Nintendo DSi XL

Not one to rest on its laurels, Nintendo has a habit of regularly redesigning its gaming hardware and the DSi XL is the latest version of its 130-million-selling portable console.

The DSi XL is not intended to replace the ‘normal’ DSi, however. Instead both models will remain available alongside each other for the foreseeable future.

So, what’s the difference? Well, you may have already spotted the clue in the name, the ‘XL’ bit being a reference to the device’s extra large format. Both screens are around an inch bigger than those of the DSi or the older DS Lite, each measuring 4.2in corner-to-corner.

The extra screen size can be quite a significant advantage when playing certain games. It’s much easier to read on-screen text, for instance, although it’s worth noting that the display resolution itself has not increased, meaning that things can have a tendency to look a little soft-edged and blocky.

In many other respects, the DSi XL is very similar to the DSi. It has the same built-in wireless capabilities, microphone and touch-sensitive lower screen, along with two motion-detecting digital cameras – one on the console’s upper lid and the other inside, between the two screens.

The camera function comes with some basic editing and sharing options, allowing you to distort or add an effect to your shot before uploading it to Facebook, for example. You can also record, edit and playback audio. An SD memory slot allows for pictures and recordings to be transferred to a computer. You can also use the console as a rudimentary music player by storing tracks on the memory card. Connect to the internet and you can play certain games online or use the DSi shop to get hold of paid-for downloadable games.

In addition to the regular DSi features, however, the XL model has a few other things up its sleeve, including a chubbier pen-like stylus, which can be more comfortable to hold for long periods than the older model. The device also comes with some additional software built in. The current UK version of the console includes pre-installed copies of Dr Kawashima’s Brain Training: Arts Edition and Dictionary 6-in-1, as well as a web browser.

The unit is considerably larger than its forerunners but the DSi XL is clearly aimed at more mature users who perhaps aren’t as concerned with portability. To reflect this, the device is available in two rather grown-up colours – wine red and dark chocolate brown.

We wouldn’t go as far as to say that the DSi XL is the definitive version of Nintendo’s handheld, but the larger screens alone certainly make it an attractive alternative, And at only around £10 more than the normal DSi, it’s affordable too.