Topic: I bought a 3DS last week.

Is it worth upgrading to an XL already?

I heard mixed opinions on both systems. Some say the hinge on the XL is weak, that the pixels in the screen are stretched etc.
I'd like some hopefully unbiased opinions from people who have/had both.

Only if you have the spare cash.
3DS XL hinge is better than the 3DS hinge and while the pixels are stretched the bigger screens make up for it.

I had both, got the 3DS the day it came out, then upgraded to XL the day that came out. It was initially hard to justify the upgrade but honestly the XL is better in every single way (except portability I suppose). I couldn't go back to the original model. Maybe you still have time to return your 3DS? If you think you're going to use the console a lot, then the XL is very much worth it.

Things are a bit stretched on the XL though they use a filter to make it less noticeable (by "rounding" pixels apparently). Battery life is a bit longer than the original.

Though if you bought a 3DS just last week, I'd say no to upgrading it unless you didn't open the box yet.

iv had 3 regular and 2 xls and honestly its all about if you think you need a larger screen iv seen no difference in the image quality (unless you have your eyeball pressed to the screen) the hinges on the xl are sturdy but have a minor wobble, build quality i prefer the old 3DS as it feels solid iv dropped my aqua blue 3DS from 5 foot onto solid concrete (it was an accident....i cried....lots) whereas if i dropped my xl in the same situation i think there would be substantial damage (but i have a mario hard case for it so no worries about that) also the battery cover on the xl tends to come slightly unclipped on the corners but that can be fixed by tightening the screws a little.

personally though i prefer the xl as the larger screens are excellent for luigis mansion 2 and i think the games all just look better.

If you can afford it,get it.Tis a very good investment.

Have owned both. The image on the original 3DS is somewhat sharper, but I feel the additional size of the XL screens make up for it. The XL has an excellent hinge that is loose enough to avoid stress fractures like the original Nintendo DS but tight enough to give you a satisfying click when you open the system. It will wobble a bit when open if you shake it, but this is apparently by design.. Actually, the entire system is much more well-designed than was the original 3DS. The screen-scratching problem isn't nearly as common or dramatic with the XL. Also, better build quality, stylus placement makes more sense (on the side like with the original Nintendo DS), headphone jack placement (on the original 3DS it is smack in the middle on the front; XL has it still on the front, but more to the side), actual start/select/home buttons, and a very nice matte finish. Also anti-reflecting coating on the XL screens.

Really, the XL is superior in almost every way. Almost. Because it is the same resolution as the original 3DS, the image isn't quite as sharp, although this isn't hugely noticeable for the most part unless you're comparing them side-to-side. Also, the speakers on the XL don't seem to be as good as they were on the original 3DS. It is a bit more difficult to hear games properly without wearing earbuds.

Also, if it means anything, the XL is very nice on an aesthetic level. The original 3DS looks like a toy, honestly. The XL, however, is one sexy, sleek machine.

• Also, if it means everything, the XL is very nice on an aesthetic level. The original 3DS looks like a toy, honestly. The XL, however, is one sexy, sleek machine.

Funny, I feel the opposite way. I guess we all have different views.

I don't know why people keep saying XL has start, select, and home button as plus... My 3DS has them too! ^^;;

I never used an XL, but I love my 3DS already, it fits better on my hand and the size is around my DS Lite, so yeah. For battery, you either buy those batteries people are saying to prolong the life, but for me, 4-5 hours playtime is enough, unless I want to make my eyes worse than they currently is.

Oh trust me those buttons are horrible on the 3DS compared to the XL.

Well... it's not really terrible, although I did miss the way start/select buttons feel on my DS Lite.

Money isn't an issue really. I only paid £82 for the 3DS, I'm fairly certain I can put it back on eBay for £80-90.
A new XL will only set me back £140-50.

How's it feel in the hands? I find the 3DS to be a bit harsh on my knuckles. My left indew and and thumb both ache from playing Fire Emblem.
I actually have a blister forming on my thumb.

In that case, I think maybe you should try the XL on game shops, I'm sure they have some you can try. Or ask some friends that have one. It's all on the matter of preference I think, some people prefer 3DS, some people prefer the XL. Whichever suits you, really.

The XL is smooth and comfortable...it melts in your hands.

The XL is ergonomically better but it's definitely made much more cheaply, with its soft plastic, labels part of the mold instead of printed on, and it all feels just a bit fragile to me. It is right to say that the original 3DS is more likely to survive a fall.
The only problem I had with my original 3DS was a broken circle pad (which wasn't my fault, it just broke), whereas with XL the volume slider has broken (but still functions) and the hinge is cracked (thankfully only the plastic covering it). I have dropped it on concrete twice though, so it's still pretty sturdy.

Only thing I would be cautious of is Nintendo is notorious for putting out a special edition or bundle the moment you upgrade. I went from a 3DS to an XL, and two weeks later the Pikachu edition was announced. Because of where I work I was able to snag a Pikachu for myself, and trade my XL. I am willing to bet money that they will do another Pokemon edition for the launch of X & Y.

I prefer the XL because to me the buttons are more tactile, and the screen size makes my eyeballs happy, but the 3DS was a bit more comfortable in my hands.

Your... knuckles?

The XL feels nicer with its rounded corners and large size. My hands don't feel cramped when I play it.

Because of the size of it, I prefer the XL it feels better in my hands and for me is more comfortable to hold for prolonged periods.

This is a pretty good time to be looking to buy a 3DS XL actually, GAME.co.uk has a very good offer.
http://www.game.co.uk/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/HubArticleView?hubId=210756&articleId=210755&catalogId=10201&langId=44&storeId=10151&cm_mmc=update--wk4212FY--topPicks-_-3DSXLVoucher

The regular models seem to be the most competitive prices I can find, but the real bargain is the White 3DS XL bundles, which are preloaded with either Super Mario 3D Land or Mario Kart 7 for £159.99

Seriously that's just fantastic if you want a white 3DS XL.

The XL is a nice upgrade in size but isn't that different control-wise. The exterior isn't as shiny but doesn't hold fingerprints. The pen is at the side which (imo) is a better location for it. DS games can also be played at a non-resized resolution. However the maximum volume for the system is lower, and I prefer pixel perfect most of the time. Make a personal choice - taking all that into account.