Nintendo DSi LL (XL) released in Japan, soon in the U.S.

November 22, 7:36 PMLittle Rock Gadgets ExaminerTravis Reddell

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The Nintendo DSi LL adds more screen real estate over the DSi, but keeps the same internal hardware

AP Photo/Koji Sasahara

Nintendo has released its next handheld gaming device in Japan, where the company is based. The Nintendo DSi LL, or DSi XL as it will be called when released in the United States, pushes the limits of on-the-go gaming even further. 

The device features two 4.2-inch screens (the original DSi has 3.25 -inch screens) and will be the same as its predecessor internally. However, it does boast increased battery life at 13-17 hours (the DSi had 9-14 hours of battery life). The DSi LL went on sale in Japan yesterday for the previously reported ¥20,000. That's around $218 in U.S. currency, which is close to what it will cost when released here.

So will the Nintendo DSi continue Nintendo's ownership of "the best-selling handheld game consol"? It's hard to tell with competition like the iPod Touch and the iPhone. Even though Nintendo representatives have been quoted as saying that the DSi LL will not compete with mobile phones like the iPhone or with the iPod Touch (or even the PSP), it's hard not to make the comparison. The Nintendo DSi LL will have the ability to download games via DSiWare. This is directly comparable to the iPhone's App Store and PSP and PSP Go's Playstation Store.

The Nintendo DSi XL will be available in North America in Q1 of 2010.