In a completely unscientific test, Blogcritics Gaming had more than one person compare the same title on DSi and DSi XL, and we didn't limit ourselves to geeks and those in the know either. Some of the people preferred the look of the game on the XL, noting that it was easier to see everyone's favorite plumber and read text that accompanied him. Others definitely argued that the smaller screen featured a sharper, more clear, more defined image (still others just cared about hunting Bowser irregardless of the screen, but we discounted those responses).
No one in our sample however accepted one of the reasons that Nintendo has put forth for a larger screen – it makes it fun for more than just the player to look at the game taking place as those sitting next to the player will be able to see better (wider viewing angle). Those we talked to agreed that it was easier to see what was taking place while sitting next to someone playing an XL rather than a DSi, but no one seemed to think that it was a fun thing to do (arguments were made about just playing on a home console).
Available at launch in Burgundy and Bronze, both colors of the DSi XL feature a glossy top that can contain an impressive number of fingerprints. The XL also features both a normal (though longer) stylus and more of a pen-style one, which is really nice to hold but doesn't actually fit within the DSi XL's body for storage as the normal stylus does.
There are, simply put, a number of things which simply don't make a lot of sense about the DSi XL – the screen resolution, both styli types not fitting into the body for storage, Nintendo's quiet announcement this past week – the week before the DSi XL launched in North America – that they'll b
e releasing a 3D version of the DS (one that doesn't require glasses) in the near future. Yes, that's right, there's going to be a 3D version, which is scheduled to "succeed" the current generation next year.
Article comments
1 - Jeff Paramchuk
I think something that's important to talk about is that for people to upgrade from the DSi to the XL, there's no way to have the DSi games you may have purchased and downloaded stay on both systems. It's a one time change from what I have heard. Quite frustrating actually.
2 - Seth
I have one of these on Kmart layaway, can't to get my hands on it.