DSi XL Gets March Release Date In Europe

Nintendo's larger-sized DS, known as the DSi XL in the West, has received a release date in Europe: The latest version of the popular portable will launch March 5. The DSi XL will be available in Wine Red and Dark Brown for Europe, and comes with two DSiWare titles already installed: Dr. Kawashima's: Little Bit of Brain Training: Arts Edition and Dictionary 6-in-1 With Camera Function. The DSi XL's screen area is 93 percent greater than that of the DS Lite, although with the same number of pixels. Known in Japan as the DSi LL, the subtle hardware redesign was a response to customer requests, and is aimed at those who want to use the portable for internet and music. It ships with a longer stylus, an improved view angle and pre-installed DSiWare software. It launched in Japan on November 22, and sold over 100,000 units in its first two days. Nintendo has not yet announced pricing, release date or software packages for the DSi XL in North America, but the hardware is expected to launch on U.S. shores within the first calendar quarter of 2010.