Topic: Gonna buy one tomorrow (New XL): IPS? Glasses?

Hello community,

I decided to buy a New 3DS XL, primarily for N64/SNES/GB nostalgia purposes. Also I am really curious about this supposed 3D effect.

So, obviously I've heard about the two different screen versions and as you can imagine I am very keen on getting an IPS one.
In fact I've already called a few stores around my area (Switzerland/Germany) and two of them agreed to let me open the box and have a look. Actually they did it themselves right away as I mentioned it, lol, so they seem pretty chill guys. However, I don't think I am allowed to turn it on (except maybe in one Saturn) and so I wanted to ask you more experienced guys if it is somehow possible to make it 100% out when turned off? I heard one is supposed to be more greyish and the other pitch-black. I'll try to find the one screenshot again and maybe will edit it in later.

Another option would be to postpone this step and first order one on Amazon and then simply return it in case it's a TN. I'm 100% sure they'll let me send it back even if I opened it and turn it on, as they made a mistake in their description, although I am not gonna write what as I don't want to lose this option.

So... What do you think? Was anyone in a similar situation or knows more on those points?

Oh, and just a little side-question for all wearers of glasses... Do you guys play without them? I was thinking it might be a much better experience, but I think I'd have to buy the little version then, as this would require to hold it really close (shortsightedness). Maybe I'll try it out in one of the stores.

Anyway... Thanks in advance, I'm happy about any input.

What do you mean by "somehow possible to make it 100% out when turned off"?

If it's possible to see whether it's a TN or IPS screen.

Probably yes, congrats. So the top screen is noticeably darker than the bottom one when turned off? And the latter maybe a bit greyish?

Does anyone have a TN model to check or can confirm this?

@swires, I'm not sure if it's possible to tell the screen difference when they're off, but I sure hope so — I was lucky enough to get an IPS screen going it blind, and I'm very happy with it. I say that as an image quality snob who was very wary about upgrading from an original 3DS, just due to pixel density.

I usually wear glasses when I play video games, and I've had zero problems with the 3D effect. Like most, I've found it much improved on the "New" line of systems. In any case, you're in for a very solid handheld system.

@VelvetElvis: Thanks for sharing your experience.

Here are two photos of a confirmed top IPS / bottom TN model while turned off.

Curious to know if full TN ones might still look like this, although I doubt it.

http://i.imgur.com/cNCZbWk.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/prDO4GZ.jpg

I'm scratching my head at that sentence. What's a one Saturn lol?

On another note I've never seen a full TN one, ever. I see different panels in same model TV's but never on a 3DS.

EDIT: Although if they did do what you say then if you want to be 100% percent certain of getting an IPS just buy a limited edition version. Maybe that's why I've never seen a full TN one as I only buy limited versions.

I have a launch day Aqua Blue 3DS, and my top screen is blacker than the bottom screen, just like everyone else here is saying.

During the entire 5 years of the 3DS' life, I've never once heard anything about IPS or TN screen types until now. Where did you hear that there were two different screen types (it certainly is a first for me)?

@Bsham 'one saturn' means that he can only turn the 3ds on at one store , called saturn.

I wear glasses. As long as they are clean, you should be okay. What hinders the 3D is things like dirt, smoke etc. The super stable 3D is actually pretty stable

Both my 3ds and N3ds are TN screens... and the top screens both look darker than the bottom. GameStop is crap and wouldn't replace them and Nintendo denies it.... so yea good luck.

@RR529 Everywhere... Ok, in fact I just checked Amazon.co.uk reviews, as my New 3ds XL is being shipped from the UK for some reason, and I noticed that there is barely any talk about the two different screens, compared to the German site where it's mentioned in every 2nd review and comment, which I find quite interesting. But yea, otherwise you can actually read about it all over the web and there are countless comparisons, seriously on the 3ds reddit so many people created threads about it that the discussion of it is now even strictly forbidden there.

Thanks for the answers