Poll: Which one to buy? 3DS or 3DS XL?

[soren7550]

While the XL looks excessively large (thus not easily portable), my understanding is that the regular 3DSs are all made with the same super smudgey plastic, plus this may eventually be released outside of Japan:

 

[The White Hunter]

I'd recommend the XL purely because of this:

Spoiler: Size comparison picture

The increased size as well as the improved battery life is what made me get an XL over a normal 3DS.

I forgot to mention that the phyiscal size of the XL isn't that important to me (I don't have big hands). I suppose I would favour the non XL in term of sizes as I do carry it around sometime (well in my bag but I put other stuff in my bag aswell) or does the XL size is still a benefit?

Comfier to hold, lives longer, better sound as a result of the speakers being farther apart, the stylus is ina better place and is much easier to get out on the fly, it's nicer looking, etc.

Definately go with the XL. However outside of the US be aware that you need to buy an AC adapter or use a DSi adapter.

Here's a helpful 3DS XL unboxing video:

Or not so helpful. But it gives you an idea of it.

 

[Shinsei-J]

Had the same problem as you and I've done a little research about it for myself.
Came to the basic conclusion of the XL being better in every possible way so... Yeah, no fellings of doubt here.

But all this just to play Pokemon...
I think I'm an addict.

 

[RaNDM G]

Don't bother with Nintendo's stretched screens. Get a Game Gear.

 

[Exius Xavarus]

My views on the 3DSXL are thus: If you already have a 3DS, it's not worth upgrading to. If you don't have a 3DS, there's no reason not to get the 3DSXL.

 

[Not Lord Atkin]

I have a 3DS and the screen is way too small to properly display 3D graphics (3D as in rendered in 3D as opposed to sprite-based games, which are just fine on the small screen. Don't even let me get started about that 3D gimmickery). It's giving me headaches. I'd go with XL if I were you.

 

[The_Lost_King]

The 3ds XL by a long shot. I have friends who have the 3DS and it is so fucking tiny, and the grip isn't as comfortable seeing as it is so tiny. Also some games are better with the larger resolution.

 

[TheFriskySpatula]

The 3ds XL, definitely. I recently upgraded myself, and it's in every way better than the original. You can play DS games in their native 1:1 resolution, and 3ds games look amazing due to seeing part of the screen in your peripheral, making it more immersive. Plus, the original 3ds has that godawful layered-box shape that digs into your palms like a knife, which the XL fixes by rounding out the device.

The only thing lacking is the colors. Over here in America, we only get blue and red. There is the Animal Crossing version coming out, but that thing looks like a giant poptart.

 

[Another]

I actually just got a 3DS XL this week.

As far as I can tell after playing both types as demo units, there appears to be no noticeable image stretching, the battery life is pretty good, and the larger screen size is a huge plus.

What it really came down to me for though was the size of the unit. I have big man hands, and I find that small controllers or handhelds often hurt my hands after a long play session. So far the XL hasn't given me that issue due to its large size. Overall I'm quite pleased with my purchase, even if it did cost a bit more. That ~$40 difference could have been another game, but I felt that comfort was more important long term.

 

[TheEvilCheese]

Or get the Pikachu Yellow Edition.

Quoted so I don't have to look for the picture myself =P

Yeah, get an XL. Seriously, it's far more comfortable, not because of hand size but the more angular edges of the 3ds actually start to hurt after a while. It's far better constructed and (mine at least- don't know about the rest) has a really nice matte finish so not a fingerprint magnet.

I just got the Pikachu XL yesterday (Pretty sure I got the last one Tesco Direct had in stock, couldn't find another one under £200 anywhere) and already find playing on the small original 3ds screen horrible. It's one of those things you don't expect to mean much, but it really does. Add in the extra battery life and you have yourself a winner.


Think of it this way, when you're still playing your tiny 3ds in two years and a friends hands you their XL to play with you will regret it.

 

[Shoggoth2588]

I own a blue 3DS, the smaller of the two. I kind of wish I had waited until the XL's had been released and do have plans to eventually get a larger one. Either one is fine really but I would go for the bigger one for the slightly better battery life and I can't help but assume the picture quality would be slightly, slightly better on the larger of the two.

 

[Scarim Coral]

Thanks for the feedback everyone, It look like I am confident enough to buy the XL version despite it cost more (I better ger more work hours soon).

As for battery life, how long are you going to be playing games for at a time when you don't have access to somewhere you can recharge? Do you actually need the extra battery life?

I mention in my OP I think the only time I could be playing it but have nowhere to recharge is on the train since I sometime take a train to visit my mate in the city (4 hours train ride in total). I would have to fully charge it before going but in saying so something tell me I would be queasy by the time I got out (playing a 3d game while on a moving transport eventhought I would keep the 3d to a minimum).

Had the same problem as you and I've done a little research about it for myself.
Came to the basic conclusion of the XL being better in every possible way so... Yeah, no fellings of doubt here.

But all this just to play Pokemon...
I think I'm an addict.

Ha you're not the only one (I'm doing it for X and Y and maybe Animal Crossing: New Leaf).

The only thing lacking is the colors. Over here in America, we only get blue and red. There is the Animal Crossing version coming out, but that thing looks like a giant poptart.

That's a shame since in the UK (well from what I've look up) we got a range of colours and a few special edition 3DS XL to boost (Mario Kart, Monster Hunter and Fire Emblem which I am tempted to buy that version).
Yeah I would buy that Animal Crossing New Leaf XL version but it look so tacky since it just look like a white version but got cover by a hundred stickers!

 

[Winji]

I would like to point out that there is no circle pad pro for 3DS XL (Even if it has perfectly fine space for it to be put there originally) wich you want for many more complicated games and if you don't feel like you need the second pad then you can still buy a better battery for the 3DS and still keep the cost lower than 3DS XL.

Edit: Well don't I look silly now... Apparently there IS Circle Pad Pro for the XL... Then it's really just about how much you feel like paying.

 

[Elvis Starburst]

The XL nomatter what, I switched over and got it myself, and I look back at the normal 3DS thinking "Jesus that screen is small, how did I even use it?" The 3D effect is even better, it's MUCH more comfortable, better battery life, nice big screens, and just overall... better XD Can't put it any other way. You'll never look at a normal 3DS the same again if you get an XL, that's for sure