So it seems like the newer models may have the newer screen in them?
So;
Old 3DS - Rare/uncommon (depending on when 3DS was made normally if they are a newly made one then it's likely that it will have an IPS Screen the reason this is rare is becuase ones normally produced in 2011 - 2012 normally would not have it.)
Old 3DS XL - Rare/Uncommon (Higher chance than Old 3DS for IPS Screen due to this being a newer model, and was made somewhere around 2012 - 2013 when IPS Screens were first in "plan" so you may notice there being more 3DS XL IPS Screens rather than Old 3DS.)
2DS - Impossible (Nintendo never rolled out IPS Screens for the Nintendo 2DS, however they MAY produce them once IPS Screens become more common, however chances are unlikely. There is no evidence to support this.)
New 3DS XL - Uncommon/Common (You have a mostly high chance of getting atleast ONE IPS Screen from this model, the likely hood of getting one depending on when it was made will most likely have an IPS Screen if they were produced around 2015 - 2016 (or higher.)
3DS Date Models:
2011 IPS - Almost Impossible/Impossible to find a 3DS produced in 2011 to have a IPS Screen, or Dual IPS
2012 IPS - Almost Impossible/Impossible
2013 IPS - There is a higher chance to find one but again IPS's were not as massively produced until later years, the chances of finding one are mostly rare, or impossible
2014 IPS - Higher chance to find one, IPS Screens may be easier to find compared to the last year due to Nintendo producing more in the year
2015 IPS - Higher chance of finding one. Nintendo produced more, however they were still sending out regular screens, and IPS Screens at the same time in the same 3DS's so it's extremely confusing to know whether or not you will get a IPS, Dual IPS, or Regular Screens. Some methods were found to finding some however they may be outdated to today's standards
2016 IPS - You will have a really decent, and high chance buying a new model from 2016 this is becuase Nintendo has (almost) completely stopped selling the top part of the 3DS as a TN/Regular Screen, and has replaced it with an IPS. However bottom IPS Screens are barley produced with the console, and may be present in future 2017 when the top IPS Screens are sold more.
How to get an IPS (For noobs):
For users who just want pure advice I suggest reading this, and looking through other guides.
Buy a 3DS with an IPS Screen off of EBay - For users wanting to spend a few more $100 USD on a IPS 3DS for a 100% chance type of thing than this may be perfect for you. 3DS IPS's are sold in all 3ds Units. The only thing you do not know is IF you will be getting one. So if you do not want to take the risk in taking the "jackpot" for one, then I suggest buying one off of EBay. They normally go for $200 - $300 USD for one IPS Screen WITH the 3DS Dual IPS's will normally cost up to about $300 - $500 USD depending on which art style it is (Red, Blue, Purple 3DS Cover Art, stuff like that.) And othen times they are sold in auctions,
Check the Box (NOT RECOMMENDED) - To users who are shopping at a place like GameStop try asking someone if you can check the box, there should be a little hole like structure shown on the box.
If it's a small circle - It's not a 3DS IPS
If it's a huge circle - It's a 3DS IPS
This method I would not recommend since box models, and styles change all the time. If you are doing this method I would highly recommend doing it with a regular 3ds bundle for the New 3DS XL
Ask to check the console - If your at a store try asking someone at the store to check if you can check the 3DS for an IPS Screen. Normally with Pre - Owned Products people would allow you to do so depending on the store. Then check through the methods of seeing if you have a IPS Screen.
Look for an alternative box, or 3ds cover model - Rummors have said that based on the 3DS cover art, and box one can easily tell whether or not it may or may not be a IPS, however chances of "knowing" are unlikely. However if you're buying the newest released 3DS, or 3DS Bundled you have a pretty high chance.
Buy newer published ones - If a 3DS has recently been made, and put in a store IT WILL MOST LIKELY HAVE AN IPS SCREEN however due to Nintendo selling them both (TN & IP) it's almost impossible to know. Nintendo has rolled out more IPS Screens for the 3DS rather than TN this year (2016.) So the probability of getting one would be a 4/5 chance (4 times the chance to get an IPS Screen rather than a TN which is 5 times.)
