While PAX East was jam packed with the latest and greatest in videogames, there really weren’t any new consoles on the horizon for us to take a look at except the newest version of Nintendo’s handheld, the DSi XL. Fans eagerly visited the Nintendo booth to try out this new system, and The Flickcast was able to spend some time checking out the XL.
What We Like
• The DSi XL’s screens measure in at 4.2 inches diagonally, an inch larger than all previous models, and it’s apparent from the second you pick one up that the system more than benefits from the size change. The menus are easier to navigate, dialogue is easier to read, and games are just plain easier to play.
• The first DS Lite had a glossy finish all over, and it was really easy to scratch up and dent. They fixed this with the DSi, but the DSi XL has an even nicer matte finish on the bottom and glossy finish on the top, making this system look and feel gorgeous.
• Nintendo’s always managed to keep their prices down and despite the major size difference, this system is only $20 more than the DSi. It’s definitely not going to be difficult to justify purchasing this model over the DSi.
What We Don’t Like
• The system’s got bigger screens, which means it’s much bigger. While this isn’t necessarily a bad thing, this makes the DSi XL less of a handheld and more of a portable console. It can fit in a back pocket or into your backpack just as easily as the other DS models, but it’s heavier and bulkier.
