Nintendo are poised to unleash yet another addition to the ever growing DS brood ; the Nintendo DSi XL. The general agreement has been this addition is surplus to needs, but Nintendo have been quick to assure users this console is not meant to nullify the current DSi, merely to act as a different choice.

As the name says, the Nintendo DSi XL is a larger edition of the DSi. The shell has been substituted for a thick mould and the displays have been increased by about a full inch to 4.2 inches. These larger displays are a welcome addition and bring the Nintendo DSi XL nearer to the display dominance of the PSP. Games appear larger and clearer than before and, a little pixelation aside, appear milesbetter in this case.

Along with the screen, the Nintendo DSi XL has built upon the speakers packed into the bigger shell. Amongst the small grouses with the DSi is the sound was lacking in some titles, so these speakers should sort out the problem. The Nintendo DSi XL also makes a return to snappy gloss finish of the original.

TheNintendo DSi XL is an alternative choice for those who prefer their videogaming a bit bigger. Many game-players requested the DSi to be made smaller, sharper and less heavy to make the portability simpler. On this note, the DSi remains the wiser option. The DSi XL is perhaps asmarter option for those that play the DSi indoors or when stationary instead of on the move.

So it really is a question of choice. The Nintendo DSi XL provides a larger, chunkier videogaming experience but decreases the simplicity of travel associated with earlier models. If this sounds like your sort of thing, then try it out. If not - don't worry! The existing DSi is going to be around for a long while yet!