Topic: Capacity n' Stuff

Hi!
I've just recently preordered myself a New 3DS XL, my first Nintendo handheld since the DS Lite, and now I'm looking at getting a bigger MicroSD Card for it, as I've heard you get quite a small slow one with it as standard. Trouble is, a lot of the MicroSDs seem pretty expensive (At least when regarded as an extra for the N3DSXL). I'd be grateful if anyone could advise me on a couple of things:
1) Regarding Nintendo's suggested MicroSDs, is the Sandisk Extreme Plus a big step-up in terms of speed and so on from the regular Extreme, and is the Extreme Pro a big step-up from the Plus?
2) Secondly, how easy is it to fill up an SD Card on a 3DS? I've been looking at getting the highest recommended 32gb, yet I'm considering the 16gb to save myself money, although I'd rather spend more if it will save me from having to upgrade too quickly.
Thanks again in advance!
Oh yeah, and first time posting on Nintendo Life too!

1. I don't see a need for buying the high end SD cards. I believe you can get away with going with the SanDisk Ultra, but you'll need someone else to confirm its performance. Personally, I just bought an Extreme because it was on sale.

2. Do you plan on downloading a bunch of games? If you do, then I recommend the 32 GB card. If you plan on buying most of your games retail, then you won't need it. I have 3 retail games downloaded and several eShop games and I've only used a little over 6 GB of space.

Thanks for the info. Anyone else?

It depends on the game. Big games like Smash Bros or Monster Hunter will take up a lot of space. If you plan on buying 10+ AAA games over your system's lifecycle I'd get a 32gb micro sd.

Smash Bros is 2.1 GB. Monster Hunter 4U is 2.7GB. Resident Evil: Revelations is almost 4GB.
Just 3 games, and you'll already need a 16GB card.

If you plan on getting the majority of your games digitally, go ahead an jump on a 32GB microSD. They're pretty cheap and it'll keep you going for a while. If you want to be good for practically forever, get a 64GB and format it to work.

Also, there's no need to go for the uber-speed SD cards, since the 3DS won't be able to utilize the speed like a camera or computer would.

I wouldn't worry about getting a faster SD card, especially with the New 3DS's extra processing power. I buy most of my games physically, but I have downloaded a few retail games and plenty of stuff off the eShop and my 32GB card is nowhere near to being full.

Thanks everyone! I've found a good deal on a 32gb MicroSD that's at the fastest speed I've heard the New 3DS and New 3DS XL can handle. You guys definitely saved me some money and hopefully some time in the future!