Hardware Another "3DS VS XL" thread -_- No! Don't go away!

3DS or 3DS XL


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tiduscrying

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Alright, as the title suggests, I am well aware of the amount of 3DS or 3DS XL threads on the forum. I am just making this one for myself because the existing forms don't hit the questions I want to ask. So with out further hesitation, here we go.

KEY POINT ONE:
I have owned both the original DS and the DSi (normal, not XL). I don't have a super crazy fetish for designs, but liked the styling of both of the systems. The original DS was a head turner. All of those akward curves and the big gaping GBA slot.... Oooh, I am having a hot-flash just thinking about it.

I only Kid. But if I had to choose, I would choose the design of the DSi only because it was easier to fit in my pockets.

Without innuendos, I am a fan of small things. I have a small computer (8 inch screens FTW!), small phone, small MP3, small wallet, smallest PSP, and with the DSi, small DS. All for the sake of portability. I love to be able to take my devices with me wherever, whenever.

But, I don't leave my house often. I am a student, and the only places outside of my house I go to is school and the occasional outing with friends. Still, whenever I go on a car trip, I like to throw my DS or PSP in my pockets and call it a day well spent.

KEY POINT TWO:
When I was younger, I never cared about graphics as long as the games were good. But when I did find a diamond in the pile of poo that was the DS's graphics, I cherished it. Now, as I own every 6th generation console (PS2, GC, XBOX, PSP, DS) and a PSVITA, I have become somewhat of a graphics buff. The pixel visibility of my DSi annoys me sometimes, but I tend to get over it once I get into my games. As far as my vita goes, I am quite spoiled with graphics; nearly every game is eye-meltingly high resolution.

KEY POINT THREE:
Since I own a vita, I am used to a 4-5 hour battery life and every-other day charge cycles. (My vita is actually charging as I type...) Regardless of how much I love the vita, I love my DSi's 8-9 hour battery life a lot more than the vita's,

KEY POINT FOUR:
I don't have a steady paying job because I am a student. I usually rely on my parents and grandparents when it comes to money. I still live under my parents roof, so they still care for me financially. I get about 40 dollars each month from relatives as a sudo-allowance. This being said, I am going to have to save for a while regardless. But, I plan on buying a 3DS model for Christmas. I plan on contributing my allowance to my parents and requesting that they pay for the rest as my sole Christmas present. I don't want them to have to pay a lot for something they probably view as stupid (parents just don't get games sometimes...). SO, you could say price is an issue.

THE BIG QUESTION:
With everything said, I want some opinions. The big question is this: Should I get a 3DS or 3DSXL? I know about the scaling superiority with DS games and could care less, just putting that out there. I have a DS to play DS games and want a 3DS to play 3DS games. Simple.
With the normal 3DS, one thing that worries me the most is battery life and the bottom screen scratching against the top issues I have been reading about. Apparently, Nintendo now ships a slightly updated 3DS that has larger spacings between the two screens, but I have no idea if this is true.
I also don't care about 3D whatsoever. There are very few games I would think about turning it on for, but for the rest, it is going to stay off. My eyes can't handle a gimmick like that.

So, let me know guys. I am turning to the forums of gbatemp because I somewhat trust the opinions of the people here. Don't disappoint me.
 

trumpet-205

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3DS XL.

* You can always opt for used 3DS XL. In fact I bought PSP and DSi XL used at a much cheaper price.
* Battery life on regular 3DS is very short. 3DS XL improves battery life significantly.
* 3DS XL isn't very big when folded. Think of it as a PS Vita with shorter height and longer width.
* You can put 3DS XL in your pocket with ease.
* You can play DS game at its native resolution (exactly the size of regular DS screen). 3DS games looks no different on XL model.
 
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pokefloote

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They do claim to have modified bumpers to prevent screen scratching, but most of the time it still happens. A cloth or something else like that is almost necessary if you travel with a 3DS or put it in a bag or case or anything else where it might get bumped.

I honestly believe that if you have the choice between the two, the XL is better. It's everything the 3DS is, but better. 3DS games look great, DS mode is just a plus (but as you said, you don't care for it since you have a DS for DS games). It's actually not that much bigger than the original 3DS when it's closed, so it isn't like it's hard to take with you. Nobody should be putting these things in a pocket anyways, haha.
 

TripleSMoon

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It really boils down to the size of your hands and preference, honestly. For me, it's the XL. Here's why.

-Infinitely better triggers and dpad. Not only do they work well, but they don't hurt my fingers with sharp edges (I used to get really deep marks in my fingers after only 30 minutes of playing Kid Icarus: Uprising on my original 3DS).

-More grease/smudge-resistant casing. The shininess of the original is nice, but it would smudge EVERYWHERE.

-Bigger screens for bigger presentation. The added jagginess really isn't that noticeable unless I'm looking for it (and even then, it's not that noticeable), plus original DS games look MUCH BETTER here than on the original 3DS.

-I can't speak for anyone else who claims otherwise, but I haven't had the screen-scratching issue of the original 3DS. It's more resistant to it, to say the least.

-Since I have bigger hands, it's MUCH comfier to hold, especially when using the dpad and triggers.

-The size really isn't as dramatic of a difference as it might seem. The screens are much bigger, but the system itself is about as thin (maybe a tad thinner, even), and not that much wider and higher than the original. It still fits in my pocket with ease, and I don't even have very big pockets.

Anyway, that's my opinion. Take from it what you will.
 

GamerzHell9137

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Buy 3DS XL.
And one more thing, buy screen protectors!
And the scratching issue is still there,that's why i say to buy the protectors.
Btw DS games does not look so blurry.
I played Cooking Mama 3,Pokemon SoulSilver,TWEWY,Sonic Rush and they do not look blurry,maybe a little but its hard to see.
The only game i saw blur is Pokemon Diamond.
 

Kikirini

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3DS XL is cool, I personally think it's probably best for people with bigger hands, poor eyesight for for those who simply prefer larger handhelds.
I prefer the regular 3DS, it's far more portable to me. But whichever you get, be sure to invest in screen protectors right away.
 

Foxi4

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The 3DS looks stylish, the 3DS XL looks horrible. Outside of looks though, the XL is superior due to better battery life and a more refined top screen - I used both the 3DS and the 3DS XL and getting used to the 3D effect was easier on the latter. I'd much prefere if the 3DS XL had edges similar to the 3DS, the rounded-up ones don't look so good.
 

yuyuyup

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I don't know why you're crapping on DS graphics, there are plenty of games with great graphics. When Tony Hawk for PSP came out in March 2005, it had more involved graphics than DS but had 30 FPS; Tony Hawk Sk8land (November 2005) had 60. What about the Final Fantasy remakes, Viewtiful Joe, Sonic Racing (better framerates than the console versions,) Kingdom Hearts, etc etc etc.

The XL has a better battery, but the #1 reason it beats the shit out of the original is the vastly improved d-pad.
 

TripleSMoon

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The 3DS looks stylish, the 3DS XL looks horrible. Outside of looks though, the XL is superior due to better battery life and a more refined top screen - I used both the 3DS and the 3DS XL and getting used to the 3D effect was easier on the latter. I'd much prefere if the 3DS XL had edges similar to the 3DS, the rounded-up ones don't look so good.
I actually PREFER the rounded edges... the sharp edges of the original kept jutting into my hands, and it hurt like heck sometimes.
 

Foxi4

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I don't know why you're crapping on DS graphics, there are plenty of games with great graphics. When Tony Hawk for PSP came out in March 2005, it had more involved graphics than DS but had 30 FPS; Tony Hawk Sk8land (November 2005) had 60. What about the Final Fantasy remakes, Viewtiful Joe, Sonic Racing (better framerates than the console versions,) Kingdom Hearts, etc etc etc.

The XL has a better battery, but the #1 reason it beats the shit out of the original is the vastly improved d-pad.
Don't wanna burst your bubble, but the Final Fantasy remakes are nothing compared to PSP's Crisis Core, Tony Hawk Sk8land has significantly worse graphics than Tony Hawk Project8 or Underground 2 Remix - it just has an a'la celshaded stylistic to cover it up, Sonic Rivals which you are refering to are *PSP exclusives* and Kingdom Hearts on the DS isn't even comparable to Birth by Sleep. The DS was entirely capable of rendering *sufficient* 3D for its time, but going as far as to say that it was in any way similar to the PSP's is insane - it was not.
 

yuyuyup

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Don't wanna burst your bubble, but the Final Fantasy remakes are nothing compared to PSP's Crisis Core, Tony Hawk Sk8land has significantly worse graphics than Tony Hawk Project8 or Underground 2 Remix - it just has an a'la celshaded stylistic to cover it up, Sonic Rivals which you are refering to are *PSP exclusives* and Kingdom Hearts on the DS isn't even comparable with Birth by Sleep. The DS was entirely capable of rendering *sufficient* 3D for its time, but going as far as to say that it was in any way similar to the PSP is insane - it was not.
]

Okay let's just get this straightened out. First off, I'm not saying the DS had better graphics overall compared to the PSP. I SAID thug 2 for psp had more involved graphics, but I think framerate plays a significant role in visuals. That was the ONLY game I was comparing to the PSP counterpart. Second off, if you would reexamine my comment, I said Sonic RACING. Not Rivals. I'm not some anti-psp fanboy. You can find threads of me defending the shit out of the PSP library, when it was fashionable to trash the perceived lack of games.

I apologize if this response is off topic. I realize that responding to someone in a thread is means for embarrassing moderation and comment deletion, please report this immediately.
 
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Deleted_171835

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3DS XL is superior in design, functionality and ergonomics. 3DS XL >>>>>>>>>> 3DS.


As far as my vita goes, I am quite spoiled with graphics; nearly every game is eye-meltingly high resolution.

Thought it was worth mentioning that most Vita games run at sub-native resolution kind of negating the effects of that gorgeous display.

And no shit, Foxi4. I don't see anyone saying that the DS had similar or better graphics to the PSP. He merely remarked that the PSP Tony Hawk ran at a worse framerate.
 
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Foxi4

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I said Sonic RACING. Not Rivals.
You mean Sonic & Sega All-Star Racing? Your original comment didn't exactly specify which game you have in mind. I'm not saying that you're an anti-Sony fanboy, I'm saying that the parallel you were trying to make wasn't really accurate. To me, the closest thing to Sonic Racing was "Sonic R", which wasn't released on either console, so perhaps I just got confused. :P
 

MarioFanatic64

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If you ask me, the 3DS XL is superior, I was doubtful of it until I saw a display model at a store. The screen is amazingly huge, yet the ugliness of upscaled pixels is barely noticeable, the 3D is clearer (though for me it's harder to maintain the sweet spot), but the problem is the weight and size.

The standard 3DS has a battery life problem, but if you do opt for the standard, you can always pick up a Nyko Power Pak+, as I have. If you're like me, you've already long adapted to the smallness of DS consoles, so that shouldn't be a problem.

I still have my standard 3DS, and while the XL is quite impressive, it doesn't warrant an "upgrade" if you already have something that gets the job done. As you don't have a 3DS however, you should probably get an XL.

In your case, you have to ask yourself what is more important; portability or visuals.
 

BenRK

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Buy 3DS XL.
And one more thing, buy screen protectors!
And the scratching issue is still there,that's why i say to buy the protectors.

FINALLY! Someone who either has the same issue as me or at least believes me...

But yeah, it really doesn't matter which console you get. I would recommend the XL to anyone and I could come up with any number of reasons. The biggest factor beyond the bigger screens is the D-pad. Compared to the original 3DS, the XL has it placed in a far more comfortable position, meaning much easier to use for virtual console games and the like.

The original 3DS is considerably easier to move about, but that's not to say the XL is impossible. I've taken it to work with me every day without an issue. I keep it in a pouch too to protect it from my phone scratching it up while in my pocket, so it's even slightly thicker. My biggest issue with the original 3DS is the screen scratching. Just get some screen protectors for it when you first get it. It's FAR easier to just replace a cheap top screen protector every now and again then living with the scratches permanently and trying to think up excuses just so you can send it in for repair.

Also, unrelated note, but if you're going to be downloading games and stuff via the eshop, get as big of an SD card as you can afford!
 

tiduscrying

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GamerzHell9137 said:
Buy 3DS XL.​
And one more thing, buy screen protectors!​
And the scratching issue is still there,that's why i say to buy the protectors.​
FINALLY! Someone who either has the same issue as me or at least believes me...

But yeah, it really doesn't matter which console you get. I would recommend the XL to anyone and I could come up with any number of reasons. The biggest factor beyond the bigger screens is the D-pad. Compared to the original 3DS, the XL has it placed in a far more comfortable position, meaning much easier to use for virtual console games and the like.

The original 3DS is considerably easier to move about, but that's not to say the XL is impossible. I've taken it to work with me every day without an issue. I keep it in a pouch too to protect it from my phone scratching it up while in my pocket, so it's even slightly thicker. My biggest issue with the original 3DS is the screen scratching. Just get some screen protectors for it when you first get it. It's FAR easier to just replace a cheap top screen protector every now and again then living with the scratches permanently and trying to think up excuses just so you can send it in for repair.

Also, unrelated note, but if you're going to be downloading games and stuff via the eshop, get as big of an SD card as you can afford!

Wait.... So the damned screen scratching still exists? Even with the modified bumbers and other "additions"? Hrm.

Thought it was worth mentioning that most Vita games run at sub-native resolution kind of negating the effects of that gorgeous display.

Actually, I own a couple of games that run at full resolution, 60 FPS. For example, Zero Escape: Virtue's Last Reward.

The standard 3DS has a battery life problem, but if you do opt for the standard, you can always pick up a Nyko Power Pak+, as I have. If you're like me, you've already long adapted to the smallness of DS consoles, so that shouldn't be a problem.

Hrm. Yeah. Since I have played with the smaller, less ergonomic DS line ever since the original DS, I have developed a groove for how I play and when I set the system down because my hands are numb. And those Nyko power packs aren't really that bad. I have seen them sell at Best Buy for about ten bucks. The don't look like they add too much thickness to the system, either.

The only thing that is going to annoy me the most is the reverted stylus placement on the normal 3DS. I use my DSi as my main DS right now, so I have this subconscious notion to paw at the side of the system to get my stylus out. Say I get the normal 3DS, I am going to have to change :cry:.
 

bowser

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I haven't faced any screen scratching issues on my XL yet. But I sure did with the 3DS, even when I left it out on my desk!

Anyway, XL is the way to go. Though the screens are gigantic the actual system is only slightly bigger as someone else said.
 

tiduscrying

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I haven't faced any screen scratching issues on my XL yet. But I sure did with the 3DS, even when I left it out on my desk!

Anyway, XL is the way to go. Though the screens are gigantic the actual system is only slightly bigger as someone else said.

Yeah... And the XL has better stylus placement. I just hope the jaggies aren't THAT noticeable. Well, then again, the PSP had its fair share of jagged lines, and that never seemed to bother me too much.
Not to mention the XL comes out of the box with a 4GB SD card so I can download titles from the eShop (I am already looking forward to Liberation Maiden and Denpa Men). Hmm.
And if what you say is true that the size difference isn't that bad, then I suppose I'll just go ahead with the XL. I do prefer the curved edges a lot more than the square ones (I tried out a Target demo unit).

I just hope that Nintendo America brings the white model to the states by Christmas. It is just too sexy.
 

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