DSi XL
Update: Mine has arrived now and I’ve written a DSi XL Review.
I’ve just discovered that importing a games console is much easier than I though. I’ve just ordered a DSi XL from Play Asia and it’ll be coming through my letterbox in the next few days.
I’ve written an FAQ for other people that might consider importing the console.
Import DSi XL FAQ
Here's my imported DSi XL playing a games in English
Does it play games I buy in British shops?
Yes.
Does it cost a lot to import a DSi XL?
Since the recession, the Pound has gained its strength back quicker than the Japanese Yen so Japanese goods are cheaper to us. In fact a Japanese DSi XL costs £164.66, just £15 more than a UK “small” DSi! When the console is released in the UK it is predicted to cost £180.
Update: Unfortunately Play-Asia neglected to warn me about the import tax I would have to pay. I ended up paying £38 to the delivery man. Still, it was worth it.
What are the delivery costs?
Delivery is charged at £23.81. Altogether the console plus delivery and import tax costs £226.47. The predicted UK retail price is £180. That means importing a DSi XL will cost £46.47 more than it will if you wait till the 24th of April (the predicted UK release date).
How long does delivery take?
Your new console will be with you within 4 days.
Is it all in Japanese?
No. If you bought the game in the UK, it will play in English. You will encounter Japanese in the menus before you start playing. Unfortunately this can’t be changed to English but it probably won’t take you long to work out what is being said since the DSi interface uses images more than words.
Will I be able to charge the console?
If you have a UK power cable for a DSi, that will be compatible with the DSi XL. If you do not have this cable, you can buy a Japanese mains adaptor from Amazon or get one from a local electronics store.
What if I have a problem with the purchase?
There is a 6 month warranty on all hardware. There is a contact form on the “help” page if you have any issues.
General DSi XL FAQ
How big are the screens?
DS Lite: 3 inches
DSi: 3.2 inches
DSi XL: 4.2 inches
Each screen is now almost as large as the PSP-3000’s “massive” single screen.
How long to the batteries last?
4-5 hours on the highest brightness setting. Up to 17 hours on lower brightness settings.
When is the UK release date?
It has not been confirmed but based on the gap in releases of the UK and Japan DSi models, it is expected around the 24th of April.
How much will it cost?
In Japan the DSi XL is roughly £30 more than previous version. The difference is expected to be the same in the UK making the estimated UK price £180.
how long was it from the day of purchase to when it arrived through your letter box ?
i thought they just shipped it within 4 days but it would actually take longer to get to you .
with the customs charges , how did you pay them was it upfront or did you have to go and pick up the dsi ll and pay .
a response would be much appreciated as i have literally just purchased one from playasia and was quite confused about when i would actually receive it .
Hi Pete. I placed my order on the 3rd of December (at 12.38 GMT) and received the console on the 7th. I paid the customs charges to the delivery man. If you can’t pay them, they can’t give your parcel so make sure you have the cash. I didn’t have the cash but he phoned HQ and I gave them my credit card details, he did say that he couldn’t always get through to them on the phone so to be safe it’s best to have the cash.
thanks for the response .
I cant wait to get mine in the post.
does the Japanese version work with uk wireless?
Some people are also saying you cannot access the dsi shop in the uk , whereas others are saying you can its just the japanese version .
also , i subbed to your youtube channel (that was a speedy unboxing lol)
I’m sure it would be fine connecting to UK wireless. I haven’t really tried though (not for more than a couple of minutes and I just can’t work out the menus). If I could get my hands on a DSi then I’m sure I could do it by using it for an English translation.
Thanks for subscribing to my youtube channel
I hope your console is delivered tomorrow.
Hi there.
I was wondering if you could do a longer video review of the console. I am not considering importing it but will buy it when it comes to UK but it better not be £199.99!
Please reply.
-Ross
Hi Ross. I might but I know know if I’m ready to do a verbal review. I’m not a natural video presenter.
Your unboxing is good, but it’s weird that people actually want to watch people opening a box (like me.) Do you need to be a natural video presenter to make a video on YouTube?
Thanks. Yeah I agree that it’s weird. I think it’s like watching someone open a Christmas present, you get excited for them. I suppose it can also work as a spontaneous review (not mine though because of the battery running out).
Well you don’t really need to be a natural in front of the camera to have a youtube video. It’s only because I saw some really rubbish videos on there and was astounded that 10,000 people had watched them, that I considered making a video for it.
Interesting. The things one does to get an early look at something!
Will the Dsi import work with American Games too?
Hello, could you please tell us the in-built spec of it, i mean, i know your probably not like the sort of person who knows about that sort of thing (forgive me if i’m wrong), but what’s the consoles in-built memory? i heard a rumour of it being 16gb, but y’know, rumours are rumours
Hi, from what I’ve read the built-in memory is only 256MB, a long way short of 16GB unfortunately.
What Colours Do the DSIxl Come In?
my brother said that the date for the dsi xl is in the 5th march my dad is goin 2 get it for me, but do u know if you get the case with it or do u buy it separtly and do R4 games from ds lite work from it cuz my little brother broke my ds lite and im gettin dsi xl instead.
That looks nice think I will buy one
Do you mean you’re going to import one or buy it when it comes out?
Its less than £149 to pre order at amazon, lets say the import total with a uk charger is £230, that means you spent £81 more than you should have, to me it is no way worth it! if it was a 100% brand new item i would be happy to pay 20% more than the uk launch cost but you have paid nearly 60% more! absolutely mad!!!
I see it as paying £10 per month that I got it before everyone else. To be fair though, I wasn’t expecting that import charge… still probably would have bought it either way.
so if youwait till it comes out in england does that mean it will all be in english
plz replay some 1
how much would the dsi be and when is it coming out in the UK can some one tell me please?
also what colors do dsi come in
Looks amazing, i want one
plz let me win i dont have any dses nevertheless a dsi xl
@linna
hi linna the R4i card works but not normal R4 unfortunately
@craig jackman
hi craig the RRP is £149.99 and it comes in Black or Red
@James bird
hi james when it’s released in the UK it will be in full english
hi just an update for the UK
Our local ASDA are not publishing any prices until the day – you never know may be a little cheaper at the supermarkets
Lyn
@Ram Sawhney
k thankx
I HAV MY DSI XL YAY !!!!!!!!!!!!
hi just got a dsi xl and an r4i card but just keep getting an error on the screen any ideas?
regards
Martin
@Ram Sawhney