Nintendo 3DS XLFrom real comments

Verdict distilled from 56 mentions across 14 aspects in comments under product review videos.

Positive sentiment61%
PROS 61%
CONS 39%

Rank based on 56 mentions across 14 aspects

View the verdict as

Buy this if...

  • You want a comfortable, larger-screen handheld with a huge classic game library
  • You're new to 3DS and want the best all-around size and control layout
  • You value durability and long-term reliability in a used or new purchase

What users love

Skip this if...

  • You already own a 3DS XL and were hoping for a big leap with the New 3DS XL
  • You prefer a pocket-sized handheld with customizable faceplates
  • You need a charger included or full parity with New-3DS-exclusive games

What users complain about

Compare in seconds

Based on user comments

Best choiceBest value
1Budget
Nintendo 2DS
Affordable priceExtremely durable buildComfortable ergonomicsNo 3D functionalityNon-foldable slab designSingle speaker only
Nintendo 2DS
Affordable price
Extremely durable build
Comfortable ergonomics
No 3D functionality
Non-foldable slab design
Single speaker only
2Mid
Nintendo 3DS
StreetPass and social featuresCustomization and personalityHuge legacy game libraryScarcity and rising pricesBattery aging and data riskConfusing naming and missing features
Nintendo 3DS
StreetPass and social features
Customization and personality
Huge legacy game library
Scarcity and rising prices
Battery aging and data risk
Confusing naming and missing features
3Mid
Sony PSP
Huge, beloved game libraryConsole-quality graphicsStrong homebrew and emulation scenePSP Go ergonomics and dock scarcityDead pixel issuesLater slim models had inferior build/finish
Sony PSP
Huge, beloved game library
Console-quality graphics
Strong homebrew and emulation scene
PSP Go ergonomics and dock scarcity
Dead pixel issues
Later slim models had inferior build/finish
4Budget
Nintendo Game Boy Color
Strong nostalgia and emotional attachmentClever hardware engineeringColorization of original Game Boy gamesMuted, dim screenInconsistent early third-party graphicsShort console lifespan
Nintendo Game Boy Color
Strong nostalgia and emotional attachment
Clever hardware engineering
Colorization of original Game Boy games
Muted, dim screen
Inconsistent early third-party graphics
Short console lifespan
5Mid
Nintendo Game Boy Advance SP
Deep nostalgia factorStrong game library tie-inDesirable special editionsFragile under rough useHard to find and pricey nowAccessory and game scarcity for rare shells
Nintendo Game Boy Advance SP
Deep nostalgia factor
Strong game library tie-in
Desirable special editions
Fragile under rough use
Hard to find and pricey now
Accessory and game scarcity for rare shells
6
Nintendo Game Boy Advance
Exceptional game libraryStrong nostalgic valueImpressive pseudo-3D and graphics capabilityPoor screen visibilityDifficult sound chipPerceived shortage of good games at launch
Nintendo Game Boy Advance
Exceptional game library
Strong nostalgic value
Impressive pseudo-3D and graphics capability
Poor screen visibility
Difficult sound chip
Perceived shortage of good games at launch
7Budget
Nintendo DSi
Flipnote Studio creative legacyEasy to mod/hackBeloved DSiWare libraryNo GBA slotGBA emulation still buggyDSiWare transfer data loss
Nintendo DSi
Flipnote Studio creative legacy
Easy to mod/hack
Beloved DSiWare library
No GBA slot
GBA emulation still buggy
DSiWare transfer data loss
8Budget
Nintendo Game Boy Pocket
Sharper, clearer screen
Nintendo Game Boy Pocket
Sharper, clearer screen
9Mid
Anbernic RG503
Vibrant OLED screen
Anbernic RG503
Vibrant OLED screen
10Mid
Lenovo Legion Go S
SteamOS Experience
Lenovo Legion Go S
SteamOS Experience
You are here
31Mid
Nintendo 3DS XL
Beloved game library and nostalgiaComfortable ergonomic designStrong durabilityNo regular-size New 3DS in North AmericaMarginal upgrade for existing ownersHardware wear over time
Nintendo 3DS XL
Beloved game library and nostalgia
Comfortable ergonomic design
Strong durability
No regular-size New 3DS in North America
Marginal upgrade for existing owners
Hardware wear over time

Who wins on what

Ranked by what users actually praise

Overall Impression

Comfort and ergonomics stand out as the 3DS XL's biggest strength. Commenters repeatedly praise the button placement, stylus position, circle pad size, and reachable SD card slot as ideal on the XL model. Several say the bigger screen made a huge difference coming from the smaller original 3DS, improving visibility and hand comfort. Multiple users with average or poor vision specifically preferred the XL's larger display, calling it the best-feeling 3DS model overall for daily handling.

The New 3DS XL upgrade adds real but modest improvements. Owners highlight the C-stick, ZL/ZR buttons, steadier 3D effect without headaches, and better processing power as genuine pluses, especially for games like Monster Hunter and Xenoblade. However, several commenters who already owned a 3DS XL felt the New 3DS XL upgrade wasn't a big difference and regretted paying for it. Consensus suggests it's worth buying only if you lack a 3DS entirely or want specific New-3DS-exclusive titles.

North American availability and missing extras remain sore points. A large number of comments express frustration that the smaller, customizable-faceplate New 3DS never released in the US, unlike Europe, Australia, and Japan, calling it a disappointing and confusing decision. Others complain about the New 3DS shipping without an AC adapter, online purchases being locked to the console, and certain games being New-3DS exclusive only, forcing unwanted upgrades or confusing new buyers.

Outdated / Not-accurate data?