I have played with all of the 3DS line for now. (Sold off 3 cheapy N2DS XLes locally, actually.)
My impressions:
- og 3DS --> well, it's decent. It's small size makes it crazy pocketable, and the cameras are great. Unfortunately two of my systems had issues with "sticky" trigger buttons. Bought mine at launch, hacked it via the emunand/RXtools thing, and I sold it a while ago. Another issue was the battery pack - very bad battery life, and I spent most of university using this one with the now discontinued Nyko Power Pak+.
- o3DS XL/n3DS XL --> the larger size, made it incredibly uncomfortable to use for me. Also, I couldn't easily toss this into my bag, and I needed to a case to carry it. The larger screens made some games much easier to play. (eg. Megaman Legacy Collection).
- n3DS --> originally bought this because Nintendo of America didn't want to bring over the smaller version (had the Happy Home Designer version, and urgh, not interested in those faceplates). Love the form factor and the ease of use. The need for a screwdriver to access the micro sd card didn't bother me, as I usually install one OR two cia versions of games. This is probably my most used system - because of the form factor.
**Some people have issues with the IPS/TN lottery, but tell you the truth, in all 4 years of installing custom firmware on these systems, I've only come across 4 dual IPS systems. One was a client with a dual IPS N3DS XL, 2 were bought used from friends (Super Mario Land 3D n3DS bundle), and the last one was my own pre-ordered Super Mario Land 3D n3DS bundle.**
- 2DS --> it feels chunky and like the old school "brick" of the game boy. Bought to use as a DSiWare mule, but haven't used it since. May gift it to a nephew soon.
n2DS XL:
- front facing camera location is WEIRD. I've scanned in so many QR codes and photos and the camera never seems to be where I imagine it to be!
- much lighter at 239 grams (with 3DS game/micro sd card in the slots). The other XL versions come in at 300+ grams. (Yes, I weighed all the systems I have, yes, I bake.) Might be good for long gaming sessions, as using the o3DS XL for long periods of time was just...hellish on the wrists.
- the dustcover for the game slot/micro sd card feels unneeded/unasked for. It's also STIFF as hell, although I imagine that it will get better with time.
- the "washboard" texture on the top cover slightly annoys me, as it seems to pick up all the DUST/crap in the world - might be reason to pick up a "crystal case" for this thing
- battery life is decent/on par with the n3DS XL
- the use of micro sd is welcome, as it is cheaper than your large capacity SD cards.
- it is EXPENSIVE, in comparison to an used n3DS XL here. EBGames/Gamestop asks $199.99 + taxes for one. Which works out to $225 here. Not including the larger micro SD card either! I can get an used n3DS XL for $200 only, and it does exactly the same thing for much less...
My opinion on the n2DS XL. This should have been what the original 2DS was. A big chunky unit with a folding screen for protection against damage. However, it is MUCH more expensive than an used n3DS (XL) as well. Nintendo should have lowered the price on these, as the 2DS was the "best value" of the lot - I can get an o2DS for $50 here.
