The BitFenix Shinobi chassis has been a great success, spawning not only a white version, but also the ability to create your own case with a wide range of color elements and logo parts. Besides the fact, that the Shinobi XL is bigger, there is one fundamental difference though. The Shinobi is placed in a market segment where unique functionality is secondary to price. In other words: the case has to look cool and carry a good price tag. The market segment in which the Shinobi XL resides, things are a bit different. Those who are willing to spend 130 Euro or 150 US Dollars, will take a much closer look at what else there is in the market.
The Shinobi XL brings quite a few unique features to the table: four USB 3.0 ports with full USB 2.0 compatibility, the SuperCharge port, incredible water cooling possibilities, excellent cable management and high-quality fans. Other XL-ATX cases like the Antec Eleven Hundred or P280 may not offer some of these to such an extent, with fewer USB 3.0 ports, less radiator mounting possibilities and no SuperCharge port for example, but in turn cost 30 - 40 Euro less than the Shinobi XL, with arguably similar or better construction quality. Or there is the CM Storm Trooper, which also clocks in at just below the Shinobi in terms of price, also lacks that extreme attribute in terms of features, while still delivering on most of them, but also including a hot-swap bay, multi-section fan controller, well engineered grip and very flexible interior engineering to the table in addition to a sturdier feel to it.
The bottom line is, that the BitFenix Shinobi XL is a great chassis, offering a feature set you will not find in any case of this size, along with the sleek, timeless look and feel many have come to love from the original Shinobi, which does translate to a (justified) higher price tag. The only issue might be that the offered feature set - however unique it may be - may be too "niche market". Paired with the increased price this could make the BitFenix Shinobix XL a tough sell compared to some lower priced alternatives.