Hardware Need recommendation on Case / Screen protector and any other must have 3DS / 3DS XL ?

Rockstead · Mar 30, 2014

I just purchased a 3DS for the kids and a XL for myself, what's the consensus on the best:

1. Travel case for to and from work, or for the 3DS when the bring it around the house or in the car to places? The less bulk the better. I don't need room for more than two games, charge cable.

2. Do you guys use a bumper or protective case on the 3DS / 3DSXL itself, or will that just ruin the feel of it? Didn't notice if it came with a wrist strap either.

3. Is a screen protector necessary? Will it actually scratch? If so, which protector should I buy?

4. Are there any other must buy accessories I should be considering?

I don't mind picking up in the USA/Canada, ordering from HK, I'm in no rush.

Thank you!

migles · Mar 30, 2014

for 1 you have the possibility of buying the digital version of the games so you don't need cartridges, just buy one cartridge so dust and sand doesn't get inside the cartridge hole...

2, i had seen silicone case.. for example this: http://www.digitopz.com/images/3ds/3DSC001/Silicone_1.jpg
but i dont know where to buy it....
it doesnt come with a wrist strap... but the 3ds got 2 places to put one (which i find it very handy, you can place on left side or right or even both sides.. i made one myself whit yarn so i don't loose the stylus...

3 i think you should buy screen protectors, the screen is easly scratched...

4. there is not many acessories, there is a second analogic stick, which only some games uses it, and a charging craddle which is just basically a easy way for place the 3ds on charging...

boombox · Mar 30, 2014

Always get a screen protector!! - especially for the kids! I have Hori and they're great quality. Over time the stylus will scratch into the screen and you won't be able to get rid of them - so if you want it for years to come and then some - get a couple to replace over the years as they will get scratched.

I have a cheap unofficial hard case for mine and it works great. I can fit a screen wipe and a couple of games with an extra stylus. So you don't need anything flashy or expensive. However I'd imagine Nintendo would make more of a snug fit (mine is a little bigger than the 3DS XL so it does move around a bit in there. I don't have a cover that stays around the 3DS at all times (like those armour cases) as I hate them, they leave marks when you take them off and they feel too bulky.

I'd always buy extra styluses - telescopic ones are great. Seeing as you have kids they'll probably misplace them alot or chew/snap them depending on the age and how careful they are. I actually always use my spares instead of the one that came with my 3DS XL as they always become loose when you're constantly taking them out and putting them away - (my DS Lite stylus is now very loose in it's holder so I'd imagine this would be the same for the 3DS/XL over time).

A 'MUST HAVE' accessory would be a car charger. Especially if you have kids and you might be going on long car trips. Other than that not really anything else that's really necessary. I agree that the charging docks are a nice place where you can designate where your 3DS XL will be when you're not using it - plus you can get a lot of colours now via Ebay or with points in the Nintendo store (depending on the country).

Rockstead · Mar 30, 2014

boombox said:
Always get a screen protector!! - especially for the kids! I have Hori and they're great quality. Over time the stylus will scratch into the screen and you won't be able to get rid of them - so if you want it for years to come and then some - get a couple to replace over the years as they will get scratched.

I have a cheap unofficial hard case for mine and it works great. I can fit a screen wipe and a couple of games with an extra stylus. So you don't need anything flashy or expensive. However I'd imagine Nintendo would make more of a snug fit (mine is a little bigger than the 3DS XL so it does move around a bit in there. I don't have a cover that stays around the 3DS at all times (like those armour cases) as I hate them, they leave marks when you take them off and they feel too bulky.

I'd always buy extra styluses - telescopic ones are great. Seeing as you have kids they'll probably misplace them alot or chew/snap them depending on the age and how careful they are. I actually always use my spares instead of the one that came with my 3DS XL as they always become loose when you're constantly taking them out and putting them away - (my DS Lite stylus is now very loose in it's holder so I'd imagine this would be the same for the 3DS/XL over time).

A 'MUST HAVE' accessory would be a car charger. Especially if you have kids and you might be going on long car trips. Other than that not really anything else that's really necessary. I agree that the charging docks are a nice place where you can designate where your 3DS XL will be when you're not using it - plus you can get a lot of colours now via Ebay or with points in the Nintendo store (depending on the country).

So do you play it in the hard case or that's just your travel case and then you remove it to use it?

Heien · Mar 30, 2014

As eveyone as you should get a screen protector. As for a case, i just started using an aluminum case for my 3ds and now it feels better to hold it without a fear of breaking? lol. It fits better in hand yet it makes the device a little bit bulky and i worry about the screen hinges.

Rockstead · Mar 30, 2014

This looks like the only travel case that fits a charger, has a wrist strap, but I can't tell if it is hard foam or if it can take a hard drop and it's also damn expensive $39.99. http://www.amazon.com/Official-Nintendo-Travel-Case-DSi-DS/dp/B0035LBLVI

This one is much cheaper $9.95, also officially licensed, looks hard foam but doesn't have room for a charger and no wrist strap (what are they thinking) http://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-...F8&qid=1396205794&sr=1-1&keywords=3ds+xl+case

So I haven't been able to make a decision yet and this is just on the XL case.

Joe88 · Mar 30, 2014

I have this case
http://www.amazon.com/eForCity-Comp...F8&qid=1396209082&sr=1-9&keywords=3ds+xl+case
Though I got it on ebay for $4

http://www.amazon.com/eForCity-Alum...&qid=1396209219&sr=1-10&keywords=3ds+xl+metal
And a metal cover for the system its self, which also got on ebay for $3

tbgtbg · Mar 30, 2014

Never bothered with screen protectors, just close the lid when you aren't playing it. Worked just fine for my original DS and GBA SP, works just fine for 3DSXL.

As for a case, I just use that white envelope thing it came in inside the box. Cheap, and while it wouldn't help if it fell from a height or something (so just be moderately careful) it keeps it from getting dusty or getting incidental scratches. Probably don't even need to do that much, to be honest.

mrtofu · Mar 30, 2014

deleted

DarkCharizardEX · Apr 2, 2014

Hori products are the best. I strongly recommend getting their screen protectors and TPU case, beware of clones though.

Commoner · Apr 2, 2014

I would recommend you get a USB 3DS charger cable like the one in the link below :

http://www.amazon.com/POWER-CHARGER...id=1396451785&sr=8-4&keywords=Usb+3ds+charger

They are cheap and extremely convenient to have on hand as you can use it to charge your 3DS with a variety of usb chargers meant for other devices like smart phones.

A few examples are usb power adapters, usb car power adapters, usb battery packs, laptops, and computers.

So if you already have any of these in your car, office, or home you can just use them instead of relying on a dedicated device to charge your 3DS.

Commoner · Apr 2, 2014

A decent 3.5mm headset with inline mic would actually be nice to have as well. Something like in the link below :

http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-Premi...id=1396453328&sr=8-1&keywords=3.5mm+headphone

The built in speakers and mic of the 3DS are pretty terrible even when compared to other portable devices like smart phones and tablets. It is even worse on the 3DS XL.

While you could get a regular set of headphones, some games, particularly those made for kids, make use of the microphone. And believe me kids get frustrated quickly when the terrible microphone gets in the way of gameplay.

Nintendogs is a notable example that will lead to frustration if you rely on the built in microphone.

The one I linked above is one of the cheaper ones you can get. You can just look around for better ones if you are discerning about sound quality.

Urban Ears have some better sounding but much more expensive headsets similar to the one in the link.

Rockstead · Apr 6, 2014

Thanks for all the replies:

On the 3DS XL, I pretty much decided on these:

HORI XL Retro Mario Hard Pouch for Nintendo 3DS (Black) $16.99
Not sure if it is an EVA case but looks like one, comes with a wrist strap, room for games, and has a super thick strap for holding the XL in place and awesome retroness. I'll have to accept the fact I can't fit in a AC plug, maybe I can squeeze in a USB.

http://www.amazon.com/HORI-Retro-Ma...F8&qid=1396803186&sr=8-6&keywords=hori+3ds+xl

Nintendo 3DS XL Duraflexi Protector - Clear $12.99
Offers protections for top and bottom of XL and based on reviews doesn't add weight or change the feel, adds better grip. I could have gone Mario Retro as well but I already geeked out on the case.

http://www.amazon.com/Nintendo-3DS-...F8&qid=1396803432&sr=8-2&keywords=hori+3ds+xl

HORI Nintendo 3DS XL Screen Protective Filter $8.99
Seems to be the most recommended screen filter, I hope I don't mess up putting them on.

http://www.amazon.com/HORI-Nintendo...F8&qid=1396803432&sr=8-1&keywords=hori+3ds+xl

So now that I have the XL sorted out, it leaves me with getting the regular sized 3DS equipped and that seems much harder as I can't find the Hori equivalents. The cases I do find that are not Hori have poor straps holding the 3DS in place.

Pippin666 · Apr 9, 2014

I don't want to tell you any specific products or brand to buy, but rather just a list of I think you should buy as accessories. Shop for it yourself and you will find out that there is much more than what's listed above.

Some are necessary;
- Screen protectors.
- Silicon case, something that outfits the console, not a carrying case. I don't recommend aluminium because if you drop it, the 3DS will take more damage on impact.

Very useful;
- Spare charger. You can buy a DSi charger for less $. USB charger and car charger is also cool for long distance ride with kids.
- Headphones for your kids (you can watch tv and your kids can play sitting next to you on the couch). Or for you.

Others:
- Thumb strap
- Key chain
- Multiple cartridge case

Pip'

Rockstead · May 2, 2014

Guys, what about Crystal Armor cases or those Nerf Armor cases?

Maybe that's better than just a case that you store it in? Unless either one of those always on protection would also fit in a travel case?

It's for kids, I won't be protecting my 3ds XL with a shell. I'm just worried the shell will take away from the game play or add too much weight.

Is either armor case better than the other?

katsup · May 2, 2014

For my XL, I have a case, screen protector and wrist strap. If I drop it, it hangs from the strap.

I use the eForCity case posted above and it holds my USB charger, earbuds and cleaning cloth in addition to the console and games.

Hardware Need recommendation on Case / Screen protector and any other must have 3DS / 3DS XL ?

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