Okay, so I;m picking up a 3DS soon, and I've seen a couple of the bundles. I see the blue 3DS with Fire Emblem Awakening, which is the one I'm really considering. I also thought that the circle pad is only available for the regular model (at least in the US?). But at the same time, the XL has a bigger screen, and I've heard it has a longer battery life. The games I plan on picking up for the 3DS right away are Fire Emblem, Harvest Moon A new beginning, and probably Dream Drop Distance, so I think the circle pad may not even be necessary/useful for those games. So basically, Is the XL worth the extra price over getting just the Fire Emblem+3DS bundle?

Thanks,
Z

this has been discussed many time here. those of us who love our 3DS XLs are firm in it. some don't see the need for it and are happy with their reg 3DSs. a couple don't like the brightness/screen quality.

i cannot believe i used to play the reg 3DS after having my 3DS XL: the screens feel tiny to my now. the battery life is somewhat better. the anti-reflection is better. no more smudges!!!

BTW: i think they are releasing the CCP for the XL very soon.

lol thats how i feel wiht my XL,I love it

I prefer my XL to my brother's regular. He doesn't have a circle pad but I still prefer the bigger screen

Are there any issues with pixelation or blurrieness on the XL model? IIRC, it uses the same resolution, so that's something I'm concerned with.

I like the XL twice as much as regular, but that's just me. The regular 3DS was too small for my hands.

EDIT: Circle pad XL comes out in Europe same day as Monster Hunter 3 U, and probably in NA, too. There hasn't been official news for NA though.

I happily upgraded from my old Flame Red 3DS to my Red/Black 3DS XL. More comfortable to hold, bigger screens, and longer battery life are great. 3DS XL has a nicer look imo. XL also makes viewing 3D easier.

I guess if you already have a 3DS, you don't necessarily have to upgrade. But it is certainly worth it. I know everyone is different, but the XL is the 3DS for me!

The XL's definitely the better option, coming from someone who was very happy with the original 3DS model.
If you plan on getting Monster Hunter then having a Circle Pad Pro is essential, otherwise it's not so important (but I'd be pretty surprised if the CPP XL didn't come to America soon anyway, considering it's coming out in the PAL regions).

If you want Monster Hunter, then I would get the XL bundle with MH:3U. But if you rather have Fire Emblem, then get that and a Circle Pad for games like KH:DDD

I'll join in on the chorus recommending the XL. It is simply superior in almost every way. The big screens, the reduced glare, the matte finish, the smoother design, the superior buttons, a more reasonable stylus location, much harder for the bottom screen to scratch the top screen, 1:1 pixel mode on this makes DS games look great, and 3D is all-around more immersive.

I'll chime in as well. I, unlike most here, like my regular 3DS. I think it comes down to what YOU like. I personally like the portability of the regular 3DS. I can easily fit in my back jeans pocket or even my front dress shirt pocket. The screen size for me is perfect. Maybe if I would play on the XL i'd want the screen difference but, for the moment, i'm happy with what i have.

I do have the CPP for my regular 3DS as i've bought two games that are compatible with it: Metal Gear Solid 3D and Resident Evil Revelations. I've played both without the CPP before i got it and have since been playing them with the CPP. Much better controls with it. I also may consider Monster Hunter which is also compatible. And Renegade Kid developers recently announced a First Person Shooter for the 3DS with the CPP being compatible. So yes, i like my CPP and my regular portability 3DS.

Choose wisely...