Professor Layton and the Mask of Miracles has been confirmed by Nintendo for release some time next year in Japan. Still, yet to be announced for North American release are the third and fourth Professor Layton games, Professor Layton and the Last Time Travel and Professor Layton and the Specter's Flute. While time will tell on whether we will see the games here in North America, it is probably the sales of the second game, Professor Layton and the Diabolical Box here that will tell the story.

Professor Layton and the Mask of Miracles is said to see some major changes to the core gameplay mechanics that the Professor Layton games have found success with. None of the changes have been explained in detail as of yet.

Leaving a lot of people screaming, "ALREADY?!", Nintendo confirmed rumors they had dismissed earlier this week as speculative this morning, when they confirmed what is being dubbed as the DSi XL.

The DSI XL will boast two 4.2 inch in diameter screens, much larger than the DSi's 3.25 inch in diameter screens or the 3 inch screens sported by the DS Lite. The charging time for the unit will be three hours, while battery life is 4-5 hours on the highest brightness setting and 13-17 hours on the lowest brightness setting.

More info after the jump!

Ubisoft has finally confirmed that Assassin's Creed II: Discovery is coming to the Nintendo DS. It is being developed by Griptonite Games and will come out on the same day as the iPhone version, November 20. DSi owners will be able to utilize the camera on their system by placing their face on wanted posters throughout the game.

After being revealed months ago at E3, Link's latest adventure on the Nintendo DS has finally been dated and confirmed for shipping on December 7th. In his latest outing, Link will go about his travels on a magic island via a magical locomotive. Fans of the series will be pleased to hear that numerous puzzles and dungeons are back and ready to be solved and conquered.

Personally, being someone that absolutely loved the Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass I cannot wait for this to ship. It is almost a guaranteed staple in any Nintendo DS gamer's library, if even only mildly interested in puzzle/adventure games.