Poll: 3DS or 3DS XL?

[soren7550]

Ok, so with Pokemon X/Y coming out soon, I'm hoping on getting a 3DS for it (of course that requires that I get enough money for the two, but that's another story). However, I don't know which system I should get. (and no, the 2DS isn't an option for me because it looks goofy as shit, doesn't look very portable, and is probably very prone to getting all scratched up.)

Here's what I like and don't like about the two:

3DS
Like

- Cheaper than the XL
- Smaller, so it's easier to carry around

Dislike

- Rainbow lines
- Matte casing (least I think that's what the plastic is called)
- Entire top half is a screen essentially

3DS XL
Like

- Bigger, so it's probably more comfortable to hold for longer periods and easier to see whatever on screen
- Non matte casing
- Top half isn't all screen (I think, I haven't really been able to check out the XL)
- 3D slider locks in place (at least when you turn off the 3D)

Dislike

- More expensive
- Probably not as easy to carry around
- Charizard 3DS XL still not available in the States

I think I'm leaning towards the XL, but there's a lot of things I don't know about the two (such as if they got rid of the rainbow lines problem for the 3DS or if it's a problem for the XL), so all your help and recommendations will be greatly appreciated.

 

[Foolery]

You're mixing up the two. Matte means it has a flat or dull finish. The original 3DS is glossy and prone to collecting fingerprints. The XL is matte. XL also has a far better battery life and more solid build. Well worth the extra cash. The price difference isn't that much, honestly. And you get more bang for your buck, in my opinion.

 

[Uriain]

I have a 3DS right now, but I have been wanting to upgrade to a XL for a while, as I find the 3DS a bit too small for my hands. If I were to have to choose now (instead of when there was only the 3DS) I would say the XL.

 

[Thebazilly]

I have a 3DS, and my boyfriend has an XL. The XL is definitely the better choice. It fits in your hands better and the larger screen is definitely worth it.

 

[MysticSlayer]

Don't worry about the size of the 3DS XL. It's still easy to store and carry around. It also isn't too heavy to be a nuisance. The advantages of its size far outweigh the negatives, partially because there aren't really any negatives.

 

[Roxas1359]

I have to side with the original 3DS, but the only reason for that is because a capture board can be installed on it. I really need to get me one of those boards so I can do some future LPs easier.

 

[Fractral]

The 3DS XL is far better in my opinion. Gorgeous screen, better battery life and a nice finish to it, compared to the plastic looking original. I bought the MH3U special edition.

 

[PoolCleaningRobot]

I would say the 3DS XL because...

- Smaller, so it's easier to carry around

After much pondering about the perfect mobile gaming device, I find this point to be a little moot. Think about it, its a little smaller but is it really easier to carry on your person in a pocket or something? Odds are, whatever you decide to carry it in, could probably be big enough to carry the XL version. For me if the device is handheld, but can't be carried in a pocket like a phone, then I'd rather get the one that's comfortable to hold and has a decent sized screen

 

[balladbird]

for me personally, I can't recommend the XL enough. I've spent time playing on both, but only just got the XL recently. being able to play SMT IV without my right thumb cramping up due to the button placement being poorly designed is reason enough to justify the upgrade. the screens being larger is nice, too. the device fits both hands more comfortably, and generally just seems better put together than its smaller counterpart.

the extra 40 bucks is nothing to sneeze at, though it was worthwhile for me, personally.

 

[ZZoMBiE13]

I never owned the original so I can't really comment on that one. All I can say is that I've had my XL for a while and really like it. I have bigger hands and it fits comfortably. The screen is nice and large, though I've heard my younger friends say that the larger screen shows off the fact that the graphics in some games aren't as pretty as they could be, but I am old and have lousy eyes so I've never noticed it personally.

That's really all I got. I hope you get one and enjoy it as much as I've enjoyed mine.

 

[Snotnarok]

The 3DS XL is the better choice:

-Better battery life

-Matte finish-less fingerprints

-Larger and better screens <- they are better, makes a huge difference with 3D as 3DS hurts my eyes instantly, the XL did not

-More comfortable to hold + stylus is larger and in a better spot

-Better menu function buttons

There's no real benefit to the 3DS other than saving a few bucks, but in the end this is something you're playing games on, so it should be the larger, better screens with better batt life, so I'd say go big or don't bother.
The XL is comparable in size to the PSP or PSVita, and I've yet to meet a pair of pants they didn't fit in, if they don't you should probably stop borrowing your sisters pants <= a joke.

 

[EHKOS]

I like my midnight purple 3DS. I have no idea what these "rainbow lines" are but if they only show up in 3d that would explain why. I'm steroscopically blind so I can't see in 3D.
The normal one is easier to carry around, and the screen size wouldn't make much of a difference as long as you're immersed in the game. Heck, we didn't really complain about the GBC's screen, and recently I ran an emulator off my laptop hooked up via HDMI to my 32" flatscreen....did not look as awesome as I thought it would.

And the top half isn't all screen, it's got two speakers. I...don't see why it being full screen would be a problem though so I'm assuming you meant to say it wasn't.

It is kind of fragile though, I mean I dropped mine a few times, and it works fine, and nothing's broken, but it just doesn't feel very sturdy.

 

[Another]

When I got my 3DS, I personally picked then XL for one reason. I have giant man hands. The bigger handhelds always give me more long term playtime with less hand cramping. One of the few regrets I have with my old DS lite is the smaller form factor and I had a similar problem going from original GBA to SP

 

[Jynthor]

I really love my XL, it really isn't that big(But the screen is!) It's just fantastic in every way.
Also do yourself a favour and get Fire Emblem Awakening. Easily the best 3DS game out there at the moment. In my opinion of course.

 

[soren7550]

You're mixing up the two. Matte means it has a flat or dull finish.

Welp, I'm a derp.

I have no idea what these "rainbow lines" are but if they only show up in 3d that would explain why.

...

And the top half isn't all screen, it's got two speakers. I...don't see why it being full screen would be a problem though so I'm assuming you meant to say it wasn't.

Rainbow lines are scratches that appear on the top half of the original 3DS due to the edge around the bottom screen scratching into it.

And what I mean by 'the top half is all screen' is that the material on the top half is the same stuff as the screen, thus 'the top half is all screen'.

 

[neonsword13-ops]

XL is obviously the way to go.

Not only does it fit better in my man hands, but it just feels much more natural to hold. The 3D also has a bit bigger area of effect, but I imagine not everyone uses it as it causes a bit of eye strain.

The extra battery life is a great addition, so is the matte finish, which doesn't suck up fingerprints like the chrome finish on the normal 3DS.

And yeah, it is a bit big (sometimes it's even too big for my pockets), but when it comes to comfortable gaming with long sessions, the XL is the one to go for. Plus, DAT FUCKING SCREEN IS BEAUTIFUL. Perfect for watching dem Fire Emblem: Awakening cutscenes on.

Still kinda sad that the XL doesn't have the second analog stick in America yet. But I'm sure it will be coming eventually.

 

[KoudelkaMorgan]

I love my XL. I also love playing Ds games on it, they look great.

I haven't really played any games that were designed with the analogue stick in mind though. Using it for movement becomes pretty random in games not designed around it, but the dpad is good.

I got it due to the fact that its bigger, AND still has a way better battery life. The stylus is also a solid plastic that slides out of the side. The OG 3DS has it poop out of the back for some reason, which is awkward when its fully open I hear. Its also a telescoping nub, or so I hear.

I don't use the 3D, so its nice that the slider stays put on the XL. The Select/Home/Start buttons are kinda one long bar on the bottom of the bottom screen. I believe they are more distinguishable in the regular 3DS.

Personally they are right where I might otherwise put my thumb when using the stylus only so it changes the way I hold it from how I hold my DS.

It also makes my DS look like a cheap flip phone with tiny screens. I wonder how I ever played Order of Ecclesia on it after playing it on my XL.

 

[EHKOS]

You're mixing up the two. Matte means it has a flat or dull finish.

Welp, I'm a derp.

I have no idea what these "rainbow lines" are but if they only show up in 3d that would explain why.

...

And the top half isn't all screen, it's got two speakers. I...don't see why it being full screen would be a problem though so I'm assuming you meant to say it wasn't.

Rainbow lines are scratches that appear on the top half of the original 3DS due to the edge around the bottom screen scratching into it.

And what I mean by 'the top half is all screen' is that the material on the top half is the same stuff as the screen, thus 'the top half is all screen'.

Oh, I get what you mean now. I still don't really see the screen material as a pro or a con, but that's just me.
I don't have any permanent scratches, but I do get a grime from the edges of the bottom that rubs off onto the top. I will concede the XL is better, I was really just trying to convince myself I'm happy with what I have. Which I am, but yeah, I'd go for the XL if I didn't already have a 3DS.

 

[FrozenLaughs]

They did NOT fix the rainbow lines problem on the XL. I have one. The screen may be a different material tho, mine is marked by the bottom screen edge but it's more of a scuffing/scratching. Viewed at various angles there doesn't seem to be any rainbow hues, YET, but that may change with more time.