Difference Between Nintendo DSi and DSi XL

Nintendo DSi vs DSi XL

The Nintendo DSi is just another version of Nintendo’s innovative DS handheld system. To address the needs of people who find the DSi too small, Nintendo decided to release the Nintendo DSi XL. The main difference between the two is the size as the DSi XL is bigger in all dimensions compared to the DSi and is heavier by roughly 50%. This gives the DSi XL a sturdier feel and provides ample room to be comfortably held. Even the stylus of the DSi is longer by almost 4cm to that of the DSi.

One advantage of the DSi XL is the bigger LCD screens. Instead of the 3.25 inch screens on the DSi, the DSi XL has 4.2 inch screens installed. The larger screens benefit those who have impaired vision. But for those who are perfectly fine with the DSi, the DSi XL offers little. It still retains the same resolution. So each pixel in the DSi pixel was simply made bigger; resulting in a lower PPI (pixels per inch) count and a blockier image.

Although the bigger screen should drain the battery faster, the bigger battery packed by the DSi XL provides better battery life. Under minimum brightness, the DSi can last anywhere between 9 hours to 14 hours of gaming. Under the same settings, the DSi XL can last 13 to 17 hours with one full charge. Sound is also slightly better for the DSi XL. The slightly bigger speakers on the DSi XL gives-off a bigger sound than tiny speakers on the DSi.

All in all, the DSi XL is simply a bigger variant of the DSi. It plays the same games and can do pretty much the same things. The bigger screen, bigger battery, and better speakers simply improve the experience at the expense of size and weight. And for just $20 more, you can get a DSi XL. But if you are fine with the DSi, the added bulk and price of the DSi XL should be unnecessary.

Summary:

1. The DSi XL is bigger and heavier than the DSi
2. The DSi XL has a longer stylus than the DSi
3. The DSi XL has a bigger screen than the DSi
4. The DSi XL has a longer battery life than the DSi
5. The DSi XL has slightly better sound than the DSi
6. The DSi XL costs slightly more than the DSi

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