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The Nintendo DS Gets Redesigned…Again

Following the success of the Gameboy Advance, Nintendo released their latest handheld called the DS. This game console featured two screens with one of them being touch-based. The DS also featured a GBA slot so people can play their Gameboy Advance games as well. In the following years of the DS’s lifespan, several redesigns were made. In 2006, a slimmer model called the DS Lite was made. Then another redesign called the DSi was released earlier this year. The DSi lacked the GBA slot but did feature two cameras and a downloadable game service called DSiWare.

Now, Nintendo has announced another redesign called the Nintendo DSi XL. This new iteration feature larger screens, measuring 4.2 inches which is larger than the DSi’s 3.25 inch screens. The screens will also feature an improved view angle. The DSi XL has a battery life of 13-17 hours when it’s at the lowest brightness setting while at the maximum brightness setting, its 4-5 hours. When the battery is fully depleted, it takes three hours for it to fully charge. DSi XL will also sport a new longer and larger touch screen stylus along with pre-installed DSiWare software.

This iteration already shows some pros and cons. The larger screens will be great for those with poor eyesight such as the elderly. An improved view angle also makes it easier for people surrounding the user to see the game play. So far the only drawback to this model is that the DSiWare games are not transferable, meaning they would have to be repurchased on any new DSi or in this case, the DSi XL.

Nintendo plans on releasing this new redesign in Japan on November 21, 2009 under the name DSi LL. The handheld will cost $220.50 US dollars in Japan as well as be available in three colors: wine red, dark brown, and white. The handheld will later launch in North America and Europe in the first quarter of 2010. The DSi XL will later hit stores in North America and Europe in the first quarter of next year.

© 2010 The Daytime.