Topic: Should I buy a 3DS XL or a Switch?

So I haven't played any Nintendo games since the 3DS came out, at least like 4 years (I'm 19 y/o now). I've recently wanted to take a break from current PC games and play some games I've been missing out on by Nintedno (grew up on the GameBoy, DS, Wii). So basically I'm going to buy myself a little something for Christmas and I'm torn between the Switch or the 3DS XL (the Galaxy one looks so cool, by the way ). So I was hoping to get some opinions on which one I should pick up.

It seems like the only games I would really be interested in on the Switch is Odyssey, BoTW, and Mario Kart. On the 3DS side of things, I use to be addicted to Pokemon, so I definitely wanna see how its changed since I played (I think it was Diamond/Pearl/Platinum era). With just a quick glance there's so many games that catch my eye on the 3DSXL compared to the Switch at the moment (Pokemon, Mario and Luigi Superstar Saga, Hey! Pikmin, and I'm sure there's a TON more I've missed out on). So I'm kinda leaning towards the 3DS just because of the amount of games available. But then again, the Switch is the new thing and looks really cool. If you guys could let me know what you think, that would be great. Just trying to get some opinions before I buy. Thanks

If you love Pokemon, go 3DS. If you don't mind about 3D which Sun and Moon don't use, then go for a sleeker 2DS XL. Get a Switch next year when there will be more games you want.

I'd think that you've answered your own question. Pokemon will be coming to the Switch sometime next year, but if you want to get your fix in this Christmas, the 3DS is still the way to go.

You can always get a Switch for next Christmas, after all.

It really depends on your budget. Personally, I would say the Switch, because it has a pretty good lineup, and it only seems to be getting better, especially as there is a new mainline Pokemon game coming next year, which you may want to try instead of the 3DS ones.
I enjoy playing on my 3DS too, and its ability to play both DS and 3DS games, on top of the 3D feature, (which is rather good on 'new' 3DS systems, but not quite so on the original systems) can be quite immersive in some games (not all support 3D). However, having got a Switch, I hardly ever go back and play on my 3DS, except for occasional Smash Bros. or Pokemon sessions, so, again, I would say that the Switch is the better option. I hope that this helps to inform your purchase.

What games? Just wondering.

3DS has such a rich and diverse library and while I am very much in love with my Switch and its library is already full of quality titles after just ten months, there‘s no denying 3DS is the better option here. You do gotta see, though, that 3DS doesn‘t have much in the way of upcoming first party titles, that we know of at least. I doubt it‘ll get more, too. The development of a Pokémon RPG for Switch was confirmed at this year‘s E3 with USUM being the series‘s final outing on 3DS most likely.

@Super-
Hiya !
You better buy Switch if you are fan of Zelda, Mario Kart, 3D platformer , Indie games.
If you fan of Pokemon, better buy New 2DS XL or New 3DS XL.
But, better have BOTH of Switch and 3DS.
Two is Better than One, right ?

@GoldenGamer88 I understand that the 3DS most likely won't be having anymore big releases and that's fine. At the moment it seems like it would be better for me to go with the 3DS just because theres so many games I've missed out on. What are some good titles on Switch, though, besides Odyssey, MarioKart, and BoTW? Just kinda seems for me, the only reason I'm having to actually make a decision is just because the Switch is the newest thing which I'm kinda a sucker for lol.

Thanks for the replies so far guys. Just to be clear, I will own both soon enough So either way its not a huge decision. Just with the holidays I only have enough money for one thing for myself (and buying both at the same time probably isn't the best decision anyway lol [but if I could, I probably would, don't tell ]).

Thought this would also be a good thread to have in case others are interested in getting one or the other like myself. Thanks for the input so far Happy holidays.

@Super- Well, if you ask me, Splatoon 2 and Xenoblade 2 are two more must-haves. ARMS is a fun party game, not so much a deeply strategic fighting game imo. Fire Emblem Warriors If you like Musou but you can get that (and Hyrule Warriors) on New 3DS, too. The fact that you can play freakin Doom and Wolfenstein (the latter next year) on the go. And that doesn‘t even scratch the surface of the indie titles, some of which you can‘t get on 3DS, like Stardew Valley, Golf Story, Yooka-Laylee. But then again, you said you‘re a PC gamer so most of these indie titles you might just have on Steam already. Like I said, though, 3DS is the way to go this Christmas.

@Super- I know that you are looking more for advice about owning the Switch and 3DS, but since you'll eventually have both and you have Pokemon in mind, please give Monster Hunter Stories a try, which is also about monster collecting but with a different approach. There's a demo on the eshop and while I love Pokemon, I had a better time with Monster Hunter Stories I'm still having a better time with Monster Hunter Stories as we speak, and I'll probably keep on having it for months. Happy holidays!

Here's the trailer in case you want to check it:

@roy130390 Looks cool! I think I'll try it out. Thanks for sharing.

I would say for more fix it's better for you to get 3ds xl with all the excellent title already out! No waiting

While I love my Switch, I must admit that 3ds XL still wins for overall library because it has run its course

Hmm that is a good question as both consoles are amazing. I guess it depends on what kind of gamer you are and where your priorities fall. The 3ds without question has the superior library of games and backwards compatibility with the ds is just the cherry on top..., but if it were me I would still go with the switch.

I think the big thing is you mentioning being a sucker for new things. While a great game will always be a great game, there is something special about playing a game when everyone is talking about it and getting to be a part of that conversation. If you go with the 3ds you cut yourself out from that experience. The 3ds and its library of games will still be there later on for you to experience but the switch is the hot new console now and you can immerse yourself in the craze with a Christmas purchase.

On top of that the switch is just a fun console to own. I typically am not fond of the console itself (it is usually just a means to an end) but I enjoy just messing around and playing with the switch. It's really cool to be able to go from tv gaming to seamless portable gaming. It also opens you up to a lot more time to game than you will have had before. If you like local multiplayer the switch also wins there because you can put it in tabletop mode and you will already own two controllers, Mario kart is a perfect example of a game taking advantage of this feature.

In addition to that I like the way the eshop is laid out and I can quickly see what games have released recently, any sales, what games most eshop users are buying and also whet games are coming out this week. I check the eshop daily just due to ease of use and wanting to know what fun new experiences there will be.

As far as the games go, while yes the 3ds wins for overall library, you'd be hard pressed to find any system with better games than Zelda botw, mk8d, super Mario odyssey and splatoon 2. Also take into consideration how much gaming time you have each day and how content rich the games I listed are and I think you will find yourself plenty busy until the inevitable metroid, smash and Pokémon make their way to switch. On top of this I am sure whenever the next Nintendo direct comes you will see a jam packed 2018 for the switch.

As far as some additional great games for the switch you could play dragonball xenoverse 2, xenoblade chronicles 2, brawlout, the next Penelope, Mario + rabbids, disgaea 5, and so many others! Any time I see a game that looks interesting on the eshop I add it to my wishlist so I can quickly know what games I'd like to purchase next.

The 3ds is the winner

I thought getting both was the winner.

Looks like I'm gonna pick up a New 3DS XL now, but since I have no self control I'll be picking up a Switch next week Thanks for the input, guys.

Buy a 3DS if you want an great established backlog of existing games and don't mind a small screen and low resolution. Buy a Switch if you want a with on-going support over the next several years, a smaller but high quality and rapidly growing library of games.

As for Pokemon, the series is coming to Switch in 2018 or early 2019.