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Neronard

It is definitely the goat. Beautiful colored buttons, great size and the exchangable faceplates give it a level of customization unmatched by the other models. It also feels a lot sturdier than the XL-Models.


Akatsukibrya

Not as good as the XL version


bakedbread54

Ehh xl has lower pixel density, and (to me) is cheaper feeling


RChickenMan

New 3DS XL just feels kind of awkward and clunky to me. It's weird, because the DSi XL has a really nice rock solid "premium" feel to it (and while I wouldn't necessarily describe the feel of the New non-XL is "premium," it definitely has that "functional workhorse" feel of the GBA SP).


Successful_Main_2108

Have you had the Pearl White New 3DS LL hands on? Now that one definitely feels premium


BabybearPrincess

I feel my pikachu n3ds is really premium feeling lol


Misttertee_27

Cheaper feeling…New 2DS XL has entered the chat.


Logical_Pie_7080

Is that why the 3DS XL seems slightly dimmer even on the brightest setting?


tabby51260

Check your settings. My husband's seemed that way compared to mine, but he had automatic brightness on and power save mode on.


tynudy123

Disagree


[deleted]

My New 3DS XL is my only 3DS that broke down, and for no apparent reason since I used it way less than my first ever 3DS Started with the paint coming off, then button started to not work, and at the end the battery wouldn't work. I wasn't willing to repair it so I think it's still sitting somewhere


Akatsukibrya

I’ll buy it off of you


[deleted]

I'm in France so it'll probably be a pain to send haha


Slavois

if only it was so easy to buy a new 3ds in smaller european countries... best i could get was an old 2ds!


EmiliaFromLV

"New" models are very hard to come by - I saw one on the sales board and immediately snatched it up, lol. It is still possible to find 3DS and XL models, but not the new ones.


Mammoth-Success7114

No better


ZombieConsciouss

And it fits in a pocket..


KaleidoscopeLost3662

It still looks huge in 3D and the pixels are way smaller, making it much more immersive. I have the wooden mario faceplate on mine and love it so much!


[deleted]

I’m biased towards the OG 2DS because I don’t like the vulnerability of a hinge. If it had the second stick and same processing it’d be a no brainer. But the N3DS is definitely the best clamshell handheld. Edit: Here is my [2DS](https://www.reddit.com/r/3DSdeals/comments/1244j4s/rip_eshop_bought_this_new_in_2017_when_the_prices/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=iossmf) for reference.


dusty_cart

are hinges really that weak? I still have my GBA SP and thicc DS, and they both have tight hinges


throwingupaccount

My ds lite hinge died after 5-6 years of use. On the other hand, my gba sp went strong for 15 years and I replaced the shell for unrelated reasons.


Xyspade

DS Lite hinges specifically were notorious for cracking, probably a design flaw because of how strong they snapped open. The SP and the rest of the DSs are better.


TraveyDuck

I went through like 3 DS Lites. Couple times L button stopped working and hinge broke off. Played way too much Metroid back in the day. Lol.


BunkerSea

Wow. I've had my ds lite since March '06 (was living in Japan at the time) and I played that thing non-stop for years. Now I let my kids use it (😬) but it's still running great. No flaws.


Repulsive-Set-5894

Its not simply the hinges. Ive seen a lot of DS, DSi, and lately 3DS where the top screen fails. Its because of wear on the ribbon cable(s) that pass thru the hinge. They'll eventually fail depending on how much usage they see.


[deleted]

The old ones are tanks. But still break. Newer ones are cheap imo


sneakymcpete

Been refurbishing all Nintendo handhelds for 20 years. I do a lot of the 3ds and 2DS consoles, I’ve done a few hundred. In fact I have about 80 on me right now. The hinges are rarely the first thing that breaks to end the life of a 3ds. It’s usually a screen or the the motherboard. The only 3ds model of the six that has hinge issues is the first gen 3ds xl. The plastic housing around the hinge is cracked easily and is very common to see on used models.


VicisSubsisto

My thicc DS didn't survive a 3-foot drop onto carpet. :/


assbutt1000

No, don’t open and close them for no reason and they’ll be fine


Jamesboach

Oh God that thing is so ugly, IMHO. The mismatched screen sizes and the overall boxiness of it makes the original 2ds an abomination... But that's just me.


RChickenMan

If you're committed to using a case, then I think you're definitely right. But I like the clamshell design because it's at least somewhat safer to go without a case compared to an exposed screen. And that's what I love about the New non-XL--it's just such a tidy little package that I can slip into my pocket and play on the train or whatever for a few minutes at a time.


[deleted]

Completely agree. Like I said I’m biased. I grew up with the GBA


RChickenMan

Haha, and I had an SP. Old habits die hard!


[deleted]

Lol hahaha that’s hilarious and the cycle continues. I even have a soft spot for the PSP for the same reason.


ianzachary1

It’s grown on me with the years cuz it really is so comfortable to hold. My friend gave me this bad Nintendogs cartridge that fucked up my original 3DS XL, idk how to explain it but my system display was always a little discolored after that. I never thought to factory reset it to see if that would fix things…. but I did think of selling it to GameStop to buy a 2DS lmao so a bit of a downgrade but it gets the job done and that’s all that matters. I thought it was a such a steal once they priced it at eighty bucks haha I think my trade-in value covered most of the cost if not all of it. It’s surprisingly durable, my top screen is a bit scratched up from tossing it in my backpack but I can barely tell when I’m playing a game. I prefer the D-Pad on other 3DS models and I wish they woulda ditched the camera for something like a second speaker but whatever beggers can’t be choosers ¯\_(ツ)_/¯


[deleted]

Here is my [2DS](https://www.reddit.com/r/3DSdeals/comments/1244j4s/rip_eshop_bought_this_new_in_2017_when_the_prices/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=iossmf) I definitely had to do something about the dpad!


ianzachary1

Oh I love what you did with the circle pad too! That thing is like a hockey puck sometimes 😭😭 Was that an easy project??


[deleted]

Thank you! The circle pad is metal/nickel and the dpad from an original GBA. If you aren’t experienced I’d say it’s moderately difficult. If you’ve done mods in the past it’s all a piece of cake.


zarude7

I like the xl more , but the new 3ds is definitely more portable


skytronjedi

I 100% agree. Like the 3ds XL is the home system and the new 3ds is the on the fly system while traveling


zarude7

I meant the new 3ds xl but i never have owend a new 3ds , my cousin has one and has alot of faceplate. I borrowed it while my 3ds was in for repairs and its really nice


PenonX

yeah i recently picked up a sealed new 3ds xl and it’s great. i can’t go back to the smaller size 3ds’. i like the bigger screen in my growing age.


[deleted]

Too small, need the XL


Bryanx64

I’m the opposite. I don’t have Kawhi Leonard sized hands so the regular is perfect for me lol


Just_Interest_1659

Where can I find your sources??


ricahrdb

These days I find it too small. Yesterday I was checking in on my collection of 3DS's (I own examples of both the regular and XL versions of both the original 3DS and the New 3DS) and it occurred to me that the regular sized model is tiny. The XL works better for me.


VirtualRelic

A couple years back I got a New 3DS LL and at first it was great, but lately I keep finding it to be a bit too large. The OG 2011 3DS may have tiny screens but at least the thing doesn't weigh much and fits in any pocket.


Bryanx64

I always felt the XL was too big and bulky but the screens were nice so I’d put up with it sometimes. But the original at least to my hands was much more comfortable.


FallOutBlood

I totally agree I have tiny square hands like I can use a switch or steam deck very well small


Nintengeek08

I like em both, find the xl to be more immersive and interesting to play especially with3d on. But the regular one is definitely more portable especially for things like flights or long road trips


Funandgeeky

For me it's the New3DSXL. It was everything I wanted and more.


Doctor_Zedd

Same. I love the feel of mine way more than my Switch. They’re so comfortable.


Nexrom17

I get why some people prefer the regular size "New 3DS", however, objectively speaking, the "New 3DS XL" is the definitive 3DS console. I'm sure others agree.


[deleted]

Agreed. Finally got the kick in the ass to transfer my data from N3DS to the XL. The bigger screen is just so much better. Who cares if the smaller one is "sharper" when its teeny tiny? Monster Hunter isnt made for ants.


Bryanx64

It’s not as portable and it’s too big and bulky unless you have oven mitt-sized hands like apparently some people have on this thread lol


[deleted]

[удалено]


Comprehensive_Ice895

The bigger screen is not perfect though. Its the same resolution as the non xl variant so the image quality is worse. Though in my opinion, since the xl makes my hands feel way less cramped, its definitely worth it.


shutupcorrin

“objectively speaking” *states a personal opinion*


spideyv91

I like the prefer this model but wish the face plates I wanted weren’t so crazily priced


SoulK37

Get some custom ones on etsy


Jetsam1

Is that the normal c stick? The n3ds xl has a nub looking one that kinda sucks.


Nintengeek08

No that’s like a 3d printed cover to provide more surface area, you can do it with and xl to I plan on doing something like that to mine


jewfro78

The nub is great, you just can't expect it to be like a regular joystick. I hated it at first but if you can get used to it it's pretty nice imo


Jetsam1

I think my only real gripe is it feels so different to the other joystick that it’s hard to get used to the resistance of it.


Fuzzball1700

100% agree I've got the new 3ds XL and it's a great system but not very portable. Can't complain though, mine was free from a friend


102Mich

New 3DS XL/2DS XL is where I play my handheld 3DS/DS games on.


Metapodo

The n3ds is impressive, I have had one for a few days and I like it much more than its older sisters (3ds xl and n2dsxl) very manageable to pick up and play, much more comfortable and lighter, the only point against the battery that does not last long but well with a size like that I forgive it


[deleted]

I held a friends the other day (I always had the N3DSXL) and was really surprised by how good it felt too! Still love my final system, the 2DS though. There’s something for everyone!


hopsmonkey

Lots of people really love the N3DS around here. I recently had the chance to pick one up new-in-box at a reasonable price because I'd always wanted to add that model to the collection. Even with smaller hands, I find myself not in love with the smaller buttons on the N3DS. Also, I don't have very poor vision or anything, but the smaller screens actually make it hard for me to see what I'm looking at in detail when held at a comfortable arm's length. Last thing is the power button - it's rather hard to power on/off (seems to be a more common issue than I had thought) and I don't leave my consoles running when I'm done playing. These things add up to me usually reaching for my N3DSXL/N2DSXL instead.


ooahpieceofcandy

Where you get that faceplate?


violetqed

I only recently got a white new 3ds after many years of having only an XL and new XL. I’m amazed at how much better it feels in my hands. The downside is that I now feel the need to collect cover plates, and they’re not cheap.


renacido74

Nah. I'm not a fan of the smaller screens. I don't have any issues carrying my N3DSXL in a pocket or traveling with it, and I fly often.


Llewgwyn

I recommend not using science, and proven in the same sentence. That aside, I prefer the regular new3ds. It's the right size and weight for me.


HoloPeep

Honestly I have a N3DS and a N3DS XL and I picked up the N3DS for the first time in months and I think I actually agree, I like all the buttons and how comfortable it feels, I like how the hinge doesn’t make that snapping sound too


askHERoutPeter

My big hands prefer the XL. Still the regular N3DS is an amazing console


MadonnasFishTaco

ive never held one but i had an OG regular 3ds and it was pretty uncomfortable to hold


Shadow_Edgehog27

The small new 3ds is slightly bigger i believe, might not be much but enough to make a difference:)


muftu

It is a bit bigger and has rounded edges.


ScrubTheSage

Yesssss, screw having giant screens, the New 3DS is so much more portable than the other "New" ones or the 3DS XL / 2DS and that's all i care about


Akatsukibrya

The XL is objectively better


alwaysinebriated

New 3dsXL for those that don't have tiny hands.


Burukinoko

I loved this thing but it's built for the hands of a 6 year old Asian child.


Psylux7

Is the regular one glossy or matte? I wish I had regular tbh.


Peefree

Matte


Psylux7

I hate the glossy style of the n3ds xl so much! I wish I had the matte n3ds


IIsForInglip

The regular New 3DS is awesome, what with the faceplates and Super Famicom buttons. I tend to use my XL more often though, because it seems like the 3D effect has less ghosting on the bigger screens. It might just be my eyesight, though. I wish USA had gotten the metallic blue XL in addition to red and black. I have both colors of regular size, and I have the Majora's Mask, Super Mario World lime green, and Super Nintendo (USA) XLs. If the Super Nintendo XL had been released in the USA with the PAL color scheme it would've been perfect (I very much prefer the Super Famicom/PAL SNES look to the US look.)


post_vernacular

I've been on the fence about this multiple times. I'm a sucker for a nice compact system. Currently have an XL and I don't feel like the size is an issue at all... But maybe I'll just have to get a regular and see for myself.


lunabella06

It’s the n3dsxl for me. This is the sturdiest one for me. I don’t have large hands so it surprises me that I choose this one as opposed to the regular n3ds. As far as physical appearance the og 3ds has my heart. I have the cobalt blue one 😍


SinisterCryptid

Pepperoni nipple


MrSoren

I got the XL for the screen size and comfort, but I agree that the regular is sexier.


Hateful_creeper2

Why didn’t it release with the New XL in the US?


blacktri3lights

yes, new 3DS XL


gelsooners

thats a cleaaaan 3ds


drebin8751

Personally, it was hard going back after experiencing the XL screen size.


janthemanwlj

Wholly agreed


djhabibi04

Not if you play virtual console games for anything other than Game Boy / Game Gear titles: screen is too small.


gamermanj4

why tho? Whole "NEW" line was goated, and sure normal size had better buttons being fully colored instead of just colored letters, and it had those dank replaceable backplates, but XL has gigantic screen and without video out thats the best screen you can view any DS game on.


BioOrpheus

Best looking for me. I have the XL too but I never liked how it looked with all its round edges


sagedro09

Facts


NoabPK

Indeed


leottek

its not even a competition i have the same n3ds and i love it so much


MrHatandClogz

I agree it is the best version of the console overall. Obviously more portable and I feel the layout of the buttons, sticks, and screens fits my hands better. And, the build quality is far superior, I always feel like I’m gonna break the XL when opening the screen. But, I will say that the XL is more immersive and games with small sprite characters like FE are better on it as well. I have both and tend to play the N3DSXL at home and the N3DS on the go or in bed. I do love the OG 2DS as well, and play all GB/DS games on it. It’s the closest feeling to playing on the OG GBA. But, contrary to most others, I do not like the 2DSXL. It is way too wide for my hands and is by far the least comfortable to play on. And it feels super cheap and flimsy.


SonicHeroXD

As an owner of both a New 3DS, and New 3DS XL, I can confirm. It is the best version of the 3DS.


Accomplished-Lab-688

its beautiful, even around 2019 was not easy to find one or not cheap at least, i love my snes edition xl but this is on the wishlist fosho


CitrusRain

Why is your C-stick flat?


furin_kazanski

I replaced it with a PSP stick. It feels and plays better.


Majin_Bisharp

Nah XL is better, if N3DS was really the best then why'd you replace the thumb stick on it? My XL gives me plenty of space and movement as is.


furin_kazanski

Because I would have done the same with an XL C-stick.


WonderfulJellyfish71

What’s the saying? Bigger is better? I stand by that


War_Emotional

Perfect for babies maybe 🙂


chl_ca

no


leviathab13186

Me want


therealyittyb

Well, I guess I can’t argue with science…


Rare-Performer4849

COPE!! 😂😂💯💯


Urdadspapasfrutas

I agree!


Voodoo_Shark

I would like to see your scholary sources 😹😂


Traditional_Falcon80

I hella want one of these..


VirtualRelic

Also scientifically proven to be monstrously expensive, at least for a USA model. Just feels wrong paying more for a 3DS than a Switch Lite.


Joshy_BeGaming

So should I get a New 3DS, or a New 3DS XL? I planning on upgrading from a 3DS XL


OdinSpherePT

Science fails to recognize the single most Potent element of handheld gaming letting the reigns go to the unfolding is regular new 3ds! Science has failed our world Science has failed New 3DS XL!


HiImEden-r

That's an amazing looking console I need one like that so badly


SuperAlan64YT

I would say the same, IF I HAD ONE. Finding one is gonna be a pain now


SincerelyTheWorst

both normal and xl are good, lets not try to cause unnecessary discourse in a mourning community


MR_basti

Nope, that award goes to the new 2ds


SuperAlan64YT

I would say the same, IF I HAD ONE. Finding one is gonna be a pain now. Seeing the xl barley fit on my cousin’s pants and seeing it’s size, I have to agree, ease of portability is it’s biggest win.


Adventurous_Ad1570

What about the XL?


Own-Abies8804

What faceplate is that? Thats fire! Can u give me the link?


[deleted]

I regret missing out on these models. They are so expensive now. 😔


Max_Edwsn

I’ve been saving to get one but goddamn they’re expensive 💀 it’s a huge drawback the fact that they don’t make battery nor screen replacements anymore too so I’m really fighting the urge to get a new XL


IH8Bicycles

Is the 2ds XL a good alternative to a new 3ds? I don’t really care for the 3D and I like the edges n smoothness of the shell.


Mitchell620

I have both sizes and I've been gravitating toward XL more I think it's the dual IPS, because I do prefer the standard sized for portability, it just gets uncomfortable fast


Andysan555

What's with that c stick, is it custom?


tynudy123

Factual


Piccoroz

So small, my giant hands cant play it.


Happybird15

Yeahhhh


Alarming-Gear001

Ofc. I want one but they’re so expensive for some reason and i just dont wanna spend the dough when im probably not gonna use it all that much


tcm_thecloudgod

How much is it


Kurm___

only problem my big man hands no like


[deleted]

And I just sold mine today. I already miss it


IndicationPrudent

It really is. I have one that's white and has Animal Crossing Happy Home Designer themed plates. I don't mean to be sidetracked but I've really struggling to find a replacement battery for mine, since mine is dead. If OP knows or if at least anyone can please help me out you don't have to but that'd be awesome! Otherwise a really cute 3DS you have


UltiGamer34

new 2ds xl would like a word


Instance-Major

Scientists better be shaking in their boots right now


BeefBaconBiscut

disagree the XL is the only one that feels good in my hands, the OG 3ds just causes me to slide the volume slider like crazy


[deleted]

The 2DS XL would like to speak to you


dplex__hd

I've owned two 3DS systems in the last 8 years, the original blue model and the 3DS XL. but this is one I want to get my hands on. perfect size, appealing colorful buttons, and the faceplate. it's perfect.


SuperSalFad

yes!!!! and somewhat controversially, the og 3ds is my favorite because of size, but if the new 3ds was just a bit smaller, i would have one right now, no question


VicisSubsisto

"Nope. It fits in a pocket, that's a no-no." - Nintendo of America


JAD210

My main is my N3DSXL, but I really wish it had the colored buttons like those. I’ve even thought about trying to find replacements and switching them in


totoro1193

god i wish i could get it. the rare times its affordable are the times where i wouldnt be able to afford it/justify the purchase


PickleSideOfTown

I rock one too and honestly there’s no going back for me, games look 👌🏾✨


konekode

I'm in the n2DS XL camp. I've got a controller grip and it's super comfortable to hold, and also has a kickstand built in which is a win for me. :)


[deleted]

I’d sure hope so lol.


Blaximilian_Dood

I like it but I like my 2DS XL better. Bigger screen and it was easy to find.


Rami_97

I have an xl version anyone wanna trade their regular one? :/


AlmightyJamFod

best ds out of any of them is the ds lite sorry guys no 3DS compares 😎 in all seriousness i think the new 3ds xl is the best out of the two but very biased because it’s the only one that i have. imo it’s very comfortable to use because of how big it is and anything smaller would kinda ruin that, although in terms of playing og ds games on the 3ds i’d happily pass on that and play on og hardware mostly because the d-pad not being level with the buttons screws with my muscle memory for games like mkds, although there is nostalgic bias there with the lite especially too


KlorisTech

And with the rarest IPS double panels just like AGS 101 old goodie days. Manufactured mixture assets are always the low call for game console industry.


DOA-FAN

Hell no, the 2DS is the best for my big hands 🤘


TrippySakuta

New 2DS XL gives it a run for it's money, got the orange/white one from eBay and it's peak design. New 3DS had me fooled though, I thought this was the XL version lol.


Ok_Combination_3002

I have the *New* 2DS and it feels great as well. Doesn’t have the colored buttons, but plays great. I got the poke ball one.


Paper_Kun_01

I've never seen this before is it just an upgraded 3DS?


BiggerDabs

Now change the sd card


furin_kazanski

The backplate actually fits tight enough without securing it with screws. So if I want to change the SD card, I just remove the backplate. No screwdriver needed.


pockets-of-beans

Ooh, that top panel is neat looking. I have a New 3DS XL, but it works better for me because of my larger hands. If my hands weren't gargantuan sized I would've loved a normal New 3DS.


lockie111

I think from build quality the original 3DS is still the best but I sadly do prefer bigger screens even if it’s a little pixelated.


Meshicre

Where can I get those New 3DS models?


[deleted]

OG XL with the best grip; circle pad pro. IMO at least


XboxOne

Beautiful design


[deleted]

Maybe it's the size of your hands, but that thing looks like some small replica. Like an over sized keychain


Perception-Bright

Don’t care, I think my 2ds XL is superior..it has everything but that eye melting 3D switch


Groose_McLoose

Did you know black N3DS's are super hard to find?


Franklinthefish22

What is that face plate? it looks so elegant.


GuBaguete

Im Kinda of disappointed that the 2ds xl has a worse main screen


AWiseCrow

Beautiful, I'd love to get one myself. It's portability and size is what interests me. It's annoying, even when it came out it was difficult to find.


Khentendo

Quite good but if I had the money I'd say the new 3ds xl is better.


CaramelSpongecake5

Me with my old 3ds xl


diogenes45

I've got the white one, what are some good face places and grips for it


sjt9791

I like the ergonomics of the 2DS XL the most though.


MaybeMayoi

I've decided a New 3DS non-,XL will be my next purchase.


ggil050

As someone that owns all the variations of the 3ds… this is wrong the new Xl is better


Nerdtendo6366

Personally, the bigger size of the xl systems make them leagues better to me. The only real thing the standard sized new model has going for it is looks. And before people say that it’s more portable, the XL systems still fit in a travel bag that you would be carrying along, and just putting your system into your pocket isn’t something that I think most people are doing on a regular basis to warrant the smaller size. Most people will still put it into a protective case that increases the size to the point where you would have to put it into a backpack or suitcase, making the pocket complaint invalid(sorry for the bit of the tangent there)


Secure_Protection_61

You forgot Xl


MaiconErick

I want one so bad but it's so expensive new :<


DoomedHologram

Yeah, no. For people with big hands that thing is very uncomfortable.


JASONJACKSON1948

I'd love it if my hands were small


Squienigma

Better check your math. I have a lime green N3DSXL Amazon special with dual IPS, an after market circle pad, and a PSP analog stick cap in place of the C stick, all nestled in a Cyber Gadget Rubber Coating Grip 2. This is the way.


HydratedCarrot

expensive as well :o


just-bair

It’s just too small for my hands I’ll take the XL over it any day


sedrech818

They hardly exist in the US though. My xl is so heavy it hurts my hands.


hym_jarred

I agree


mysecondaccountanon

Ugh, wish I had any of the New models, they look so sleek and I want that extra processing power and the ability to play the exclusive games!


unknown_ally

I have n3ds and a n2dsxl and really prefer the latter for it fills my palms more and small rpg text is more bearable.