New Nintendo DSi LL – Does Size Matter?

We've got a sneak peak at Nintendo's newest take on their portable DSi handheld console. The primary difference in the new DSi, named the LL in Japan, is it's overall larger design. For users, this means a nearly 20% fuller pocket. But the benefit can be seen, literally, in the significantly larger dual screen displays, which each measure 4.25 inches diagonally. This is no doubt an upgrade that tries to compete with Sony's Playstation Portable (PSP) by providing gamers with a larger, more comfortable gaming experience. One thing we'd like to know is if the larger touch screen comes with a finer degree of control and sensitvity when using the stylus, or if it is simply a magnification of the current DSi model.

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Nintendo DSi LL Measurements

From these initial images (courtesy of Nintendo Japan) it is clear that there are several other design alterations to the Nintendo DSi LL. The second most prominent, next to the larger dual screens, is the choice of a more "pen-like" stylus, complete with pocket clip. This will hopefully provide a more comfortable game play experience especially when enjoying games like Zelda: Phantom Hourglass, which is controlled exclusively by the DSi stylus. Clearly, should the LL become scheduled for an American release, we would expect this design to most likely be altered based on the region.

Additional design changes in the Nintendo DSi LL include reorganized speaker outputs, which leaves us hoping that improved speakers might be engineered into the unit. The Dsi LL adopts the same designs as the original DSi when it comes to button layouts with the only difference being their proximity due to the larger 4.25" screens.

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Nintendo DSi LL compared to the current DSi model.

As seen above, the overall size of the new Nintendo DSi LL is actually quite substantial when compared to the original DSi. Whether or not this will be well received by portable gaming fans is larger going to be decided on an individual basis. Those that enjoy the compact design of the current Nintendo DSi LL may not want to invest into a larger version. On the other hand, if you're worried about your eyesight from all that squinting than the significantly larger dual screens will most likely be the primary selling point for the new Nintendo DSi LL.

The Nintendo DSi LL will be on sale November 21, 2009 to its Japanese audience for 20,000 yen, or roughly $220. A European release is expected in the first quarter of 2010 and the unit will supposedly be dubbed the Nintendo DSi XL. No news has yet surfaced about a North American release, but we will keep you informed of anything should it become avaliable.

With the Nintendo DSi being less than a year old, there seems to be some market pressure that Nintendo is responding to.  According to analysts, demand for the DSi is lagging behind Nintendo's expectations, and Nintendo's portable is facing stiff competitive pressure from the iPhone and iPod Touch. Additionally, it's presumed that Nintendo will target this new Nintendo DSi LL to the elderly, because it will be easier to read. The new Nintendo DSi LL will not replace the existing DSi at retail; instead, the new version of the system will sell alongside the current DSi. The Nintendo DSi LL information comes the same week that Nintendo announced a black Wii would be sold in Europe, and mere weeks after lowering the price of the Nintendo Wii to $200 in the US.

Popular Nintendo DSi Games:

| Legend of Zelda, The: The Phantom Hourglass  (DS) | Wario Ware Inc. Touched!  (DS) | Pokemon Pearl  (DS) | Pokémon Platinum  (DS)