We store cookies, you can get more info from our privacy policy.
DS

DSi XL Unboxing

by Mike Gamin - March 22, 2010, 4:57 pm EDT
Total comments: 61

The first thing you see when you open it up is the extra large packet of documentation. Inside is a quick start guide, thick operations manual, club nintendo information, etc. After removing the first layer of cardboard, the XL, power adapters, and jumbo stylus are revealed.

This is my first time laying eyes on this thing and I have to say, "Damn, it is huge."

Here we go. It's time for the entire DS lineup, one after the other. Look how it's evolved!

Well there you have it. It's one big DSi. This one is going to head out to James. Look for his review on the site. I'm sure he'll also discuss it during an upcoming new business segment on RFN! I'll leave you all with one last epic comparison image.

Talkback

PaleMike Gamin, Contributing EditorMarch 22, 2010

The pixels are huge. They hurt my eyes. :-/

On the plus side, my DSi pixels will actually seem small for a couple hours.

Seriously though, I'm not really a fan, though I did appreciate the additional space for using the stylus in Brain Training.

Mop it upMarch 22, 2010

The only reason I might want a DSi XL over a different DS is because its larger size might make it more comfortable. Though in those shots, it actually looks like the original DS may be the most comfortable due to its thickness. Speaking of, what did you do to that poor original DS? It's filthy!

It doesn't look like it's that much bigger than the original DS based on those photos.

rad.i.kalMarch 22, 2010

thats pretty sweet, i am thinking that i may want one. or maybe wait for ds2 in a few months, maybe 6-8 or a year?

vuduMarch 22, 2010

Why is someone who doesn't have much--if any--experience with a DSi reviewing the DSi XL?

Quote from: vudu

Why is someone who doesn't have much--if any--experience with a DSi reviewing the DSi XL?

Because why would someone need two DSis?

Quote from: NWR_Neal

Quote from: vudu

Why is someone who doesn't have much--if any--experience with a DSi reviewing the DSi XL?

Because why would someone need two DSis?

If I had two of them, I could do two picross puzzles at the same time! I need another DSi and another copy of Picross!

nickmitchMarch 22, 2010

Quote from: NWR_Neal

Quote from: vudu

Why is someone who doesn't have much--if any--experience with a DSi reviewing the DSi XL?

Because why would someone need two DSis?

To trade all their DPPt Pokemon to HGSS, duh!

Quote from: Pale

This is my first time laying eyes on this thing and I have to say, "Damn, it is huge."

That's what she said.

vuduMarch 22, 2010

I didn't say that person had to keep the system--ship it off to Mr. Jones when you're finished.

I already own a DSi.  While I don't plan to purchase an XL, I'd like to hear from someone in my position why I might want to reconsider.  I believe James still uses his DS Hevy--of course the XL is going to be a huge improvement.  If he were making a more incremental step--from the DSi or even the Lite--his opinion of the system would certainly be affected.

Well, that makes his opinion unique, since most journalists probably are going from the DSi to the DSi XL.

Plus, Pale has a DSi, and you got his lovely (but brief) opinion on it.

greybrickNathan Mustafa, Staff AlumnusMarch 22, 2010

Quote from: vudu

I didn't say that person had to keep the system--ship it off to Mr. Jones when you're finished.

I already own a DSi.  While I don't plan to purchase an XL, I'd like to hear from someone in my position why I might want to reconsider.  I believe James still uses his DS Hevy--of course the XL is going to be a huge improvement.  If he were making a more incremental step--from the DSi or even the Lite--his opinion of the system would certainly be affected.

What exactly is there to know that you can't assess from a picture? If you already own a DSi, I would think that you are already familiar with all of the features of an XL outside of size. With size being the defining feature, it seems logical that just about any review of this device would mention it and ergo give all the insight that a DSi owner would nee. Plus, I think the bulk of the upgrades are going to be coming from DS lite owners.

UncleBobRichard Cook, Guest ContributorMarch 22, 2010

Quote from: NWR_Neal

Quote from: vudu

Why is someone who doesn't have much--if any--experience with a DSi reviewing the DSi XL?

Because why would someone need two DSis?

Why wouldn't I? :p

ShyGuyMarch 22, 2010

Haha Pale got his dig in about the pixel size.

greybrickNathan Mustafa, Staff AlumnusMarch 22, 2010

Quote from: Pale

The pixels are huge. They hurt my eyes. :-/

Does the XL literally hurt your eyes? That is a pretty big complaint if it is true.

I'd like to know that too.  It seems ridiculous that that could even be possible... It's not like you're straining your vision like if the pixels were too small.  The only thing that could really "hurt" the eyes is brightness, and that can be turned down and has nothing to do with pixels.  I've spent several hours playing DSi and it certainly doesn't hurt my eyes.  And even if it did, all you have to do is hold it farther from you.

BlackNMild2k1March 23, 2010

The pixels were literally stabbing him in the eyes. Did none of you see the picture of him with bleeding eyes?

It wasn't just a DSi XL unboxing, it was an DSi XL mugging.

I guess he got PixlBit.

BlackNMild2k1March 23, 2010

Quote from: MegaByte

I guess he got PixlBit.

www.instantrimshot.com

ShyGuyMarch 23, 2010

I think he meant hurting his eyes like the resolution of PS1 game. Or an Atari 2600 game. The enlarged pixels were ugly.

greybrickNathan Mustafa, Staff AlumnusMarch 23, 2010

Quote from: ShyGuy²

I think he meant hurting his eyes like the resolution of PS1 game. Or an Atari 2600 game. The enlarged pixels were ugly.

Well that isn't kind! Just because someone or something is plus-sized doesn't mean you have the right to say hurtful things! DSi XL, you are beautiful, you are more sensitive than other DS's and certainly more modest with your toned down-colors.

NinGurl69 *hugglesMarch 23, 2010

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/forums/index.php?topic=30917.0

SLOW DOWN, NINTENDO

KDR_11kMarch 23, 2010

So the American version doesn't come with the 6-in-1 dictionary?

PaleMike Gamin, Contributing EditorMarch 23, 2010

Hurting my eyes was just because i feel like everything is out of focus when I play on it.  I'm sure part of that is because I'm used to holding the DS a certain distance from my face, and that's just too damn close with this thing.

If I got accustomed to holding it further away, it would probably be better, but that just seems silly when I'm perfectly happy with how I hold my normal DSi.  That's why I think this product is useless, but that's just my opinion.

It is stunning though, just as a piece of technology goes... I just don't like actually using it.

All these impressions are based on about a 2 hour blast through several DS titles.  It's all boxed up ready to ship out to James now.

I did forget to include one image.  I took one of the DSi and DSi XL screens next to each other.

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/media/20213/1/10.jpg

StratosMarch 23, 2010

What?! No GBC in the group picture? :P

BlackNMild2k1March 23, 2010

Quote from: Stratos

What?! No GBC in the group picture? :P

Pale doesn't care about Colored Game Boys!!

PaleMike Gamin, Contributing EditorMarch 23, 2010

Quote from: Stratos

What?! No GBC in the group picture? :P

I was actually quite frustrated that I couldn't locate mine.  It's a funny story actually. I wasn't going to do the massive comparison pic, but I could not find my DS Lite anywhere.  As I tore the place apart looking for it, I found all those other game boys. =P

StratosMarch 23, 2010

My GBC was stolen years ago so my collection is tarnished too. :P

Mop it upMarch 23, 2010

Pale is also missing a Game and Watch, Game Boy Pocket, and Game Boy Light.

greybrickNathan Mustafa, Staff AlumnusMarch 23, 2010

Darn it all, I am gonna buy one of these and trade in my lite. I do most of my gaming on the DS, and I just realized that it has been four years passed since I bought the lite.

BlackNMild2k1March 23, 2010

You do realize that there is a New DS coming out that is in 3D right? and it's bacwards compatible and probably the same price as the current DSiXL is not a little cheaper. You sure you don't wanna just ride it out for at least another 2 months till E3 and then another 6-9 months till it's released?

UncleBobRichard Cook, Guest ContributorMarch 23, 2010

Quote from: Pale

Quote from: Stratos

What?! No GBC in the group picture? :P

I was actually quite frustrated that I couldn't locate mine.  It's a funny story actually. I wasn't going to do the massive comparison pic, but I could not find my DS Lite anywhere.  As I tore the place apart looking for it, I found all those other game boys. =P

My pic would have been better.  You should send the XL to me.

greybrickNathan Mustafa, Staff AlumnusMarch 23, 2010

Quote from: BlackNMild2k1

You do realize that there is a New DS coming out that is in 3D right? and it's bacwards compatible and probably the same price as the current DSiXL is not a little cheaper. You sure you don't wanna just ride it out for at least another 2 months till E3 and then another 6-9 months till it's released?

I realize that, and I also realize that I want to wait at least year after the 3Ds comes out to see about the second gen of that.
Also, I have a job.

BlackNMild2k1March 24, 2010

Quote from: greybrick

I realize that, and I also realize that I want to wait at least year after the 3Ds comes out to see about the second gen of that.

I was kinda joking but....

Quote:

Also, I have a job.

What was that supposed to mean?

greybrickNathan Mustafa, Staff AlumnusMarch 24, 2010

Quote from: BlackNMild2k1

Quote from: greybrick

I realize that, and I also realize that I want to wait at least year after the 3Ds comes out to see about the second gen of that.

I was kinda joking but....

Quote:

Also, I have a job.

What was that supposed to mean?

Oh, I didn't mean to sound rude or imply that anyone here doesn't have a job. You really had no way of knowing what I meant; I don't have to pay for my college tuition, and I have a job, so that means that I am fortunate enough to be able to afford most things that I would like.

Everyone in this thread is banned!

StratosMarch 25, 2010

Quote from: Crimm

Everyone in this thread is banned!

If you did that then most of the active members of the board would be gone. Way to kill NWR ;)

ThePermMarch 25, 2010

nice a red one :P

greybrickNathan Mustafa, Staff AlumnusMarch 25, 2010

I pick up my "poop brown" DSi XL on Sunday. I think everyone back at the geriatric ward will be excited. 

Mop it upMarch 26, 2010

Could they have chosen more boring colours for the DSi XL?

PaleMike Gamin, Contributing EditorMarch 26, 2010

Old people don't like flashy things... didn't you know?

UncleBobRichard Cook, Guest ContributorMarch 28, 2010

Quote from: UncleBob

Quote from: Pale

Quote from: Stratos

What?! No GBC in the group picture? :P

I was actually quite frustrated that I couldn't locate mine.  It's a funny story actually. I wasn't going to do the massive comparison pic, but I could not find my DS Lite anywhere.  As I tore the place apart looking for it, I found all those other game boys. =P

My pic would have been better.  You should send the XL to me.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v180/TheUncleBob/Mobile%20Uploads/0328000121.jpg

Missing anything? :)

PlugabugzMarch 28, 2010

I want a DSi XL reboxing. Put it back in the box exactly the way you found it.

ShyGuyMarch 28, 2010

Wow. What is the black box on the right? And is that the third party wireless adapter the GBA?

Mop it upMarch 28, 2010

Quote from: UncleBob

Missing anything? :)

I'm not sure. Is there a Game Boy Light in that picture? I can't tell. Also, is there a Game and Watch anywhere?

vuduMarch 28, 2010

Quote from: UncleBob

Missing anything? :)

About $1,500 that you're never gonna see again.

Quote from: UncleBob

Missing anything? :)

Pokemon Mini, Visteon Dockable Entertainment, Wide Boy, Wide Boy 64, etc.

UncleBobRichard Cook, Guest ContributorMarch 28, 2010

Quote from: Mop

I'm not sure. Is there a Game Boy Light in that picture? I can't tell. Also, is there a Game and Watch anywhere?

Game Boy Light - Last item on the top row (thanks SUPER!).
G&W... you know, as much as I enjoy Game and Watch games, I only really own two pieces of hardware and they're both licensed remake keychains (one Zelda and one Fire).

Quote from: vudu

About $1,500 that you're never gonna see again.

vudu is just jealous that Nintendo loves me more.

Quote from: MegaByte

Pokemon Mini, Visteon Dockable Entertainment, Wide Boy, Wide Boy 64, etc.

Dangit!  I actually own a Pokémon mini!  I should have dug it out and included it.  I wouldn't count the WideBoys (although I really want them) due to their developer status (there are several different developer-only units, so that would be difficult!).  The VDE...  I've wanted one of those. ;)

Quote from: ShyGuy²

Wow. What is the black box on the right? And is that the third party wireless adapter the GBA?

Black box on the right?  Either asking about the Game Boy Player (which I assume you aren't) or the Advanced Game Port.  It's really bad.  I do have the third party wireless GBA adapter, but it's not in that pic, so I'm not sure what you're asking about there...

Mop it upMarch 28, 2010

If that's the Game Boy Light, where is the Game Boy Colour? Is it the black one in the center?

greybrickNathan Mustafa, Staff AlumnusMarch 28, 2010

Quote from: Mop

If that's the Game Boy Light, where is the Game Boy Colour? Is it the black one in the center?

It is purple, and yes it looks like a colour.

Mop it upMarch 28, 2010

How can you tell with that picture quality? Even on the brightest setting, it still looks black.

Kytim89April 02, 2010

Can the DSi XL battery work in the regular DSi?

Quote from: Mop

How can you tell with that picture quality? Even on the brightest setting, it still looks black.

There is something wrong with your monitor.

Mop it upApril 02, 2010

Probably. It is eight years old, but I don't like any flat panel monitor that I've seen, so I've got to stick with this one. I should probably try fiddling with the colour settings and see if I can get browner/darker colours to show better.

PaleMike Gamin, Contributing EditorApril 03, 2010

Quote from: Mop

Probably. It is eight years old, but I don't like any flat panel monitor that I've seen, so I've got to stick with this one. I should probably try fiddling with the colour settings and see if I can get browner/darker colours to show better.

This thread has come full circle. ;) At least I now know why the screen quality of the DSi XL doesn't bother Mop. ;)  I kid.

Mop it upApril 03, 2010

Actually, I probably wouldn't like the DSi XL screens. From the sound of it, they'd be too big and bright. LCDs only make colours look washed out due to their brightness, and if the DSi XL screens are larger without increasing the resolution, it'd just make things look a whole lot worse.

Quote from: Mop

Actually, I probably wouldn't like the DSi XL screens. From the sound of it, they'd be too big and bright. LCDs only make colours look washed out due to their brightness, and if the DSi XL screens are larger without increasing the resolution, it'd just make things look a whole lot worse.

You can adjust the brightness.  I haven't seen the colors as 'washed out.'  I found that things look quite a bit more colorful than I was used to on the DS.

BlackNMild2k1April 05, 2010

Quote from: Pale

The pixels are huge. They hurt my eyes. :-/

I just thought about this, but wait till they're popping out at you in 3D

Kytim89April 06, 2010

I just want to know if the DSi XL battery is compatible with the regular DSi. If so, I could buy one and switch it out with the old DSi battery and have more power. The reson for wanting to do this is that the DSi has really poor battery power and I want to do something about it.

vuduApril 06, 2010

The DSi and DSi XL use different batteries.

You can buy replacement batteries for your systems from store.nintendo.com.

Mop it upApril 06, 2010

Quote from: Crimm

Quote from: Mop

Actually, I probably wouldn't like the DSi XL screens. From the sound of it, they'd be too big and bright. LCDs only make colours look washed out due to their brightness, and if the DSi XL screens are larger without increasing the resolution, it'd just make things look a whole lot worse.

You can adjust the brightness.  I haven't seen the colors as 'washed out.'  I found that things look quite a bit more colorful than I was used to on the DS.

On its dimmest setting, it is still brighter than my CRT on its brightest setting.

ShyGuyMay 08, 2010

Hey Pale, I tried one of these at Best Buy today. You're right, the pixels are a little too big for the screen size!

Got a news tip? Send it in!
Advertisement
Advertisement