PSP World

Nintendo DSi XL Makes PSP Go Look Brilliant

Nintendo may be on the verge of falling behind in the handheld sales war, particularly in Japan. After fairly positive reception of its camera-equipped DSi hardware, Nintendo has recently announced yet another revision to the device, in a move that looks more like desperation than smart business. The DSi XL will do what the name suggests and make the device BIGGER than its predecessor. The honkin' big unit comes with two 4.2 inch screens and a giant pen meant to simulate a more 'adult' input style. The first prototype unit is also covered in a hideous crimson metallic paint that makes it look even less fun than it probably is. In just about every other way, however, the XL is identical to its predecessor the DSi. You can check out the full specifications for the DSi XL here.

Both Nintendo and Sony have struggled to update their mobile gaming hardware and attract new customers. Following the massive popularity of the Nintendo DS, it was almost disappointing to hear from Reggie Fils-Aime last month that the new DSi has sold around 2.2 million units in America since launch. The PSP Go has suffered similar apathy at retail, with some territories like Australia reporting absolutely dismal first-week sales. Still, compared with Nintendo's recent moves, the Sony solution seems much more carefully plotted. While it may be expensive, at least the PSP Go appeals to core gamers and offers a significant upgrade compared with previous models.

One of the biggest problems that we can see with the DSi XL is that it doesn't upscale the graphics to fit the larger 4.2-inch screens. That means the blocky graphics already visible in the DSi display will be even more noticeable on the XL unit. While we can understand Nintendo's desire to market the dive at an older -- even an elderly -- audience, we doubt that this device will have much of an impact on total sales. It isn't clear, for example, that someone who suffers from visual impairment will gain that much additional benefit from a 4.2-inch screen, or even be interested in video games in the first place. It doesn't help either that the device is almost 100 grams heavier than the smaller DSi.

Like our sister blog The Red Shell points out, it's probably too soon for another DS redesign. What fans really wanted from Nintendo was a more radical -- and more fun -- handheld gaming machine.