DSi XL: reasons to import (and reasons to not)

(This is intended for current owners of US / European DSi systems)

For those considering importing a DSi LL (DSi XL outside Japan), there are a few reasons to do so:

- Get the newest DSi at least around 2 months before the rest of the world
- Get access to Japanese DSiWare and their quirky, 200-point games that probably won't make it outside Japan
- Have a DSi XL of a color that might not be available outside Japan, at least initially (maybe)

PlayAsia currently offers pre-orders of all colors for $270:
http://www.play-asia.com/paOS-13-71-9h-49-en-70-3mb4.html

Wny not import? Depending on the price of the DSi XL outside Japan, you could save $80+ by waiting a couple of months. We don't know how much the DSi XL will cost outside Japan, other than the fact that it will be more than the DSi. We also don't know what colors will be available.

My guesses? $200 in White and Wine Red. Why $200? There are a few reasonable reasons:

- DSi = $170, but remember, Nintendo initially intended it to sell for $180; they dropped 10 bucks to increase sales, basically
- Difference between DSi and DSi LL in Japan: $15
- I'm guessing the DSi XL won't offer 1,000 free DSi points, but it will come pre-loaded with some to-be-determined DSiWare

I honestly think the DSi XL will cost $200 when it comes out. Add sales tax to that, and importing doesn't seem that farfetched...to me at least :)

Your opinion?

yea they confirmed some games and apps will be bundled on the DSi XL in NA too. i'd say $169/$199 DSi/XL combo with the discontinuing of the Lite in Jan or sometime in spring

If you are concerned over the strong yen over the major currencies like the dollar, it would be best not to import. I would import if the dollar is stronger, say, 110 yen to the dollar.

I'm just pissed that they're releasing yet another DS iteration so close to the last one. The best thing about the DSi for me when I bought it was the bigger screens. Now there's one being released that has screens almost as bid as the PSP Go's and, as luck would have it, I already bought the original DSi. **** you too Nintendo.

I'm just pissed that they're releasing yet another DS iteration so close to the last one. The best thing about the DSi for me when I bought it was the bigger screens. Now there's one being released that has screens almost as bid as the PSP Go's and, as luck would have it, I already bought the original DSi. **** you too Nintendo.

KH-mixerX

I really don't think a couple inches is a big deal. You could probably just sell your DSi too if you wanted. Also the XL is huge compared to DSi, not as portable as DSi which holds it back from me.

I'm just pissed that they're releasing yet another DS iteration so close to the last one. The best thing about the DSi for me when I bought it was the bigger screens. Now there's one being released that has screens almost as bid as the PSP Go's and, as luck would have it, I already bought the original DSi. **** you too Nintendo.

KH-mixerX

DSi XL is for a different kind of user... many bought DSi for it's chic design.... now for those who want it bulky or just their screens to be big... they'll buy this... besides, it's exactly the same as DSi except for the screensgreenarcher02

It has longer battery life too! And I just bought a DSi!!!!11one

The sheer size of the thing is a massive turn off for me, like nintendo has to understand, everyone loves big screens yes, but on a handheld?, yes but there is a limit something that has a decent viewing area but at the same time remains portable this thing is bigger than the original DS and the PSP 1000 which themself's were quite chunky, I bought a DSI but because I liked what it brought to the table and liked the slimmer look but this thing I have no words on it I can only see a over the top fanboy buy one of these home systems, I wont even call it a handheld.

Also I think DS games look quite poor as it is and I cant imagine what they look like streched by 50-60%.

I can't read Japanese, so I'd wait for an English one. It's worth the two months to be able to understand what I'm reading.