Nintendo New Nintendo 3DS XLFrom real comments

Verdict distilled from 49 mentions across 15 aspects in comments under product review videos.

Positive sentiment50%
PROS 50%
CONS 50%

Rank based on 49 mentions across 15 aspects

View the verdict as

Buy this if...

  • You don't already own a 3DS and want a great first handheld
  • You value the improved, headache-free Super Stable 3D effect
  • You want exclusive titles and faster performance for games like Smash Bros

What users love

Skip this if...

  • You already own a 3DS XL and were hoping for a major leap
  • You want the smaller, customizable faceplate model in North America
  • You don't want to buy a separate charger or new microSD card

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 New Nintendo 3DS XL
Beloved overall consoleImproved 3D effectGreat for newcomers and first-time buyersNo small model in North AmericaNo included chargerAwkward C-Stick design
Nintendo New Nintendo 3DS XL
Beloved overall console
Improved 3D effect
Great for newcomers and first-time buyers
No small model in North America
No included charger
Awkward C-Stick design

Who wins on what

Ranked by what users actually praise

Overall Impression

A comfortable, meaningful upgrade over the original 3DS. Multiple users say moving from the cramped original 3DS to the New 3DS XL was a huge comfort improvement, eliminating hand cramps from sharp corners and small size. The bigger screen and improved 3D tracking made the 3D effect actually usable and headache-free for many, with faster download speeds and smoother games noted as well. Several call it their favorite console of all time.

No charger in the box frustrates first-time buyers. Many commenters are angry that the system ships without an AC adapter, especially problematic for newcomers who don't already own compatible Nintendo hardware. Some had to source a charger separately or wait to play, and compare it unfavorably to competitors like the Vita that include one. Workarounds like microUSB adapters exist but add cost and hassle for new owners.

North America missed out on the smaller model and faceplates. A large number of comments express disappointment that only the XL version was released in North America, while Japan, Europe, and Australia got the smaller, customizable New 3DS with interchangeable faceplates. Buyers who prefer a pocket-sized handheld feel excluded, with some refusing to buy the XL specifically because they wanted that smaller, personalizable option instead.

Outdated / Not-accurate data?