Nintendo sure likes to iterate its portable hardware, and the 3DS 'family' has been no exception. There's been the 3DS, the 3DS XL, the 2DS, the New 3DS, the New 3DS XL and soon the New 2DS XL. Throw in various colours, limited editions and cool designs and it's been a typically dizzying generation.
For me, though, the best one has also been the least successful - the smaller New Nintendo 3DS. Its history is slightly odd, having failed to catch on and only having a limited release in the massive North American market. The New 3DS XL lives on while its cute sibling bites the dust, with two 2DS iterations filling out the range. The smaller model has been officially discontinued. Where did it all go wrong for the New Nintendo 3DS?
First, I want to say why I think it's the 'best' 3DS, and I say this having used or owned every model to date apart from the New 2DS XL; it's an entirely subjective opinion, of course. First is the general build and size. I'll freely admit it - I have rather small hands for an adult man. If I was running for political office it'd probably be a talking point, which is an embarrassing state of affairs. I wanted to be a good cricketer (google it if you don't know what cricket is) but it's a game best suited to those with buckets for mitts.
Anyway, the point is that I find it comfortable to use, and it's dinky enough to fit into a reasonably sized pocket. It feels like Nintendo had cast impressions of my hands and designed the size to suit me alone - it's perfect. Beyond that I love the build and materials. The original 3DS had those edges, which I think is poorly designed, but the New 3DS utilises a smooth plastic and rounded edges. The D-Pad on my system is excellent, and all of the buttons have a lovely click to them. Oh, and I have a white one with those colourful ABXY buttons, so it just looks fabulous.
I also think games look better on it, too. Let's remember that 3DS titles are low resolution, and I think the smaller screens and the stable 3D show them at their best. These games, so primitive in terms of raw graphical technology (by 2017 standards) still pop nicely on these screens. Sometimes when using an XL I feel that the sacrifice for that extra real estate is a scruffier image, as the resolution is stretched and the pixels cry out to be shrunk back to their normal size.
For me the New 3DS and XL variant will always be the best because of the feature set, too. Like the upcoming New 2DS XL there's the improved CPU (which supports a few exclusive games and most importantly makes Monster Hunter games run better), C-Stick, extra shoulder buttons and amiibo support. But I also love the 3D effect, and have been an advocate for it from day one. I still get a kick out of having the slider all the way up to this day, and it's a shame that the 3D era is ending; as you saw with my preview I'm currently playing Hey! Pikmin, and it's sadly a title that doesn't use the 3D at all. Frankly I'm just glad that the upcoming Metroid: Samus Returns does, as I feel the effect really adds to games. With Switch, of course, we're now in a strictly 2D world.
What I really love about the New Nintendo 3DS, and why I think some in North America were so frustrated by its limited run in the region, is that it's the most Nintendo system in years. Those coloured buttons, the design, the smooth edges, and of course the cover plates. They seem like such a missed opportunity - the range was varied, but stock (especially in Europe) was limited and low-key. I have quite a few cover plate sets and love them, and spent a long time coveting (and eventually finding and buying) the Xenoblade Chronicles plates. Some of the designs are fantastic, and they've been a way for 3DS owners to have a bit more pizazz, to show what games they love the most and to declare, in a blaze of plastic colour - 'I love the 3DS'.
So, what did go wrong? For one thing, it seems the broader market simply prefers XL models. As of 31st March 2017 the second most successful 3DS unit in sales (the family total is 66.12 million), after the original, is the first 3DS XL at 19.64 million. In terms of the New 3DS it's the XL that's dominant. Let's take North America out of the equation (because of the limited availability there) and compare New 3DS sales in PAL (marked as 'other' by Nintendo) and Japan.
New Nintendo 3DS Sales
Japan - 1.16 million
Other - 830,000
New Nintendo 3DS XL Sales
Japan - 4.3 million
Other - 2.55 million
Not only do the numbers not lie, but even at launch I knew more people that bought the XL than the cute smaller system. When I asked why they made that call, the response was typically that they simply preferred the bigger size - pretty simple. It was no doubt through market research and looking at DS trends that Nintendo of America made the decision to not really bother with the smaller system. It was noticeable, too, that the smaller model was quietly dropped long before its actual discontinuation, here in the UK at least. With the New 3DS models the XL has pretty much always been front and centre at retail.
The 2DS played its part in sucking away the market for the smaller model too, coming out over a year earlier; it became the system of choice for parents buying young gamers an affordable console, a market that could have potentially played well for the New 3DS - in a parallel universe. The 2DS, with its solid build and low price, has shifted over 7.42 million units globally, and Nintendo even felt moved to effectively relaunch it in Japan. We've also seen a number of major games ignore the 3D effect in recent years, as highlighted above, so the emergence of the New 2DS XL actually makes sense. Having figured out that the market likes the XL models more than the dinkier alternatives, Nintendo is placing the 2DS XL in the middle of the range between the inexpensive tablet and the 'premium' New 3DS XL.
Some will, quite rightly, say that the market decides, and the market decided it wasn't overly fussed about the smaller New Nintendo 3DS. I think that's a shame, though, and I don't think I'll ever fully understand why. It's colourful, a good portable size for gaming on the go, and has cool customisation options. It's my favourite portable system ever, frankly, just because it blends its top-notch design with a killer catalogue of games. I'm not the only one in the Nintendo Life team, I know, that feels this way, but of course some are firmly in the XL camp.
In any case, it's a shame in my view that the New 3DS didn't find the sales and success to cement itself as a key part of the 3DS generation; in fact it's the worst-selling entry in the family by a distance. Perhaps we can blame the lack of a day one launch in North America, or the limited stock in other territories. But in reality it just didn't connect with enough consumers. It was cheaper than the XL but less popular - we're in a world where size matters, unfortunately for this model and my diminutive hands.
Still, it'll stay in my collection as a treasured piece of Nintendo hardware. In fact it's my favourite bit of Nintendo technology - its look, its feel, its shape, I think it's fantastic. Nearly 2.5 million smaller New Nintendo 3DS systems have been sold; I like to think each one is as appreciated as my own.
Comments 116
You actually make a good case.
Here in the U.S. at least, bigger is pretty much always equated with better.
But white, with colorful buttons and that Luigi faceplate? (is that an official plate?) That's awesome enough to go smaller if I ever get one.
I actually agree with Whitehead. I have big hands, but the original 3DS I used then gave me cramps here and there. That's rarely possible for me with the Standard New 3DS. On top of having the most compact size for me to easily slide into my pocket for later use, the faceplates sold me on the product and right now, I'm using the Super Mario Maker faceplate.
If there are still some left out there, I'd buy another one in the case my Small New 3DS goes faulty.
I've always stuck with standard-sized systems. They fit into my pockets quite easily, are generally cheaper, and the only one that's ever given me any hand cramping whatsoever was the GBA SP. I've never really liked the XL units that I've tested - they just seem too big and heavy for my liking. It doesn't help that I can be a bit of a klutz.
Unfortunately, I'm stuck in the US, where the majority feels that bigger is always better. (Personally, I disagree. I don't like relying on toting a bag of my electronics everywhere) If not for region locking, I would have imported a N3DS long ago. I would have loved one of those black N3DS systems from this past holiday season, but those were snapped up in a heartbeat. Oh, they're still out there, but I may as well buy a XL at the prices people are asking for.
I don't like how the title calls it the "best" 3DS, because that implies that it's inherently superior. When in your article, you say that's merely your opinion... so a more accurate title would be "my favorite 3DS" or something along those lines.
Personally, I like the XL, because it rests comfortably in my hands. I'd rather have slightly grainier graphics than have to hold the screen inches from my face, too.
That being said, I think the faceplates are amazing, and I love how portable the smaller New 3DS is.
Of course it did not find sales, you can not sell anything if you do not manufacture it and it is out of stock everywhere.
I am tired of an idiotic sales politics of Nintendo in last 5-7 years,in a decade it will back to selling playing cards again.
I got the white New 3DS and loved it, until it started getting scratches on the upper screen somehow from being closed. Now I stick with my Hyrule Gold New 3DS XL.
But, I do have a black New 3DS I grabbed during the $99 Holiday Sale, freshly modded and placed back in its' box... for future use, whenever my white one gives way
I remember watching the reveal of both systems and I never got the XL models of 3DS's. I either just had the handheld prior to XL or just didn't wanna bother with it because it just didn't appeal to me. When I saw the reveal for both I automatically was more drawn to the smaller one because of visual appeal and cover plates and buttons. I wanted that and it crushed me when I heard it wasn't coming to North America. I know if they made this available I wouldnt hesitate to buy it(I didn't wanna buy animal crossing home designer one for whatever reason and wasn't fast enough to buy the Pokémon anniversary one). I'm not upset tho, considering the best designed in the 3DS family is coming out in two weeks. Got my pre order in, and just ordered some glass proctectors and a micro SD for it.
Just to add to the praise- It's my go-to model to play DS games on. the image isn't as stretched out or pixilated as it was on my 3DS XL.
Mine are two XL sizes of 3DS.
I prefer bigger screen because my eyes will be hurt to see very small 3 inch of Dual Screen like on NDS Lite. Also, my fingers are quite long so XL size is really comfortable.
I'm interested with faceplates, but I concern about being not protected by Clear Case, unless if bought from Ebay for Cover of New 3DS.
Objectively scientifically wrong
I think the new 3ds is ok but my lack of close up eyesight makes it much harder on tiny screens.
I too am in the minority in preferring the smaller version - just seems more portable.
Not yet my favorite ever, that's the game boy micro (another overlooked version)
I've never had trouble fitting the XL in my hands or pockets. I'm 6'5" (1.96 m) tall and my hands tend to cramp up when holding the smaller model. That said, I can see why an average size person might prefer the smaller 3DS, and my heart goes out to those who wanted one but never were able to find one.
The lack of a day one launch in North American was its demise here in my opinion. I definitely would have gotten the smaller one over the XL if it was released along side like the rest of the world, but I was ready to upgrade and the XL was my only option. Don't get me wrong though; I do like the XL; but I agree with this writer that because of the low resolution, 3DS games just look better on a smaller screen.
I don't care much for hardware, it's about the games and 3Ds has some great games, just like any other hardware really. It could be a smelly turd but if the games are good then I'm in, also couldn't care how much hardware is sold, Wii u and Vita hasn't sold much but they have great games, but like all hardware they have some crap, just like switch with many bad indie games announced for it, all hardware is singing the same tune really
I tried out the New 3DS in stores, but I just couldn't come to grips with it. It was just too small, both the build of the console and the screens.
The more noticable shortcomings of the resolution on the larger screens really doesn't bother me at all, never has.
For me, it really was a no-brainer to go with the New XL. I bought it on day one, and even replaced it once the lovely Hyrule Edition was released over here in Europe. I even got HORI's Monster Hunter X-grip which makes it bulky as you wouldn't believe, but it feels REALLY comfortable to hold, and my hands aren't enormous by a long stretch.
The New 3DS XL really is, by far, my favourite console of all time, and I've been playing games for over 30 years now!
I can totally respect the fact that the games look better on the smaller screen but I just love my red N3DS XL. Also, I am 100% behind the opinions listed here on the 3D effect. Loved it since day 1, it's always cranked to max, I'm sad that most 3DS games don't support it anymore, and SOOO excited that Metroid Samus Returns will. Long live 3DS. Best devoted Nintendo handheld ever.
I agree with this article pretty wholeheartedly. It helps I also have small hands (no politics for me lol). I have a New 3DS and XL, and I prefer the smaller unit. Its build quality seems better overall, it looks MUCH better and has more personality... But the biggest kicker for me is the pixel density. 3DS games look gross stretched out on the big screen. Games look MUCH cleaner and more natural on a smaller screen. Y'know, a screen close in size to what the system was originally designed for.
Like, it's a big difference IMO. Compare Pokemon or any of the Zeldas across the two models... The visuals are just better and sharper on the smaller screen, straight up.
To be honest i think both sizes are great but you can only find the XL where i live, the few people selling the normal size usually asks more than a brand new N3DSXL.
I wish i had one though, the XL barely fits my pockets and the normal size would be great to take outside while i play the XL at home.
The cover plates idea was nice i guess but i'm not into them, i would probably just stick with one or maybe two.
1000% agree with you, too. The standard New 3DS for me is the best size, the best feel, and the best overall handheld video game system ever. I was crushed when they weren't releasing it in NA, and then beyond thrilled when I got one for Black Friday (shortly after midnight online). Imported some Zelda cover plates for it, and, yeah, it can't be beat.
@invictus4000 Most 3DS games still support 3D, especially first-party ones. The only ones in recent memory that don't are Pokémon Sun and Moon, Mario and Luigi: Superstar Saga and Hey, Pikmin (the latter was to create parity between the two screens, since gameplay spans them both). Fire Emblem Echoes, Miitopia, Metroid: Samus Returns and Ever Oasis all look great in 3D.
Too bad it sold so few. I like it better than the XL model, and have quite a few covers (Animal Crossing, Xenoblade) and have the Ambassador Model sold in Europe. An era ends.
Hold tight to this one, it will be difficult to find
(Just to show off, Ambassador Edition).
https://baka-gamer.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/DSCF1073.jpg
@JaxonH You got scratches on your upper screen? That sounds like what happened with the original model 3DS.
If I could actually find it in my city, I would've bought one. Had to settle with the N3DS XL model with worse 3D than the original. Ah well.
@ericflapjack
Ya. Exact same problem from my understanding
@JaxonH Hint: use screen protectors.
bigger is better. don't feel it for the smaller one...
@JaxonH
It must be the luck of the draw. My white N3DS has no marks/scratches at all. For which I am very grateful because I adore it.
@subpopz
Not necessarily. All you could buy in the States for a long time was the XL version. When the N3DS showed up it was extremely limited.
I loved my small 3ds...but then I held a 3dsxl and my hands thanked me for getting it. Even a single joycon is more comfortable to hold then a 3ds. I even got one of those gel grips for it and it's like holding a pro controller with a screen in the middle.
The ds/3ds family is by far the best gaming consoles and gaming library you can get on the go. Until switch gets a couple years under its belt.
I 100% agree with this article.
I still have my launch model 3DS, and while it's 'cool' to talk poo about '3D' - I use 3D on it all the time.
The New3DS looks great, buy I've always had my eye on a New3DSXL purely because of those large screens. I've played it and they're sharp, clear and bright - sure it has a low PPI but that doesn't matter as the size simply makes the games more engrossing and fun to play.
Since I "downgraded" to the Standard New 3DS I find myself carrying it around everywhere, like my old DS Lite or GBASP.
@KeitaroBaka I too have the ambassador edition New 3DS and I am very glad that it was the standard size and not XL. My brother had the original 3DS XL and the games looked liked absolute garbage side by side with my standard sized one.
Tbh I don't play my 3DS anymore because the Switch blows it out of the water in terms of tech. Hopefully the games follow suit.
It was the best design. The larger model should have let you switch the Faceplates too.
@thesilverbrick A lot of high profile Japanese titles have scrapped the 3D feature as well. Dragon Quest XI, Dragon Quest Monsters: Joker 3, Layton's Mystery Journey, Radiant Historia: Perfect Chronology and Pokémon UltraSun/UltraMoon don't support the feature.
It's a shame, because I'm right there with you, 3D is awesome and made even better on the New line.
@Kiz3000 that's because on XL you see the true graphics and how horrible it is 240p. You are fooling yourself though.. it's still 240p
@KTT
I do... for Switch. But I refuse to use screen protector for 3DS. It's pressure sensitive. And the whole clamshell design is supposed to curtail the need for a screen protector. Protects from everything ... except from itself.
Nice article Tom, you have good taste. I too will miss the 3D era somewhat...
Both sizes are good for me but the smaller one is my personal preference. I have too many DS and GBA games that look much better unstretched as opposed to the XL screen.
I chose the smaller model over the XL as I've read the games look better on the smaller screen. I have a good selection of cover plates which is also why I preferred the smaller model.
I thought the cover plates would have been a strong selling point, resulting in the most sales. I get the impression that people love to customise by switching between different looks / designs. Especially when it comes to cool tech. But even with smart phones it seems people want bigger screens.
@JaxonH That's why I ALWAYS put a screen protector on every piece of technology I own the minure I take it out of the box.
The best portable Nintendo has ever made and my favorite console of all time.The best looking one too IMO. It actually fits in your pocket, can be customized with faceplates, produces an adequately sized image without compromising image quality and has colored buttons.
I have three black ones (all of which I had to buy from scalpers at 20% above cost) and two white ones. I also collected a bunch of cover plates including several dupes of my favorites (here's looking at you Hanafuda). Only one Teresa (aka Boo) set though - which will remain sealed and probably sold later. The clear cover plates were great because they allowed you to print out custom designs and insert them to your heart's content (See here: http://kireek.kinja.com/i-love-clear-cover-plates-1773859533 ).
The resale value on these things is going to be fantastic if that's your thing. I'll never sell the hardware though - I love it even more than the SNES.
@subpopz
We all know that NoA never misjudges the demand for any of their products.
@JaxonH I started getting scratches on my N3DS screen, too. When I sent it in to get the button fixed I knew in my mind that they were just going to send a replacement, and they did. Now I'm either going to track down a screen protector pack that covers both screens or cut up the foam insert that was included and place them on the ridges of the touch screen so they don't rub against the top screen when it's closed...I'm actually leaning towards the DIY option.
@k8sMum Well, when the regular 3DSXL came out, sales of the OG 3DS came to a near standstill. I don't blame them for that reasoning.
I really enjoy the smaller 3DS (got the animal crossing bundle). I wish face plates were cheaper to find.
My hands cramp with flat handhelds in general, but I buy 3rd party grips to make them much more comfortable.
And like others, if my eye sight gets worse, I will need to go back to the XL model,
@k8sMum But it's not purely a question of demand for the smaller model alone; it's a question of how often people refuse to buy an XL when the smaller model is unavailable. If they readily buy the XL, which is undoubtedly more profitable, then Nintendo, rather than losing sales and hence losing money, makes more money instead, giving them no reason to keep offering the less profitable option.
Sorry the tiny screen of the normal sized 3DS is a major turn off for me. I can't stand playing on such tiny screens. Smash bros, Shovel knight pretty much anything. I was always like how the helk can people play on such tiny screens anymore lol. I like my real estate and the small decrease in picture quality is minor. I'd prefer less hand cramps and more real estate any day.
XL or nothing! If they didn't make the XL, I would of never have owned a 3DS.
In my opinion, the XL should of been the only option.
I love my New 3DS, i just wish i could get my hands on the Glow in the Dark Boo Faceplate. Just wish my C-nub wasn't acting up, really hard to aim down and to the left for some reason, when it first came out, everyone said it would get better with time, mine sadly didn't, and now its impossible to find a new 3ds in stores. So much for playing MH4 and other 3d games that uses the c-nub for the camera (looking at you One Piece). Still, it's an excellent looking pocketable rpg machine for me atm, and while im trying to replace it with my Switch, i can always enjoy my old DS games on it aswell.
Also i got the white one, obviously for the SNES coloured buttons fit better on the white.
I absolutely love my smaller New 3DS with the Pokemon Red/Blue faceplates. It's probably my favorite handheld that I've ever owned.
Well it had one thing in its favour. It was an actual PORTABLE. You could fit it in your pocket, unlike the remaining 2DS/3DS models left on the market and the same goes for the Switch.
I reckon the price difference wasn't great enough to set up the standard New 3ds in its own place, it was only an extra $40-60 to get the XL..... why wouldn't you spend the xtra money to get the bigger size? But reading this makes me want one in my collection just so I know what it's like personally.... I will keep my peepers open for one before they all disappear.
@SLIGEACH_EIRE I got the new 2DS xl recently and fits really well into the pocket it's made me take my 3ds games out the house much more than they have in the past. I don't have the new 3ds xl to compare though only old 3ds xl.
This is an easy answer what went wrong?
It's simple bigger-is-better. people prefer bigger cell phones to smaller ones and bigger cars to smaller ones and apparently bigger 3ds to smaller ones.
The small 3DS is just too small.
@Arngrim you should get your C stick repaired? Take it to a cell phone repair place they will fix it for you.
@freaksloan this is what I think is well I stayed off of the 3DS for all this time and I am finally going to purchase the new 2DS when it comes out here in the states. It's finally at a good price point and big big screens.
I agree and am very thankful I was able to pick up the Black smaller new3DS for $99 after Black Friday, because it was really the only model I liked more than my original teal launch model, as I had no desire for it to be any larger, for that I have a Switch
I definitely like this look
I personally think the new smaller 3ds is the best 3ds. I love the faceplates and especially with the white model, those covers just pop! I love the Super Famicon style buttons as well as how games look better on the system. RIP smaller new 3ds
I have small hands and have never had a problem with the New XL. Ever. The only controller i had issues with was The Duke. I would never get the smaller model even if it was continued.
Everything in this article could not possibly be more correct.
From an owner of a standard New 3DS who had to campaign for over a YEAR to be able to buy it in the US, then wait another year to get the black variation he wanted from the start... Nintendo of America's leaders are complete morons for neglecting this beautiful little machine.
When you refuse to release something until a year after it debuted in other regions, and release it only via 3 or 4 spread-out "special" bundle releases, which you then do practically nothing to advertise or keep available in stores, all-in-all essentially cutting away any chance of success it may have had from the start... then any bad sales numbers are 100% your own stupid fault and simply a self-fulfilling prophecy.
@ThomasBW84 One day they'll make Switch with that New 3DS flavour you have so eloquently written about, and our gaming lives will be complete.
@Danrenfroe2016 Wasn't even aware non-Nintendo places would be able to replace the c-nub. Might have to check it that out, gonna ask some local phone stores, and see if they can do something like that.
Wow what a long eulogy for the New 3DS. Nintendo should now rename it The Dead 3DS. RIP.
My hands always cramped up badly with the OG 3DS, but never with the standard N3DS. But I stuck with the XL because I have poor eyesight and my eyes can relax while staring at the screen. I completely agree that games look better on the smaller screen, I have a 2DS as well as a New XL, but I can't easily marathon games on the 2DS unlike the XL because of my horrible eyesight.
It's my favourite version of the 3DS for sure.
I love my new 3DS. Picked it up for black friday and the blastoise faceplates were the highlight of my Christmas. Now instead of having to buy a special edition system I can find Splatoon faceplates on eBay for six dollars if I want to switch things up.
It's a shame Nintendo didn't see the value of their system. Or maybe that's it exactly, it was too much of a value, and Nintendo would rather I buy a new special edition consoles.
XL models all the way. The smaller 'uns are way too tiny in form factor and screen size. Despite the claims of pixelation on the larger models (which I stopped noticing after a week or two), I feel the bigger model actually does look better, especially with more detailed games. My original 3DS looks horribly claustrophobic in comparison.
I like my N3DS to a degree (was one of the lucky individuals who scooped up the Black Friday one), except my D-pad is really finicky with diagonals (although maybe that will wear down with time and start to feel better) and a tad mushy. My biggest problem is that the screen my unit has suffers from EXTREME ghosting/motion blur.
Easily the best model IMHO. THE XL models really show up how dated some of the games look.
It's splitting hairs though. Even the New 3DS screens look awful compared to the Vita, phones, tablets etc. I downgraded to a 2DS so the kids can have it when they're old enough. Since getting the Switch I haven't turned it on, it's like a retro console in comparison.
@JaxonH Starting from DSi, none of DS/3DS support pressure sensibility. What you meant is resistive screen.
The only systems that actually detected amount of pressure were NDS and DS Lite (it was badly implemented, hence I don't think there was any game that actually supported it... except homebrew).
3DS only needs a single input - no matter how strong or light you touch the screen. Hence, the screen protector has no infulence whatsoever. And actually, drawing on my NDS works just fine with the screen protector as well. If you use the touchscreen a lot, the touchscreen will be thankful for the protection.
If you don't want to cover your screens, use those tiny sponge things. Or if you want it to be less pernament - a sheet of paper between the screens will work as well.
Never got the fascination with it or any other console going in a pocket either. All the way back to my OG Gameboy, if I'm taking a portable console with me it goes in a case in a bag so it's properly looked after. My pockets are for keys, money etc.
@subpopz
1) Sales don't always mean 'better'
2) Nintendo are hopeless at predicting demand for their products
3) Unless they were available equally you can't make a fair comparison.
These are really, really obvious things.
@ThomasBW84 Any ideas where I can still pick one of these up in the UK? All I can find is a AC bundle that looks out of stock anyways? Help!
I love it, I just wish the crap hinge on mine wouldn't drive me crazy.
I absolutely love my New Nintendo 3DS for all of the reasons in this article. After owning the DSi XL I knew I wouldn't want to have an XL model again. The screen always seemed to distort the game for me slightly and ruined the emersion. It's a shame that as the 3DS slowly bites the bullet, my favourite model goes before the rest of the family.
Easily the best - and for my money - the best variation DS console to date...ok, tied with the DSi. I don't understand the popularity of the XL models, those also who favour phablet type phones.
My fave 3DS too. I love my Zelda cover plates and the famicom styling - a classic!
I'm looking to buy a New 3DS. I have small hands and arthritis and my original 3DS is sadly getting too uncomfortable for me too hold and I think the smooth rounded edges of the New version will be much better for me. The XL versions are too big and heavy!
After all the hype around the N2DSXL, it got me thinking that it was this member of the '3DS family' that really held the most relevance in a post-Switch market.
If you consider what advantages the 3DS has over the much more modern powerful and Switch, two of the main ones are portability, and the flagship 3D effect (which I still think is absolutely fantastic).
The N3DS seems the perfect distillation of everything that made the 3DS a perfect Nintendo handheld. Light, compact, colourful, durable (especially thanks to replaceable faceplates), a reliable 3D effect, decent battery life, and a great library of games.
The N2DSXL throws quite a few of those in the bin; no 3D ability, less compact, heavier, and a screen that only exacerbates the system's already paltry pixel count (by modern standards). Losing the 3D also halves the total number of pixels put out by the device, although as each eye sees a separate, equally pixel-dense image with the 3D effect on, image it's hard to know whether this truly counts as a drop in 'resolution'. To me, it's always felt like you're looking at less... 'stuff' with the 3D effect off, though I've never worked out how much of that was due to the trickery of the effect, and how much was due to simply receiving half as much visual information.
Either way, it seemed that the N3DS could justify its existence as a smaller, cheaper, and 3Der console with a great library of games in the post-Switch landscape, while the N2DSXL lost quite a bit of what made the system stand out from even its successors.
But the numbers don't lie, and therefore I am wrong. Rather than accept that with good grace, however, I'm going to sulk away and grumble that it's the everybody else who is wrong and has made poor purchasing decisions. You will like on in our hearts, New 3DS!
@KTT
I'm not worried about it. I'm really not. I've moved on from 3DS for one, for two I use my XL in the rare instances I do play 3DS nowadays which has never had an issue in all the years I've used it, and for three, there's no point covering the faceplates 3DS now- the damage is already done.
@NicolausCamp Yikes, I didn't realize so many games had been ditching the 3D. To be fair, those are mostly third-party titles, though. At least Nintendo itself is still fairly committed to the 3D effect, with limited exception.
Simply the best looking handheld ever, in my opinion. Seriously, it's so freaking gorgeous.
@Maxz There's a third advantage and that's battery life. A Switch full charge lasts for about 2 hours when playing a typical Switch game meanwhile it lasts longer for 3DS.
love my n3DS. still play it every day (mostly just pokémon) but the size is perfect and i love the snes buttons and cover plates
Agreed. I like the smaller model better.
I would have gotten an XL if the 3DS resolution was native to that, but nope.
Besides the faceplates are really cool, just too bad the ones are great are so expensive :/
I’m possibly on my own here but I still prefer the original 3DS. I found every model since to be top-heavy and not really sit well in my hands. The New 3DS gave me constant cramps trying to hold it comfortably and I too have small hands.
The original 3DS sits somewhere between the PSVita and the Gameboy Color in terms of comfort. (I could hold the GBC for hours)
I'm 6'2 and play basketball, if that didnt make it clear-I have large hands.
As much as I love the look of the white 3ds w/colourful buttons and faceplates...
It's simply to small for me, the XL is easier to use and fits in my pockets
I had to get a wide grip accessory for my N3DSXL, so I can't even imagine trying to hold onto a smaller version. The rainbow colors don't really do anything for me either. Even with added grips to joycons, the Switch still isn't comfy for me past the 10 minute mark. I think I'm just over handhelds in general, give me a controller dang it!
I was pretty bummed by not having the option of the New 3ds in North America, and it was with a fair amount of resentment mixed with my excitement that I purchased a New 3ds XL. For quite a while I coveted Europe and Japan's smaller, white unit. Then on black friday last year the US finally got it's chance--but I travelled to three different stores and still couldn't get one because they sold so quickly. Luckily a few weeks later I found an Animal Crossing Happy Home Designer bundle with the white New 3ds at Nintendo World New York. I imported a cool set of coverplates from Japan, did a transfer and sold my New 3ds XL. It's really too bad that I missed so much time playing games on it. It is one of my favorite pieces of Nintendo hardware as well.
I agree so much I finally bought one. Gamestop just dropped the used price to $140 and a store in my area had a white one that I am sure was never used. It still had the screen films on it. I love it as the smaller units are just better for the road. Already got The Yoshi euro plates and Splatoon ones for less than $10 Going for the mario wood ones next and really want the Zelda SkullKid ones but not ready to spend $50 to get them.
I am surprised. Screen on New 3DS is bigger than on the original one, it's size is far more suitable for carrying it in a pocket, it has SNES-like buttons and removable covers. Oh, and you can hold it comfortably in one hand (Kid Icarus, Hotel Dusk...). For me it's the ultimate model.
@Grumblevolcano Aah yes, I meant to put that in there somewhere. To be honest, I meant to include it but not draw too much attention to it, as I believe the N3DS and N2DSXL both have decent enough battery life compared to the Switch (in fact, the N2DSXL might be the best of the bunch in this regard). My main goal was to emphasise why the N3DS should maintain a greater relevance in a post-Switch age than the N2DSXL model, so I using the battery life too centrally in the argument wouldn't have served my point. Anyway, I've cheekily edited it into the original post now. Thanks for pointing it out. ; )
@QuickSilver88
I would not pay that price for a used new 3ds, it was $99 at Black Friday here in the states and besides the Walmart exclusive Mario bundle that was $150 new that price is ridiculous!
The XL model was too small for my hands, so the small model even more. TBH, I didn't understand why there even was a small model. But I guess some people do like it better.
The cover plates were nice though, wish they had those on the XL models as well.
I got the Ambassador Edition New3DS from Nintendo of Europe. I actually think it's plastic feels somewhat cheaper on the edges compared to the original 3DS I upgraded from back then. Also, the screen contrast is by far less colorful than the original 3DS.
I still think it's a neat console that fits in my pocket and my hands, but I don't think it's the best hardware ever made by Nintendo or even the best 3DS.
@GameOtaku
Yeah if it wasn't pristine I wouldn't have done it. I got a usb charget though and a usb cable for 3ds and ds which is ahandy extra as N3DS did not come with charger. Plus they had some trade 6 get 60% poo so I got $70 for old wiiu/vita games. So that all helped. I do wish they had tried it in the USA as it has some appeal but sales in jap/eu show its wasnt that well accepted.
@slaz
Even though I happily bought one recently I agree with your points. On the upside the 3D is so much better than o3ds..especially the old xl. I agree on your point on the screen in 2D but in 3D the old models lost some luminosity while the n3Ds almost appears brighter. I also hate the no wifi switch and the sd card placement is a pain as well.
@JubilifeRival
Objection?
It's just too bad the ghosting is still a nightmare and it's patently unable to display the colour white.
Thank you for this article. I went from a DSi XL to a 3DS XL, but when I finally decided to upgrade to a New 3DS (after owning Xenoblade 3D for about a year but not being able to play it), I eventually settled on the smaller version. I didn't take long for my hands to get used to the smaller size and for my eyes to get used to the smaller screen. But what I really like is that it actually fits in a pocket (and doesn't take up half of my work bag), which makes it much less of a burden on my daily commute. I don't care if people think my 7-year old technology is hopelessly outdated (which I still think is a really stupid argument... anyone who gets hung up on technology and says things like that that shouldn't be allowed to play retro games or watch classic movies or post comments on video game websites because they're totally missing the point of why we play video games in the first place), I still enjoy the crap out of the games, I still get excited for new releases even though I haven't finished most of the older releases I've purchased, I still love the stereoscopic 3D screen and feel disappointed when a game doesn't use the effect, and I have a hard time imagining anything will replace my New 3DS on the train in the foreseeable future.
@Tyranexx I agree. Just like how I don't want a phablet, I prefer the smaller model too. Not bad for $100 with a few games when i bought it a few years ago on ebay. People are now selling the original 3ds model for $50 on ebay. Why pay $200 at this point? I think there is an amiibo add-on If you are into that, and new 3ds I think was mainly super nes (just get the classic if you don't want to emulate) and Xenoblade Chronicles.
Then there is the switch if you want most recent. I feel the late 3ds versions are similar to the game boy micro at this point, but at least they don't take away backwards compatibility with the original ds (as micro did with gb), though it would have been nice to upload warioware DIY games/comics/songs today.
@JubilifeRival Note the asterix. It's a lighthearted headline, because video games are fun and not everything has to be taken dreadfully seriously.
@QuickSilver88 Sounds like you nabbed a good one
I don't think it's subjective, the smaller N3DS is the best.
It's clearly better built. I have an XL and to be honest it feels comparatively wobbly and cheap. This is my second XL as I sold a launch model and bought a Majora's Mask edition. They've both been exactly the same. Not awful, but doesn't compare well.
My kids have the smaller model and they are more solid and generally nicer quality. The cover plates and coloured buttons are excellent and the screen appears sharper.
I'll stick with the XL though just because it's bigger, but side-by-side it's not the better model.
It's partly Nintendo's own fault, not making it possible to have my account and games on two devices. I bought the New 3DS as well as the NEW 3DS XL against my own better judgment, hoping they eventually would make this possible in the near future.
I figured to use the XL then at home an the smallet device on the go. I particularly liked the smalller device for its sturdiness and pixel density. I ended up selling the small New 3DS, because I never ot to use it really,, only once or twice after a 300 games data transfer! The functionality I longed for was never realised by.Nintendo, which is a great disappointment IMHO.
I got the Ambassador Edition New 3DS to replace my original 3DS (it was good timing, as my old 3DS's battery was almost dead) and I think it's great, but does have a few downsides.
Firstly, the faceplates... they're a great concept, but they just seemed too expensive, and most of the better designs were released as console bundle exclusives, so I ended up sticking with the ambassador edition ones. I think a better idea would have been to release a set of clear faceplates that you could insert printed images behind, so that they could more easily release special designs as inserts within game cases, or just allow you to make your own designs.
Then there's the price... the higher specs made the New 3DS XL enter the market as the premium option... with the 2DS established as the budget option, the New 3DS had to compete with the 3DS XL as the standard option, but it's price tag was just too high... and now we have the New 2DS that fills that role perfectly.
@QuickSilver88 The lack of an accessible SD card never bothered me somehow. I used to take some 3D pictures and videos and show them to my family on an LG 3DTV, but last few years I've only been using my iPhone for that and prefer it's crisper images over 3D. The few times I did needed access to it, I just used the WiFi access thing they put on, works really well!
And I agree that the 3D mode may look better on the New3DS. I still have it on (with the slider half-way) at all times even though many newer games don't support it.
All in all I don't regret the upgrade to the New3DS, but I still wish they used a LCD screen like on the original 3DS. But apparently a TN panel was needed to utilize the Super Stable 3D.
Yeah, everything about the 3DS is Super Stable.
I'm looking to sell my New Nintendo 3DS (regular, black). Will the discontinuation increase the value of it? I got someone who wants to buy it for €150 + Pokemon Omega Ruby. Should I ask for more?
I have both a New Nintendo 3DS XL and then when the Pokémon 20th Anniversary Edition New Nintendo 3DS came out, I bought it too. I love the size, especially for lying in bed and playing some Pokémon on it. It's just great and doesn't make my hands tired while the larger XL model definitely has a bit too much heft to it for late-night gaming. And of course those face plates. I love them. Just wish Nintendo had released an official Yellow Version Pikachu cover plate to go along with the Charizard and Blastoise plates that came with the Anniversary Edition. Also think that the system would have sold better had Nintendo of America bothered to support the system here. I know so many people who would have preferred the smaller N3DS but settled on the XL because at the time, there was no indication the smaller system would come here (and in the end, it only came in limited editions that were near-impossible to find). I'll definitely be keeping mine and hopefully will be able to find a few more cover plates to help vary it up!
It's my favourite 3DS also. I have a black one and a white one, so I guess I'm lucky to have snagged 2 of these rare models in NA.
@Slaz Regarding the screens. Some N3DSs have TN, some have IPS, and many have one of each. The IPS looks better and clearly has a wider viewing angle but to be honest, I don't think it matters so much for a handheld device - especially one that only one person can view anyway, due to the 3D effect.
@ThomasBW84 Huh? I don't think I implied that video games weren't fun and always have to be taken seriously.
But this isn't one of the "funny" or "joke" articles that NL puts out every once in a while. A title sets the tone for the entire article- a serious opionated piece, btw- and is meant to give a quick snippet of what is discussed within.
So if the entire article is a serious opinion piece, why shouldn't the title also be regarded as nonjoking?
It's the author's job to convey humor accurately... if someone takes a joke seriously, it probably means you didn't execute it correctly, set the appropriate tone, or provide enough context.
For example, if the article was littered with lighthearted comments, or if you were known as that one NL writer who jokes about opinions being fact, then the "humor" in the title would be noted.
The asterisk doesn't fix the faulty language of describing a console as the "best," for the reasons listed in my first comment.
Don't get me wrong, you wrote a fantastic article. But I stand by what I said.
I pre-ordered the white, standard size New 3DS the moment it finally was announced for North America. The only option was as a part of the Animal Crossing bundle - which both made the purchase way more expensive and was something I had no interest in - but it was worth it anyway. I've loved the system. I don't have small hands, but it's still always felt comfortable to me.
My only complaint with it (and it's just a small one) is that the various cover plates I've used don't quite seem to ever be completely flush with the system - don't conform quite as perfectly as the built-in covers on other 3DS models. And so pretty frequently I'll feel the back cover sort of press in when I grip the system a bit more while playing. I had both an original 3DS and an original XL prior to this system, and never felt any such thing. Anyway, it's annoying, but nothing huge. Other than that it's the perfect handheld system for me.
@JubilifeRival
Christ
@Arngrim yes I ran into a really cool guy that runs one of those little iPhone repair stores and he does all sorts of stuff that's not even on his list. He will repair circuits and do all sorts of other stuff as long as the part is available he'll do it, I am sure you'll be able to find somebody with some skills like that near you. Even worked on my Dreamcast.
I love my New 3DS, I have 7 faceplates and it's awesome you can basically transform your system into a new look without having to buy an entire new system like with the XL. We have the New 3DS in white and the XL in the galaxy, even though the New 3DS is less comfortable for me due to big hands I prefer it because of all the customization options
@StephenYap3
Go to nintendos site they have a bunch, Amazon sells em as well and I picked up a yoshi plate for $10 on eBay as well as a mario mustache plate
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