We’ve heard about the specs and now we’ve got the launch info.  Nintendo DSi XL, the next iteration of the Nintendo DS, will be made available for purchase on March 28 for $189.99.  That’s $20 more than the current Nintendo DSi that’s been out for some time now.  Initially the XL will sell in two color varients, burgundy and bronze.  The handheld will come preloaded with two DSiWare Brain Age games, Photo Clock, the DSi Browser, and Flipnote Studio.  If you already own a Nintendo DSi I cannot come up with a valid reason for wanting to make the jump to this new device.  Remember, the added value comes in an increase in screen real estate screen (from 3.5 inches to 4.2 inches), it comes with a larger stylus, and the screen is a bit brighter.  Besides that, it is nearly identical (internals and ports/switches-wise) to the DSi.  If you’ve got the original DS or the DS Lite and you’ve been wanting to get in on the dual camera gameplay, maybe it’s something to think about.  Look after the break to see the XL in action, Nintendo style.

In related DS news, Nintendo has teamed up with book publisher Harper Collins to create 100 Classic Book Collection, an eReader app of sorts that will be made available in the US on June 14.  For $19.99 Americans will have the opportunity to purchase the same 100 classic books Europeans have had access to on their DS’ for over a year now.  Joystiq makes a good point: “Why did it take Nintendo a year and a half to localize a bunch of books that were already in English?”  Anyway, the collection includes works from Shakespeare, Dickens, Twain, and a whole lot more.  Look after the break for the full breakdown.  Though Nintendo promises specialized scrolling and zooming options, I just can’t see the Nintendo DS (even with a larger 4.2 inch screen) becoming a viable eReader.  Unless of course getting maigrains is a hobby for you.

[Via Joystiq, here, here & here; Engadget]

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