The New 3DS and New 3DS LL (XL to us westerners) launched in Japan at the end of last week, and with the standard model offering the ability to fit new front and back plates, many predicted that shoppers would pick customisation over screen size this time around.
However, according to figures published by Famitsu, that hasn't been the case. The standard New 3DS sold 61,151 units while the larger LL version shifted 172,332 units over the launch weekend — almost three times as many.
We've already reviewed the smaller New 3DS model and created an unboxing video for your viewing pleasure, but which model will you be choosing when it launches in the west next year (or next month, if you're lucky enough to reside Down Under)? Will those lovely face plates seal the deal, or — like many Japanese gamers — are you keener to have larger screens and better battery life? Let us know with a comment below.
Thanks to RupeeClock for sending this in.
[source famitsu.com]
Comments 83
This is why they should have made LL/XL plates.
I would buy an XL over the small one, simply because i dont have a 3DS XL, i still have the Original 3DS, so when it comes over to europe,i pick a New 3DS XL up, i dont care that much about cuztomisation.
The slightly bigger regular screen size, portability, and custom plates are super tempting, but I'll probably go with bigger screen sizes for obvious reasons.
A bigger screen is always better! Ok, a lower DPI isn't great but that doesn't bother me.
Still can't resist those Snezzy buttons on the smaller one, and at least it has bigger screens than the original 3DS, I'd rather go back to some higher pixel density rather than having another big screen...
@Jazzer94
Then it would have sold 10x more and the regular way less.
On topic, I'd get the regular/standard one first and wait for a limited edition XL later.
Edited:
(Effing text prediction not working well)
I prefer the XL for comfort and extended play but the smaller one for portability and sharper looking images. I tend to use my XL at home and standard when travelling. This is why Ninty need to get a centralised account system ASAP, so I can share digital games and play data.
I'll probably go for Standard version as it'll be the XL that'll get any special editions.
I'm so torn. I love my xl. I don't know if i'll pick up the new xl or the new 3ds. Bigger screen and battery for the new xl or better portability and the snes buttons, and the faceplates.... I'm going to tokyo in december, will try them both to see which one i'll pick when they'll release in europe.
I dunno, the reported yellow tint on new 3DS is bugging me - unless it is not true?
My normal one just checkend out at Tokyo Airport, so hope to recive my Japanese New 3DS this weekend. Can't wait.
The old 3DS XL has a yellow tint compared to the old 3DS. Also the old XL has terrible sound from the speakers, unlike the smaller 3DS with good surround sound. I think Nintendo cut cost on the XL model. Dunno about the new 3DS, we'll see.
New 3DS is a must buy
@Nintendian I never noticed the tint on 3DS XL, compared to the 3DS I had first. Maybe its not so bad. The sound though, did drop. Hope the new versions improve on the sound at least
I'm not surprised. I think worldwide 3DS sales only really took off with the release of the XL? The screen on the regular one is just way too small for me, although I do really love the faceplates on the regular sized one.
Nintendolife called it wrong. As great looking as the standard sized model is, I'm a big fan of my big screens. Come next year I'll be picking up the New 3DS XL. The custom face plates are just another expense too, that and now custom themes, it's like Nintendo are monetizing every aspect of the handheld. Not sure I'm into that!
That's actually pretty surprising.
So what I'm reading is that this week the 3DS sold around 235,000 units in Japan this weekend (not including old models, which probably sold an insignificant amount).
That's more than PS4s sold worldwide all last week by a fairly wide margin.
It also sold almost as well as the DSi launch in Japan (274k vs 233k). That's pretty significant.
in the end if there was a 8 inch 3ds it would out sell the rest size matters lol
@originaljohn very true, you dont see the face plates when your playing so whats the point in them. bigger screens all the way thats why im waiting on the wii u version of smash
@santaglause But you are aware that both versions are different, right ?
That the WiiU version isnt just a big screen copy of the 3DS version ?
As for me, im also going with teh XL version. I went from a standard 3DS to an XL. Going back now just for some cosmetic reasons would be stupid.
Big screen, nothing else matters
New 3ds xl for me
In related news, Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate sold 1.6 million units this weekend. Holy balls. @_@
Argh, I really don't know which one to get when they come to Europe. Those SNES buttons look so good, but is that enough?
The regular one looks so neat and tidy. I need to see an unboxing of the new LL, then a compare to the new regular then a compare to the new regular and the original regular.
Is the screen bigger on the new xl compared to the old xl?
Go compare!
Yeah, those face places are really gorgeous and all, but i really want those bigger screens. I had a regular size at launch of the original, and i want the larger screens this time around.
Though the regular size New 3DS is oh so much prettier with it's fully coloured buttons (to my eyes) I'm going XL.
Need that bigger screen for Smash Bros.
Shame the first batch of XLs only come in blue and black; all my DS systems have so far been white.
Won't stop me importing one from Australia come 21. of November though.
I'll go with the small one because face plates and lower price
They're picking big screens over face plates? Seems they have better tastes than we do.
I think I'll just buy the normal white one, because of faceplates, coloured buttons and portability. As soon as they release a cool n3DS XL Special Edition, I'll bite again for the bigger screens. This way I'll have both.^^
Sucks that the XL doesn't get the faceplates but I don't think I could stand upgrading to a smaller screen size than what I have now. Maybe I'll hold out for a limited edition model of the New XL... sounds familiar, cause it was just a couple years ago I was so annoyed with NoA at how long it took them to release a white model or an LE here in the states. Looks like it's the waiting game again for me.
I'm pretty sure I'll be getting the New XL. I hope a review is done that addresses the supposed yellow tint problem.
@Peach64 Actually sales took off after the big price drop and Super Mario 3D Land and Mario Kart in 2011.
And we're back to 3DOmination.
Quite understandable really. I mean who want's changeable back/front plates anyway?!? It's purely aesthetic, hardly important for gameplay. Has no one ever heard of vynal decals for customisation?
I was edging towards the standard model this time round, i have both original 3ds and xl 3ds, i play the xl almost exclusively now, but i was edging towards the smaller new 3ds because of the increased screen size, but im not sure now, i will need to see both side by side i think
Can't go back to a smaller screen after using my XL for so long.
I play my 3DS on the go. Even the regular old 3DS barely fits in my pocket, so if I upgrade it will definitely be to that sexy new standard model. For me, it is still a screen size upgrade! Hopefully the bottom screen won't scratch my top screen like what happened with my original 3DS. I'm really excited to try out the improved 3D effect.
Considering how much more expensive gaming seems to be in Australia and how much flak their ratings board gets and their gamers suffer because of their ridiculous judgment, I think it's wonderful that Nintendo is launching the New 3DS earlier there.
@SpookyMeths Is already in third place of all MH titles released => http://www.vgchartz.com/gamedb/?name=monster+hunter&publisher=&platform=&genre=&minSales=0&results=200
If I get one of the new ones, I would pick the small one. I like those plates and I already have a normal XL.
@FritzFrapp
Definitely missing the point.
Look at how many systems sold in Japan each time.
It's now 'what Japan likes', it's how the rest of the world responds.
The Micro wasn't well received in most regions while the DS was a global smash.
Likewise, the 3DS has grabbed Japan's attention while other regions have stuck almost exclusively to other mobile devices.
Japan has cellphones, yes, but they know that your cellphone won't give you that MH / Yokai Watch / Pokemon experience.
Other regions don't seem to care as much about portable gaming anymore and maybe our transportation differences are the divide. When's the last time you took a 30-90 minute train to work?
Western gamers are also much more likely to spend 500-650$ on a cellphone and expect 1-5$ games.
Japanese gamers, for the most part, seem to have no issue spending for a deeper, more worthwhile experience.
Think of how many more they woulld have sold if the LL units had face plates.
@heathenmagic The original XL had this tint but it goes away after very little use. Either that or I never even notice it after the first day or 2.
I would never go back to smaller screen after having an XL... faceplates are not that big of a deal to me
@DAMO Do you know or can you confirm if the new models allow for a bigger memory card use as in bigger then 32gigs? I've always heard rumors that 64gigs works in the old modles but I would like that confirmed since Nintendo says 32 is max.
I currently own an XL, and love the size of the screen, even if it has minor pixelation, that never really bothered me. But I never liked the color options of the XL, and the curved edges made it too toy-like. So I welcome the smaller of the New 3DS's for the capability of changing up the look and for its slightly bigger screen, thats the one for me!
Feel there's a lt of hype around the plates. Theyre nice but not as nice as the special ed consoles u can get. Feel the integrated finish & designs (so far) r superior on those. Also Nintendo spent ages convincing us the xl screen was superior, so hard to de-construct that now. Don't get me wrong, interchangeable plates are great idea, but prefer xl look of 3ds games to that now. That's more 'essential to me
I'm fairly certain that an LL model was bundled with Monster Hunter 4G. If that is the case it would obviously play a huge factor in the sales discrepancy between the two systems. I wouldn't be so quick to assume the new LL will continue to dominate the sales over the regular new model.
It's all about that longer battery life and larger screen. The faceplates are only for decorative purposes.
I'm more interested in longer battery life, really, and I don't like the color options for the smaller model. However after viewing the regular XL 3DS at the store I don't really want the giant screen as I feel, given the limitation in resolution/graphic performance, the larger screen helps to emphasize the lower polygon models and texture quality. Games actually look worse on the larger screens IMO. So I'm not sure which version I really want. It would also be nice to know how easy it is to reach the secondary buttons on the XL model as I don't have the largest hands for a man.
@onlyaman i've got a original 3DS too so it'll be an, upgrade for me too! Plus I love those snes buttons! Kind of stupid cos it doesn't effect faceplate but it'll be cheaper which is a plus
Well, may they have fun with their oversized screen and 30 minute longer battery life. That sure as hell isn't worth 20-30€ more.
I definitely want to see how big the New Nintendo 3DS screen is in person before I commit to buying it. I could probably do with something slightly smaller than the XL, but I can't go back to the tiny screens of the original.
If you want to "customize" your 3DS just Google Nintendo 3DS skins. A lot cheaper then buying a new system.
Maybe the XL for me. The screen size is nice, but I like the bigger, more spread out control layout of the XL. I don't have very big hands but they can still cramp on a smaller machine. Plus the XL looks more luxurious in my opinion. But the screen size of the standard model is proper for resolution and I do miss having the rather pocket sized system.
So they chose bigger, but uglier screens over customization and portability? I would understand buying an XL as a main handheld if the resolution was AT LEAST 854x480, but as it is now....Ew.
EDIT: Oh wait, there was a limited edition New LL available. That's probably the reason why the New LL sold so much more.
I've got a normal XL already but I'll of course get the new XL too. The faceplates are fun for like 5 seconds, the larger screen stays with you for ever (or as long as the console lasts anyway)..
XL all the way. I wish the XL had the swappable faceplates. This was a miscalculation on Nintendo's part.
I'll be honest, the faceplates don't really do it for me, I mean they're cool, but Nintendo hasn't showed any that MADE me want them...
I'm leaning towards the XL... But we'll see.
Standard all the way. When choosing a portable console, portability is an important factor. XL is too big to fit in my pockets.
I think people are going to jump to conclusions based on a lack of information in this article. I'm pretty sure there was a limited MH4 edition of the New 3DS LL in Japan that came bundled with the game. If that is the case, I don't think people were choosing larger screens and better battery life, but rather a system bundled with a game.
I want the bigger screen but currently I feel like the slight increase in the screen of the New 3DS (standard) is just good. Also, I LOVE playing with customization. So the interchangeable faceplates are awesome. Those colored buttons are..beautiful. Yeah, I'm getting the standard model.
I own the regular and the XL, I like the regular one more, the way it feels and the pixel density is just right.
I will be replacing my launch blue XL with the new black XL. My blue XL is a trooper but it's time for a replacement. I prefer the size and increased battery life of the XL and I also don't care much for the interchangeable faceplates or the fully colored buttons. I prefer the colored letters on the buttons themselves.
Does the smaller mode have anti-glare? XL display of most games looks better on xl, no doubt about it
I want to go with the XL. I've never had an XL since I always dive in first thing and get the regular 3ds, and the upgrades never seemed important enough to get the new model. Until now.
I want a larger screen for Smash Bros, also for Xenoblade Chronicles.
I'll go with the standard size to fit my small hands more comfortably than the XL does and because the screens are at least slightly bigger than the OG. Plus, the money saved can probably afford me a couple sets of faceplates, not that those are the main factor in my decision, but they're a cool bonus feature.
I want a white N3DS XL with snes buttons and changeable faceplates.... I'll probably get the "compact" N3DS in white though... and maybe later get an XL version if it's really worth it...I need to feel them both in my hands, see the screens, press the buttons...I need to know the prices... Must not forget in this age of rapid cycling of new technology that just because there's a new model, doesn't mean the old one is instantly obsolete... Listen to inner guru, do not be tempted by shiny shiny bling bling... but oh, soooo want...
XL ll the way for me. I waited for a neat model of the XL before, I'll do it again with this one. Kisakae plates are a good idea, but not really game changer for me.
Standard model for me. I prefer a clear picture and response time compared to a larger model that suffers in those areas and harder to fit in my pocket.
I would like a burnt neon orange face plates for the black new 3ds
and a paint job on the new 3ds xl same color
or more tough face plates
like a camouflage one
The standard n3DS for me. I want the faceplates, the buttons and everything else. I plan on keeping my Pokemon XL anyways. I like being able to switch the plates when I want, it's too much trouble to do that with a skin.
The pair of pants I usually wear just barely won't fit the XL in, so standard this time for me.
I really want the faceplates and the colored buttons. Although it could be tough downgrading from my Zelda Gold XL to a standard New 3DS, but I might keep my Zelda Gold XL.
WHOAH what is that music from the vid? If anyone could link it that would be awesome as I love bitpop
Also idk if Im getting the new one but if i do its gotta be the normal one.
EDIT: Found it; from DJ cutman
I'm just going to get the XL when a limited edition model that appeals to me is released or if an appealing bundle gets released. Don't really care about the faceplate as much since it would be covered by a case to protect the system from scratches and other potential forces of damage. I feel kind of let down that my current XL actually has better sound than my launch day 3DS since for some reason the left speaker doesn't work properly and a surround type of sound is made. At least screen brightness is still slightly better on the 3DS than the XL. Probably gonna keep my old systems though; I have too many to give up just like that.
I think this is totally expected. Despite your last article promoting the "awesomeness" of the face plates, I personally couldn't care less about the face plates, I care about being able to see what's happening on the screen of the game I'm playing. The benefits of the comfier controls + bigger screen outweigh the disadvantages of the blurrier picture and slightly less portable system.
I honestly don't think face plates and SNES colored buttons matter. They don't have an impact on gameplay and those plates are expensive. I'll be getting the XL because, like lots of others I already have the original 3DS.
Sorry, but I'll get the regular this time. More portable, less visible pixels and exchangeable covers. I'm assuming that battery life will be the same though, since it's a simultaneous release.
I'm going XL even those faceplates are very tempting. I'm going to just be happier with a bigger screen. Sometimes I wish Nintendo would include a DVI wireless device so I could stream my gameplay to a big screen TV. If they had that I might get the smaller one with the faceplates. A dvi streaming device added to a 3ds would be awesome! Heck I would even buy it if it was separate. I absolutely love the 3d but it would be cool to sometimes be able to stream the 3ds to my tv
Good. Good. Good. Good.
They'll see the error in their ways. There shouldn't even be a standard model and a LL model, just the LL model and that should be the 'standard'. Bigger screens are always better. Even if it doesn't 'fit conveniently in your pocket'. If you put a nearly 200 dollar piece of hardware in your pocket like that, you're an idiot.
INB4 cell phones-- most intelligent people don't carry their expensive cellphones in their pockets, with their keys and change. I know I don't. It goes in a special carrier on my belt.
I still have my launch onyx 3ds. When the new one drops I am going with the XL version. Pokemon omega ruby and monster hunter 4 ultimate will be awesome on the larger screen!
The faceplates are nice and I do love to customize, but until Nintendo makes a 3ds player for the tv I have to look out for my peepers. Getting LL and XL!
I thought it was just me, @Nintendian. Yes, XL old 3DS are yellowish. Still, I'm getting a N3DS XL. Why? My Gold/Black Zelda XL got stolen. I have like 15 games to play yet and no console u_u
Tap here to load 83 comments
Leave A Comment
Hold on there, you need to login to post a comment...