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Nintendo has long been the recognized leader
in mobile gaming, and continues this legacy with the DSi XL. The fourth
iteration in Nintendo's wildly popular DS franchise of handheld gaming devices,
the DSi XL retains all the functionality of the earlier Nintendo DSi—including
dual digital cameras, touch screen controls, a built-in wireless Web browser*,
SD memory card expansion, a game download system and more—but also includes new
exclusive features. These include two larger 4.2-inch LCD screens, a unique
larger stylus, three bundled games and applications and two new release color
schemes.
The System
The DSi XL is the second hardware release in Nintendo's DSi product line and is
a high-powered handheld video game system with an two extra large, 4.2-inch
diagonal viewing angle screens that are 93% larger than those of the DS Lite.
Not only does it possess all the features of the standard DSi, it is backwards
compatible to all game cards designed for the DS, DS Lite and DSi, allows for
access to downloadable DSiWare games and applications through the Nintendo DSi
Shop and comes bundled with three DSiWare titles. Additional features include
touch screen control via the included full size, easy to hold stylus, the
ability to snap, edit and share photos with friends using the two built-in
digital cameras, music playback with Nintendo DSi Sound and Internet browsing
with the built-in Nintendo DSi browser. From playing games to just playing
around, the DSi XL does it all.
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Three pre-loaded DSiWare titles.
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Two initial release color variations.
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Two Onboard Digital Cameras
One of the most powerful and interactive features of the Nintendo DSi XL system
are its two digital cameras - one situated on the external body pointing away
from the user, and the second pointing at the user when the device is flipped
open. The DSi XL cameras feature 10 different interactive "lenses" that can
manipulate your photos, offering an easy way to take and share your photos with
family and friends. The cameras also present people with unprecedented ways to
interact with their games—for example the ability to import images into select
games—and in the process provide developers with a new tool to devise more
creative, interactive games and experiences. If the touch screen gave Nintendo
DS a sense of feel and the microphone allowed it to hear, the two cameras and
larger screens give Nintendo DSi XL the sense of sight.
DSi Sound
As with the DSi before it, the DSi XL features the Nintendo DSi Sound
application, which serves as both an interactive voice recorder and music
player* that allows users to play with their music while they listen to it.
Users can access different audio filters or control the pitch and speed of
recorded voice or music files to alter voices or change the tempo of a song. The
DSi XL microphone is located between the two screens when the device is flipped
open, and there is also a stereo headphone output that lets users listen to
music saved on an SD cards (sold separately), even with the screen shut.
Pre-loaded Games, Downloads and More
The DSi XL offers players a wide range of handheld gaming options and
applications. To begin with, the DSi XL can play most of the DS and DSi games
published to date and going forward, giving players access to a library of
literally many hundreds of games. Next there is DSiWare. Featuring the most
relevant and fun on-the-go games and applications the Nintendo DSiWare
application allows users to populate their DSi XL with software that can be
downloaded directly to the portable system using Nintendo DSi Points, just as is
done with WiiWare and Nintendo's Wii console. Developers big and small are
invited to create software that makes use of the properties and functions of the
hardware. Nintendo DSiWare games and applications are available at a range of
values, starting at 200 points, equal to just a few dollars.
In addition to the ever-growing catalog of DSiWare titles available for download
through the DSiWare application, the DSi XL ships with three pre-loaded DSiWare
titles designed to entertain and challenge users, as well as take advantage of
the DSi XL's unique features right out of the box. These include:
- Brain Age Express: Math - In this math-focused edition of the
popular Brain Age series, players enjoy a mix of new and familiar
exercises, including Change Maker, Triangle Math, Sum Totaled and Multi Tasker.
A new Themes mode includes drawing, photography and voice acting challenges,
letting you share your creativity with friends and family. And if you need a
break from your routine, the always-enjoyable Virus Buster makes its return.
- Brain Age Express: Arts & Letters - This edition Brain Age
features a stimulating a mix of exercises, all with an artistic focus. Test your
spelling in Word Attack, enjoy literary classics in Reading Aloud and tune your
musical skills in Piano Player. It also includes the drawing, photography and
voice acting challenges of Themes mode, as well as Virus Buster, allowing ever
more ways to train your brain in minutes a day.
- Photo Clock - Photo Clock allows you to enjoy the photos
taken with your Nintendo DSi Camera application in a new way. Watch your images
appear on the top screen of your Nintendo DSi system according to your chosen
display settings (specific photos or all photos; in order or randomly
displayed). Select from either an analog or digital clock, using the system's
internal clock or offsetting the time however you like. Program up to three
alarms—with snooze functionality for those who need it—and assign them a preset
ring or use a sound created in Nintendo DSi Sound. Experience all the enjoyment
of a photo album while ensuring you won't lose track of the time.
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Wireless Communication and Internet Connectivity
The DSi XL is a true wireless powerhouse. With features including IEEE 802.11
Wi-Fi with enhanced security (WPA), the built-in DSi browser for connectivity to
the Internet and a wireless range is 30 to 100 feet for DS Download play,
depending on circumstances, multiple users can play multiplayer games locally or
over the Internet* using just one Nintendo DS, or DSi game card (region locked),
depending on the software. Users also have the ability to connect to Nintendo
Wi-Fi Connection, Nintendo’s wireless gaming network and to download demo
versions of Nintendo DS and Nintendo DSi games from DS Download Stations,
Nintendo Zone, or via the Nintendo Channel of the Wii console.
Draw and Send Messages
Finally, the DSi XL connects players to friends through a unique blend of
pictures and words. This is done with the embedded PictoChat software, which
allows users to draw pictures and/or write out messages that can be passed
between up to 16 users within local range of one another over a Nintendo Wi-Fi
connection.
* Wireless broadband access required for Web browsing and online play of
games.
** Music playable in AAC (Advanced Audio Coding) file format only. SD card (sold
separately) required. Song/sound files from an SD Card that have been
manipulated are not saved.
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