Nintendo DSi XL

Easier to use ; Bigger screen ; Larger stylus

Fiddly Wi-Fi ; Less ortable ; The colour

Plus the bigger screen means that we would actually consider using the DSi XL as an electronic reader and, occasionally, as a portable web browser.

Bigger screens, Wi-Fi, cameras, easier to use

The DSi XL will make gaming easier and certainly more interactive with the screen really making this something to shout about. It's more in your face and packs a better punch

The DSi XL will make gaming easier and certainly more interactive with the screen really making this something to shout about. It's more in your face and packs a better punch

Larger screens; pen stylus is more comfortable to hold; web browser included

More expensive than the regular DSi; display resolution unchanged

This grown-up version of the DSi is much easier on the eye and easily justifies the extra cost

Larger screens than its predecessors have ; Improved viewing angles ; Fantastic battery life ; Great new pen-shaped stylus ; Some games and software pre-installed

Rather bulky and heavy ; Its size makes it less portable ; No improvements to the DSi's cameras and internal storage ; Text-based games may look slightly blurry ; Old DSiWare games can't be transferred over to the DSi XL

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...

Big-handed, short-sighted gamers of the world rejoice. Everyone else – shrug and stick with your old DS

The Nintendo DSi XL is a well constructed, excellently finished handheld console that benefits greatly from a larger screen, larger stylus and restrained, more mature design that will net Nintendo a much bigger adult audience. Despite the fact that...

The newly expanded DSi is clearly targeted at older users with its sober colours, much larger screen, fatter stylus and wider viewing angle, but even youngsters won't mind the extra bulk in exchange for a bigger and brighter playing surface.

Two supersized screens; improved viewing angle; fantastic battery life; pen-shaped stylus; pre-installed games and software

Bulky and heavy; less portable; no improvements over DSi's cameras and internal storage; networking hiccups found in DSi remain; text-based games may look slightly blurry; old DSiWare games can't be transferred over to the XL

Since the DSi XL is merely a screen upgrade in comparison with the DSi, it leaves the question: "Who should buy it?" Judging by the way Nintendo has marketed the XL, we get the feeling it is not necessarily aimed at younger gamers first. In fact, it's...

Bigger is better -- screen size brings increased detail. More reliable, precise touchscreen interaction. Older games are revitalized by the larger screen size

Inconsistent aesthetic. Conservative colour scheme might not appeal to most. Borders on the 'bulky' end of the spectrum

The massive screens make games like Zelda: Spirit Tracks and New Super Mario Bros. look better than they've ever done before

Portability is sacrificed for comfort

Nintendo’s attempt to crack the older end of the gaming spectrum is a queer beast, but on the whole we'd certainly recommend the DSi XL to anyone who is thinking of picking up their first DS console