Hardware (Newbie) Is the N3DS worth the price difference? Advice needed!

[d0k3]

Hi everyone, I'm currently deciding wether to get a 3DS XL or a a New 3DS XL. The price difference where I life (Germany) is pretty steep, and there are also some other pros and cons. I have never before owned a 3DS system, so maybe you could give me some advice?

First things first, I don't want to have to fiddle around with the Zelda exploit for GW support on N3DS (and I also don't like to wait much longer), so if I'd get a N3DS I'd also get a (more expensive, limited in functionality) Sky3DS card. I'd prefer the GW over Sky3DS, but I'd also like to have the better 3D of the N3DS system.

So, without further ado, these are my options:


(Old) 3DS XL plus Gateway
Price (3DS XL + GW + Charger + 2xMSD): 120€ + 55€ + 10€ + 2x15€ = 205€

Pros

• Homebrew, DLC and CIA support via GW
• Much cheaper complete price (95€ less compared to N3DS XL option!)
• I can dump my own cartridges for private headers
• DS support via 2nd GW card

Cons

• Bad 3D effect - heard that it's not even usable in public transportation
• The above probably leading me to not use the 3D at all
• The screen is overall worse than that of the New 3DS
• N3DS only games coming in the future

New 3DS XL plus Sky3DS
Price (N3DS XL + Sky3DS + Charger + MSD): 200€ + 75€ + 10€ + 15€ = 300€

Pros

• Much better (= actually usable) 3D effect
• Better colors, overall better screen
• Easier handling of the Sky3DS card

Cons

• The Sky3DS Region lock
• No Homebrew, DLC or CIA support

New 3DS plus Sky3DS
Price (N3DS + Sky3DS + Charger + MSD): 160€ + 75€ + 10€ + 15€ = 260€

Pros

• Same as above
• Changeable faceplates
• Only 55€ price difference (compared to 3DS XL option)

Cons

• Same as above
• Smaller screen size than the other two options

I know there are other pros and cons besides the ones I listed (processing power, loading times, additional buttons), but these are the ones that are important for me. For me it basically comes down to: Is the better 3D of the N3DS worth the downsides of the Sky3DS card and the steep price difference of 95€?

So, what do you think?


Addendum (03/16/2015): Screen sizes
Check out this excellent reddit thread. In short:

• Original 3DS is 3.53" / 3.02"
• New 3DS is 3.88" / 3.33" (approx. 21% bigger than O3DS)
• 3DS XL (both new & old) is 4.88" / 4.18" (approx. 90% bigger than O3DS / 58% bigger than N3DS)
• The DS lite (for comparison) is 3.12" / 3.12" (I'm including this because I'm familiar with it)

For the size comparison of N3DS vs O3DS I had to do some math of my own. The percentage is for the surface area of the top screen, assuming that it has a form factor of 5:3 same as the old one.

 

[BETA215]

I'm with you in this, but with a (really) bigger monetary difference. So, anyone out there who can help us, you're invited to reply us.

 

[d0k3]

I'm with you in this, but with a (really) bigger monetary difference. So, anyone out there who can help us, you're invited to reply us.

Well, maybe, I'd better have posted this in the more active flashcard subforum. I'd still be interested - how big is the price difference for you? I guess, if the N3DS came only with advantages over the original one I'd just pay my difference and never look back. The way it is, it's real difficult.

Maybe, still anyone with an educated opinion on our predicament?

 

[Pippin666]

I think you guys should go N3DS or N3DSXL and leave piracy alone. Homebrew will always be rappy app that cannot match a computer, tablet or even smartphones anyway oh and ports of very old games.

Pip'

 

[BETA215]

I think you guys should go N3DS or N3DSXL and leave piracy alone. Homebrew will always be rappy app that cannot match a computer, tablet or even smartphones anyway oh and ports of very old games.

Pip'

Remember that homebrew includes emulators of old consoles (since Pong up to GBA, N64 or PS1).

 

[Pippin666]

Emulators can be use on much capable hardware such as a smartphones. Also, not a lot of game will ne N3DS only because not everyone will buy a console that comes with no charger.

I had a regular 3DSXL prior to my N3DSXL and the thing said about losing 3D in public transportation is bullshit.

Pip'

 

[d0k3]

I think you guys should go N3DS or N3DSXL and leave piracy alone. Homebrew will always be rappy app that cannot match a computer, tablet or even smartphones anyway oh and ports of very old games.

Pip'

Well, that's correct, the N3DS / N3DS XL is the better choice of hardware (even given the big price difference), but we both want to also have a flashcard alongside that, and that's where things get difficult and we need some advice.

 

[Chuntington]

I personally would go with the N3ds XL, but then again where I live the price difference is not that big (about 30 Euros). And you would be taking a gamble getting the 3Ds XL, because you may get one that is updated. Then Gateway is useless. Also if you get the N3Ds, you can always use the Sky3Ds and boot into the Gateway menu for dumping roms by putting Ocarina of Time onto the Sky3Ds. Also, they are eventually going to start phasing out the original 3Ds consoles by making more and more N3Ds only games.

 

[d0k3]

One option that I haven't thought of as of now is to get the "small" non-XL N3DS. Many people report it's screens sizes as just right and they are also already bigger than the screens of the original 3DS. Getting the smaller version instead would shave off ~40€ of my price difference. Not bad! I'll add this as a third option.

 

[sarkwalvein]

Go for the New 3DS, and I would suggest the XL n3ds.
The quality of 3D display is worlds apart from the old 3ds.
If you don't care about 3d, get the old one, but trust me you will have 3d off always.
The exclusive game is not a deciding factor IMHO.

 

[sarkwalvein]

I had a regular 3DSXL prior to my N3DSXL and the thing said about losing 3D in public transportation is bullshit.

Pip'

That's true, 3D is horrible independent of you being on public transportation or on your coach in home. If you move a little, cross your 3DS a couple of degrees or just look at it not straight like a soldier standing still in front of the screen the 3D effects goes to shit (aka double image on shitty screen).

 

[d0k3]

Just added this to the top post:

Addendum (03/16/2015): Screen sizes
Check out this excellent reddit thread. In short:

• Original 3DS is 3.53" / 3.02"
• New 3DS is 3.88" / 3.33" (approx. 21% bigger than O3DS)
• 3DS XL (both new & old) is 4.88" / 4.18" (approx. 90% bigger than O3DS / 58% bigger than N3DS)
• The DS lite (for comparison) is 3.12" / 3.12 (Including this because I'm familiar with it)

For the size comparison of N3DS vs O3DS I had to do some math. The percentage is for the surface area of the top screen, assuming that it has a form factor of 5:3 same as the old one.

Also, thank you! I guess I'm really getting closer to making a decision now .

 

[The Real Jdbye]

Hi everyone, I'm currently deciding wether to get a 3DS XL or a a New 3DS XL. The price difference where I life (Germany) is pretty steep, and there are also some other pros and cons. I have never before owned a 3DS system, so maybe you could give me some advice?

First things first, I don't want to have to fiddle around with the Zelda exploit for GW support on N3DS (and I also don't like to wait much longer), so if I'd get a N3DS I'd also get a (more expensive, limited in functionality) Sky3DS card. I'd prefer the GW over Sky3DS, but I'd also like to have the better 3D of the N3DS system.

So, without further ado, these are my options:


(Old) 3DS XL plus Gateway
Price (3DS + GW + Charger + 2xMSD): 120€ + 55€ + 10€ + 2x15€ = 205€

Pros

• Homebrew, DLC and CIA support via GW
• Much cheaper complete price (95€ less!)
• I can dump my own cartridges for private headers
• DS support via 2nd GW card

Cons

• Bad 3D effect - heard that it's not even usable in public transportation
• The above probably leading me to not use the 3D at all
• The screen is overall worse than that of the New 3DS
• N3DS only games coming in the future

New 3DS XL plus Sky3DS
Price (N3DS + Sky3DS + Charger + MSD): 200€ + 75€ + 10€ + 15€ = 300€

Pros

• Much better (= actually usable) 3D effect
• Better colors, overall better screen
• Easier handling of the Sky3DS card

Cons

• The Sky3DS Region lock
• No Homebrew, DLC or CIA support

I know there are other pros and cons besides the ones I listed (processing power, loading times, additional buttons), but these are the ones that are important for me. For me it basically comes down to: Is the better 3D of the N3DS worth the downsides of the Sky3DS card and the steep price difference of 95€?

So, what do you think?

I really like my n3DS, the improved 3D allows you to play in a much more relaxed position and that makes a huge difference. The C-stick works surprisingly well too. For camera control it's just perfect.
Despite what you said, you should go with n3DS + GW. Switching games with the button just seems like a pain in the ass, and GW offers so much more. It's worth it.

One option that I haven't thought of as of now is to get the "small" non-XL N3DS. Many people report it's screens sizes as just right and they are also already bigger than the screens of the original 3DS. Getting the smaller version instead would shave off ~40€ of my price difference. Not bad! I'll add this as a third option.

This I agree with. That's the one I got, I wasn't sure whether it was the right choice or not but having used it for a while I have to say the screen looks much sharper, but doesn't feel too small even though I'm used to a XL and the regular 3DS feels tiny. It's much lighter in the hand and I can easily hold it with one hand, it simply does feel just perfect. The speakers are also louder/better than on the regular XL since the top half is somewhat thicker, this was always one of the biggest drawbacks with owning an XL model for me.

 

[d0k3]

I really like my n3DS, the improved 3D allows you to play in a much more relaxed position and that makes a huge difference. The C-stick works surprisingly well too. For camera control it's just perfect.
Despite what you said, you should go with n3DS + GW. Switching games with the button just seems like a pain in the ass, and GW offers so much more. It's worth it.

Well, I'd like to have the features of the GW, of course. But, as it is now, that would mean getting either an additional Sky3DS or a very specific version of the Zelda OOT cartridge, which would lead to much higher costs. If I get a N3DS, I'll get a Sky3DS and hope for CFW to come along, I guess.

 

[Pippin666]

That's true, 3D is horrible independent of you being on public transportation or on your coach in home. If you move a little, cross your 3DS a couple of degrees or just look at it not straight like a soldier standing still in front of the screen the 3D effects goes to shit (aka double image on shitty screen).

I meant the opposite. I am clever enough to move my head a bit when I move my 3DS so I don't lose 3D effect.

I can understand that you might live in a 3rd world country with bad roads.

Pip'

 

[sarkwalvein]

I meant the opposite. I am clever enough to move my head a bit when I move my 3DS so I don't lose 3D effect.

I can understand that you might live in a 3rd world country with bad roads.

Pip'

I live in Germany, and I think the roads are good enough here.
Regarding the 3D effect, as I said it does not matter if you are on public transport or standing still (as in read: the movement in any means of transportation is not the problem).
Of course one person can be clever enough to stand still like a soldier, but that is neither comfortable nor practical.
And for normal people (that are not made with necks and patience of steel) it is also exhausting and a source of unwanted neck pain.

PS: Perhaps certain people have better reflexes, can follow better the movements of their screens or just don't find this process a pain in the ass (and neck), but don't think that is the norm, because that is far, far from true.

 

[metaljay]

I meant the opposite. I am clever enough to move my head a bit when I move my 3DS so I don't lose 3D effect.

I can understand that you might live in a 3rd world country with bad roads.

Pip'

You realise you come across as a massive dick?
I view Canada as a 3rd world country...

in in response to the OP, if you can justify the price increase, I would stick with a N3DS XL, you won't regret the decision

 

[Foxi4]

Super Stable 3D, integrated CPP, faster operation and load times are well worth it, there's a visible difference in performance between a 3DS and an N3DS, at least in my case.

 

[Pippin666]

You realise you come across as a massive dick?

Dick ? You speak of yourself ?

Pip'

 

[DarkFlare69]

Dick ? You speak of yourself ?

Pip'

Pip'