Nintendo has taken the wraps off a new version of the DSi handheld that sports larger 4.25-inch dual screens. The portable gaming unit will be considerably bigger than current and previous DS and DSi models. It will be dubbed the DSi LL in Japan where it goes on sale on November 21 for 20,000 yen (about $220). In Europe, the unit will be known as the DSi XL when it appears on store shelves in the first quarter of 2010. Nintendo did not provide details on a possible North American launch.

Tor Thorsen has additional details on the DSi LL/XL at GameSpot. But, with the possible exception of some bundled DSi Ware titles, this is exactly what it looks like: a supersized version of the DSi. We’re still scratching our head as to who would actually want one of these, since we’ve always felt the pocketable aspect of the DS/DSi was one of its great advantages. On the other hand, many of us never expected Nintendo titles like Wii Fit to achieve megahit status, either.

Nintendo recently announced a new DSi model for the Japanese market. How does it differ from the current DSi, and when can gamers in other parts of the world expect to be able to buy it? Read on for the answers.

What is it?

The DSi LL (as it will be called in Japan) or XL (how it’ll be referred to in Europe and North America) is a supersized version of the Nintendo DSi.

What is different about it?

The DSi XL will be almost an inch wider than the DSi, a bit thicker, and it will have two 4.25-inch screens (that’s an inch larger than the DSi’s screens and 93 percent larger than the screens of the older DS Lite). It will feature two different-sized styli: a traditional thin stylus and a large rounded one that takes the shape of a pen. The portable console will have a similar battery life to the DSi’s, about 4 to 5 hours on maximum brightness and 13 to 17 hours on the minimum setting.

Except for the larger size and extra stylus, there doesn’t seem to be any other major differences on the XL. Like the DSi, it does not have a Game Boy Advance port, so it can’t play older GBA cartridges.

Can I transfer my downloaded DSi games (DSi Ware) to it?

As of this writing, Nintendo has not said how it plans to handle this issue. That said, DSi Ware games are currently nontransferable.

Why is Nintendo making yet another DS model?

We’re not totally sure about this one. The two best bets: the DSi XL’s larger screens may appeal to older gamers who are visually impaired, and the larger size could be helpful to those with big hands for whom the DSi’s real estate is a bit too cramped. But the obvious sacrifice is portability–the XL will no longer fit into a pocket.

When will it be available, and how much will it cost?

The DSi XL will go on sale in Japan on November 21, 2009 (as the LL) for around $220. Nintendo has confirmed that it will be released in Europe and North America in the first quarter of 2010, but the company has yet to name a price.

Information from www.cnet.com

Where to buy:

Three colors of DSi LL/XL (Japanese Edition) are currently available at www.gameyeeeah.com with the price €189.99 Euro.

Wine Red - http://www.gameyeeeah.com/nintendo-dsi-ll-dsi-xl-color-wine-red-p-1888.html

Black - http://www.gameyeeeah.com/nintendo-dsi-ll-dsi-xl-color-black-p-1890.html

White - http://www.gameyeeeah.com/nintendo-dsi-ll-dsi-xl-color-white-p-1889.html