Nintendo - 3DS XL - Blue

The screen size is advertised as being 90% larger than the non-XL version. This product delivers as advertised. The screen is big and beautiful. Colors are very vivid and the handheld is a joy to use. In my opinion this screen size should be the standard one in all DS models. Although the negative to this is that you will have trouble stuffing this handheld device into your pocket! This is my first 3DS since I waited on the 3DS XL before making the jump to 3D. I enjoy the 3D effect, and the unit has a slider that varies the intensity of the 3D or to turn it off entirely. With that being said, battery life is reduced if you use 3D. Also, its important to note that the 3D will only work with 3DS games. Older DS games will not appear in 3D. The unit is a clamshell like the other DS handhelds. The 3DS XL feels sturdy and has a noticable click when you open it and hit the two available positions for use. The 3DS XL has three cameras; two on the front for taking 3D pictures, and one on the inside that faces the user. The quality of the photos are comparable to old cell phone cameras, and while its tolerable, you would think that in this day and age of hyper megapixel cell phone cameras, Nintendo would have opted for newer technology in their cameras. Perhaps its a cost-reducing measure. I was a little disappointed that the 3DS XL only comes with one circle pad. This is because the original 3DS has an available peripheral to add a second circle pad. I would have thought Nintendo would make two circle pads standard on the newer 3DS XL. I'm sure they will one day release a new 3DS XL peripheral to add a second circle pad. The circle pad is located on the top left above the d-pad. It feels good and allows more control over using the direction pad. In some games the circle pad and d-pad share the same functions, but in others they control different functions. My other gripe is that there is no backwards compatibility with older GBA (GameBoy Advance) games. The DS and DS Lite had a slot so that you could play your older GBA titles. The 3DS XL does not have this slot. However, if there was an older game you wanted to play, there are many available for download on the Nintendo eStore. You store these as well as pictures, videos, and other media on the 4GB SD card that comes with the unit. Sound from the unit is tolerable, but not great. Plugging in ear buds or headphones alleviates this though. Overall, if you were thinking of getting a handheld gaming device, wanted to upgrade to 3D capable handheld, or have trouble seeing the small standard screen of the DS or 3DS, I would definitely recommend the 3DS XL. The larger screen size must be seen to truly appreciate. If you have adult hands, you will be glad as there's more console to hold onto and you won't get hand cramps from prolonged use.

I purchased the Blue/Black model, but its the same as the Red/Black aside from the color. The screen size is advertised as being 90% larger than the non-XL version. This product delivers as advertised. The screen is big and beautiful. Colors are very vivid and the handheld is a joy to use. In my opinion this screen size should be the standard one in all DS models. Although the negative to this is that you will have trouble stuffing this handheld device into your pocket! This is my first 3DS since I waited on the 3DS XL before making the jump to 3D. I enjoy the 3D effect, and the unit has a slider that varies the intensity of the 3D or to turn it off entirely. With that being said, battery life is reduced if you use 3D. Also, its important to note that the 3D will only work with 3DS games. Older DS games will not appear in 3D. The unit is a clamshell like the other DS handhelds. The 3DS XL feels sturdy and has a noticable click when you open it and hit the two available positions for use. The 3DS XL has three cameras; two on the front for taking 3D pictures, and one on the inside that faces the user. The quality of the photos are comparable to old cell phone cameras, and while its tolerable, you would think that in this day and age of hyper megapixel cell phone cameras, Nintendo would have opted for newer technology in their cameras. Perhaps its a cost-reducing measure. I was a little disappointed that the 3DS XL only comes with one circle pad. This is because the original 3DS has an available peripheral to add a second circle pad. I would have thought Nintendo would make two circle pads standard on the newer 3DS XL. I'm sure they will one day release a new 3DS XL peripheral to add a second circle pad. The circle pad is located on the top left above the d-pad. It feels good and allows more control over using the direction pad. In some games the circle pad and d-pad share the same functions, but in others they control different functions. My other gripe is that there is no backwards compatibility with older GBA (GameBoy Advance) games. The DS and DS Lite had a slot so that you could play your older GBA titles. The 3DS XL does not have this slot. However, if there was an older game you wanted to play, there are many available for download on the Nintendo eStore. You store these as well as pictures, videos, and other media on the 4GB SD card that comes with the unit. Sound from the speakers in the unit is tolerable, but not great. Plugging in ear buds or headphones alleviates this though. Overall, if you were thinking of getting a handheld gaming device, wanted to upgrade to 3D capable handheld, or have trouble seeing the small standard screen of the DS or 3DS, I would definitely recommend the 3DS XL. The larger screen size must be seen to truly appreciate. If you have adult hands, you will be glad as there's more console to hold onto and you won't get hand cramps from prolonged use.

The Nintendo 3DS XL (in black) is a new favorite in our house. My oldest daughter received it for Christmas and hasn't put it down since! She has commented on how easy it is to use/connect to her friends and the extra large screen. Our family's love affair with Nintendo products began when I was in the third grade and got a NES for my birthday!! BEST present of my childhood and my children's childhood since over 25 years later it STILL works...and they now play it. We have many systems from years of loyalty to Nintendo but this newest "gameboy" is awesome and my teenager loves that she can sync and play with her friends! Being social is a nice feature ours didn't have back in the day when they weren't even in color yet :) Would I recommend this product....YES Nintendo 3DS XL is worth the investment and hours of happy childhood memories

I was deciding between this and the pa vita. I read and watch many reviews and it always comes down to what do you want to play. The type of games Nintendo brings out are games your going to play over and over. Games are fun and kiddie and at times a bit more serious. Great variety but I do like to see some other games to come out for it, Love the system, bright screen and loud when your background noise is silent. Lol. It really needs to upgrade the speakers. It's horrible.

I haven't had a DS since the original clunky original, but when i saw Luigi's Mansion and heard Legend of Zelda was coming out, i had to have this. The XL is the version to get. I wanna be able to enjoy the graphics while not having stare and squint for dear life. Ppl try to compare this with the vista, but they're apples and oranges. I chose the Nintendo 3DS XL because i know the type of exclusive games Nintendo dishes out. Mario, Zelda, Pokemon, Donkey Kong, Kid Icarus, Starfox, etc. They have demos, videos, apps, and really funny content via cartoon hangover and others. I love the 3D even tho i go crosseyed sometimes, but more importantly I love the games. Look for me online @SoulPapo

I was not aware all that I can do it with this console I thougth only play with it using cartridge games but I surprised when I saw a lot of games and activities come pre-loaded. Besides my kid couls access to facebook and do everything with it. he love it then I love it too.

got as a gift for my son he has not put it down plays it everyday loves it

I bought this for my grandson for Christmas and he absoulutely loves it easy to use.