I bought the NA N3DS XL today. With prior reviews everyone was talking about how they thought it was of better quality than the regular N3DS. Well, 5 minutes was all it took for me. I own a Jap N3DS and so many people were talking about how it was closer to a child's toy in terms of feel and quality. I feel that way about the XL. I ultimately returned it and won't be purchasing until they decide to bring us the N3DS with swappable face plates.

Am I nuts? Or are there others who feel this way?

 

I don't know. The new normals are bigger, but slightly. It is noticeable, and I've become accustomed to it. I never liked the way the XL sat in my hands.. And now I feel they cut corners on the quality. The first XL had a more sturdy feel to it. To me, if you're paying $200 it shouldn't feel like it'll snap after a week of standard use. Not to mention the gloss, it's so ugly.. And attracts fingerprints and shows scratches more prominently. Maybe I'm just picky.

 

I like the gloss. It's also my first glossy device.

 

I don't like the gloss, but otherwise I feel as though my N3DS XL tops my 3DS XL in quality in almost every way. The weight, the hinge, the buttons and even the sliders all feel much better.

 

yeah a screwdriver to remove the MicroSD is crazy. Very few people will bother with that. The DSi had far better design in this regard. But I think having no easy access to a quick battery swap is also crazy. An easily-removable battery is very appealing to me. A separate charger for the battery and travelling with a spare battery is ideal for me. Just like most cameras.

The shoulder buttons should have been more rounded like the 2DS, I think. The new nodels are still too blocky.