Why I'm Sold on the DSi XL

I went to Game Stop today and got my incredible looking DSi XL. I had already sold my regular DSi for $125 and came up with the extra $75 for it. There are a couple of negatives, but overall, a worthwhile purchase. The negatives are that there are a couple of games where smaller text is a bit distorted because of the larger size. The other negative is, of course, spending $200 for it. But apart from that, this is why I feel good about buying the DSi XL

1) As I already said, both the burgundy and bronze look very sleek and very mature. Not like toys, but serious electronics.

2) As with the regular DSi I prefer it to the DS Lite because I can take it in the car as a music player and also, I can pull up Mapquest, map my directions to a place and then use it in the car to get me from one place to another. My phone does not have a camera, so I can also use it for that.

3) The screen is incredible. Noticeably brighter and the size difference is astounding. I've not yet had a game where the graphics (as opposed to some text) seems distorted. But the larger graphics are positively immersive. My CALL OF DUTY games seem like whole new games because of this.

Also,, I'm a middle-aged guy whose eyes are getting a bit weaker. I actually loved playing SCRABBLE on my DS, but it was hard to see the letters on those small tiles. Now I can see them just fine!

4) I was skeptical that there would be a big sound difference, but there is. I can tell it's stereo (hearing planes fly from left to right) more than I could on my previous DSi and DS Lite. And tihs is the first DS I've ever had to turn down for fear of disturbing others in the house. It sounds like the sound on a newer laptop computer.

5) Both the volume and power button are easier to click on and off than on the first DSi.

6) I know some people say that they don't want to buy a DSi when the 3DS is coming out in a year. But to me, that's a long time to wait for a superior gaming experience. Especially when we don't even know how well it's going to work. It might be something where 3D is as difficult as seeing the image in those stereographic pictures that were all the rage a few years ago. It might be something where the battery life is about one hour. Not sure I want to wait for a year for a better gaming experience only to find out that it's a total dud.

So that's why I've bought my XL and am quite happy with it.

awesome post. i picked mine up yesterday but was unable to play it. like you i am on the older side 34. with a wife and kids its hard to get my gaming in so that is why i started using my ds more and more. i am so happy with my purchase, just taking it out of the box you can notice that this thing rocks

A great spot-on unbiased review :o Good job man!

Nice review. I decided to go with a DSi because I was interested in picking up something more compact but my wife (forty) would like a DSi XL for the larger screen sizes and it seems like that is the way to go for her.

"1) As I already said, both the burgundy and bronze look very sleek and very mature. Not like toys, but serious electronics."

LOL I love this line! SERIOUS ELECTRONICS FTW!

All aside the DSiXL is a good portable if you dont already have a DSi IMHO*

I am seriously happy with my purchase and am looking forward to sinking hundreds of hours into my system before i even need to consider the 3DS, also i agree on the look of the XL. The thing is a respectable looking electronic.

too big. i'll stick to the ds i can fit in my pocket.

Solid review. Thanks. I've been leaning toward buying a new DS (still playing my old PHAT). Got a few questions.

1. How are the buttons? I thought the buttons on the DSi were a little too small.

2. The DSi box looked flimsy compared to the Phat (and there was that hinge problem). Is this unit stronger?

3. I'm an old technophobe/luddite. The fewer the buttons and gears, the happier I am. Don't care about phoning Mars, taking pictures of friends, etc. So would this be a good machine for me?

By the way when I say OLD - I mean - you are ALL kids to me.

Hey, 34 is NOT middle age! I'm almost 40 and just because I need a larger screen to see (lol) doesn't mean I'm old.

Thanks for the review, btw.

Solid review. Thanks. I've been leaning toward buying a new DS (still playing my old PHAT). Got a few questions.

1. How are the buttons? I thought the buttons on the DSi were a little too small.

2. The DSi box looked flimsy compared to the Phat (and there was that hinge problem). Is this unit stronger?

3. I'm an old technophobe/luddite. The fewer the buttons and gears, the happier I am. Don't care about phoning Mars, taking pictures of friends, etc. So would this be a good machine for me?

By the way when I say OLD - I mean - you are ALL kids to me.

Detroit222

Actually part of the determining factor as to how big they made the screen was that it would only be increased to the point that the increased pixelation was not a problem on most games. And they did a great job, because every game I have looks amazing.

For someone like me, getting ready for college and saving as much money as possible, I don't find the XL a necessary purchase at the moment. I'm going to have a hard enough time getting a 3DS as it is. But with the XL, the only thing that really improves is screen size and maybe audio. Not worth the 100 dollars I'd have to pay after trading in a DSi.

Yea they didnt increase the resolution only the screen size so it causes more noticeable pixelation, but its more noticeable in some games, and not as much in others. Games like professor layton looks better on the XL, whereas games like HGSS looks worse.So i guess what im trying to say is that if u mostly play puzzle and text games it looks better cuz u can read the text better.