Features > Nintendo DS Lite vs DSi vs DSi XL.

Nintendo DS Lite vs DSi vs DSi XL.

Compare Nintendo DS Lite, Nintendo DSi, Nintendo DSi XL Nintendo have recently released the latest incarnation of their popular handheld console, the Nintendo DSi XL. So what's the different between the DS, DS Lite, DSi and DSi XL? The original 'phat' DS with it's solid grey cover is no longer sold so we'll ignore this model for now and concentrate on the DS Lite vs DSi vs DSi XL.

First up, let's look at the stats.

Screen size:
DSi XL - 4.2”
DSi - 3.25”
DS Lite - 3.0”

Body (width x length x thickness):
DSi XL - 161.0 × 91.4 × 21.2mm
DSi - 137.0 × 74.9 × 18.9mm
DS Lite - 133.0 × 73.9 × 21.5mm

Stylus length:
DSi XL - 129.3mm (also comes with smaller stylus)
DSi - 92mm
DS Lite - 87.5mm

Weight:
DSi XL - 314g
DSi - 214g
DS Lite - 218g

Battery life (minimum brightness):
DSi XL - 13 to 17 hours
DSi - 9 to 14 hours
DS Lite - 15 to 19 hours

Battery charge time:
DSi XL - 3 hours
DSi - 2.5 hours
DS Lite - 3 hours

As the name implies, the XL's major selling point is it's larger screen and this is perfect if you have poor vision or prefer a larger screen, particularly if you read a lot of text on the DS. However this increase in size comes at a cost and the DSi XL is now slightly too large and too heavy to easily slip into your pocket and carry around.

The bigger screen means that you can play games with a lot more precision. The bigger screen is really useful in games such as WarioWare DIY, Rhythm Heaven or The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks where games seem easier. The graphics on the DS are not overly sophisticated and on some games, there is more pixelation however on others (noticably Spirit Tracks), the artwork is given a sharper edge which looks excellent. The camera package is the same as on the DSi and this means that picture quality isn't great, particularly as photos are now blown up in size thanks to the larger screen.

The DSi XL also has lower glare than the DS Lite or DSi so it is easier to use in a wider variety of lighting, however the screen still washes out badly if you are in direct sunlight.

Nintendo have gotten the sound right with the DSi XL. The new sound system is miles better than the old ones and the range of games we tested it with all had spot-on soundtracks.

The larger screen comes at a price - and it's a pretty hefty price tag (compare the latest DSi XL prices here). Trade-in with your old DS Lite or DSi will help soften the blow but you are still paying a lot of money for a system which isn't radically different. What makes it worse is that Nintendo have announced a new handheld console, the 3DS, will be coming out next year meaning the DS and it's variants will probably be obsolete.

So should you buy the DSi XL? If you currently own a DSi and are happy with it, there's probably little point in upgrading. However if you read a lot on the DSi or you can't decide between buying a DSi or DSi XL, the DSi XL is probably a good purchase. New colours should be arriving later this year so it may be worth waiting before you purchase.