OK, so I’ve said I’m over 40 and you’re saying “of course you like the XL, you’re eye sight sucks.”  Let me crush that first.  While I do wear contact lenses, I am near sighted and have no problem seeing my DS Lite (yes, I still have my Zelda TriForce limited edition DS Lite).  But, being an adult, carrying it in my back pocket isn’t an issue.  So that’s why I’m not in the “it’s TOO big” camp.  The bigger screen has proven an excellent investment for me as I tend to play more puzzle games.  I’ve played both Picross DS and Picross 3D on the DS Lite, DSi, and DSi XL and I can tell you that the XL’s bigger screen really helps.  It brings a precision to the games that you have to experience to appreciate. Other than size, the XL’s screen does feel a little brighter than the DSi.  Since the screen has the same number of pixels as the original DS, one would assume that the larger screen would pixelate games.  This is not necessarily true.  While some older games, such as Mario Kart and New Super Mario Bros, do indeed pixelate a bit, once the action starts, it’s hard to notice.  Lastly, the screen has a wider field of view, which allows your friends and family an easier view of what you’re playing without them leaning on your shoulders.  The only other improvement over the DSi is the sound.  I’ve found the XL’s speakers to be both louder and brighter than the DSi.

So, if I already own a DS Lite, and had a DSi, why did I feel the DSi XL was worth the expense?  Well, the screen is the obvious reason, but the actual size of the console was a close second.  While my hands aren’t massive, they are big enough to feel cramped after playing on the DS Lite and DSi for several hours.  The DSi XL’s increased size is a lot more comfortable to me.  Of course keep in mind that I am writing this review on a 17″ MacBook Pro, so I obviously prefer my electronics to be more functional than portable.

So how do younger players feel about the DSi XL?  My two daughters, both under 10 years old and both original DS players, prefer it to the other DS consoles.  If the 3DS wasn’t coming out next year, they would both beg Santa for DSi XLs for Christmas.

Lastly, will I be making the jump to the 3DS in March 2011?  I’ll be the first in line for a midnight launch!  Will I keep my DSi XL or trade it in for the 3DS?  That will depend on if Nintendo will figure out a way for my to transfer my investment in DSi Ware.

Comments are welcome and I will answer all questions.

To Whom It May Concern:

Re: Launch of New Portable Game Machine

Nintendo Co., Ltd.(Minami-ward of Kyoto-city, President Satoru Iwata) will launch “N intendo 3D S”(temp) during the fiscal year ending March 2011, on which games can be enjoyed with 3D effects without the need for any special glasses.

“Nintendo 3DS”(temp) is going to be the new portable game machine to succeed “Nintendo DS series”, whose cumulative consolidated sales from Nintendo amounted to 125million units as of the end of December 2009, and will include backward compatibility so that the software for Nintendo DS series, including the ones for Nintendo DSi, can also be enjoyed.

We are planning to announce additional details at E3 show, which is scheduled to be held from June 15, 2010 at Los Angeles in the U.S.

Source: Nintendo of Japan

Preview: Compatible with the Nintendo DSi, has nice advanced menu features,  decent/timely open-source firmware/loaders, but lacking in game compatibility.

Come back soon for the full review.

Here’s Regigigas’ Information:
Level: 100
Poké Ball: Cherish Ball
Held Item: Custap Berry
Moves: Iron Head, Rock Slide, Icy Wind, Crush Grip

What’s most important is what it will do when you transfer it to Pokémon Platinum, due out in the U.S. on March 22nd.  If you have this Regigigas in your party at certain times, you may be able to find and capture the 3 Legendary Pokémon of the Regi Trio: Regirock, Regice, Registeel.

Source: Pokémon.com

I’ve decided to change my Twitter handle from ScottMahan to Raskull. I’ve used Raskull (previously Rascal, but too many people started using it as well) as my online gaming handle since the late 80′s and recently decided to start using it on Twitter. If you’re already following me, it won’t affect you. You’ll just see my new handle in your stream.

We’ve seen this Pokémon Diamond & Pearl beauty released in Japan almost two years ago.  Rumors now have it coming to GameStop in North America.  For $129.99 you get the Limited Edition DS Lite, a T-Shirt, 22 minute Pokémon Dungeon DVD, Grovyle Poster, and matching case.  I already own 2 DS Lites (Limited Edition Legend of Zelda Phantom Hourglass and a standard Onyx) but this one is REALLY tempting.

For those of you that already own a DS Lite and and are technically inclined, you could always buy a similar case from DealExtreme.  But I’ve seen the disassembly/reassembly documentation and it definately isn’t for the feint of heart.

Original Source: GoNintendo

More details (and my source): DSFanboy