Topic: Did I luck out with my XL? (yellow tint)

This was the color I was greeted to when I opened up the XL I bought on Saturday from Target. I haven't read much about it, but from what I did read, people have mentioned the following...

1) It is a defect
2) It'll clear in a couple of days
3) It is not a defect

Even with people saying it is a defect, it seems Nintendo will not repair it because they believe it isn't a defect. Now, I'm rather in a rush to decide what to do about this, because I have my old 3DS listed on eBay (because I only need one). I haven't transferred my stuff to the XL, but I need to do it before my auction ends in 1 day (though as of this moment, there are no bids). My question is what do XL owners understand about this. Is it a defect? If so, should I attempt to get a replacement? I got it at Target last Saturday before the deal ended. If I should get a replacement, how should I go about with it? A different one may have the yellow tint as well. I'm not one to trouble people or companies, as the thought of asking them to go through as many XLs as possible to find one without the yellow tint bothers me.

A note about the picture. The camera is masking the yellow tint a bit, but I will say this. It seems to mainly be affecting the top screen of the XL, as after examining the Settings section on both the original 3DS and XL, the corner areas of the bottom screen in comparison to the aligned areas on the top show that they just about match on the original 3DS, but have a bit of difference on the XL.

If you're so concerned, replace it at Target.

I was on gbatemp and saw this same topic from you, lol.

In any case, It doesn't look like a big deal, but returning is is a better option than dealing with Nintendo if it worries you. I would ask some friends/ check system settings on various demo units to confirm your suspicions. You deserve to have a product you feel comfortable with, even if you do feel bad making stores jump through hoops to get you the right one. A handheld is a significantly expensive purchase, and you have every right to complain if something is wrong.

@Discostew I just checked my launch 3DS vs launch 3DS XL and the XL does tend to appear slightly more yellow in the preferences menu. My regular 3DS loks similar, but not as prominently yellow. I don't have a real answer for you, but I would simply attribute this to pixel stretching and the differences in backlighting the small screen vs the XL screen.

That being said, I prefer to play on my XL, and I think games look great on it. I sometimes switch back to my original model, but it never lasts long.

I think you should try some of your games out on the XL before sending it back to the store. If they look fine, then that's really all that matters. If you have a friend with an XL, then you'll definitely want to take a look at his/hers for comparison. I understand the desire to be 100% satisfied with a product, but the yellowish tint on the preferences screen shouldn't be what holds you back from enjoying your games. Also, try messing around with your console's brightness and power-save settings. Those may be influencing how your screen looks as well.

@Ron_DelVillano

Perhaps I should take your advise and actually test the system with some games rather than base my assumption of it being a defect based solely on the Settings page, which is where the tint really shows. I had read from another forum where I posted this situation, and one person thinks that maybe my old 3DS has screens that are a bit more washed out (or slightly purple tint), and honestly, s/he could be right. I've had my old 3DS for 2 years now, and it could very well be I'm so used to it, that anything different is bad. I still have about 22 hours left on my eBay auction for my old 3DS, so I better get testing.

Me and my brother both upgraded to the xl from the original. Ours both have the same differences in tints between models as you are showing. Games still look great and we've never gone back to the regular 3ds

I never noticed. I did the same thing. I got an XL and got rid of the regular one, but I can't compare now. All I remember is that XL was way better in every way so I ditched the regular.

It's normal. You'll get used to the different tint in a few days.

I noticed my 3DS XL had a warmer color tone than my original 3DS too when I got it, I don't remember if it was as prominent as yours but it was very noticeable. At first I was a little unhappy but after using it awhile I did not even notice it any more. I have heard that they ALL have this to some degree, if yours is especially noticeable you can do as the others said and compare it to other 3DS XL's or replace it with another. I heard it had something to do with the battery life being extended a bit by the different color tone, that is why the battery life of the 3DS XL is better than the original even though it has bigger screens. Also the screen is more anti glare the the original and that could be a factor too.

@Discostew
I just did a side-by side comparison with my XL and a regular 3DS, and the colours on the regular sized one looked washed out in comparison, so that could be part of the effect you're seeing. Overall people seem to agree that the XL has a warmer colour temperature, which is something I also noticed when I moved to the XL.

can you bring a picture of your xl, screen. or video footage

I did some tests of games as advised, and I'm happy to report that I'll be keeping the XL. I've had the original 3DS for so long that I got used to it. I originally felt the XL had too much of a yellow tint on that one screen I took a snapshot of, but after playing with it, the colors actually seem more vibrant, leading me to feel that the original 3DS seems a bit washed out in comparison.

So, no more worries here. I'm actually very happy now. I did the transfer, and tested my PTC project under 1:1 mode, and it feels amazing compared to stretched mode on the original 3DS, which is still smaller by comparison. All I need now are screen protectors. While I hear that the top screen doesn't get scratch nearly as much as the original 3DS, if at all, should I use a screen protector on it?

I put a screen protector on mine. If you get screen protectors, buy the starter pack with extra XL pens. Those stylus were impossible to find besides Nintendo's online store for the first half year it was out, and the screen protectors are pretty good from PowerA.
I didn't have a screen protector on mine for until last month, and I've had it since it came out. Still worth it IMO.

I noticed little dots that are permanent where the edge of the bottom screen lines up. If the top presses down enough it will make contact with the bottom. I've now since put a screen protector on the top screen. You gain reflection but its worth it to keep the dots away. I've read similar stories about dots elsewhere on the net as well.

And welcome to the XL club! You'll never go back lol

I have this tint also, its fine. If it bugs you, return to Target

Also noticed this when I upgraded my 3ds, seriously never even remembered until I seen this. Like others have said you'll forget about it in a couple of days.

I had this and it disappeared right after I did the system transfer from my regular 3DS.

I think the screens on the XL are better. Look at your picture, and you can see more static on the regular in the image. The colors are more washed out on the regular. The battery is better on the XL too, and you'll notice immediately.
The only part I thought was better about the regular, was the gloss and structure of the actual casing.
XL FTW.

Screen protectors are a worthwhile investment. Every screen protector I've ever applied paid for itself when I accidentally took the ballpoint pen I was making notes with while playing Virtue's Last Reward to my XL's touch screen instead of the stylus.