Core Gaming, distributors of Nintendo in South Africa, are getting ready to launch the Nintendo DSi XL console across South Africa later this month. The countdown to the big day was kicked off at a launch event in Johannesburg last week where eager journalists gathered to try out the next iteration of the popular handheld, which features not only a much larger screen but also a larger pen-like stylus in addition to the standard DS-style stylus.

The event was held at a swanky house in Parkwood with the emphasis being on demonstrating that the Nintendo DSi XL is for everyone. Style Boutique was on display in the master bedroom while Cooking Guide cooked up a storm in the kitchen, Mario Kart revved engines in the kid’s room and 100 Classic Books chilled in the library area.

The Nintendo DSi XL will be available on shelves across South Africa on the 30th of April. The DSi XL will cost R2 299.99 and you will be able to choose between Wine Red and Dark Brown, both of which look equally awesome. The console boasts a very glossy sheen on top and a matt finish underneath to provide grip.

Here are a few technical points about the new DSi XL, just in case you were wondering why you might need to upgrade from your current DS. The DSi XL has two screens which are 93% bigger than the DS Lite’s screens (4.2 inches to be exact) and it includes a larger pen-like stylus that is said to allow for better control and to make extended gameplay more comfortable. The wider viewing angle screen also means that friends can gather round and enjoy a piece of the action too, while the two cameras mean that you can edit and upload photos to Facebook at the click of a button thanks to the Nintendo DSi browser which comes pre-installed.

Even better news is that the DSi XL comes pre-loaded with not one but two Nintendo DSiWare games, Dr Kawashima’s: Little Bit of Brain Training: Arts Edition as well as Dictionary 6 in 1 with Camera Function. You can even carry music around on the XL, making it a very handy portable console indeed.

So don’t forget to check out the new DSi XL when it launches later this month. Until then you can browse our previous coverage to find out more about the new console and enjoy a couple of pictures taken at the event below.

This Nintendo display, which shows the Nintendo consoles that were released between 1982 and 2006, was provided by Garth Kaestner and Alan Nöthnagel, both members of the Wiiza.co.za forum.