Last year, we heard about Nintendo working on a new iteration of their portable dual screen game console called the DSi LL which was scheduled for only a limited Japanese launch with plans to eventually introduce the gaming console to new markets in the new year.

Well, that time has come. Announced yesterday at a media summit in San Francisco which had some of the hallmarks of the recent Apple media event where the iPad tablet PC was unveiled, Nintendo has confirmed that the Nintendo DSi XL release date for the US will be March 28, 2010.

The new device still comes with dual screens, but compared to the older model, the DSi XL has dual screens that measure 3.25-inch or a healthy 93% larger then the DSi lite. The big screens are expected to allow Nintendo to brand the new device in two ways, first as a social device, something that will attract nearby game players to come by and watch on the dual screens which have a generous viewing angle. Second, the DSi XL is expected to appeal to an older audience that still enjoys playing games but find that their vision may have deteriorated with age.

At the time of launch, the new system will be available in two color choices, burgundy and bronze and will include a larger pen-like stylus with a better comfort grip. The console will ship with Brain Age Express: Arts & Letters, Brain Age Express: Math and Photo Clock as well as Nintendo DSi Browser and Flipnote Studio.

Finally, the DSi will also perform part time duties as a e-book reader with 100 Classic Books available in June for $19.95. However, Nintendo was quick to point out that they are not trying to capture the book market from the likes of the Apple iPad or Amazon Kindle but rather, the purpose of adding a book reader to their gaming unit was to offer “just one more way to enjoy your device.”

Retail price of the Nintendo DSi XL on launch will be $190 US.

Via: Tech Chee, Device Mag