Nintendo DSi XL Reviewed – Size Matters

The larger shell also accommodates larger speakers, and the new speakers on the XL are probably the best that have ever been in any handheld system to date. Sound reproduction is crisp and clear  and unlike its smaller brothers, doesn’t distort when the volume’s increased.

As far as functionality goes, everything is exactly the same as the DSi – including, unfortunately, the cameras. Nothing’s been done to increase the resolutions of the two built-in cameras- which are are awful even by webcam standards – and their lack of quality is exacerbated by the larger screen. The unit comes preinstalled with a lite version of Brain Training, and a pretty impressive 6-in-1 dictionary. Being a larger DSi, it also dispenses with the GBA slot, so backwards compatibility and peripheral-based gaming aren’t supported.

The Nintendo DSi XL – as with most Nintendo hardware – is exceedingly well designed and well built. The aggrandised screens actually make a significant difference to gameplay – much more than I had expected, and I found that the XL sat in my wrists more comfortably than the smaller handhelds. The question though is whether or not the DSi XL is an essential upgrade for somebody who already owns a Nintendo DS.

To that, the answer is a resounding no – but there if you’re a first time DS owner, have a tough time focusing on the tiny screen of the DSi or don’t intend on using the unit anywhere other than home, I can recommend the DSi XL with few reservations – although with the recently announced Nintendo 3DS it may be worth holding out. I still favour the DSi, but that’s because I put emphasis on portability. The XL is not something that can be easily and comfortably lugged around. My better half said she’d take the larger unit over the smaller one any day of the week, proving once and for all that size really does matter.

The DSi Xl will be available locally this month in burgundy red as well as dark brown, and will retail between R1999 and R2099.

Thanks to Core Gaming for supplying a review unit.

Last Updated: April 13, 2010