The Nintendo DSi XL, released in 2010 by Nintendo, was a significant iteration in the Nintendo DS family. It represented a shift towards catering to a broader audience, particularly those who found the original DS and DSi screens too small. The DSi XL featured larger screens, improved viewing angles, and a thicker stylus, all designed to enhance the user experience and make handheld gaming more accessible and comfortable.
The DSi XL wasn't just about size; it also came pre-loaded with DSiWare titles, offering immediate value to consumers. This strategy encouraged users to explore the DSiWare service and discover new games and applications. While the internal specifications were similar to the DSi, the larger form factor and improved ergonomics made it a hit with older gamers and those who appreciated a more comfortable handheld gaming experience. The Nintendo DSi XL ultimately helped solidify the Nintendo DS family's dominance in the handheld market, paving the way for future iterations and solidifying Nintendo's reputation for innovative and accessible gaming hardware.
Despite being essentially a larger version of the DSi, the Nintendo DSi XL carved out its own niche by prioritizing user comfort and accessibility. Its impact can be seen in subsequent handheld consoles that considered ergonomics and screen size as key factors in design. The DSi XL's success also demonstrated that there was a market for larger, more comfortable handheld devices, a lesson that Nintendo and other manufacturers would carry forward in future products.
2010
NINTENDO
NINTENDO DSi XL
📜 History & Legacy
⚙️ Specifications
- ❖ CPU: ARM9 and ARM7 processors
- ❖ GPU: Integrated GPU (part of the ARM processors)
- ❖ RAM: 16 MB
- ❖ Storage: 256 MB internal flash memory, SD card slot for expandable storage
- ❖ Media: Nintendo DS Game Cards, DSiWare (downloadable software)
🎮 Top 10 Games
- ★ Mario Kart DS
- ★ New Super Mario Bros.
- ★ The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks
- ★ Pokémon Black Version / White Version
- ★ Animal Crossing: Wild World
- ★ Brain Age: Train Your Brain in Minutes a Day!
- ★ Professor Layton and the Curious Village
- ★ Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars
- ★ Dragon Quest IX: Sentinels of the Starry Skies
- ★ Kingdom Hearts Re:coded
💡 Curiosities
- ? The DSi XL came pre-loaded with software, including Brain Age Express: Math and Dictionary 6-in-1 with Camera Function.
- ? The larger screens of the DSi XL were designed to improve visibility for users playing with others.
- ? The DSi XL was available in unique color combinations at launch, such as Burgundy and Bronze.
- ? The increased size of the DSi XL made it more comfortable for adults with larger hands.
- ? The DSi XL's stylus was thicker and pen-shaped, making it easier to hold and use.
- ? The DSi XL's larger screens allowed for a wider viewing angle, making it easier to share the gaming experience with others.
- ? The DSi XL's speakers were improved compared to the original DSi, providing better audio quality.
- ? The DSi XL was marketed towards families and older gamers who preferred a larger, more comfortable handheld experience.
- ? The DSi XL was the first DS model to be marketed as a 'third pillar' alongside the DS Lite and DSi.
- ? Despite its larger size, the DSi XL retained compatibility with all Nintendo DS games.