The new Nintendo DSi XL, an upgrade to the DS Lite will be available in South Africa by the end of April (30th). The two 4.2-inch screens are 93% bigger than its predecessor and has a wider viewing angle.

It also sports 2 cameras (front & back), comes with an additional pen-shaped stylus and built-in Wi-Fi. What I already like about this handheld is that you can surf the web (Opera), share pictures directly on Facebook, and it doubling up as an e-book reader.

My review unit came with the Pokemon Silver game (which I’m no fan of) so I got the 100 Classic Book Collection as well. I don’t think I’d be able to read a complete book on it because of my eyes but it makes an ideal travel companion. It’s a good alternate to taking your cellphone and activating roaming. All you need is a Wi-Fi hotspot and you’re good to go.

The DSi XL also comes pre-loaded with Dr. Kawashima’s Little Bit of Brain Training: Arts Edition and Dictionary 6 in 1 with Camera Function. The first time I took the brain age test, my result was 26 and today it is 24. You don’t want to know what it was yesterday. Activities to stimulate your brain include memory, acting and drawing games. I enjoyed “sketching” Julius Caesar, Cleopatra, the leaning tower of Pisa etc. I’m waiting to get Professor Layton and the Curious Village, which should keep me addicted!

No word on the pricing just yet.