With the latest iteration of the DSi handheld game system, we get a bit of a departure from Nintendo’s usual trend to go smaller. Instead, we get an up-sized system that you’d think is simply the same as its predecessor, only bigger and in a different color shell.

For the most part, yes.

Aside from the larger dual screens, there are a few small physical tweaks that make this a little more than a simple scaled-up remake.

You saw the unboxing photos, now here’s an easy-to-digest, bullet-point list of initial reactions to the new Nintendo DSi XL.

It’s bigger than the DSi (released April 2009) and will be officially be avaialble for purchase March 28, 2010, at your local gaming retail location. And online. And probably eBay.

A package arrived literally minutes ago (thank Tim the FedEx guy!) containing a maroon Nintendo DSi XL.

I quickly took photos and have the system charging so I’ve hardly had time to do more than unpack it.

Check out the photos…

I know we’ve taken a bit of a hiatus on the Nintendo Download front, but fear not – we’re back and better than ever. Especially because today, one of the coolest, most badass (in the dorkiest way) games for the SNES came out. Yeah, I’m talking about Super Empire Strikes Back – a sidescroller/shooter that faithfully recreates everything that was fantastic about the movie. It originally graced the Super Nintendo back in the early 90s, and it is a wee bit on the tough side, though its a nice, meaty, action-y ride throughout. It’s fitting, of course, that Super Star Wars was also recently released.

Also on hand this week are classic puzzling in the form of Mr. Driller W and Pop+ Solo, a puzzle-oriented shooter for DSiWare.

All around, it’s a solid update (who doesn’t love a good, quirky puzzler, hey?), but my money is on the Empire. All of the games are available now on the Wii Shop Channel, and games can be purchased at a rate of $1=100 points.

From Nintendo’s press release:

After a few rather anemic updates, this week’s Nintendo downloadable games are robust, meaty and… extremely eclectic. We’re looking at plenty of action titles (not the least of which is the Genesis’ Secret Command) and Konami’s own awesome-looking Ant Nation. If you’re into “Brain games”, DSiWare’s got Brain Challenge for 800 points, which sounds like a fairly full-featured game for the price. Finally, I’m quite intrigued by the premise of Bit Boy, though it’s still a “download at your own risk” proposition. Nintendo adds to it’s virtual game stores each Monday at 9 AM Pacific, and Wii points may be purchased at a rate of $1=100.

Can you say, “the dog days of summer”? This Nintendo download update is certainly on the sedate side, with 2 water-based titles on WiiWare (including a fishing game!) and Sudoku (yes, Sudoku!) on DSiWare. I’m interested in the sole VC release, Fantasy Zone II: The Tears of Opa-Opa, and potentially Silver Star Reversi on WiiWare, but if you’re still not satisfied, hell, Natsume does make a mean fishing game. Nintendo adds to it’s virtual game stores each Monday at 9 AM Pacific, and Wii points may be purchased at a rate of $1=100.

Nintendo’s Descriptions:

We’re entering summer 2009 with a rather bizarre mix of downloadable games. But on WiiWare/Virtual Console/DSiWare, that’s pretty much par for the course, no? The smart money is on the funky sounding new puzzler from YUKES (NEVES Plus) and potentially the new Art Style game, though if you’re really dying to see if Family Mini Golf is better than the abysmal Family Pirate Party, well, knock yourself out. Nintendo adds to it’s virtual game stores each Monday at 9 AM Pacific, and Wii points may be purchased at a rate of $1=100.

Nintendo’s Descriptions:

It’s another insanely eclectic week on Nintendo’s downloadable game services. WiiWare is boasting a new Sega game, fighting kitchen appliances and rainbow islands, DSiWare has your ripoff clock and calculator needs covered, and the excellent Arcade version of Space Harrier wraps up the pickings. Personally, I’m all for the toaster, the catching and the Harrier. Nintendo adds to it’s virtual game stores each Monday at 9 AM Pacific, and Wii points may be purchased at a rate of $1=100.

What do soccer, pirates and Galaxy Force have in common? Absolutely nothing, save for their appearances on this week’s Nintendo downloadable game services. Yeah, there are sometimes I wish Ninty would have some sort of theme or order, but I suppose that would just be no fun. In any event, Nintendo refreshes the stable of it’s downloadable games every Monday at 9 AM Pacific time, and you can purchase Wii points at a rate of 100=$1.

As game companies begin to gear up for a return to E3′s “insane circus” format of years past, we’re going to start hearing about the various goodies set for display. We’re also – apparently – going to get a much better show from Nintendo this time around.

1Up is reporting that Nintendo of America bigwig Reggie Fils-Aime has promised fans a little something more than last year’s totally bizarre (and almost completely casual-focused) lineup. From the post: