DSi XL worth it?

[itsmattxp]

I'm on the fence with buying a DSi XL because of the announcement of the 3DS. I have an old phat DS at the moment so the upgrade would be welcomed. It would be a birthday gift but I really don't want to waste people's money if its not worth it. Obviously the decision is mine in the end but I would really appreciate other people's opinions. Thanks!

[fastbilly1]

I bought mine on launch, replacing my launch DS where the shoulder buttons were going out. I have played my DS more now than ever before. The big screen really does make a difference. With the 3ds on the horizon I would be wary, but if you have a hardware problem with your old one, like I did, it is a very worthy upgrade.

I have no issue buying a 3ds when it comes out aswell, because honestly I have already put a good two hundred hours into my Xl, and will probably have 1000 in it before the 3ds comes out.

[Ivo]

If it is between a XL and a new DSi or even a new Lite, then I say go for the XL (and this is not having played on a XL). If you are wondering whether to get something different altogether it is another story.

Are used DS lites in the consideration? Because I think you should be able to score a rather good quality one on the cheap, and although it is obvious that the XL is better overall, the Lite does have the option of playing GBA games and rumble.

Now, if it wasn't a birthday gift and you have a fully functioning DS phat I'd suggest waiting for the 3DS, which should be able to play DS games just like an XL... But you can't really put the gift on hold I guess.

Granted the XL is still bigger than the 3DS.

Ivo.

[gtmtnbiker]

For me, the DSi XL is definitely worth it. The battery life is great and the larger screen is nice. So if you can score a good deal on a used one, go for it.

[Flake]

These positive opinions are comforting. I'm planning on buying an XL this weekend.

Tell me, the DSlite I have cramps my hands during extended play periods. Is this problem at all remedied with the XL and its greater size?

[fastbilly1]

It is alleviated by the XL in two ways. One it is larger (duh), slightly larger than the original DS, though thinner. However its Dpad is VASTLY greater than the one on the lite.

[Flake]

That is exciting. I've grieved for Nintendo portables ever since the GBA SP replaced the original GBA. So much functionality and quality software...so little concern for ergonomics.

[itsmattxp]

These opinions are great. My DS phat really is in pretty much mint condition, but I feel like I'm just missing out on features of the DS. I'm sure I will be buying games for it long after its succeeded by the 3DS. I'm also interested because for my regular phat DS to use WiFi I have to turn off the firewall but I'm thinking that the DSi XL is different?

[lisalover1]

If you want to get any DS, go for the XL. The big screen sounds like it can be useful for certain games (like Ouendan), and the 3DS will not have as big of a screen. I say, if you can find a good use for the screen, then buy the XL.

[alienjesus]

The XL is a great console, but if you actually use your DS as a portable, than the original DSi is pretty great too. Its smaller, but comfy in your hands. And although it's screens obviously arent near the size of the XL, they are significantly larger and brighter than the original DS and the DSLite. I'd recommend it highly.