| It's only been a year since Nintendo launched their | | | | DSi. |
| DSi handheld on the market but already they | | | | So far I've only talked about the new features |
| have gone one better. March 5 sees the European | | | | exclusive to the Nintendo DSi XL, if you don't own |
| launch of the Nintendo DSi XL. So what's new? | | | | a DSi already, there are a whole host of extra |
| Well this time around, there isn't really that much | | | | features which will be new to you. |
| new but they have taken what the old console | | | | Most obvious are the two built-in cameras, one on |
| had and given it one big improvement, they've | | | | the front and one on the back. Fun software is |
| made it big. The screen size has increased a | | | | included which lets you put lots of amusing filters |
| massive 93% over the size of the previous | | | | on your images while you line up your shot; you |
| console. | | | | could give yourself 2 heads or a balloon face for |
| With dual 4.2" screens, no one is going to be | | | | example. |
| squinting or straining their eyes to play their | | | | As well as playing with images, you can also add |
| favourite Mario or Brain Training games. Even if | | | | fun filters to sound recordings you make. Change |
| you were happy before with the small screens, | | | | the pitch, speed and even temperature of your |
| seeing your games at almost double size adds a | | | | recording (well maybe not the last one). |
| new dimension to the experience. | | | | One of the best features is that you can now |
| While the extra large screens of the Nintendo DSi | | | | easily browse the web with a built-in web |
| XL are its main selling point, there are plenty of | | | | browser. |
| other brand new features to make you consider | | | | The system gives its users access to the |
| upgrading from last year's model. After using the | | | | DSiShop where you can download new games or |
| new pen stylus, you won't want to go back. The | | | | free demos at any time when you have access |
| new version of the stylus is much thicker and for | | | | to the Internet. |
| the first time provides an ergonomic design which | | | | An SD Memory Card reader allows you to save |
| won't cramp your hand even after extended play | | | | and use music files, photos and downloaded |
| sessions. | | | | software. |
| As well as larger, the new screens make wider | | | | There are also numerous minor improvements to |
| viewing angles possible. This means the screens | | | | the overall design, buttons layout and speakers. |
| remains clear no matter what angle you are | | | | One drawback is that the console is not |
| viewing from. The main benefit of this is that | | | | compatible with Gameboy Advance carts, so if |
| other people can watch you play. That's good | | | | you're a fan of older games, you might be |
| news if you like taking turns at games and seeing | | | | happier with a DS Lite. A further drawback is that |
| how well your friends and family play. | | | | the systems is of course large and doesn't slip |
| The Nintendo DSi XL comes with its exclusive | | | | into a pocket as easily although it will still fit into |
| pre-built-in software. The software is an arts | | | | the pockets of most jeans. |
| edition of DS classic, Brain Training and a Camera | | | | If you think 93% larger screens, a pen stylus, |
| Dictionary which provides you with information | | | | built-in software and all the features of a DSi are |
| about whatever you take a photo of! | | | | enough to justify upgrading to a Nintendo DSi XL |
| The increased size also allows for more battery | | | | you will only have to wait till 5 March 2010 to get |
| power so the new console can last up to 14 | | | | your brand new console. |
| hours which is 3 hours longer than the standard | | | | |