Hardware N3DS vs N3DS XL screen size/resolution/ppi

[Nuxx20]

So I own a N3DS XL and some games really "hurt my eyes" in terms of pixelization . I was wondering whether reverting to its smaller brother would improve the general experience since it has the same resolution but a smaller screen and hence higher ppi.

 

[Queno138]

So I own a N3DS XL and some games really "hurt my eyes" in terms of pixelization . I was wondering whether reverting to its smaller brother would improve the general experience since it has the same resolution but a smaller screen and hence higher ppi.

I was a proud 3DS user, and I switched up to 3DS XL cause when I was playing games,
especially racing games, (mario kart 7 & asphalt 3D),
I felt, and I quote, "trying to play while looking through a keyhole".

I can't remember who made that original quote, but yah.

Frankly, once I switched up, I never considered switching back down.

Yes, it feels so much clearer, but it's so much smaller.
And for some games being able to see those details matter.

So it is ultimately up to you ;P

 

[swiitness]

I've been on an OG 3DS since day one and have preordered the New MM 3DS XL and a bit worried that I too will be bothered by the perceived poorer resolution from the larger screen. I know at this stage right now that I am definitely sick of having the smaller screen on the OG 3DS when I've seen how big the XL screens are.

I just hope having more pixellation is the better trade off when choosing an XL screen.

 

[zdgr4ye5]

I have 2ds and n3ds LL, for me , 2ds screen too small.

 

[_elf_]

I had a day 1 Original 3DS.
Upgraded to a 3DS XL.. the size was better, size helped with the 3D, and loved the 3D slider.. but the pixels... OMG.. took time to adapt.

For me the N3DS has the perfect size.
Gave the XL to the wife and will sell the original 3DS.

Best screen ever.

 

[Nuxx20]

I had a day 1 Original 3DS.
Upgraded to a 3DS XL.. the size was better, size helped with the 3D, and loved the 3D slider.. but the pixels... OMG.. took time to adapt.

For me the N3DS has the perfect size.
Gave the XL to the wife and will sell the original 3DS.

Best screen ever.

When you say "Best screen ever" do you refer to the old 3DS or the N3DS?

 

[Deleted-355425]

Dat vita OLED screen has ruined every other screen on a hand held I've ever owned, all 3ds screens look pixelated lol.

 

[LinkmstrYT]

Looks less pixelated with 3D on. At least, in my opinion, it does. I sometimes either keep the 3D on the lowest setting or just let it stay off depending on the game I'm playing.

 

[_elf_]

When you say "Best screen ever" do you refer to the old 3DS or the N3DS?

To the N3DS.
Original 3DS--> just too small (small screen);
3DS XL--> just too large (big pixels);
N3DS--> just right for me

 

[Maximilious]

To the N3DS.
Original 3DS--> just too small (small screen);
3DS XL--> just too large (big pixels);
N3DS--> just right for me

I wish the N3DS was coming to the states. I really do want an XL but I'm also afraid it will be too large, and why no faceplates for XL Nintendo???? Either way I lucked out to get a MM edition pre-order last Friday so no complaints here

 

[MidLevelCrisis]

Had the original 3ds, got a XL now, and will be using the N3DS XL soon.

First of all, my personal reason to upgrade was because the original is too small for my hands and would make them hurt, the XL remedied this problem.

The bigger screensize and low resolution are an unfortunate trade off. Though they only really keep bothering you if you keep comparing, if you still have the old system you'll keep noticing this and won't get used to it.
I had this problem with the spreakers, there is a big difference in volume and clarity of sound between the two because the XL could not fit the same speakers as the original, and this bothered me immensely as long as I had the old one to compare to.

The New 3Ds should offer a solution to both problems, as the normal version wil aready have a slightly larger screen, but not too big to be that aliased. And both will have the better speakers.

I should note that the screen size heightens the immersion of the 3D effect, and i've always played with it on full. A bigger screen also translated to a bigger "sweet spot" for the 3D effect it seemed, though with the new head tracking that won't matter.
I feel sorry the americans can't choose their size on launch, though i'm sure they will come later. If you're not in a hurry I would wait until you tried both systems, no matter what you read it comes down to personal preference. I too love the cripness of the smaller screen, but once you go XL, you never go back.

*edit
Also, higher pixel density screens will always seem a bit brighter/crisper because of the amount of light they emitt devided over a smaller surface. Dunno yet if screen brightness is on the XL is tweaked to compensate this.

 

[VuuI]

I'll be getting a ND3S. I'm already bothered by the low DPI on my original 3DS. Been spoiled by retina dislpay, I wouldn't be able to play on a 90dpi screen. The faceplates and coloured buttons are a nice touch, pleases my inner child.

 

[Koldur]

Here is a visual comparison:

 

[Nuxx20]

so original 3DS would look the best?

 

[Koldur]

so original 3DS would look the best?

This really shows that everyone has a different preference! I think the Original one looks the worst and the XL the best, you just cannot see enough detail on the other ones if you ask me. The expression of Link's face is as good as undiscernable, in the second one, you can see his expression, but still doesn't really attract your attention, but in the XL picture you really see his expression. Ahh well, good thing there is choice now, well, semi-choice since NOA has decided to botch the release with XL only...

 

[VuuI]

Here is a visual comparison:

This would be more accurate;

The XL doesn't have a higher resolution, it just stretches the image.

 

[Koldur]

This would be more accurate;

The XL doesn't have a higher resolution, it just stretches the image.

Haha, well, I am glad this one isn't anywhere near true! If so, I would have sold my n3DS XL! Which I won't

 

[MidLevelCrisis]

This would be more accurate;

The XL doesn't have a higher resolution, it just stretches the image.

Lol, thats just a bit misleading. You can't accurately replicate the look on a screen with a different dpi anyway, especially not by upscaling a image file. You end up with multiple pixels representing 1 pixel or blending in between which is why it looks so weird.
The 3ds is 1on1 on all sizes, images aren't stretched, its pixels size is just. But I guess to some it does FEEL this awfull

Also since the original model the gpu supposedly supports native 2xAA, at the cost of render power. The usage of which is up to the developer. With some games if you turn off the 3D AA kicks in, it doesn't make a huge difference but is noticable. Personally I find that having the 3D on full still looks better, maybe because my brain interpolates the 2 different images

But still, pick whatever FEELS right for you!

 

[MidLevelCrisis]

wups, double post

 

[VuuI]

Lol, thats just a bit misleading. You can't accurately replicate the look on a screen with a different dpi anyway, especially not by upscaling a image file. You end up with multiple pixels representing 1 pixel or blending in between which is why it looks so weird.
The 3ds is 1on1 on all sizes, images aren't stretched, its pixels size is just. But I guess to some it does FEEL this awfull

Also since the original model the gpu supposedly supports native 2xAA, at the cost of render power. The usage of which is up to the developer. With some games if you turn off the 3D AA kicks in, it doesn't make a huge difference but is noticable. Personally I find that having the 3D on full still looks better, maybe because my brain interpolates the 2 different images

But still, pick whatever FEELS right for you!

It is more accurate than showing three comparison screens each with a higher resolution compared to the previous one. Fact of the matter is that the XL screens have an objectively lower pixel density. Saying the device supports anti aliasing is meaningless. If the device had AA it would still look sharper on the original 3DS. If you personally feel the larger screen is worth the significantly lower density then that's fine. To each their own. But to go around and tell people that the larger screen magically makes for a better picture, now THAT is misleading.

Personally, with the 3DS already having a low resolution I find that blowing the picture up to nearly twice it's original size makes the jaggies and low resolution ever more noticable, distracting me from what's most important, the gameplay.

 

[MidLevelCrisis]

Ok if the pixel density bothers you that much you are actually worse off even buying a regular New 3DS since its screen is already a bit bigger, and you'd better stick to the original small 3ds.
But everyone has to agree that every screenshot and gameplay video you watch on a pc always looks worse than on your 3Ds right?

I never said bigger screens magically improve image quality. And AA never makes anything sharper, its just blends.
Also turning 3D off actually doubles the horizontal ppi, it's pretty useless in games like pokemon though since the extra pixels will be the same as the ones next to them and the screen dims to compensate the brightness.