Nintendo Confirms North American DSi XL Release

Newer, heavier DSi coming early next year.

Announced this morning from Japan, Nintendo has revealed it will release the new DSi LL in North America and Europe in Q1 2010. The console will receive a bit of a name change over here, though, now being called the DSi XL.

"A new iteration of the Nintendo DSi; system will be introduced in Japan on November 21, 2009," Nintendo said in a statement sent to IGN. "To be known as Nintendo DSi LL in Japan, and as Nintendo DSi XL in North America and Europe, it will offer a screen 93% larger than the current Nintendo DS Lite with a better view angle, an additional longer touch screen stylus, and preinstalled Nintendo DSiWare software."

"The new version will arrive in North America and Europe in the first quarter of calendar year 2010."

Pricing details have not been revealed, though the DSi LL in Japan is said to cost 20,000 yen (about $220), up a bit from the DSi's current 18,900 yen price point.