Nintendo New Nintendo 3DSFrom real comments

Verdict distilled from 38 mentions across 14 aspects in comments under product review videos.

Positive sentiment62%
PROS 62%
CONS 38%

Rank based on 38 mentions across 14 aspects

View the verdict as

Buy this if...

  • You want a comfortable, sturdy handheld with a unique glasses-free 3D effect
  • You value the 3DS/DS game library, eShop-era exclusives, and StreetPass features
  • You're okay hunting used units and possibly modding for full library access

What users love

Skip this if...

  • You're not willing to pay inflated used prices (often $150-$300+)
  • You need a charger included or plan to play a lot of native DS games (blurrier on 3DS)
  • You want major hardware upgrades over the original 3DS (only modest gains)

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
13Mid
Nintendo New Nintendo 3DS
Unique 3D effectStrong game library and valueGreat eShop library and menu charmRising used pricesConfusing size/name choice tradeoffsModest hardware upgrades
Nintendo New Nintendo 3DS
Unique 3D effect
Strong game library and value
Great eShop library and menu charm
Rising used prices
Confusing size/name choice tradeoffs
Modest hardware upgrades

Who wins on what

Ranked by what users actually praise

Overall Impression

Comfort and build quality won people over compared to the original 3DS. Multiple commenters describe the New 3DS as far more comfortable than the original, citing rounded edges, better battery life, and a sturdy, almost 'fireproof' design. Some prefer the standard size for pocketability, while others favor the XL for its bigger screen, leading to genuine debate over which model is better. The smaller New 3DS also offers higher pixel density, according to one fan.

The stereoscopic 3D effect and faceplates give it lasting personality. Many commenters call the glasses-free 3D unique and irreplaceable by emulators, citing games like Ocarina of Time 3D and Super Mario 3D Land as standout showcases. The New 3DS models' interchangeable faceplates and colorful designs add customization value, with fans noting the console feels more personal and expressive than modern uniform game menus and interfaces.

Prices have skyrocketed, and hardware upgrades were modest. Several commenters regret selling their units as used prices climbed to $150-$300, driven by FOMO. Others note the C-nub, faster processing, and improved face-tracking are nice but not transformative upgrades over the original 3DS. Complaints include no included charger, non-removable SD cards, and worse-looking DS games compared to a DSi, though wireless data transfer helps offset SD card limitations.

Outdated / Not-accurate data?