Nintendo DSi XL Red Bundle with Mario Kart

The DSi XL is not for everyone. Nintendo specifically said it wasn't for everyone, so it makes little sense to purchase one if you're looking for an upgrade from the DSi. The XL is not supposed to be a cutting edge/newest technology/must-have portable gaming system.Here are the people who would be disappointed to spend money on a DSi XL:1. Techno-geeks, especially those who already own a DSi--you probably already know this and have moved on, but if you're still reading, you won't like the DSi XL. It's graphics are NOT sharper than a DS lite nor DSi. Yes, the screen is larger but if the visuals start as slightly pixelated on a small screen, the effect is magnified and more choppy on the large screen. It's certainly not a dealbreaker but you're about as far from HD quality as you can throw this thing. The camera is a toy not a tool. The memory is limited. The browser won't match the gaming system/smart phone/PSP/3 you already own.2. Owners of a DSi that like portability and have "young" eyes--you've already worked your way up from a GBA to a DS to a DSi and each one has better visuals than the last. There is no advantage to sinking another $180 into another system unless you're having trouble seeing details in your current games. This model is substantially bigger but also heftier and burns through its charge at a faster pace. Save your money and keep your DSi3. Nintendo fans that have a large library of favorite gameboy games--you'll hate the larger system that takes up more real estate but *still* doesn't have a GBA slot.4. DS lite owners with a ton of accessories and a small budget--all those extra chargers and lighter adapters and cases will be useless on the DSi XL.5. Super hardcore gamers who are gore-fest lovers--there are very few titles that are those zombie-shooting, parts-flying, blood-splattering type of games that grab the T and M ratings. And on the DS/i systems, you can't really feel that adrenaline rush in the same way. Plus many of the T/M rated games aren't that good on the Nintendo system (there are a few exceptions)********************Now who SHOULD definitely get a DSi or DSiXL:1. DS (or DS lite) owners who have waited--stop waiting. Now is the time to upgrade to a DSi XL or snatch up a preowned DSi. The screens are bigger and brighter and the downloadable games have a lot of very good titles (and some pretty bad ones so read up before buying)2. People with a means to carry the DSi XL (like women with purses)--yes that sounds so sexist but this system can't fit in a pocket as smoothly as the "junior" version. It's heavier and more likely to fall out. I suspect it will follow the general rule "the bigger the screen, the more often it'll break" But if you have the means to safely cart it around, the big screen is much easier on the eyes. It's worth the inconvenience of the larger/heavier size, but then again, I have a purse.3. Parents of younger kids--many of the games are geared toward a younger audience and there is nothing more straightforward than a stylus touchscreen as a means of control. It's terrific to hand my DSi XL to my bored daughter when waiting in a long line.4. Fans of atypical games--like puzzles? Word games? Brain challenges? Interactive cooking instructions? This is the system for you. The selection of games is strong and many are addictive. The "typical" game library is excellent too but don't expect that high-resolution, online multiplayer experience with voice support to be the majority of your gaming experience on this system.5. Fan of Nintendo games but wish they were easier to see--you don't have to have visual problems to appreciate a larger screen. Many a TV buyer has wished they bought one size up.In summary, the DSi XL is a great choice if you want a larger screen, portable system (with a means to carry it), and access to a wide variety of games, puzzlers, and atypical applications. I really like mine. The DSi XL is an access gaming system. Like the Wii, it's not intended to wow the gaming world; it's supposed to broaden it.

Even with the 3ds coming soon (I'm not a fan of 3d...) I purchased this package. I already own Mario Kart DS, but for $10 more it comes in red, and that sold it for me. Plus I am selling the game cart on amazon (it is in shrink wrap original retail packaging - so you can list as new).I traded up from a DS Lite and was astonished at the difference in screen size and clarity. The battery life is also much greater, even with standard brightness. The sound is still terrible through the speakers, but is nice with headphones (I use Sennheiser HD). The Mario decals are put on well and haven't given any indication of rubbing off. There is also an extra large red stylus (which all DSI XLs include).So if you don't have Mario Kart DS, or if you are like me and remember playing Super Mario Bros 20+ years ago, then go for this special edition. I have a soft spot for Mario and always have a fond smile for those memories every time I see this DS.As far as games go, the DS is, in my humble opinion, the best system on the market for quality games. If you want flashy, cinematic games, then play some PS3 (which I own). But i spend 10x the amount of time on the DS than I do on the PS3 just due to the sheer number of great games. They are not the flashiest games with the biggest budget, but what they lack in flash they make up for in content (for the most part!). If you are a classic RPG fan then there has been no greater system ever made - all of the great NES and SNES RPGS are being remade for this system which is great news! There are only a couple of PSP titles I would like on the DS, though I know the hardware is different (FF Crisis Core, FFT War of Lions, and a few others), but it's not worth getting the PSP over the DS just for a few games.Some of the games to investigate: Mario and Bowser, Mario Kart, FF3, Crono Trigger, all the Dragon Quest games, anything made by Atlus (especially Disgea), Castlevania OoE, Zelda (both), Pokemon, Nostalgia, FF Warriors of Light, Mega Man Zero Collection, and more!!!!!!! Seriously a retro gamers dream come true!The larger size of the XL is better for adult hands also (though thin enough to where kids should be okay). The headphone jack is still a little close to the bottom right edge, and the top is a little wobbly when open (what's up with that- must be learning from Gateway Laptops)... but those are my only beefs.So enough of my rambling. In summary:Larger screen = yay, great package with Mario Kart, nice color, great overall system, larger and fits adult hands a little better, amazing game library.Buy now!