3DS v 3DS XL

hdowney

Sorry if this has been asked before but what is the difference between these? Which would be the better purchase (not from a money standpoint obviously but from all other standpoints)?

Wolverine359

The biggest difference (quite literally) would be the 90% bigger screens of the 3DS XL. The XL has a stylus that's accessible from the right hand side, unlike the original 3ds with the stylus being smaller (but extendable) and accessed from the back of the console (which is alot more awkward IMO). The only downsides of the XL would be that it is slightly less portable (although it's slightly simmer), and since the screen resolution is the same as the original, pixels are slightly more obvious. This doesn't bother me at all, as the graphics in most games look even better on the bigger screens, and 3D effects are more impressive. Also, the 3DS XL had virtually eradicated the design flaw in the original where the top screen would get scratched by the bevel surrounding the bottom screen (the XL has a couple of small bumpers at the top to prevent the screens making contact when closed).

So in summary, the XL:
- has bigger screens
- more impressive 3D effects (IMO)
- is slightly slimmer and longer
- an easier-to-access stylus
- virtually fixes the screen-scratching design flaw
- comes in red/black, blue/black, silver/black, all-white, and a yellow Pikachu edition with white inside

Also, the XL special edition white version comes with a choice of either Super Mario 3D Land or Mario Kart 7 pre-installed, it's more expensive than the other versions because it comes with a game, but having MK7 always available is the best thing ever.

Mr E

I was going to chime in, but I really can't improve on Wolverines answer.

I've had a 3DS and upgraded to an XL. It is a much better experience.

An extra bonus when you get an XL is a free downloadable retail game (from a selection of 5, including Mario 3D Land and the latest Professor Layton game).

hdowney

Cool I desperately want one, my ds is falling apart! I wonder if I can find the moolah, get the one with Mario built in and then download the free game in Jan

Deano7788

hdowney wrote: »

Cool I desperately want one, my ds is falling apart! I wonder if I can find the moolah, get the one with Mario built in and then download the free game in Jan

Don't forget Mario is one of the free games so if you enjoy Mario Kart as well you might be better off getting that one instead.

hdowney

Deano7788 wrote: »

Don't forget Mario is one of the free games so if you enjoy Mario Kart as well you might be better off getting that one instead.

It is a toss up though. Get Mario 3d and then Pro Layton, get Mario Kart then Mario 3d, or get Mario Kart then Pro Layton?!?

Deano7788

hdowney wrote: »

It is a toss up though. Get Mario 3d and then Pro Layton, get Mario Kart then Mario 3d, or get Mario Kart then Pro Layton?!?

True. They're all great games no matter which you choose. Good luck deciding:).

gubbie

hdowney wrote: »

It is a toss up though. Get Mario 3d and then Pro Layton, get Mario Kart then Mario 3d, or get Mario Kart then Pro Layton?!?

I'd go for the 2 Mario's just because you probably won't get either copy for less than €45 unless you buy second hand where as Prof Layton can be got for €38.

Then again picking up a second hand copy of a Mario game is probably a lot higher then the newly released Prof. Layton

Terminator

I found the 3DS XL too heavy to play comfortably. The OS is sloooooooooooow and the battery life is a joke. Also the face buttons are too close together (same applies to normal 3DS) - probably works great for little kids but I found I kept missing jumps in Mario - a big no no. Sold it after a month.

Cale

I know it's an old thread, but no point starting a new one...


....I'm going to buy one of these (3DS or XL) and not sure which to go for.

The size is important to be as regards portability.

I haven't even seen and XL in the flesh, but surely it's not so big as to compromise its portability?

Battery life is another thing. I've read the XL's battery is better?

Any negatives on the XL compared to the 3DS (apart from the point regarding pixels above)?

Thanks.

Deano7788

Cale wrote: »

I know it's an old thread, but no point starting a new one...


....I'm going to buy one of these (3DS or XL) and not sure which to go for.

The size is important to be as regards portability.

I haven't even seen and XL in the flesh, but surely it's not so big as to compromise its portability?

Battery life is another thing. I've read the XL's battery is better?

Any negatives on the XL compared to the 3DS (apart from the point regarding pixels above)?

Thanks.

It's just over 2cm wider and about 2cm higher than the original but it's still very portable. The width, which would probably be the main issue, is just over 15 cm. I can fit it into most of my pockets and it would definitely fit into a bag. And yes the battery is better, I'd say I get about an extra 1.5 to 2 hours before having to charge.

I got an XL a few weeks ago, having had a 3DS since launch and, honestly, there's no way I could go back to the original (I've checked, my sister has one.). The XL is just far superior imo. The screens are great and I find it much more comfortable to hold.

Star Lord

Deano7788 wrote: »

It's just over 2cm wider and about 2cm higher than the original but it's still very portable. The width, which would probably be the main issue, is just over 15 cm. I can fit it into most of my pockets and it would definitely fit into a bag. And yes the battery is better, I'd say I get about an extra 1.5 to 2 hours before having to charge.

I got an XL a few weeks ago, having had a 3DS since launch and, honestly, there's no way I could go back to the original (I've checked, my sister has one.). The XL is just far superior imo. The screens are great and I find it much more comfortable to hold.

^ This. I upgraded recently too, and love the XL. Wouldn't go back.

hdowney

Yea got my xl a few weeks ago (thanks to the mammy) and I think it is a fantastic machine

delta36

I've been planning on upgrading from the DS Lite to the 3DS for some time now, and to be honest I've been put off by the sheer size of the XL, but after seeing this thread, I reckon I'll go for it instead, now all I have to do is scrape the money together! :P

Cale

Mind made up on a white 3DS XL

Cheers.

Myrddin

I've an original model & I don't find it very comfortable to use, serious claw effects after a while. Definitely gonna upgrade to an XL at some point, though I'm holding off to see if they'll release a Ltd Edition one for the new Zelda title

Retr0gamer

I'd go with an XL especially for playing DS games. If you play DS games they look awful on the 3DS unless you hold start on select when booting them. However they then run in a tiny screen. On the XL they run in a smaller screen but that's negated by the size of it.

OwaynOTT

EnterNow wrote: »

I've an original model & I don't find it very comfortable to use, serious claw effects after a while. Definitely gonna upgrade to an XL at some point, though I'm holding off to see if they'll release a Ltd Edition one for the new Zelda title

I still find the XL to be crampy in your hand after a while.