-gen portable.
I just really dont see the point...