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Nintendo DSi XL :: Hardware Review

Reviewed by on Apr 02, 2010
Rating: 3 Star Rating

Is bigger always better? Check out our review on the new Nintendo DSi XL and find out!

There is no doubt about it. The new Nintendo DSi XL is HUGE! It will feel like a mini-laptop in your hands. This hulk is even bigger than the original Gameboy that came out twenty years ago!


What is Bigger?

The most important part of the DS, the screens, are way bigger. This is great for touch games, like WarioWare D.I.Y., since you have more room to draw. Making it even easier to draw is the bigger stylus that comes with the XL. And although the screens are bigger, battery life is still dependable. The XL will last 4-5 hours at the highest brightness setting and over 15 hours at the lowest.


What is Better?

The larger screens is easier on your eyes and also on your friend's eyes, as they can now watch you play easily. The speakers for the XL is noticeably better than any DS thus far. At max volume, it can fill a room with sound. This is great, considering the SD card and neat music programs on the DSi. Speaking of programs, the XL comes with three free programs: two Brain Age Express games and a Photo Clock.


When Bigger is not Better

The size and weight of the XL might give you a hand cramp after a long play time, especially since the buttons feel a bit stiff. Additionally, the bigger screen increases the size of pixels, especially with [kwlink18838]3D games[/kwlink], making them hard to look at.


If you play at home or like to carry things in a bag, the XL is not too bad. Just don't expect to keep it in your pocket! In the end, however, if you have a DSi or DS Lite already, just hold onto it for now and wait for the new Nintendo 3DS to come out. Even with the three free programs, the XL is a bit too expensive and does not improve on a whole lot.


Rating:3

Price: $189.99


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