Nintendo Slashes DSi And DSi XL Pricing

Nintendo has announced price cuts for the DSi and DSi XL, dropping one of the handhelds to under a Benjamin and hoping that it can spur sales of both to help return to profit this year. Effective May 20, Nintendo's recommended pricing for the DSi will be $99.99, while for the DSi XL it will be $129.99.

Both handhelds come with a variety of preloaded apps and games, including Flipnote Studio, Nintendo DSi Camera and Nintendo DSi Sound. The larger Nintendo DSi XL throws in a few extras, too, in the shape of Brain Age Express: Arts & Letters, Brain Age Express: Math and Photo Clock.

Previously, the DSi had been retailing for $149.99, meaning this is a $50 saving, while the DSi XL was $169.99, for a $40 saving. The glasses-free 3D capable Nintendo 3DS, the company's current portable flagship, has a street price of around $177 at present.

Nintendo posted its first ever annual loss in the last financial year, blaming desperate price-cuts for the 3DS  - which took it below cost price – for the shortfall in cash. However, the company has said it expects to return to profit in the current financial year.