Topic: Is now still a good time to buy a 3DS XL?

I haven't been as happy with a console since I owned a Dreamcast. This thread may have already pursuaded you to buy one, but I would definitely recommend it, without a doubt. Pokemon X/Y is reason enough on it's on to own one.....but there are so many other original games on the 3DS that I've not even played, Mario 3D Land, Zelda - Link Between Worlds, Project X Zone, Resident Evil Revelations....there are loads more. Plus there's a new Kirby game coming out this year, as well as Smash Bros. 3D. And if you like fighting games Street Fighter 4 3D and Tekken 3D are cheap to buy now.

The 3DS single-handedly got me back into gaming

I kinda want to upgrade to a 3DS XL. My 3DS has some scratchs on the top screen that were caused by the bottom screen

So I got the Mario & Luigi 3DS XL, how do I transfer from my old 3DS but keep the Mario & Luigi game?

To answer my own questions for others, I did the system transfer normally and was able to redownload Mario & Luigi on the XL. The normal 3DS is now basocally like new

My brother has dropped my 3DS systems on multiple occasions, on anything from hardwood flooring to cement from 3+ feet high. These things are built to last, given that you don't step on it with full weight or drop it in water, it should be fine.

The worst I've ever had happen to a DS, was a DS Lite. The R button broke(not my fault), so Best Buy replaced it under warranty. Also, my original DS touch screen was chicken scratch, but I was MORE of a kid and was pretty rough on that thing...

As long as you're legitimately careful, these things are hard to break.

I still think the build quality is very poor compared to other consumer electronics at a similar price point.

No way with the amount of hours I have played on mine. The pad's under the buttons and dpad should be noticably warn. (SNES took ages of much more hammering to get to the point). Or the mechanical bit not perfect that the circle pad is in. (Think that bit has already been replaced by Nintendo as well.)

Contrast it with say the build quality of the Gamecube. (Mine is like new even after all these years and no particular care with it).

Mine should come soon so I can comment on the build quality. All I can say now is - Nintendo products are the only plastic I buy. Everything, from my TV to my speakers, from my computer to my headphones, my mouse, my keyboard and so on - everything else I buy is made of metal, and I still couldn't really complain about the build quality of my Wii U or any Nintendo handheld I've owned so far. Will be interesting to see if the 3DS XL actually is worse than, say, a DS Lite.

I completely agree that the circle pad is the least durable part on the console, but everything else is essentially the same build as DS Lite or DSi XL.

You'd have to be pretty rought in order to cause serious wear and tear.

Like I said, my 3DS systems have literally hit pavement, thanks to my brother. The circle pad generally becomes slippery, but I just wipe it off with my shirt, and that keeps it from becoming like that, over time.

I think the better question is when isn't the right time to buy a 3DS XL.

I purchased an XL for my son back in December. We also got a Wii U in December. I was content with one of each until I saw Nintendo's new deal in NA. Now I'm thinking about picking up a second XL for me and my youngest son to share. Now the only question is which game to buy with it to qualify for the free Pokemon game? We already have Super Mario 3D Land and both DK Country games on the Wii/Wii U. We also own a copy of Kart 7 too but I was still leaning towards it because it would be cool to play against each other. Is it worth it to have two copies of Kart or does the DL play offer enough. The only other games are Animal Crossing, Lego City, or wait for the new Yoshi game. Opinions?

@dkxcalibur - I know playing MK with the rest of my family was one of the most entertaining things I've done. Everyone gets competitive, but in a friendly way.

I don't like how people hate the original 3DS just because of its small design issues. I have no problems with the hinge from my 3DS and so far before I got the screen protectors for my 3DS, There weren't any scratches on the top screen and so on.

Granted the circle pad whether its on 3DS or XL will wear off over time, but it doesn't ruin the gameplay experience.

That said though, I'm gonna get myself a 3DS XL but only because its bigger and that in case my original gets busted, I'd have no problem with this one.