New DS: The DSi XL

[pac4life]

I thought this may have been posted, but I couldn't find it.

The DSi XL (LL in Japan)

Check it out. From what I can gather it is a lot larger than the DSi/DS lite, heavier (314g) and has a larger screen ~4.2 inches. I dont know if the screen will up the resolution, but I would imagine not.

It will release in North America Q1 2010, apparently. (And Europe)

I am happy with my DSi, so this is a no go for me.

Thoughts?


The extra-large, extra-priced DSi LL, unveiled in Japan early this morning, will be coming to North America and Europe in the first quarter of 2010, Nintendo tells Kotaku.

"A new iteration of the Nintendo DSi™ system will be introduced in Japan on November 21, 2009," according to a statement from Nintendo released to Kotaku. "To be known as Nintendo DSi LL in Japan, and as Nintendo DSi XL in North America and Europe, it will offer a screen 93% larger than the current Nintendo DS Lite with a better view angle, an additional longer touch screen stylus, and preinstalled Nintendo DSiWare™ software. The new version will arrive in North America and Europe in the first quarter of calendar year 2010."

No word yet on how much the DSi XL will sell for in North America, though the DSi LL will sell for ¥20,000 (US$220) in Japan.
Any takers?
source: http://kotaku.com/5392865/dsi-xl-coming-to-america-in-early-2010


Nintendo's surprise confirmation of the DSi LL is proof that the company is willing to change the way it operates; normally, such a launch would be hyped to high heaven, but here's a machine that we knew little about yesterday - other than rumours - and it's going to be with Japanese gamers in less than a month.

However, this isn't the only way in which the DSi LL bucks current trends. As this list published by Kotaku shows, it's going to be the heaviest portable console of this generation - which rather goes against the philosophy that mobile devices should be as lightweight as possible.

Here's how the DSi LL compares to other machines in its class:

158g - PSPgo
189g - PSP-2000
189g - PSP-3000
214g - DSi
218g - DS Lite
275g - Nintendo DS
280g - PSP-1000
314g - DSi LL

Oof! As you can see, it's twice the weight of Sony's recently released PSPgo. Ouch.

Naturally, it has bigger displays but the sticking point here is going to be resolution. The DS screen res is 256 x 192 pixels, while the PSP boasts a 480 x 272 pixel display. Those pixels are going to look a little blocky when they're blown up to 4.2 inches, we suspect.

source: http://ds.nintendolife.com/news/2009/10/talking_point_how_does_the_dsi_ll_compare_to_rival _handhelds#at


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Nintendo DSi LL
4.2 inch mon x 2
Nov 21, 2009
20000 yen

DS：横148.7mm／縦84.7mm／厚さ28.9mm
DSLite：横133.0mm／縦73.9mm／厚さ21.5mm
DSi：横137.0mm／縦74.9mm／厚さ18.9mm
DSi LL：横161.0mm／縦91.4mm／厚さ21.2mm
Default stylus is 4 mm longer than the DSi stylus
The long "touch pen" is just about 40 mm longer than the DSistylus
Weighs approximately 50% more than the DSi/Lite
1 - 3 hrs more battery life than DSi, depending on screen brightness
3 hour charge (same as DS Lite, 30 mins longer than DSi)

Comes pre-installed with...

* A Bit of Brain Training: Arts
* A Bit of Brain Training: Science
* Kiyou Akira Rakuhiku Language Easier

[OG_Monkey]

so....basically....its back to where the DS first started? :wtf:

That thing is HUGE

[seahorse]

ew.

[blackdrgn]

Hah, way to rip-off the consumer, I hope the only difference is that it has a larger screen & doesn't end up better gfx, or I'll be unhappy for purchasing a lite.
Only thing I like is the new touch pen.

[pac4life]

I don't think this new system is intended for the majority of us gamers. I believe Nintendo wants to continue their expansion to "new gamers" and that this system is strictly designed for seniors or elderly people who need larger screens.

Like, I mean strictly more mature gamers...hence the names of the colors (Wine Red) and the included games.

My only concern remains the resolution of the screen :P

[Viper]

I'm actually considering it because my hands cramp pretty quickly with the DS Lite. I'm hoping the larger surface area of the DS XL will reduce the hand cramp.

[curryking1]

I don't think this new system is intended for the majority of us gamers. I believe Nintendo wants to continue their expansion to "new gamers" and that this system is strictly designed for seniors or elderly people who need larger screens.

Like, I mean strictly more mature gamers...hence the names of the colors (Wine Red) and the included games.

My only concern remains the resolution of the screen :P

Ya definitely, I think it's a good move. Definitely focusing on a target market's needs I think.

I didn't understand the PSP Go! criticisms either. I thought it was expanding the target base just like this is.

[Viper]

I will admit I think this model race is getting a touch out of hand.

Starting to remind me of other mobile electronics such as iPods, cell phones, etc...


lol, that first line was truly an unintentional pun.

[curryking1]

Either way it's still a good business strategy. The more consoles will just mean there will be more to pick and choose from, doesn't seem like any bad will come out of this. I don't think it will change any game-making strategies for the worse or anything.

[Viper]

No, not at all. This is simply a screen size increase so it doesn't alter any business decision between publishers and developers.

Does seem odd that all the major players in the current market have had numerous models and revisions except Wii which has had no real model additions at all (though the Black Wii is out in Japan and soon in Europe).

[curryking1]

I guess really because the Wii was the one that didn't need model revisions. The sales were fine. Why waste energy in engineering something that won't really help the bottom line you know?

Other than colours I don't think we'll see anything Wii related changes. The system is already nice and small, looks good, and it's very reliable. And there's plenty of room to drop the price a few times. They just have a really good model going on with the Wii.

For the PS3 and 360, the perception is they are in a race to be 'BIGGEST HDD! BEST GRAPHICS!' etc etc, so they are almost obligated to continuously one-up each other. Which is disappointing, I personally think it causes confusion.

I look at the PS3 as three major models though. PS3 w BC, PS3 w/o BC, and PS3 Slim lol. Other than hard drives and component upgrades, it didn't really seem to change. The HDD race is just part of that one-upping I think.

I like how Nintendo has upgraded the DS. The systems different models are stretched far apart by release time, and I think not only does that avoid generating confusion between different models, but each time they have taken advantage of the fact that yes, this new model is now better than the last and they always made it obvious why. I'm sure they also timed the launches for some maximal effect for sales as well, whatever trend they waited to see.

DS changes I view like the PS3 Slim change. The PS3 Slim was maybe even more of a reinvention because it was accompanied by a far lower price, and a slew of high profile titles (not that the DS didn't have good titles when it changed to DS Lite or whatever), and massive advertising campaign which is still ongoing. It was a total rebranding of the Playstation 3, just like the DS Lite rebranded the DS and the DSi as well.

[pac4life]

Yeah, the DS lite really gave me that feel when it came out. Just like the PS3 slim. The whole "apple-esque" feel, and it was such a nicer looking and playing system than the DS phat.


On a side note, I want to see someone make a video where this DSi XL eats all the DS systems out there, and then has a GB Micro @ the end. Pac Man style.

[frosty]

OG and I were discussing how PSP had too many damn models out (1000-2000-3000-Go, and soon to be 4000), and he was saying "look at DS... there's 3 of them. PSP should take notes". The next morning I wake to see this monsterous thing...

I REALLY don't think the japanese will like this thing. Too bulky.

[bobo_ess]

Must...have...brick DS

[Kiwi]

Quite happy with my DS Lite, thank you very much!

Although I guess this could be good for those of you who have freakishly big hands.

[SuperLuigiBros]

I like everything about this (especially the fact that I didn't get a regular DSi) but I'd have to see the resolution first hand before I by one. Im definitely digging the red colour, although Im interested in the brown if it looks cool in real life. Why can't they bring out a green one for crying out loud??

[curryking1]

I don't this this is for the Japanese market though.

I don't think this is for us either.

There's plenty of people who are buying the DS right now.

An extra large DS just expands that group of potential buyers. Whatever this product does, it will hit, at the very least, a small or large group that's totally outside who's buying DS' right now.

Just building an extra room on the side of the house, putting some extra padding here and there, etc etc.

I mean how can I argue against a model that makes the entire DS line together more inclusive?? I couldn't do that. I can say it's not for me, but nothing else.

[Xer0]

I think this thing is hideous

[Generosity of God]

i'll get one eventually. got to keep collecting.

but i waited a bit before buying the DSi and probably wait til the latter half of next year before getting this model. i'll probably end up using it at home just because of the bigger screen. but keep using the DSi outside due to the portable friendly size.

[Viper]

Nice illustration of the size difference.

http://www.blogcdn.com/www.joystiq.com/media/2009/10/dsi.ll.102909-580px.png


Also confirmed for US and Europe Q1 2010 release.

[masteratt]

This would have made a hella lot more sense (to me anyway) if it launched along DSi so I could have picked this one instead to avoid hand cramps every 10mins.

Of course they wanna make money but they aren't getting mine and Nintendo lost a bit of rep with me.

"here is a our new DSi!! *some months later* BUT since you may not prefer it's size! here is a large DSi! ooppps sorry if you already bought the DSi teehee!"

[dork]

i'm lovin' that gianormous stylus.

[masteratt]

actually its not any thicker...they just made the surface larger to add more screen.
so really its not going to be any more comfortable.

so its ok nintendo i still love you (although you could have designed a comfortable one from the beginning).

[tokoshi_x]

I REALLY don't think the japanese will like this thing. Too bulky.

http://gonintendo.com/viewstory.php?id=103275

Hm... turns out they are pretty excited for it.

[Lucent Beam]

I wish they would return to the smooth curves of the original DS. I didn't mind the size of the original DS at all, but a "bigger" DSi the still has the shape of the DS Lite just seems like it would be uncomfortable. The original DS was smoother and fit very comfortably in your hands for a long period of time. I don't like the blockier edges of the Lite and beyond.

[bobo_ess]

The screen, the stylus, and the fact that i have big mits is why i will purchase this thing.

[jaxmkii]

THANK GOD! major PLUS REP TO NINTENDOW!

go big or go home!

im so sick of this obsesion of everything needing to be smaller... dont make it smaller make it FUCKING ROCK! more power more screen more batterys. RAWR!!!! that old setiment about less is more IS BS! hopefully Sony will take notice becuase the PSPgo is a shit toy compared to is predicessor.

hell i might buy this out of princible! bravo nintendo brraavvooo...

[Mr. Coww]

You know what they say about guys with a big DS... they probly also have a Wii.
Anyway has any one found images of it in action, im some what worried that the larger screen is guna make the already low res 256 x 192 pixels might get a bit blocky for my liking.

[sam]

The original DS design was simply horrific.

I remember trying to convince myself that I liked it.

[Kiwi]

Few pics from a store in Japan

[jaxmkii]

i hope this is a huge success...

[Generosity of God]

all the major stores in Japan seem to think it will. they expect it to sell out as the year ends.

reports say that alot of people are buying this to upgrade from the original DS model or the Lite. Makes me wonder how much more skewed the DS sales are going to get.

[freeliu]

The bigger screens are nice, but the graphics are going to look even more jaggtacular the bigger it gets. I'll keep my DS Phat thx XD
ReportName

[pac4life]

The original DS design was simply horrific.

I remember trying to convince myself that I liked it.

hahahahahaha

word.

Thankfully the DSlite changed all of that.

[Lucent Beam]

I liked the original DS best, actually. The edges were rounded and it just felt better in your hands for playing a long time.

[Kiwi]

While I didn't like the look of it, the size of the original DS was good for me. My thumbs and index fingers would always start to ache after a certain amount of time with the DS Lite.

If I do ever think about getting another DS, I may try this one out.

[Ivory_Soul]

I actually bought one of these about a week ago and I'm loving it. I wrote a full review (http://binarymessiah.wordpress.com/2010/05/25/nintendo-dsi-xl-9-510/) for it on my site. The bigger size overall is great for people with big hands, and the larger screens are easier on the eyes. I actually compared this to a DS Lite (that my sister has) and a DSi (that my girlfriend has) as well as the original DS I bought about 5 years ago. If you already own a DSi stick with that, but for people who own a Lite or an original DS it's well worth the purchase.