Conflicted on New 3DS

Creamy Goodness

Hey all,

I want to get a new 3DS one of the **new new** ones . I fell out of love with my original silver 3DS I bought on launch but since Majora's Mask (which I never picked up before) is coming out, my interest has peaked once again.

My problem is though I don't know what one to get.

The regular size has the coloured buttons and face plates where as the XL has the bigger screen.

The regular size also has the white colour which goes better with the colour buttons.

Another stupid question but I can't seem to see anything online about this but do 3DS' have headphone jacks? I travel quite a bit and without sound I'd be lost.

What would you choose if buying?

Mr E

Yes to headphone jack, and yes to bigger screen (bigger screen makes a massive difference)

Creamy Goodness

Cool I thought there'd be one but wasn't sure. How long does the battery last on them on average? I know the new one might be different.

Also where's the best place to buy them was thinking of buying from nintendo uk's store for ease.

gubbie

I'm getting the normal sized. I did a lot of background homework on it and plenty of reviews say that the normal sized one is the way to go, and if you're used to the normal sized screens, you'll have no problem with it.

[edit]
One of the lads in the other thread gave a great link

[edit2]
It's the link below

jc4517

This article suggests otherwise, apparently the standard size N3DS is preferable to the new XL. The N3DS's screen is 25% bigger than it's predecessor (which had a miniscule screen IMO) and of course; it has the faceplates which are a great touch by Nintendo! Having said that I reckon it is very much down to personal preference

Banjo

Yeah that usgamer article really made me want the standard over the XL. And really made me want disposable cash.

Mr E

Didn't know about the screensize increase. Interesting.

Found this image after some digging:
Comparing screen sizes: Blue = XL (New/Old), Red = New 3DS, Yellow = Old 3DS

Creamy Goodness

I've pulled the plug.

new white 3DS with majora's mask special edition and a yoshi face plate.

Now to pick up Ocarina, Link between worlds and Bravely default.

Hope Nintendo UK ship to Parcel Motel

CptMackey

Think that is me decided. Will pick up the new 3ds once I have the cash together. First Nintendo hand held since the game boy

Creamy Goodness

In my original post I mentioned I had an original silver 3DS, I actually meant an original silver DS. I never made to the jump to 3D

COYVB

jc4517 wrote: »

This article suggests otherwise, apparently the standard size N3DS is preferable to the new XL. The N3DS's screen is 25% bigger than it's predecessor (which had a miniscule screen IMO) and of course; it has the faceplates which are a great touch by Nintendo! Having said that I reckon it is very much down to personal preference

Good lord, that's one of the worst written articles I've ever read. How the hell did that get past editing.

Also, just to pull him up on it, the plastics are not "almost identical" on the N3DS XL and 3DS XL - they're quite different in fact

CiDeRmAn

I've got DS, DSLite, DSi, DSi XL, 3DS and 3DS XL and I have to say, I really want the New 3DS over the XL edition, at least to start with.
All I ask is for a crisp and clear screen and good controls.
I had a ball, and continue to have one, with the Gameboy Micro and it has a wonderful but small screen.
Bigger is really not always better, there is a place for a compact but well designed handheld rather than just letting them become bigger and more unwieldy, not that the New 3DS XL isn't a desirable device, and the only console I can imagine want above it is the New 3DS itself.

Pity the Vita, it is really sliding into a niche gaming category, the reverse of the fortunes of the WiiU Vs PS4

Andrew76

CiDeRmAn wrote: »

I've got DS, DSLite, DSi, DSi XL, 3DS and 3DS XL and I have to say, I really want the New 3DS over the XL edition, at least to start with.
All I ask is for a crisp and clear screen and good controls.
I had a ball, and continue to have one, with the Gameboy Micro and it has a wonderful but small screen.
Bigger is really not always better, there is a place for a compact but well designed handheld rather than just letting them become bigger and more unwieldy, not that the New 3DS XL isn't a desirable device, and the only console I can imagine want above it is the New 3DS itself.

Pity the Vita, it is really sliding into a niche gaming category, the reverse of the fortunes of the WiiU Vs PS4

Ah if we're being honest Cidey the Micro is a nice collectors item at best - yes the screen is lovely but it's far too small, just like the unit itself. Unless you have the hands of a five year old it's impossible to use for extended periods.

Bigger is better with handhelds imo, within reason of course - nobody is going to walk around with a Nomad and battery mod I reckon! Actually I'm curious, what handhelds over the years would folk have considered too big to be practical? The Nomad and Atari Lynx (first version) spring to mind.

Speaking of the Vita, I find it very uncomfortable to use the shoulder buttons on it's own but with grip add-on thing it's the perfect size I find. Great machine though.

CiDeRmAn

I had a lot of fun with my GB Micro tbh, though my hands are not small.
I don't know, horses for courses.
The aim of the console to give the Nintendo stable something to compete with the mobile phone formats with a similar size and design to the cellular handsets of the time.

Bigger, better, I'm not always convinced though, and I'm really not clamouring for another giant of a handheld in my pocket, prefer something portable and handy, easy to conceal at work!

RobbingBandit

I will be getting a New XL on launch day myself just not sure yet, I am unable these days to shop in most game shops in Dublin and am a novice regarding online shopping as easy as it may come to some it just seems awkward to me, regarding getting a MM or MH4 limited edition I think is out of the question at this time as they are either booked out online already or are being sold at a mark up with added extras that are neither wanted or required.

I have owned and traded in 16 3DS XL consoles since it was launched with many of them being limited edition ones currently have an Animal Crossing one which I'll be keeping regardless of which New XL I get I won't be buying them online or instore from a gouger that's for sure.

Tipsy McSwagger

CiDeRmAn wrote: »

I had a lot of fun with my GB Micro tbh, though my hands are not small.
I don't know, horses for courses.
The aim of the console to give the Nintendo stable something to compete with the mobile phone formats with a similar size and design to the cellular handsets of the time.

Bigger, better, I'm not always convinced though, and I'm really not clamouring for another giant of a handheld in my pocket, prefer something portable and handy, easy to conceal at work!

Currently playing Fire Emblem on my GBA SP 101 and I love this little handheld. Only thing is no headphone jack but I bought a little adapter that sorts that out.

cloud493

I've bought every single nintendo console since I was born. I'll be damned if I miss out on this.

gubbie

CiDeRmAn wrote: »

I've got DS, DSLite, DSi, DSi XL, 3DS and 3DS XL and I have to say, I really want the New 3DS over the XL edition, at least to start with.

Pity the Vita, it is really sliding into a niche gaming category, the reverse of the fortunes of the WiiU Vs PS4

The PS Vita is my "Catching up on final fantasy and just play Dangonronpa machine", I've never really taken advantage of it.

Screen size never really matters to me, but the XL always felt like it didn't fit. I needed a bag for it. I could always get the 3DS in my coat pocket. I don't think the XL is worth the €30 extra.

Tipsy McSwagger

cloud493 wrote: »

I've bought every single nintendo console since I was born. I'll be damned if I miss out on this.

My first console was the nes turtle bundle or the 'mutant machine' in 1990. It was this bundle that saved Nintendo in Europe http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2012/08/teenage_mutant_hero_turtles_helped_to_save_nes

cloud493

gubbie wrote: »

The PS Vita is my "Catching up on final fantasy and just play Dangonronpa machine", I've never really taken advantage of it.

Screen size never really matters to me, but the XL always felt like it didn't fit. I needed a bag for it. I could always get the 3DS in my coat pocket. I don't think the XL is worth the €30 extra.

Sure you just need bigger pockets

Myrddin

New XL all the way for me. A 25% increase on the already tiny screens of the original model just isn't enough for me being honest. In saying that, I wouldn't be a huge fan of handheld gaming, so always gravitate to whatever has a bigger screen. I can see why someone might want the regular version, for the daily commute & its more portable size etc...but if like me, you want it for just playing games at home & have no interest in its portability, I think the XL is the only way to go.

CiDeRmAn

But the screens are hardly tiny on the regular flavour New 3DS.
I think it's unfortunate to see them as such, the 3DS XL is just a little on the large side, though I'll still get one the New 3DS XL consoles nevertheless.
Now, for a New 3DS Micro!

cloud493

But surely on a 3DS micro, the screens would be even smaller?

chrislad

Ah I was going to go for a N3DS XL but now I'm swaying towards the N3DS. I'll base my decision on the cost of the Majoras Mask bundle, when it's finalized in GameStop (currently asking for 270 but it's not a final price, I was told). Already have 140 done via trades so wouldn't be much cost if I were to go for the normal 3DS.

RobbingBandit

I'm saddened by the lack of a 2DS XL, until it's untimely demise I used my 2DS more than my 3DS XL.

Tipsy McSwagger

Have my XL up on adverts. If I sell it I'm gonna get the non XL version of the new 3DS.

Deano7788

Tipsy McSwagger wrote: »

Have my XL up on adverts. If I sell it I'm gonna get the non XL version of the new 3DS.

Would you not need the new model before you sell so you can do a system transfer?

OwaynOTT

RobbingBandit wrote: »

I will be getting a New XL on launch day myself just not sure yet, I am unable these days to shop in most game shops in Dublin and am a novice regarding online shopping as easy as it may come to some it just seems awkward to me, regarding getting a MM or MH4 limited edition I think is out of the question at this time as they are either booked out online already or are being sold at a mark up with added extras that are neither wanted or required.

I have owned and traded in 16 3DS XL consoles since it was launched with many of them being limited edition ones currently have an Animal Crossing one which I'll be keeping regardless of which New XL I get I won't be buying them online or instore from a gouger that's for sure.

Ciderman eat your heart out!

How did you end up trading and re-buying that many consoles Robbingbandit?



I'm really torn over which way to go at the moment. I would have gotten the Majora Mask edition XL but missed out and now I'm not sure.
I think I might leave it until Xenolade 3DS comes out, as isn't that the first released game that requires the new system? Might be a nice edition one then as well.

RobbingBandit

Long story short I have been collecting games and consoles for as long as they have been out but ended up homeless just over a year ago so I had to sell my collection or what I could get out of my place with, I sold 5 Xls in one day to CeX and sold others on adverts.

I still have a bashed up red one with a low firmware and my animal crossing one, every time a new XL came out I traded my old one in for the new as at one stage Gamestop were doing good deals on trade ins. The one I miss the most is my blue Fire Emblem XL.

Star Lord

Holy sh!t, had absolutely no idea man! Things get better for you again?

CiDeRmAn

cloud493 wrote: »

But surely on a 3DS micro, the screens would be even smaller?

Not a problem, as long as your pointy thing is small enough you'll be fine

RobbingBandit

Star Lord wrote: »

Holy sh!t, had absolutely no idea man! Things get better for you again?

No and sorry to all for posting it here not really appropriate.

OwaynOTT

RobbingBandit wrote: »

No and sorry to all for posting it here not really appropriate.

Sorry, I didn't realise.

Creamy Goodness

scumbag nintendoUK

gubbie

Creamy Goodness wrote: »

scumbag nintendoUK

Hard luck. Suppose that answers your previous question

Myrddin

CiDeRmAn wrote: »

But the screens are hardly tiny on the regular flavour New 3DS.

All I know is that when I went from a 3DS to an XL I thought to myself, "yeah, THIS, is what the console should look & feel like" & it made my original 3DS immediately redundant. I know the newer version has 25% larger screens, but personally for me it's not enough. I want the large screens, I've no interest in having the 3DS in my pocket so don't care about the size etc. I'm sure the new 3DS is lovely, & much improved over the old one, but after using an XL for so long, there's no way I can go back to smaller screens.

Corholio

Myrddin wrote: »

All I know is that when I went from a 3DS to an XL I thought to myself, "yeah, THIS, is what the console should look & feel like" & it made my original 3DS immediately redundant. I know the newer version has 25% larger screens, but personally for me it's not enough. I want the large screens, I've no interest in having the 3DS in my pocket so don't care about the size etc. I'm sure the new 3DS is lovely, & much improved over the old one, but after using an XL for so long, there's no way I can go back to smaller screens.

This is pretty much how I feel about it too. It would actually really bug me to play on a smaller screen now, it would seem even smaller than it actually is.

Ace Attorney

I think ye made up my mind, im gonna go with the xl version, my 3ds starts to hurt my hands if if i play it for too long. im not looking for portability, im looking for playability and comfort. I think id be more happy with the xl. pity theres no shop around that i could try them both out first tho

Nollog

Creamy Goodness wrote: »

scumbag nintendoUK

the hut group*

thehappyworm

One other factor to bear in mind when choosing between the regular and XL versions of the New 3DS is hinge wobble.

(If you know nothing about hinge wobble, and you're the kind of person who gets a little bit OCD about stuff like this, e.g. happily spending many hours playing with your handheld console until the day your "friend" points out a dead pixel on the screen, at which point your happy gaming life is irrevocably destroyed forever, then maybe LOOK AWAY NOW.)

The old 3DS XL's hinge is just a little bit loose. When the top screen is "up", its position is the slightest bit unstable, and the screen may wobble somewhat if you move the 3DS. This aspect of the XL's design does not change in the New version of the 3DS XL.

The regular-sized New 3DS, on the other hand, doesn't suffer from hinge wobble at all. In fact, the regular-sized New 3DS holds the top screen in position even more firmly than did any previous model of 3DS.

So there's that.

Wolverine359

Don't think it was mentioned before but another advantage of the regular new 3ds is the screen sharpness. Since the resolutions are the same, the pixels on the smaller screens aren't nearly as obvious as on the XL (it took me a while to get over this issue when I originally went from regular to XL edition, but could never fully rid myself of that niggling feeling of the images not appearing as sharp on the bigger screens). It mightn't bother most people that much, but that's my feeing on it anyway.

chrislad

Gah! Stop confusing me more

thehappyworm

One more!

When playing games that are primarily stylus-controlled, you have to hold your 3DS with just one hand. The XL is really a little too heavy for that, in my opinion. It gets uncomfortable.

Not so much a problem with games from the current gen — stylus control seems to be more of a DS thing than a 3DS thing — but if you're planning on playing many DS titles, it's something to consider. I picked up Spirit Tracks last year, and began playing on an XL, but quickly gave that up and played the rest of the game on my old DS Lite (except for the odd battery break).

GO TEAM REGULAR-SIZED!! (not really) (I mean I did really order a regular-sized New 3Ds but you know different strokes for different folks just get what you think suits you everyone wins we're all grown-ups here except for the kids of course nothing wrong with being a kid)

COYVB

thehappyworm wrote: »

When playing games that are primarily stylus-controlled, you have to hold your 3DS with just one hand.

You're doing it wrong! Wrap the pinky of your right hand under the device to take the weight

Myrddin

Wolverine359 wrote: »

Don't think it was mentioned before but another advantage of the regular new 3ds is the screen sharpness. Since the resolutions are the same, the pixels on the smaller screens aren't nearly as obvious as on the XL (it took me a while to get over this issue when I originally went from regular to XL edition, but could never fully rid myself of that niggling feeling of the images not appearing as sharp on the bigger screens). It mightn't bother most people that much, but that's my feeing on it anyway.

A fair point. For me though, it never really bothered me & the screen differential more than made up for it. It was the same with the DS when I moved to the DSi XL, the difference in playability was enormous & I could never go back to the regular models. The 'claw' effect was the single biggest problem with the original 3DS for me though, & if this one is more ergonomic, it'll be a good start.

Ace Attorney

With nintendo increasing the size of the screen of the new regular size 3ds by 25% and leaving the xl the same, would that not improve the picture on the new xl then? Ie it wouldn't be as stretched

Banjo

The screen resolution hasn't changed, so it's stretched on the n3DS and more stretched on the n3DS XL.

ShadowHearth

Myrddin wrote: »

New XL all the way for me. A 25% increase on the already tiny screens of the original model just isn't enough for me being honest. In saying that, I wouldn't be a huge fan of handheld gaming, so always gravitate to whatever has a bigger screen. I can see why someone might want the regular version, for the daily commute & its more portable size etc...but if like me, you want it for just playing games at home & have no interest in its portability, I think the XL is the only way to go.

I agree on screen. I had original 3ds and then upgraded to 3ds XL. From now only its only 3ds xl or nothing! :pac:

The other reason why I prefer 3ds Xl is its ergonomics. My hands get tired so fast with regular 3ds, wheres I can play away on XL for hours!!!

Anyway, I did not realised that it is coming out so soon!!! :eek: I traded in my 3ds xl a while ago as I was planing on getting new one with Monster hunter. I cant believe that MH4 and new 3ds is coming out on 13th on February! I need to sort out 280eu for it fast!
Any ideas where to get it for best price?

chrislad

All the drama over the Majoras Mask 3ds is pushing me back towards it.

gubbie

I've been playing some of the Zelda on the DS over the past few days on my 3DSXL and it's so bloody uncomfortable. That machine is not built for touch screen gaming. Glad I've gone for the regular size now

CiDeRmAn

I think it's just horses for courses.
I've had nothing but good times on all of my 3DS series of devices.
Certainly, I don't sense the gulf in quality of experience that was felt going from DS to DS Lite and on to the feature rich DSi for instance.
The launch 3DS will remain as decent a handheld as you could want, with a lovely layered colour tone that they ditched with the 3DS XL and haven't brought back with the New series of handhelds either.
I fully expect my now 3 week away New 3DS to be a pleasure to hold and play with, as will the New 3DS XL when I pick on of those up later in the year.