Customer Ratings & Reviews

The New 3DS is exactly as described. I was iffy on the 3D (coming from a 2ds) but it's actually not bad, even though I play with it off most of the time. The huge screen is obviously a plus but the price of hand held gaming systems is starting to get steep...

Then this is the handheld portable system to own! There are several minor adjustments that have been made to also justify an upgrade to the new 3DSXL, namely the faster processor, increased pixel density on the screens, and the really awesome super-stable 3D that achieves a constant 3D visual effect thanks to an eye-tracking camera. But for consumers on the fence about the Nintendo 3DS, there isn't a better time to jump into the fray. There's no doubt that the best portable games out there are made by Nintendo, and with the huge suite of popular and best-selling software already available for the 3DS generation, there shouldn't be any concern about whether good games are to be had.

This is my first ever DS I've owned, and it is probably the best purchase I've made. The 3D face tracking is phenomenal along with the fast processing speeds. The C-Stick is also a very interesting and helpful addition. Would recommend this to anyone!

I was told by a Best Buy associate that this had sharper graphics, better more stable 3D functions, and a faster processor than previous 3DS's, and let me tell you he was right! Games load up faster, look clearer, and the 3D looks incredible.

I love this new system, the graphics are better, processing if faster, zero lag on all games I've played so far, and can't forget the c-stick. Its been a little difficult switching from the circle pad pro to the c-stick but I got it now.

I got this during a black friday sale for $175 after my circle pad on my original 3ds broke. This is my first XL DS so when I first held it, I immediately it to be heavier than my old one. Although it was heavier than my original, there was a bigger screen and a bigger battery. Now I can leave the xl on standby for a day or two without worrying about a low battery. The 3d actually works and the bigger screen really add to the immersion. Pros +Bigger battery +Bigger Screen (at least compared to my original) +3D is much better with the built in head tracking Cons -uses micro sd -micro sd is not easily accesible (so plan on getting more than 4 gb of storage; yet micro sd cards are getting cheaper) -Transfer can take a lot of time if you have more games (me I just had smash bros and OR save files other comments I don't really use the second control stick, but it feels like the red dots on thinkpads the hardware can get easy fingerprints, but you can wipe them off If this is your first 3ds consider it but do understand that it is bigger and nintendo had announcements with a smaller new 3ds. For new adopters this is great investment For people with the original XL I would wait For people who have the original, I would consider it only if your primary circle pad is broken or if you want to use the new 3d features

The original Nintendo DS was an oddity. The 3DS became slightly more interesting. And now, it finally has the last missing piece - a second analog stick! There are those who would argue about Sony portables versus Nintendo; Nintendo unquestionably has the better, larger library. And this step in the 3DS, with extra horsepower, and the new stick, makes it even more convincing. Personally, I still think the PS Vita is a better system, but lacks the developer support and game library. So I've got both. But this newest generation of 3DS pulls them closer than they've ever been, and makes gaming on the 3DS much more enjoyable, in both 3D and 2D. Positives: +C-stick... I can't say this enough! No more "circle-pad pro" add-on bologna! +Faster CPU; Not super noticeable for most things +Slightly better battery life (I could still use more) +Minor upgrade to 3D makes it marginally better Gripes: -Different type of SD card for storing data, makes migration annoying -Touchscreen is still just a resistive, unresponsive slab -Increased CPU doesn't do much -No noticeable improvement in screen quality, or bump in resolution TLDR: The best Nintendo DS unit so far, with the additional buttons and analog stick bringing it closer to the usability of the PS Vita, but with the significantly better game library of the two.

The New 3DS XL is a stark upgrade to the older model in every way. Its visuals and graphics capabilities are top notch. Its load times are at least twice as fast and memory is much larger. Plus its 3D is much more improved to the old 3DS. If you're into that. But it does come with its problems. The only model available at the time is the XL, which can be a bit cumbersome to carry around with you without a case. A little too big to just fit in a pocket comfortably. And of course, a case doesn't solve the problem by much. Its batter life is still very short and is cut even more when you use the feature it's named after. And most importantly, it does not come with its own charging cable. You have to use the one that came with your older model. Something to keep in mind if you're planning on buying this for your kid or someone else as their first step into the 3DS. Aside from that, if you like a vastly improved experience and can afford it, I would highly recommend you pick this up.

The face tracking 3D, faster processor, and added c-stick are great inclusions to this system. However, if you have a 3ds already and don't really care about those features then it's not really worth upgrading .

I'll try to condense my thoughts as much as possible: If you don't yet have a Nintendo 3DS, this is the version you want. If you already have an original 3DS this will be a worthy upgrade just on the merits of the larger screen size. If you already have a non-New 3DS XL then this might be a worthwhile upgrade if you love the 3D feature and have games that benefit from the additional analog nub such as Majora's Mask 3D and Monster Hunter 4. I personally love the 3D effect and that alone was worth the upgrade to me personally. However, the more powerful processor and quicker downloads have quickly made themselves worth the price to upgrade. Exclusive games alone are not worth the upgrade - Xenoblade Chronicles is excellent but the 3DS version isn't as good as the Wii original, which is also available to download to the Wii U for a cheaper price. SNES games are nice to have portable and a great bonus if you don't have a 3DS yet, but also not quite worth the upgrade in my opinion since there's no word yet about transferring purchases to the new system. All in all this is a truly excellent console. However, your mileage may vary depending on the factors I mentioned above. I'm a true fan of video games and don't play into console biases so if you have any more detailed questions please let me know. I'll be happy to reply ASAP.

Great game system love new 3ds. AWESOME Graphics. Like the large screen. Face recognition cool. THINK at this pricepoint it should come with a charger. OLD 3ds charger works and was able to transfer old data.

Overall, I am impressed with the updated 3DS XL. I found that the new placement of volume control and the stylus to be the things I kept fumbling for with the new 3DS XL. The cartridges now go in at the front (nice--you can readily see that you have one on board at a glance.) It is really silly not to include a charger with this system. If you have a 3 DS already, that charger works. But at the price, it should be included. Mine came with a cover (a special at the time), so I felt better. I like the red color-- it is a metallic--nicer than in photos. Start, Select, and Home buttons are also better appointed I believe. My system has good sound, and the 3-D is phenomenal. It is well-done.

Today we see a lot of mobile devices in the market, most of them with casual video games and a few 'hard core' games. I also have an iPhone so... why another portable device?. Well, I don't always carry the New Nintendo 3DS XL with me but when I do it's because of the controls, the physical controls. A touch screen works great for many things, specially a high quality touch screen like the one used in the iPhone but for many games you'll get the best experience by using a game controller. Maybe it's because I grew up playing video games using controllers pads, joystick, mouse and keyboards, all of them physical controllers but could be that a touch screen is just not the best experience for all cases. I like my iPhone as a mobile computer with a phone app but I like my New Nintendo 3DS XL as a mobile/portable video game console. New Nintendo 3DS XL is great, I didn't have a previous portable Nintendo console so I cannot compare with previous versions. This version works great, 3D looks great in games like Majora's Mask, Super Mario 3D Land and Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate. The controls are great and the touch screen is very responsive. It's well built, doesn't feel cheap and the black one looks nice. Buttons are well located and sound without headphones is good enough. Overall the hardware is very good and games look great. The only thing I don't like is the weight. After several years using the iPhone as a mobile device, the New Nintendo 3DS XL feels heavy. After an hour or less of playing I feel I have to rest my hands on a table while playing, otherwise I start to feel tired. Once I have my hands resting on table while playing I can play for several hours. There are many good games that can keep you entertained for hours, so far I've only played Majora's Mask, Monster Hunter and Super Mario 3D Land, all of them outstanding video games. You can't go wrong buying any or all of them. My conclusion is that even when the console offers things like a browser, it won't replace a mobile computer like an iPhone but it does a great job as a portable video game console; it doesn't feel like it pretends to be something else or something more, that's why I like it so much. This device is to play video games and you will have a lot of fun playing them on this console.

This new DS is fast, sleak and perfect size for portable gaming. There's no reason to get any of the other versions. This is the one to get and finally use the 3D effect as it was intended.

I bought this for the bigger screen, built in controls previously found only on the circle pad pro, more memory, faster CPU, super stable 3D, and the ability to play new games built specifically for the New 3DS (including SNES virtual console titles). Playing games with the New 3DS is much easier on my hands due to the larger form factor. While it might have been nice to have higher resolution screens I can't say that there isn't any noticeable pixelation in the graphics, at least none that is glaring and bothersome. The improved browser has some nice features too, like the ability to watch 3D videos on YouTube or similar websites from the browser using the auto-stereoscopic upper screen (supports red/blue, top/bottom split, and side by side video types). The device also lacks the gloss surface on the controls that were present on my old 3DS, but this is an improvement from the older 3DS consoles as those glossed surfaces cracked and chipped away even with careful use. While it would have been nice to have this come with a dock and charging cable like my older one did I was able to find a 3rd party dock that came with a charger cord for under $20 so not a horrible issue. The only negatives about it are the minor pixelation (which is barely noticeable and not at all bothersome to me) and the fact that it did not come with a charging cable, both of these are relatively minor issues though and an inexpensive charging cable can be purchased easily.

Having owned the original 3DS as well as the XL model, the move to the New 3DS XL was more of an incredmental upgrade than a brand new handheld. But for someone who is looking to purchase a Nintendo handheld in the 3DS family, the only option is to get its newest addition. The 3D effect is perfected and finally easily accessible due to the face tracking, and the c-stick, while not a full functioning second thumb pad, greatly serves its purpose in 3D games that require a camera to be moved. It's these small yet effective changes that make this release the most exciting for Nintendo's 3DS since its original launch, and I'm loving every second of it.

I love this new system. On my old 3DS I normally turn the 3d off because it breaks so easily, but the 3d is very stable. So much so that I play with it on almost all the time. Very impressive. The new C stick it a bit strange in that it doesn't move much. Kinda like the red nubs in the center of those Thinkpad laptops. However it's very responsive. Couldn't play Monster Hunter 4 without it. My biggest complaint is that very few games take advantage of the new hardware right now. The system is noticeably faster, but other than improved load times, nothing outside of Xenoblade chronicles uses the new hardware. ZELDA MM has some graphical improves and some games (Like Gunvolt) has New 3ds specific DLC (free BTW) that takes advantage as well. AND DONT GET ME STARTED ON THE LACK OF CHARGER AND THE TRANSER PROCESS. All I can says is make sure not to trade in your old system to buy the new one unless you want to lose your data and buy a new charger. Overall it's a great system, but don't rush out to buy one unless your a early Adopter or its your first 3d.

Great new system. Love the 3D effect and the size of the screen makes it very comfortable to play for hours. DOES NOT COME WITH CHARGING CABLE!!!!!

I decided to buy the Black Nintendo New 3DS and I don't regret it. Once I opened it, I could the beauty of this beautiful handheld. It was shiny and so casual. Love at the first sight. I currently own the old Nintendo 3DS XL. I transferred the data from it to the new one and it was great and easy (why some people believe it is hard to transfer your data). Once everything was transferred I started playing games. The system is sleek and that carbon fiber looking looks awesome on my New 3DS. My problem with the system is that it's a fingerprint magnet and I don't care about it. I mean, in my case if there are fingerprints on my 3DS it means I don't stop playing with it and I only need a cloth to clean and it will look good as new... In gameplay, I started playing RE: Revelations and with the C-stick fits great as a camera angle and the RZ and ZL too. I am playing Majora's Mask and it looks great. Maybe it's me but I compared RE: The Mercenaries and SSB for the 3DS (we both have one copy of each) and in my old 3DS XL showed a pale color compared to the New 3DS which look a little more richer in contrast and color (like I said it looked that way to me). Both systems have screen protectors and they new and from the same company (Skinomi), so I don't think are the screens protectors that played the trick on me. I mostly play in 3D all my game, except the ones that require a lot of movement. The face tracking 3D or the laser really detects your face and the 3D affect doesn't break and makes you feel dizzy compared to the 3DS XL. even if your are in dark place (my room is almost pitch black). I have a few Amiibos and for now I have used on, Meta Knight and for now, the 3DS recognize my Amiibo all the time I use it . I believe this system is great anyone who already owns a 3DS and wants to get a new model or for a new person who wants to know a 3DS game looks without the special glasses. I am not reviewer but I did my best hee hee....

I was practically raised on Nintendo. Started with a Gameboy Color way back in 2000, graduated to a Gameboy Advance, then to a DS. As the years wore on and I moved into PC gaming, and seeing what I thought to be a fad gimmick in the 3DS, I figured my trusty silver lump of plastic would be the last handheld I'd ever own. I was never happier to be wrong. Having no experience with a normal 3DS, the 3D effect was almost eyesore inducing to start with. For newcomers like me I'd recommend starting with the 3D slider off and slowly crank it up as you become comfortable with the effect. Now that I'm accustomed to it it's actually pretty great! From what I've read about the original 3DS, the 3D was very particular in the way you had to hold the handheld to get the desired effect. With the addition of a second camera to compensate, the visual effect is good at virtually any angle. I've not yet gotten a game to utilize the new circle pad, so I can't comment on that. The biggest gripe I have with the handheld is that no charger is provided with the system, so you'll have to buy one separately. Another fantastic feature for both the New and Old 3DS is the Eshop. I'll just say it right now: this probably is the best part of the handheld. Navigating the Eshop itself can be a chore, but the fact that First Party games like Mario, Pokemon, Zelda, etc., good Third Party titles like Castlevania: Mirror of Fate, Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater, etc., and Indie gems like Shovel Knight, Shantae, and Mighty Switch Force can all co-exist on one machine is truly wonderful. I bought a Wii U and New 3DS simultaneously, but of the two machines right now I'm having more fun on my new handheld. The ease of just starting it up and playing right away as well as portability have always been major advantages for any handheld, and whether you consider yourself a casual or hardcore, I could recommend this handheld to anyone.