DSi LL: Nintendo supersizes its gaming handheld

(Credit: Nintendo Japan)

Update (October 30, 2009, 10:45am PT): For updated information and more photos of this product, check out our DSi XL/LL mini-FAQ.

Nintendo has taken the wraps off a new version of the DSi handheld that sports larger 4.25-inch dual screens. The portable gaming unit will be considerably bigger than current and previous DS and DSi models. It will be dubbed the DSi LL in Japan where it goes on sale on November 21 for 20,000 yen (about $220). In Europe, the unit will be known as the DSi XL when it appears on store shelves in the first quarter of 2010. Nintendo did not provide details on a possible North American launch.

The DSi LL's larger screens require a much larger housing than the original DSi

(Credit: Nintendo Japan)

Tor Thorsen has additional details on the DSi LL/XL at GameSpot. But, with the possible exception of some bundled DSi Ware titles, this is exactly what it looks like: a supersized version of the DSi. We're still scratching our head as to who would actually want one of these, since we've always felt the pocketable aspect of the DS/DSi was one of its great advantages. On the other hand, many of us never expected Nintendo titles like Wii Fit to achieve megahit status, either.

Nintendo DSi XL photos

What about you: would you be interested in buying the DSi LL? Share your thoughts below.

[zyxxy]

For us old guys with old eyes, it would be cool.

[Bubba_Satori]

Yep. I'll pick one up if they come to the states.

[BadMister]

Being of the Nintendo/Sega generation (b.1975) I've owned or played regularly just about every console to come to market since the 80s. Now into my "parenting years," there isn't time in my day for my 360, which has sat in the living room in standby mode since May of this year. Quick-play pick-up games on the DS was a way to get my "fix."

There are a number of games I've wanted to play for the DS platform (I've played the staples - Zelda, Metroid, etc.) but have stopped short of doing much else with it since 2007 - including trying a Lite or a DSi - because of the unit's size. Personally, I welcome the larger size, since I have bigger hands - and bigger pockets - so I'll be waiting in line for one!

[hakeis1]

I might be right behind you..............

[ikramerica--2008]

Yes, I found the small size caused my hands to hurt over time, not my rather good eyes. Larger handed people will welcome the larger size.

Anyone want to buy a used DSlite once this comes to America? ;)

[TechnoMan475392]

Hands too big?! I've played my DSi for hours without so much as any pains, and my hands are about 8 inches long and at least 4 wide. I don't know where that came from...

[thydavidcome]

8 inches long 4 inches wide, what are you a 12 year old? Bro when your hands are as big as mine (1 foot long) and able to palm a basket ball with ease then you can say you have big hands.

I personally am very excited fro this.

[ikramerica--2008]

you are right, technoman. my hands don't actually cramp up, because you have explained that they shouldn't. I'm obviously imagining it. it's a shame, too, because I put the thing away thinking I was in pain, but I guess I wasn't...

[Bruce Ali]

Biggger screens=bigger fun!!
My girl has the DS & I play it a lot in bed (puzzle game).

Since when does an Xbox 360 have a standby mode? Not an attack on BadMister ..just wondering...

I have an Xbox 360 (second one) & a PS3, & I only know of my PS3 being able to be in standby mode...

[blakediamond]

The reason Nintendo decided to make a larger DSi was because of the ammount of elderly people in Japan that play it. The bigger screen and form factor make it easier on the eyes.

[Mr_fleabite]

If it didn't come to the US would you be able to get a Japanese version and use it with US games?

[sodakar]

While I haven't seen any official press release on your specific question, Nintendo handhelds have historically been region-free. The FAQ on the Nintendo of Japan states this pretty openly. (not suggesting that you or others should have read it -- just saying they're willing to confirm it)

Many of the US articles are failing to note that, while a touch expensive at $200, the DSi LL has 2 brain games and a dictionary embedded within it. I can understand the brain games, as they are popular with the elderly, but not sure about the dictionary, because, well, most old people I know have a really good vocabulary which one can only assume is proportional to the number of years they've lived.

Plus, the DSi LL has DS Lite-like battery life. For example, at "high" contrast, the Lite was 7-11 hours vs the DSi at 4-6 hours. The DSi LL is 6-8 hours.

[mattjpn]

Yes - the DS titles are region free.

[ovality]

The existing unit is too small for me to comfortably hold (I prefer the original first gen DS sizewize) so I for one am looking forward to the new sized DSi

[Astrodude0]

I think bigger screens are always nice. But how long is the battery going to last?

[xaratherus]

As a gamer with fairly poor eyesight and large hands, I actually welcome a larger DS. I don't currently own one, but have played my roommates and enjoyed it - except for the fact that it felt far too small for me. I may actually purchase a DSi LL because of its increased size.

[solomonrex]

This will make a browser, ereader and virtual keyboard better, so yes, it's a smart move.

[rityjo]

I'm interested. I have an eye disorder that effects my ability to focus on small screens. A larger screen opens up hand-held gaming to me for the first time.

[tigger5662]

I've been gaming since the original NES; I'm awaiting the arrival of my 2nd grandchild; and I've been wearing glasses since the 3rd grade. YES, bigger screens would be very welcome!

[ms529212]

"We're still scratching our head as to who would actually want one of these, since we've always felt the pocketable aspect of the DS/DSi was one of its great advantages."

Huh??? Based on the overlapping pic, it looks maybe an inch wider and an inch longer...if that. That's still smaller than e-book readers, and not much bigger than most palm-computers. I think I'll be able to find the strength to lug it around...

[wuchmee]

Aren't DS titles hard-coded to a certain screen resolution, therefore making them look very jagged on larger screens?

[Rod Roddy]

That's what I thought too. Looks to me like the trend of acquiring games from the net is underway.

[Rod Roddy]

That's what I thought too. Looks to me like the trend of acquiring games from the net is underway.

[JKsolstice]

I have been a devout DS loyalist ever since it came out 5? years ago, but after purchasing a Lite to replace my original DS right when it came out, I haven't felt the need to upgrade to the DSi, and won't get this one either. I'm not against the larger size- 2 screens this size could provide a truly immersive and more console-like experience. The problem is, as Jeff Bakalar pointed out in his teaser piece, DS games are locked into a set (low) resolution made for smaller screens and are running on processors that were already "quaint" when they debuted half a decade ago. Odds are, the cell phone in your pocket has more processing power. Now I'm not saying you necessarily need a blazing processor to make a good game, but keeping so far behind the times really holds many DS developers back from that extra polish and presentational flair at best, and at worst can make for an almost broken game when attempting an overly ambitious 3D engine that virtually any other current handheld device could run smoothly. Especially with aggressively priced competition from such sources as the Ipod Touch (which is now in the exact same price range for hardware and MUCH cheaper for software), the need for a totally overhauled Nintendo portable is more palpable than ever. Why go to the store and pay $20 for a blurrier, less precise version of Peggle, when you can pay $5 and have a crisp, sharp version on your Touch in less than a minute in the comfort of your home? Obviously, there are some excellent experiences that can only be had on the DS, and I welcome them, but Nintendo needs to stop resting on it's laurels and once again raise the handheld bar that it created.

[XiroMisho]

I hadn't been interested in the DSi before, as my DS Lite is doing just fine... but I think I may go for the DSi LL/XL just for the larger screen. It isn't so large that it's not still portable, we're talking another inch or two, and I couldn't even comfortably fit the DS Lite in my pocket to start with... (As I have cell phone, keys, wallet already in there...) so I may buy this once it comes out.

[DMBoricua]

Whoah, those are HUMONGOUS screens!!

[TheHBK23]

The Lite was the best design of it. This thing is too big and the DSi is a complete failure. DSi ware is useless and the matte look of the DSi is ugly, especially with those pin holes they call cameras.

[Shanghai Kid]

Complete failure? Depends on how you look at it, I guess.

The DSi is selling better than the DS Lite (which sold better than the DS)

[Renderman2009]

Funny, PSP is losing weight - DS is getting fat.

[SMR-Steve]

I want one a little smaller than my netbook. I think this is a good step towards visibility while still maintaining portability. And since the tech is so much cheaper than when the DS came out, they certainly can do some AA to take care of jaggies from lo-res.

[Dust_Puppy]

CRAP! Bought a DS. Bought a DS light. Thought I'd kicked the habbit and didn't buy a DSi . . . and they keep pulling you back! *twitches* *reaches for his wallet* Okay Nintendo, send it over.

Kudos to C-net for not using the term "iPhone killer" in the title to get hits like *Cough* some authors on this site do ;)

[Gianni_Simplicio]

You never know... This thing's a lot bigger than an iPhone. It could probably take it in a cage match.