The DSi XL's larger screens make it significantly bigger than the existing DSi.
(Credit: Nintendo Japan)Nintendo recently announced a new DSi model for the Japanese market. How does it differ from the current DSi, and when can gamers in other parts of the world expect to be able to buy it? Read on for the answers.
What is it?
The DSi LL (as it will be called in Japan) or XL (how it'll be referred to in Europe and North America) is a supersized version of the Nintendo DSi.
What is different about it?
The DSi XL will be almost an inch wider than the DSi, a bit thicker, and it will have two 4.25-inch screens (that's an inch larger than the DSi's screens and 93 percent larger than the screens of the older DS Lite). It will feature two different-sized styli: a traditional thin stylus and a large rounded one that takes the shape of a pen. The portable console will have a similar battery life to the DSi's, about 4 to 5 hours on maximum brightness and 13 to 17 hours on the minimum setting.
Except for the larger size and extra stylus, there doesn't seem to be any other major differences on the XL. Like the DSi, it does not have a Game Boy Advance port, so it can't play older GBA cartridges.
Can I transfer my downloaded DSi games (DSi Ware) to it?
As of this writing, Nintendo has not said how it plans to handle this issue. That said, DSi Ware games are currently nontransferable.
Why is Nintendo making yet another DS model?
We're not totally sure about this one. The two best bets: the DSi XL's larger screens may appeal to older gamers who are visually impaired, and the larger size could be helpful to those with big hands for whom the DSi's real estate is a bit too cramped. But the obvious sacrifice is portability--the XL will no longer fit into a pocket.
When will it be available, and how much will it cost?
The DSi XL will go on sale in Japan on November 21, 2009 (as the LL) for around $220. Nintendo has confirmed that it will be released in Europe and North America in the first quarter of 2010, but the company has yet to name a price.
(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.
What about you: would you be interested in buying the DSi LL? Share your thoughts below.
Augmented reality--in case you haven't been following, is a technology blending video cameras and computer graphics enabling you to interact with virtual creations in the real world. In practice, it looks like virtual reality crossing over into actual reality. You may have heard the buzzword, but as of late, it's becoming a serious gaming trend. At last week's PlayStation holiday preview in New York, one of the most talked-about titles in Sony's fall lineup was its hi-tech attempt to take on Nintendogs, called EyePet.
While it was definitely one of the most impressive augmented-reality game demos we've seen, it's far from the only one. Here's a rundown of EyePet as well as some other augmented-reality games of the future we're looking forward to playing. And is it just us, or is the angle of most of these titles to "make little animals appear next to you?" Clearly, if this is any indication, get ready for a whole lot more hallucinatory ghost creatures dancing on your coffee tables for holidays to come.
Eyepet (Sony, PlayStation 3)
Sony's been quietly leading the pack in U.S. augmented-reality game development, starting with 2007's bold but unsuccessful trading-card battle game Eye of Judgment. Although interactive PlayStation Eye software has been available on the PSN Store that achieves other AR effects, EyePet is their first major push at a mainstream home entertainment product. ... Read more
It's been a long time coming, but Nintendo has finally announced that today's DSi system update will bring along the capability to upload photos from your DSi directly to your Facebook profile.
Photos from either of the two cameras can be manipulated beforehand then uploaded to Facebook afterward. While the onboard cameras don't boast enormous resolutions, we think the size should be good enough for use with the social networking giant.
Today's DSi update should be available about 8 p.m. Eastern time. DSi owners can simply navigate to the system update section of the settings menu on their device to download it. Let us know how it goes in the comments section below.
Nintendo's portable virtual console is going to the source.
(Credit: Wikipedia)Nintendo's DSiWare service, like its WiiWare platform, are temptations and teases for the lovers of the independent and obscure. Because no boxes or cartridges/discs need be sold, the ability for much-loved indie titles to be finally unleashed or re-released seems to be too good to be true.
Making good on part of that promise, Nintendo has had a busy week announcing both downloadable versions of their retro Game & Watch series, as well as their cult-classic music/art title, Electroplankton.
For the uninitiated, Game & Watch was Nintendo's first electronic gaming platform, dating to the very early 80s. These black-and-white LCD standalone handhelds were what I grew up on, and they were lovingly re-created in a series of compilations on the Game Boy Advance (and in a Club Nintendo limited-edition DS cartridge). Nine of these games will be available for $2 each, a steal when you consider that's the same price as a Mario-themed calculator. Breaking them down to individual titles is also a smart move because it allows the fans to build their own collection instead of having it forced down their throats.
Electroplankton was a Japan-first project created by visual artist Toshio Iwai which synthesized music and motion into a collection of quirky aquatic visual toys. The 10-creature set will be broken down into three installments selling for $2 a piece, which is fantastic for deal-seekers--for a grand total of $12 you can own what previously cost over $20.
First of all, these better hit the U.S. shores. Second of all, we hope that this encourages Nintendo to explore other DSiWare avenues, including releasing the Japan-only bit Generations retro games that inspired the Art Style titles currently on DSiWare and WiiWare. And while we're at it, how about a proper DSi Virtual Console with GBA games galore?
This should be what downloadable games are all about--large catalogs of rare treasures, priced affordably. That, of course, depends on the whims of developers and publishers. Years after the Virtual Console debuted, many fans are still waiting for Mother 3.
What do you want on your DSi? Let us know (and maybe let Nintendo know, too) in the comments.
(Via Offworld)
The iPhone's almost ready to leap the final hurdle.
(Credit: TouchArcade)Apple had its own E3 press conference at the beginning of the week, with its newest model in the iPhone line finally being unveiled to the world. The iPhone 3G S, while in some ways a modest upgrade, introduces significant improvements for gamers--some obvious, others not so much. Will it help even further cement their growing position in a handheld games market previously dominated by Nintendo and Sony? Read on.
CNET Poll
Faster processor speed, more RAM. T-Mobile leaked the hard 3G S specs, and they're all-around zippier than the old 3G--which Apple confirmed when it promised overall speeds up to 2x faster. This will matter in particular with game load times and game crashes, both of which can tend to plague an overstuffed iPhone. While the spec bumps are relatively modest, the iPhone's game-playing prowess has already been more impressive than early pundits predicted, especially on recent releases like The Sims 3 and a PC-perfect port of Myst. The only thing missing now is...
Proper controller support. Sneaked in under the radar amid the iPhone 3G S news is the fact that the 3.0 software update allows third-party app interfacing with peripherals. While a larger focus on this functionality has been on medical devices, it's now possible for someone to make a clip-on control pad case and to have that controller be usable in any game. What should happen is that publishers gather to designate one universal controller that then gets adopted as the iPhone's "gamepad." The question is, who will make that accessory? For a while last year it was rumored to be Belkin, although it was unclear who would support the device. On consoles, the manufacturer usually settles these issues by making the controller themselves (except in the case of peripheral-driven games like Rock Band).
While it would be easiest if Apple made a gamepad, it's entirely unlikely. The whole appeal of the iPhone is its interface simplicity--too many plug-ins kill the minimalist chic. If a third party makes a controller, there's a likelihood that some publishers would support it, while others splinter off under some other controller accessory. Either way, someone should make sure there's a good consensus. Otherwise, soon enough we'll be buried in plastic miniperipherals, not unlike what's currently happening to (or plaguing) game consoles. ... Read more
At least it's smaller than the arcade cabinet.
(Credit: ThinkGeek)iPhone games have redefined the meaning of cheap--in ways both good and bad --but you still need to drop at least $200 for an iPhone or iPod Touch. For real portable retro gaming with street cred, may we suggest the Retro Mini Handheld, which for only $49.99 plays old NES cartridges (once you've blown the dust out of them).
Considering NES carts can be had for pennies at Salvation Army thrift shops, this little beauty might be the best way to play games for next to nothing at all. Compare, for instance, the cost of a $2.99 eBay copy of Metroid to a $5 DSi download of WarioWare: Snapped. Which would you rather have? Of course, the cartridge is larger than the machine, but at least people will know what you're playing.
Running off 4 AA batteries, the Retro Mini gets a smooth eight hours of game time (according to ThinkGeek, where this bad boy is on sale). As to whether game details like text are discernible on the "hi-def" 2.4-inch LCD screen, we are uncertain. But a composite cable jack turns this into a plug-and-play console...just add a TV.
What's more important is how this only serves to remind us that this might still be the best way to play official NES games on the go. Nintendo, are you listening? Where is our Virtual Console for the DSi?
We'd trade in five Animal Crossing/Duck Hunt calculators for one good version of Kid Icarus.
(Via Engadget)
(Credit:
nintendolife.com)
- DSiWare
- Dr. Mario Express (Nintendo, 500 DSi Points): The classic color-matching puzzle game makes its way to the Nintendo portable in Dr. Mario Express. Play alone or against the computer in the race to fight off viruses.
- Master of Illusion Express: Deep Psyche (Nintendo, 200 DSi Points): Continuing the series of magic tricks for your DSi, Deep Psyche will ask you a number of questions in order to reveal a startling truth.
- WiiWare
- Crystal Defenders R1 (SQUARE ENIX, 800 Wii points): See how many encroaching monsters you can hold off by deploying soldiers and Black Mages. Test your skills over various levels with different layouts and difficulty settings.
- Virtual Console
- Wonder Boy III: Monster Lair (1990, Sega Genesis, 900 Wii points): Monster Lair is a Japanese import that never saw the light of day in North America until now. Use your sword to defend Xenobia with a friend or endure the battle alone.
What games do you think are missing from the Wii Virtual Console? Sound off at our discussion board!
(Credit:
Sean Kenney)
In conjunction with the launch of the Nintendo DSi in the U.S., the Japan-based video game console company commissioned artist Sean Kenney to create a large Lego sculpture of its latest handheld. And, boy, did he make one.
The details on this scale model are simply amazing, right down to the stylus slot and power connector. In fact, if it wasn't for the person standing beside it in the picture, it'd be hard to tell that this isn't just a pixelated photograph of the DSi. If you want to see it in the flesh, it's on display at the Nintendo World Store at Rockefeller Center in New York City.
(Via Crave Asia)
In Episode 24 of the Digital City, we discuss light-up MacBook mods, the pirated Wolverine film, how to repair your Guitar Hero drum kit, and the cool packaging for Nintendo's new DSi.
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