Most people have been scoffing at the DSi XL because of its bulky size, hence eliminating any sense of portability for the Nintendo handheld. A fellow blogger here on The Kartel recently highlighted the reasons not to get a DSi XL here. However as Nintendo products are concerned, there's always going to be certain people that just have to get everything. Remember the Game Boy Micro? People bought that system because of its sleek portability despite sacrifices with the screen size. The DSi XL is no different. There's definitely something cool about this handheld, and I for one love it.

Here's five reasons why I love the DSi XL.

1.) DS games are easier to play

The DSi XL is big, yeah we know. But that's because the screen is actually 93% bigger than the original DSi. Not only will many of your games be easier to see, but they'll be a lot easier to play too. Platformers like New Super Mario Bros, where pinpoint precision for jumps can be difficult, is a lot easier with the bigger screens. Games with touch-enabled sensitivity also become less prone to accidental stylus slips. This especially favors fans of the DS' myriad of puzzle and brain buster games. Even those who complained that the Trauma Center and Contra series were too hard on the system can finally breathe a sigh of relief.

2.) Better, louder speakers

For me, one of my biggest gripes with the DS handhelds is the low amount of volume that the speakers can output. Playing without headphones in a noisy city environment or at family gatherings can be near impossible. On any airplane ride, even when you got the volume cranked all the way up, there is no way you can hear it over the jet engine noise. For games like Rhythm Heaven and Elite Beat Agents where sound volume is crucial to the gameplay itself, this was an annoying trait for the original DS systems. Fortunately, the DSi XL has much improved, virtual-surround speakers that blow its predecessors out of the water. Sound volume is a little more than double and a lot more crisp. Finally people won't have to be crowding around you anymore just to get a little bit of the same experience you're having on the DS.

3.) Bigger and better stylus

Another complaint that some people have, especially those with big hands (no innuendos please), is that the DS stylii are just too small, making fast paced games almost impossible to play for hours on end. That's leads to Crab Claw Syndrome, something I just made up, which affects 95% of all DS users. The DSi XL comes with a bigger stylus that is wider and resembles more of a pen, which provides a more natural and comfortable feel. This prevents cramping and also allows for more control if you're playing your handheld in a moving vehicle like a car or airplane. Even better, the system also comes with the traditional stylus, which fits into the system, and is a welcome option for traditional DS owners.

4.) Accessibility in the house

Although it might not seem like a convincing reason to get the system, some people will welcome the DSi's functionality when used at home. First off, households will be able to take advantage of its Wi-Fi features without having to sign up for subscription-based hotspots or guessing passwords of restricted networks. Also, non-gamers such as parents, grandparents and relatives should easily get attracted by the system's large screen and multi-functionality. It's much easier to demo games on the system from a visual standpoint. It's also important to remember that the DSi comes with pre-loaded software (Brain Age Express: Arts & Letters, Brain Age Express: Math and Photo Clock, along with the free Nintendo DSi Browser and Flipnote Studio applications), which show off some of Nintendo's latest into their foray of bridging the gap between gamers and non-gamers. To top it off, the system's studier frame should be able to resist most kitchen spills. You might not be able to put it into your back pocket, but you have to admit the DSi XL makes for a great distraction next to the coffee table.

5.) Much improved battery life

The DSi XL's battery life is rated at 13 to 17 hours at minimum brightness while the DSi can go for 9 to 14 hours. That's impressive when you got a much larger screen and more powerful speakers that needs powering.  The improvement allows for better Wi-Fi connectivity, especially since the DSi OS is better experienced by checking out the DSi Ware store and downloading new applications and games for your system.

Hopefully these reasons help in your decision to consider purchasing a DSi XL, especially if you haven't owned a DSi unit yet. Although this might be the fourth upgrade in Nintendo's DS line, there's still no sign of Nintendo changing its portable gaming business anytime soon with a brand new system. This increases the DSi XL's perceived value for the long-term. Those who enjoy playing their portable systems mostly at home should certainly give the DSi XL a long look, because sometimes bigger is better.

[Edited By Moderator]