Topic: So, I upgraded to 3DS XL, but...

[TL;DR - You're experience of the 3DS XL? Mine is crappy.]
I've been a happy 3DS owner from summer 2011. Recently I decided to replace it for an XL model, because I was enticed by the bigger size, larger screens and better grip. I managed to find a basic red & black version on sale at a local Gamestop.
The problem is that there's so many flaws in my new 3DS XL that it doesn't feel like much of an upgrade. I bought my system new, just a few days ago.

Firstly, the physical build quality seems to be quite weak.

• The back shell comes off way too easily, especially when I open the SD card slot.
• The A button feels loose already! And it just so happens to be the most important button.
• The touch screen is so rigid, requiring quite a lot of force to respond. Way more so than my old 3DS or the Wii U GamePad.

Perhaps secondary, but to top it off, the max volume level and the maximum brightness are noticeably lower than what my old 3DS had!
I have brightness maxed out, but it still feels like level 3 on the old one. D:<

I should take it to warranty on the A button alone, but is there any hope for a better touch screen and vol/brightness?
So what's you're experience on the 3DS XL system? I knew to expect worse build quality, but not at this level!

Mine is great. I never had the original though.

I definitely noticed the volume is low though. My solution is to wear headphones.

So your back/bottom shell stays on when you open the SD card slot? Can you get it off easily with your finger?
Ah, maybe I just go the monday edition. Gonna take it to warranty.
How does your touch screen feel? Can you easily tap it with a finger or do you have to use a nail or the stylus (for a precise pressure point)?

The SD card slot cover almost comes off when I take out the card but the whole shell doesn't come off, no. I can't say I've used it too much though.
The touch screen is a bit troublesome when you use your finger. I haven't noticed it too much since I use the stylus, though.

Never had any of those problems (except for the sound, which is the one draw-back for me). I think yours is defective. Never had an issue with the SD slot cover. The screen responds fine to the occasional button press using fingers. And the screen is too bright on the highest setting. I usually set it to 3.

The XL addressed almost all of my issues with the original model. The lower sound does suck, but considering all the problems it fixed...

Plus, the XL is sexy looking. Much nicer than the awful design of the original 3DS.

AHHHHHHH!!! I have to absolutely disagree with you! I think the OG 3DS is the sexiest handheld this side of the Mississippi! ini

Thanks for the replies. I should take it back to the store. I knew I should've picked up the silver color! >:3

I agree, I think you unfortunately got a defective model. The XL, however, does have much lower volume than the original 3DS. If you just the system you should be able to exchange it without using the warranty.

The main problem is probably because it's used, and the previous owner didn't take as good of care of it as you would have. The back case of my 3DS XL comes off a little, too, but my brother has dropped it at least 20 times at over 3 feet height(closed) on cement, hardwood floors, and tiles floors, so you shouldn't worry to much about it breaking completely(as long as it's closed).
If it bothers you, you might as well exchange it.

Last year i swapped my blue 3DS for a red/ black XL and had similar problems with loose case. I glued it, because i didn't had the patience to wait for the fixing. I again swapped it for a white XL, and that one is nearly perfect. The only issue is that i have to push the on/off button really hard...but thats not a big deal for a strong adult like me.

Yeah, well, except:

How does the touch screen work for you guys? Is it responsive?
It's already caused me problem by not responding on a crucial moment, because I pressed too lightly.

BTW, it sucks that you can only do the System Transfer for a limited number of times.
I still have the good ole 3DS, I'm tempted to switch back. At least for the time being.
I'm afraid to lose my AC village! I have the eShop version. When I did the Transfer from the old 3DS to the new, I lost my first village.
Well, not so many days of play in yet, so not THAT big of a loss. But still... You understand.

My son's XL lost its sound last night and he's dropped it numerous times. The back of his popped off a little bit and his no longer has the sticker from the serial number on the back plate anymore. Does anybody know if Nintendo will still fix it? Or if EB Games/Gamestop will let me exchange it (I got the in-store warranty on it)?

Oh, my mistake. I thought you bought used. Either way, exchanging will fix your problem.

Oh bummer! Warranty doesn't cover for self caused or accidental damage. Only production defects. :I
If you want it fixed, it'll cost you quite a bit, methinks.
At least in Finland Nintendo's maintenance service costs fortunes.

GameStop will replace it. Just make sure you transfer any games to the new console you buy. If they fix it, the system transfer won't be necessary.

If you found a XL on "sale" (as in less than $199.99) at a Game Stop then it is in fact a used XL

I'm perfectly happy with the 3DS. The LL seemed inferior to me and without a black version in NA, I wouldn't even consider it.

I upgraded to a Xl last year and I found it to much more sturdy and strongly built than the original model. I don't have a problem with the sound, I find it's loud enough unless I am in a room with other sounds like a tv or something. I also loved the way they fixed Sooo many issues with the original model.