Topic: 3DS vs XL vs 2DS

just get the hori wheel and the OG is more comfortable than the XL will ever be. especially for games like MK that rely on a lot of L/R use - the fat L/R buttons are great. XL is passable, but again it'd be better with a grip.

I just got the XL, and I'm really not sure about this. I've played New Leaf a LOT, so I know what it should sound like, and the foley work sounds like I've got cotton in my ears. Music is okay, but it's just terrible when I put away tools, open doors, shake trees, etc. It seems I could get used to the screen image just being blown up, but I'm overall not happy and I'm overall thinking if I want another 3DS, I might get rid of this and get another original model.

Yea that's more or less how I felt when I bought my original launch 3ds XL. (And most recently the gold Zelda XL, which I promptly returned) It was even worse back then because of the MUCH dimmer screen on launch models. Now it's not so much of a problem with more recent XLs. But when I popped in Mario kart and Mario 3d, I was just left Dissapointed. Something I didn't want to feel after dropping 200+. Zelda there wasn't as big of a difference, but the sharpness of the originals screen won me over.

To me an XL could be considered a downgrade. With the proper accessories the original 3ds is more comfortable for me, and the sound, brightness, screen size/resolution, 3d effect, and color are just so much better. The only REAL problem I have with the original is the stylus placement and the rickety 3d and volume sliders!

I guess I'm the only adult with big hands that never had a hand cramp.....

I'm an adult male and I played Mario Kart and Kid Icarus on my original 3DS for many, many hours with any hand cramps to speak of.
I actually found it quite comfortable to hold (same for the XL).

I recently had to go back to using an original 3DS for a while (thanks to my launch XL breaking) and while it was still fine to play with, it definitely felt like a downgrade to me.
The smaller screens are a bit hard to go back to after getting used to the XL and it's a lot more annoying to play on while traveling around due to glare, which isn't a big issue with the XL's screens.
One thing I liked was when I played Monster Hunter with a group of people and my 3DS would always be so much louder than everyone else's, but that was about the only advantage.
Now I've picked myself up a Pokemon XL so back to the big screens.

The normal 3DS feels small for me. I'll get an XL soon. I suggest you get an XL if you want big screens and comfortable buttons. Make sure to see a drop test!

The normal 3DS is the best. The XL isn't as comfortable to hold as the 3DS, plus the screen display isn't as good as the 3DS, And call me crazy, but I actually liked the 3DS's glossy design. The 2DS is obviously at the bottom of the rankings in terms of the 3DS family, because it is inferior for excluding the 3D effect that makes the 3DS famous and ditching hinges and the ability to close one's system.

No offense, but you're kinda young, and for a male with average size hands, the XL is a lot more comfortable than the standard 3DS. Also, the bigger screens are most definitely better

I guess I must have relatively small hands because I find the original 3DS really comfortable to hold.
I also find the XL really comfortable to hold, so maybe my hands are just the perfect size to enjoy both.

@BenAV
I wouldn't say there's anything terriby wrong with the standard 3DS design, but it does feel a tad cramped to me. I still enjoy using it, but compared to the XL it feels small.

Explain please.

I don't get when people say that the XL doesn't fit in your pocket or that it feels too big...I've had my XL for a little over 2 weeks now and granted I haven't owned an original 3DS but I have no problems with it as far as it's size. It feels pretty perfect in that regard, IMO.

Im an older male with average size hands, the original 3ds is more comfortable. You speak as if its fact that the XL is more comfortable. Its not. For me the XL is too huge and clunky. The vita is more comfortable than the friggin XL. The bigger screens are not "most definitely better" its obviously all a matter of preference. The smaller screens are better for me because of the proper resolution, brighter & sharper picture. The XL screens are just easier to see, but it distorts what the image is intended to look like. Id rather see the image how its intended to be seen. With a grip the original 3DS is fantastic. its not this crazy downgrade, or inferior product people make it out to be. It completely stands up to the XL, and has different strengths and weaknesses.

Can I return the Zelda XL even though I used the download code? I have been debating selling it on eBay and getting a purple 3DS, but returning it for a full refund would be the better option.

i'm gonna say it again, original 3ds with hori wheel is the most comfortable and best all round 3ds setup available. some pictures

top down view http://img15.imageshack.us/img15/4884/hrd2.jpg
large L/R buttons http://i.ebayimg.com/t/Nintendo-3DS-Mariokart7-wheel-/00/s/MT...

is it true that people have different degrees of sensitivity to cramp/RSI though, so grips may not be as 'neccesary' for some.

nice to see more people have second thoughts and ultimately come back to the original over the XL. i thought the XL also had a stickier feeling circle stick, definitely not the same build as my OG. could have could have just been that unit though. already mentioned - worse speakers and there's something weird going on the with the screen (could be the anti-glare filter) that causes 3d crosstalk to look a lot worse. shame there's so many downsides cause my eyes found the 3d easier to deal on a bigger screen - everything was clearer and popped out more.

btw the purple model is sexy! easily the nicest looking 3ds, you guys who can get it should definitely go for that.

@Tperryoo7
Well I can't speak for everyone, but for me the XL is more comfortable to hold. Like I said before though, I don't think the original 3DS is uncomfortable to hold, I just think the XL is more comfortable. As for the bigger screens, it comes down to whether you want a slightly crisper picture or the bigger screens. For me, I find the bigger screens more immersive. As you said, both systems have their pros and cons and you just have to find what suits you the best.

Let me just add that the XL is more suitable if you plan on playing VC games and DS games in their original 1:1 scale display... IMO. Even if the XL's PPI is substandard for playing 3DS original software, the larger screens really are easier on the eyes when playing a NES or 1:1Gameboy game, for example.

im not sure what the policy is on a bundled system that comes with a download code. most likely the retailer would just take it and not think about it anyways. though if you wanted im sure you could buy a new system first (assuming you don't need the refund cash first) do a system transfer so you can keep said downloaded game, and then return it. i wouldn't do that though, its kinda like stealing.

I'm having some problems with my XL right now, the circle pad broke off and the top screen activates the 3D at random times when I move the system or touch the top part of the system (thus making it very uncomfortable to play some games that require to move the system around). I may need to disable 3D completely on the menu.

I'm seriously considering getting a 2DS to replace it (no hinges or 3D, no problems!) can someone who has played with both systems give me some impressions on it?

Note: I want actual opinions from actual owners. And yes, I already know the XL is "better". No, I don't mind.

@Morpheel
I only have the original launch system and a 2DS, but if you don't mind the smaller screens, the 2DS will do you fine. I got mine to upgrade to a more comfortable ergonomic, and I'd say it does the job (Even if it does collect dust now with my 3DS) in that regard. Very, very comfortable even for extended periods of time. I haven't had it for too long, so I can't say for sure, but it does feel very solid and well built, probably the best built out of any DS family member. The controls (Especially the d-pad) are much softer (They feel like the DS Lite controls), and are pretty comfortable to me. The screen obviously isn't as large as an XL, but it's alright for a LCD screen. You can tell it's mono sound, but it's really quite loud (Just as loud as my 3DS, if not more so), and if you want the best quality, you'll need headphones irregardless of model.
The biggest thing I noticed though is how much of a surprising upgrade the lack of the hinge is. Games that rely on the dual-screen nature are much better played on the 2DS, it makes the ergonomics much, much better, and there's no weak point of the system to break.
As long as you don't mind the smaller screens and shorter battery life (Though it is better than the 3DS), I think it'll do exactly what you want it to.