Nintendo plans to focus on its DSi brand in 2010

Nintendo has said that this year, it plans to increase focus on the DSi brand, while continuing to manufacture DS Lite and bringing its new DSi XL to shops.

“Our current plans are to continue manufacturing Nintendo DS Lite globally,” a spokesperson told MCV. "The DS Lite has been a highly popular handheld console and has brought fun to an expanded audience of gamers – male and female; young and old – and sales remain strong.

“That said, it is true that our key focus in the UK for 2010 will be the Nintendo DSi and DSi XL.”

Launched last year, DSi came complete with online content functionality, Wii Shop, a webrowser and has had numerous DSiWare titles introduced for it.

DSi XL, which was announced for a March 5 release today, will be just like the DSi - only with a larger screen.

To get the ball rolling on it, a TV campaign will commence in early March in order to educate the public on its ‘wider viewing angle’ and fatter stylus.

While a US release date for Q1 2010 has yet to be announced, Nintendo revealed that European retailers will fork out more moolah for the handheld than its predecessor.

“There will be a slight premium on the Nintendo DSi XL trade price to retailers compared to the Nintendo DSi, but as always, the final price to consumers is determined by the retailers,” a rep said in an email.

In Japan, the DSi XL runs around ¥20,000 ($217/£134) and has been available since November 21.