What 3DS version should I buy?

[masuni]

Id say every 3DS has their own ups and downs, but I do recommend going for the New models.

The best option is to go for the normal New 3DS. Its roughly the same size as the original 3DS, has improved 3D, is more powerful and has swappable cover plates!
If your hands are bigger, go for the New 3DS XL. but avoid the metallic colors (grey, blue, red), since they tend to wear down really easily over time.

The 2DS is more affordable and comfier, but is less portable and has worse audio quality without headphones.

I personally use the New 2DS XL. It has fun colors and really cool special editions, but is the most fragile 3DS there is. Also cheaply made, so cracks and failures are more likely.

3DS XL has many fun colors, but is outshined by the New version otherwise.

Lastly the original 3DS, which in my opinion is the most cool looking. Its the lightest 3DS there is, but if you have the option to go for the New version, i see no reason to buy this one.

 

[NetSanity]

N3DSXL with dual IPS is the way to go.

The whole IPS vs TN debate is bullshit, there's barely a difference between the two.

 

[RNG_Manipulation]

There's not much of a reason for a handheld console. Best 3ds experience is emulating it; and individual emulators for each console are better than what the 3ds can do, and far easier to set up.

Steam deck isn't much better due to its bulk and running on Linux, if you really want a portable console, just load your phone up with emulators, and get one of those cheap controller grips to plug into it. If you're gonna do that thing of handcrafting a specific android hardware that you mentioned, you might as well work on a differenet project since you're not going to use it anywhere near worth the effort.

 

[The Catboy]

For the 3DS, any of them with new3DS hardware; new3DS, New3DS XL, and new 2DS

For emulation, Steam Deck

running on Linux

This is actually a good thing. You won’t be bloated down with Win-Spyware 10/11. Plus, still have solid emulation on the go

 

[Kwyjor]

There's not much of a reason for a handheld console. Best 3ds experience is emulating it; and individual emulators for each console are better than what the 3ds can do, and far easier to set up.

I think there are a few situations were there's really no substitute for the full dual-screen experience. (Ed McMillen was particularly pleased with how the Binding of Isaac turned out on the 3DS.) But only a few.

 

[Viri]

The whole IPS vs TN debate is bullshit, there's barely a difference between the two.

This. I own a dual IPS N3DSXL and a dual TN N3DSXL, it's way overblown. I bought a Hyrule Gold N3DSXL, got dual ips, and was happy. Then I got a Galaxy N3DSXL, which was dual TN, and realized it wasn't that big of a deal between the two.

 

[Orioncle]

This. I own a dual IPS N3DSXL and a dual TN N3DSXL, it's way overblown. I bought a Hyrule Gold N3DSXL, got dual ips, and was happy. Then I got a Galaxy N3DSXL, which was dual TN, and realized it wasn't that big of a deal between the two.

I agree. I own both types as well and the only time you can tell a difference is when you're looking at the bottom screen from a distance

 

[Dampf]

New 3DS. I like the compact form factor, swapable face plates are a nice gimmick and most importantly, the smaller screen has a higher pixel density, games on it look much better than on the XL.

Dont go for older 3ds Systems or 2DS. as the other guy said, glasses free super stable 3d is a game changer, no other mainstream device on the market has such an unique feature, games like 3D Land use the 3D feature nicely and games look sharper in 3D.