With the DSi XL in stores now, you may be wondering whether it's the handheld device for you. Well, you've come to the right place. Just answer five simple questions and you'll know if you should head on out and pick one up or leave the giant handheld gaming to those more enormous than you.
1) Do you already own a DSi?
If yes, you do not need a DSi XL. The larger screen is nice, but to spend nearly $200 on a new handheld device that does exactly the same thing as your old one is not exactly fiscally responsible. It's also worth noting that you can't transfer DSiWare purchases made on your old handheld, so you'll have to re-buy all those games.
If no, move along to #2.
2) Are you looking to carry it around with you on a daily basis?
If yes, I'd recommend going with the DSi (or even the old school DS Lite) instead of the DSi XL. The heft of the XL is notable, especially when compared to previous incarnations of the hardware. If you like traveling light, the XL is a no go.
If no, move along to #3.
3) Are you looking to buy the XL for a young person (son/daughter/niece/nephew)?
If yes: Returning to the size issue, I had a hard time holding the DSi XL up for an extended period of time. Granted I have zero upper body strength, but I could see a small kid having a tough time dragging this thing around.
If no, move along to #4.
4) Are you looking for a couch-side device to play while you're watching TV or chilling out?
If yes, this is where the DSi XL shines. The heft makes it not super portable, but the big screen means you'll get a lot more visual eye candy out of some of the graphically intensive games (like "Zelda: Spirit Tracks" and "New Super Mario Bros."). In addition to being bigger, the larger screen real estate makes drawing mini-games (as in "Spirit Tracks") a lot easier. The large pen stylus packed in helps facilitate this.
If no, move along to #5.
5) Are you fine with the possibility of your new handheld being obsolete in a year?
If yes, you probably have more money to spare than most people.
If no, you should know that Nintendo announced that a new handheld is in the works and will launch sometime in 2011. It'll feature "Avatar"-style 3-D graphics without the need for glasses and, presumably, some better hardware to support improved visuals. The Nintendo 3DS will be demonstrated at E3 this year, so you may want to wait for that reveal before you make a decision.
When you get right down to it, the DSi XL is an interesting addition to Nintendo's handheld gaming family, but I don't really think there's enough of a market to justify its creation. In Japan, where older DS owners are more prevalent, it makes a bit more sense, but in the US I think most people will be happier buying a standard DSi.