Nintendo DSi XL (Midnight Blue)
March 21st 2011 00:25
Pros: Long battery life, large dual displays, touch screen interface, physical controls, large stereo speakers, two styluses, expandability with an optional memory card, physical and downloadable content, dual cameras, mic & many, many more features
Cons: Absolutely nothing wrong with such a great product
Summary: The Nintendo DSi XL is the largest, most comfortable and enjoyable multimedia playing/recording device for multimedia entertainment.
Holding the DSi XL in my hands for the first time was what sold it for me. The larger size with the texture feel was very solid and the surprise of the larger screens is really noticed in person (more so than by reviewing screen shots and watching videos online).
The most difficult part of the decision was the color.
I went back and forth. In fact, I even considered the collector's edition (red).
My final decision for midnight blue just came to me as the most pleasant color combination for my personal choice.
After opening the package, I was delighted by the large stylus -- very comfortable to grip and my most enjoyable feature.
One of the first things I noticed was that the brightness was just one notch below the brightest setting, making it on par with the brightest setting on the DS Lite.
After charging the unit for the first time, it was time for the first test -- the battery performance.
In addition to better battery performance, the audio performance from the built-in speakers really are improved significantly. I notice a much richer sound from the music to the effects.
After playing around with the built-in camera and snapping a few photos of myself, I am planning on taking this with me on my next trip to the city to snap photos for it.
You can snap background photos, use them as frames, filter out the area you want to insert your face and you have a nice package.
This use of the dual cameras is really appreciated and makes it so much better.
The power button has two features.
The first feature is a system reset.
For example, if you have completed playing a game and wish to return back to the menu, just briefly press and release the power button.
To shut the system off, just press and hold the power button until the power goes off.
When recharging the system, you can operate the system.
Please note that the power needs to be off when you insert or remove a game cartridge or an optional media card.
When an optional SD or SDHC memory card is added, you can copy your pictures to the card.
In fact, the optional memory card can also store your audio as well.
Just be sure to copy your music in AAC format and you will be prepared to play.
Setting up for wireless Internet couldn't be easier.
Just 5 taps of the menus established a secure connection with my wireless router (an Airport Extreme Base Station).
The next part of the fun is downloading content (games, games and more games) !!
Okay, so I got carried away there, but I think you'll understand when you give it a try because you can download games to the built-in memory.
You get started with 256 MB of memory (some of which are occupied by three free games (Brain Age Express: Math, Brain Age Express: Arts & Letters & Photo Clock)).
To get started, you will need to purchase points.
There are two ways to do this.
The first method is to purchase a Nintendo Points Card (typical cards offer 2000 Nintendo Points).
The second method is to purchase directly from the DSi XL itself.
If you chose the first method, you will find a grey section on the back of the Nintendo Points Card.
Using a coin, just gently rub it off to reveal a code.
I recommend writing this code on paper.
Next, you will need to redeem those points (which is a menu option from the Nintendo DSi Shop).
Please note that you cannot combine (or share) points between two systems.
If you are a Nintendo Club member, you can link your account to your DSi XL. Once linked, you can register all purchased products (except for the card or any downloaded content) for points.
Unfortunately, content that you download will not offer any points, but will generate a survey after a few days.
By filling out the survey for each and every game you download, you will earn 10 coins.
The coins can be redeemed for prizes.
Another benefit of the optional SD or SDHC memory card is that you can copy your downloaded games to the card, then delete from the main memory to free up storage for future downloads.
Please note that downloaded content cannot be played on other Nintendo products. The content that you download is playable only on the system that you used.
The Nintendo DSi XL comes with dual screens (with the lower screen being an interactive touch screen), dual cameras, a mic (for voice recording and for select games) as well as an expandable memory port for SD and SDHC media.
With a growing library of titles, both in cartridge format as well as online -- the Nintendo DSi XL is a system that you can be proud to own for yourself and also makes a great gift.
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