That said, the two screens really give you plenty of real estate to work with, and games like the Brain Age series -- or any game where plenty of writing is required -- really benefit. We loved scribbling notes on our interactive map in The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks and appreciated the abundance of room to write when designing games in WarioWare DIY.
Playing games on the DSi XL is a slightly different experience to playing games on smaller systems like the DSi and DS Lite. The device's weight and bulk mean you may need to grip the system in a way you're currently unaccustomed to. You'll also have to get used to the fact that your hands are further apart, which may make for an initially awkward acquaintance period. But, after a few extended sessions, you should have no problem getting used to the bigger design.
Conclusion
Although the Nintendo DSi XL's huge screens offer plenty of advantages, they also make the system less portable, and some text-based games look blurry. Ultimately, the DSi XL is exactly the same as the cheaper DSi, so, unless you're desperate for more touchscreen real estate or your vision is impaired, we can't recommend buying one.
If you've been waiting to upgrade since the days of the original DS, we'd still encourage buying a DS Lite or DSi. You may even want to wait for the forthcoming 3DS, Nintendo's new portable gaming system that offers 3D graphics without the need for glasses, while still being compatible with DS games.
Additional editing by Charles Kloet
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RahulHaque 14 February 2012
Good: Its large skin is good for eyesight and looks very good from every side. It has amazing battery life so, once charged u can play for about 10+ hours. It is easy to hold even for who has bigger hands.
Bad: It has low ram. 16 mb.
Comment: Overall dsi xl is a very good console. It has some games u will not find in other consoles. I like it very much.
Conrad Martinez Lambert 16 July 2011
Good: It has a huge screen and has aa much nicer look than the dsi.
Bad: The bigger screen makes the graphics look worse.
Comment: Cnet are such liars, yes you can fit the dis xl in your pocket.
Conrad Martinez Lambert 16 July 2011
Good: It has a huge screen and has aa much nicer look than the dsi.
Bad: The bigger screen makes the graphics look worse.
Comment: Cnet are such liars, yes you can fit the dis xl in your pocket.
See all 3 user reviews