Hardware N3DS XL Build Quality?

[Kioku]

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?

 

[rdurbin]

I dont know if the new normal is any bigger than the old normal but I couldnt stand the screen size of the normal 3ds after using dsi XL/3ds xl. So even if they had normal new 3ds, I would probably still choose the XL. I really dont see why they cant make bigger face plates to support the xl. Are they too lazy to make them in two different sizes or is there some other technical reason?

 

[Kioku]

I dont know if the new normal is any bigger than the old normal but I couldnt stand the screen size of the normal 3ds after using dsi/3ds xl. So even if they had normal new 3ds, I would probably still choose the XL. I really dont see why they cant make bigger face plates to support the xl. Are they too lazy to make them in two different sizes or is there some other technical reason?

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.

 

[foob]

I agree that the gloss on the XL units is so ugly. Fingerprints. Slipperyness. Dust. Distracting reflectivity. I amazed this gloss fad is still happening. I am amazed some people consider it a 'premium' finish.

I like the larger screens of the XL but dislike gloss so much that the smaller New 3DS was the automatic choice. Finally matte white. I love it.

crazy colours
The so-called Metallic Black New 3DS XL unit is actually grey.

 

[vahnx]

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

 

[Death78793]

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

Really loving the gloss on mine, but it attracts fingerprints like crazy. I'm sure 90% of them come from an unknown being or something, especially in the regions I barely even touch.

 

[prototech]

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.

 

[Joe88]

The only plus I would say the n3dsxl has is the volume button is opposite of the 3d slider now
the regular xl has it in a bad spot where your palm would keep hitting it just by holding it

Some of them seem to have the quiet hinge where others have the loud clicking one, would probably just wait until the yet another xl revision
cart slot is in a bad place, same with stylus, and dont even get me started with what they were thinking with having to need a screw driver to remove the rear cover to get to the microsd slot

other then that they feel exactly the same build wise (minus the gloss)

 

[foob]

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.