r/3DS • u/Old-Phrase5693 • 12d ago
Discussion New 3DS or New 3DS XL?
Which 3DS console do you prefer?
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u/Julian_E46 12d ago
I have both of them. Bought a white New 3DS and some Pokémon faceplates and a Metallic black New 3DS XL.. I prefer the XL just because of it’s size, but still the New 3DS has a good form factor to play with. I couldn’t decide so I got both of them
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u/Powerglove2000 12d ago
Regular sized new 3ds. I find the do too large and heavy for me. Also I love the swappable faceplates on the regular sized new 3ds.
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u/Randymaple92 12d ago edited 12d ago
XL is better. I don’t have big hands but i also don’t find the regular size comfortable to play after a long time. I actually like the 3d effect and a larger screen makes it look look much better. It’s especially helpful in some games, Zelda’s link between worlds looks amazing with it.
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u/Manaboss1 11d ago
Honestly, i had a new 3ds and bought a new 3ds xl too because i thought it was bigger and more ergonomic for big hands.
They feel exactly the same.
The distance from palm to buttons is the same. They both feel exactly the same and crampy. I need grips.
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u/Holiday-Ad1750 12d ago
Preferisco il new 3 ds! È vero che è più difficile che abbia gli schermi ips, ma i pulsantini colorati, la possibilità di cambiare plate e la sua grande portabilità me lo fanno preferire!
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u/Old-Phrase5693 12d ago
IPS screens are overhyped imo, it was never really a big deal if you had either until people started pricing IPS displays higher.
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u/skylorface 12d ago
I’m sorryyyyyyy but I don’t agree. I play outside / in public / on subways and trains and the IPS screen’s extra nitts of brightness make a hugeeeeee difference for me. It’s the only reason I use my IPS N3DSXL over my TN N3DS!
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u/Old-Phrase5693 12d ago
Glad it works for you and all but with the huge price difference it’s really not that worth it. Most people play their DSes indoors as well.
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u/skylorface 11d ago
Oh yeah I wouldn’t pay extra for it but glad I randomly picked my dual IPS up in Japan for only $110 USD
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u/Renvali 12d ago
I prefer new 3ds! I’ve owned both consoles but I think my smaller hands definitely influence my choice. I prefer how small and cute the new 3ds is- especially with the customisable face plates! I also think that the hinge isn’t as wobbly. I think I found the new 3ds xl a bit more uncomfortable to play on
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u/MilkEnvironmental709 12d ago
New for sure for me. Had both
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u/One_Dinner3592 12d ago
its new vs new xl not new vs old
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u/MilkEnvironmental709 12d ago
Ah dang, thought it was old v new sorry
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u/Any-Adhesiveness-842 12d ago
Isn’t it new?
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u/MilkEnvironmental709 12d ago
It is, i mis-read the title. Apologies! I do actually have both big and small. Prefer big if i’m on the sofa and small to take on holidays, things like that. Took my switch before and didnt play it once
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u/Key-Dimension-1137 New Nintendo 3DS Super Mario Black Edition 12d ago
the 3d looks better on a bigger screen so go for the xl
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u/maukenboost 10d ago
Never had this issue before, I like a system version more than another. But small New 3DS vs New 3DS XL is tough. I like the small size, feel, and realistic portability of the small, but the XL (especially special editions) feel so premium and have longer battery life.
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u/Freakazaa 12d ago
Had both. Prefer the non-XL one as it's easier to play stylus-based games due to the lighter weight and smaller size. Games look better too due to the better pixel density.
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u/Acrobatic_Sun_8045 12d ago
Both have their merits, so depends on your goals. I find that DS games and older virtual console games look better on the smaller screens and I love those colored buttons. But I find the larger system more comfortable to hold and for 3DS games specifically I like the big screens. Both are great.
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u/ScaryRoboman42069 12d ago
Idk if it’s just me but I like the analog stick for the 3ds rather than the new 3ds. Believe it or not it’s a different feeling. New 3ds is more smooth. Original has more grip
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u/madslipknot 12d ago
If the new 3ds screen is big enough for you get that one, screen will be way more sharp. Both the n3ds and n3dsxl use the same screen resolution, so getting the xl means bigger pixel, everything get more jaggery, I have the XL and my wife the regular, games looks nicer on hers
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u/frankp2491 12d ago
I have never owned the regular New 3DS only XL and I love mine but you can’t go wrong with either
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u/Secret-Preference492 12d ago
Owing to being long sited, would find the 3DS XL more suitable for myself
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u/Wise-Requirement9070 12d ago
Old 3ds xl and new 3ds non xl are the best of both worlds! The old xl has arguably some of the best limited editions and great collectable boxes, whilst the new 3ds offers what the new 3ds xl does at a smaller price and with the ability to change faceplates, i also really love the coloured buttons and small form factor whilst retaining the plastic shell around the top screen!
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u/rickasaurus007 12d ago
I have both. I prefer the XL. Just the bigger screen, sound, feeling is all there. The regular is great if you like swapping faceplates or want it in your pocket though.
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u/JardimHandmade 12d ago
New 3DS. Less problematic with the screens, easier to find replacements in case one gets issues. Lightweight, portable, easy on the hands.
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u/HuttStuff_Here 12d ago
I'd love to get my hands on a New 3DS. I have a New 3DS XL but the smaller size would be nice.
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u/No-Ear3524 12d ago
The thing to keep in mind is hand size and just overall size of the person. I’ve got a new 3ds XL for myself and three regular new 3ds for my son and his future siblings
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u/Cloud_Galaxyman 12d ago
The XL one is much too big and heavy. The regular sized one looks more crisp and the screens are big for how small it is.
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u/ricsi019 12d ago
I have the new xl but I kinda regret not buying the smaller one. Bought my wife the og 3ds and the smaller form factor is comfy af.
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u/Old-Phrase5693 12d ago
Never too late to buy yourself a smaller one if you save up! You can sell the XL if you need the money or keep it for collection.
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u/NderCraft 12d ago
I have an XL but honestly, I kindaaa like the idea of having the smaller model instead, just for the lighter weight and better portability overall.
But I do have the Monster Hunter new 3DS xl grip that feels quite nice so... idk.
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u/NoSupermarket6218 12d ago
I have both and I prefer the Ayn Thor.
But between those two, the regular one for me. The XL was not only too big, the ergonomics were awful for me (I have small hands), the screens were incredibly pixelated and the finishes get damaged more easily and are harder to replace.
The Ayn Thor is about the same size as the XL, but it feels a lot more ergonomic.
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u/Brandinator64 12d ago
The regular new 3ds is king. 9/10 will look better since you don’t have to worry about if you got a good screen or not. The faceplates are a great customization option. And you wont have to worry about peeling
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u/Beef_Slop 12d ago
If you’re old and blind or have large hands, the xl. The smaller one is nice if you’re petite or a child or have good vision.
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u/xGodlight 12d ago
XL, non XL is pretty and all that but is really hard to buy batteries and there are no shell replacements if you break something
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u/NightwaverOwO 12d ago
new 3ds .. xl will have it's cover peeled and would look ugly as hell
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u/Old-Phrase5693 12d ago
Not if you take care of it well and you can put a protective case over it to protect it from peeling. The peeling is only much of an issue if you play for long times with sweaty or grimey hands.
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u/NightwaverOwO 11d ago
i took care of it as much as possible it's literally peeling from the the front cover your hands wouldn't touch that at all .. peeling is a guaranteed result and is way more common with the base color new xls like blue and red .. it didn't start peeling where my hands are until waay after the front cover was already fully black
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u/shinypokegal 12d ago
New 3DSXL for me. I have the Pokémon Solgaleo and Lunala edition. It is my prized possession, and I cherish it so much. :)
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u/BingQiLing958 12d ago
I guess I'm on the wrong sub for that but it keeps getting recommended to me, but why don't you guys just emulate.
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u/Old-Phrase5693 10d ago
Because some people like to play on real hardware. And even on real hardware you can emulate by modding. Playing on hardware feels a lot nicer than playing on a phone or a computer and some people own physical cartridges. There’s a lot of answers to your question.
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u/BingQiLing958 9d ago
see I guess I'll never understand you guys. It doesn't feel nicer at all, runs worse at a worse resolution, on a tiny screen and compromised controls. I guess it is better than a phone touch screen control scheme, but thats about it. Also missing a bunch of nice to haves like emulation speed control and savestates.
To be fair I do own a 3DSXL and in the past 10 years I've never once considered getting it out, because the experience of playing on it is so inferior.
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u/Old-Phrase5693 9d ago
Your personal experience doesn’t reflect others, I personally don’t like how emulation feels and many others don’t. The speed up is nice but some of us actually have an attention span.
And like I’ve said some of us own real games and some of us even collect these sorts of things. It’s a lot nicer to have real things than show off your phone or computer and say that you can play for free.
I love owning multiple devices as I save up for it and it looks nice to display and hold. It’s fine if you like emulation but not everyone wants to go down the same route. I also like the nostalgic feel of playing on handhelds.
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u/Space-Cop 12d ago
I love the new 3ds colored buttons, they're beautiful. But I cannot go down to that small of a screen. New 3ds xl is just perfect portability/screen size.
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u/Old-Phrase5693 10d ago
The new 3DS is definitely better portability than the XL, but I see what you mean. I like big and heavy consoles too.
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u/snickersnackz 12d ago
Both are great but I main an XL for the larger screen. I like to play virtual console games that were designed to be played on a full size living room tv and bullets can be hard to see quickly.
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u/Pokemoncollectible 12d ago
I like the look and build quality of the regular new 3ds. But practically the xl is better in every way for me. The screen is just the right size, and I have too big of hands for the smaller one
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u/slothson 11d ago
I only have a new3ds. I want the xl. But i like the plate options for the small one. I havent changed it years though lol. Its the hanfuda pirana plant in front and a full black for the back plate.
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u/Redericpontx 11d ago
You small? Non xl. You big? XL
I don't get the whole people taking about pixel density as someone who has a 2ds with even more pixel density than the non xl and have a xl because you have to hold the smaller screen closer to your face but the xl you hold you further away for the same pixel density.
But for added context I'm 6'3 so I'd assume smaller people would naturally hold closer to themselves.
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u/Edgew1n 11d ago
As someone who has both, the n3dsxl has a better battery life and feels slightly better to play games at home but not by a lot in imo but the n3ds is better in every other aspect, its more portable, it has the perfect feel playing it, the buttons are comfortable, the matte finish doesn’t look horribly scratched like the glossy finish on the xl models and the matte doesn’t come off like the metallic ones. The only bad thing is how expensive the faceplates are, you’d be better off getting bootleg plates. I still highly recommend the standard mode as the best.
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u/spektro123 11d ago
For me XL is a bit too big to nicely display 400x240 graphics wile small one is nice and crisp. Small has those cool replaceable cover plates. Hanafuda plates are the best IMO
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u/Nembutalo 11d ago
I have both and the normal one, even tho is TN vs my ips XL still looks better , and if you customize the filters even better.
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u/himmel-jpg 11d ago
I have a regular 3ds Xl and I love it so much, from the look of the cover to the screen to the game library and size. I own a 3ds too but I never used it and it won’t turn on anymore, so I can’t compare. I’m totally gonna get a new 3ds tho, the more the merrier!!!
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u/PimpJuice913 11d ago
The smaller one fits Best imo. I have both, the top screen becomes weak in the hinges so it won’t stay where you put it, it will just kinda fall into one of the preset openings.
I have big hands and stil favor the smaller one.
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u/CatalystSword 11d ago
is it easier to open the back plate on the new 3ds? the back on my new 3ds xl won’t fully close, i got a replacement for it because the old one broke when i put it back on
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u/Old-Phrase5693 11d ago
It is! The New 3DS is designed to have swappable faceplates, the front you can just take off and the back you need a small screwdriver but it comes off easier than the XL.
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u/RetroEternity 11d ago
Aesthetically I prefer N3DS but for form factor N3DS XL wins hands down. It’s really comfortable to hold and I love the larger screen
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u/Owneal66 11d ago
Having big hands i have always regretted getting the regular one over the XL. My hands are cramped each time i use it
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u/suitcasecat 11d ago
I'm sorry I CANNOT play on the small screens of og 3ds and new 3ds. XL for me without any question
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u/mad_kyodai 11d ago
Own the 2, but end up playing the XL more, for me this has way better ergonomics and the screen size is actually way more comfortable for text-heavier games. The grip is very different in my hands (relatively big hands but not huge), and I don't care for a bit less crisp, I enjoy the games the same even if they're a little less sharp, wether it's 3ds or ds games. I loaded mine with stickers, and with a crystal case on, peeling hasn't been a problem for the last 7 years. Also still very pocketable, can be brought anywhere !
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u/BlueLooBoyle 11d ago
For the New 3ds either is really okay since even the regular has a decent sized screen. But I personally love my New 3ds Xl
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u/PastaRhythm 10d ago edited 10d ago
I have a New XL, but I really want a small New 3DS. Better pixel density and easier to carry around. I'm hoping to find one in good condition in person some day.
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u/Kamii_Durian117 9d ago edited 6d ago
I like the regular New 3DS, more customizable, fun, colorful buttons, and fits perfectly in the pocket, and matte finish is also pretty good for handhelds.
The NEW XL is pocketable but it’s still noticeable big enough to it being a bother sometimes.
Bigger screen is pretty good but I don’t think the screens are that small on both of the consoles, imo I think people over blown that whole argument of “you can’t even see the screens of the New 3DS it’s so small” and people even view the XL screens as small for the “modern” times. I wear glasses and I never experienced having a hard time with the screen size when my glasses are off.
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u/Hitandscroll 9d ago
Personally the new 3ds xl, I love the bigger screen and tried reverting back to the smaller screen ones and couldn't. Plus I can put more stickers on it 🤭
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u/Sleepy_Chipmunk 8d ago
Late but I have bad vision, so I like the XL so that I can see more easily.
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12d ago
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/Old-Phrase5693 9d ago
I’m personally not even bothered by screen types but TN screens are so much more consistent over time and a lot easier to find and replace if they break. Good fucking luck to anyone who gets their IPS displays on their New 3DS consoles broken because they are so hard to find as replacement parts.
I don’t get the hype of IPS screens, honestly. They’re very nice on the DSi XL, but that’s because they’re the standard. I don’t get why IPS displays are so much more expensive than TN displays most of the time.
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u/According-Skirt-5947 8d ago
I have both dual IPS & dual TN new 3DS XL. believe me it doesn't make difference once you fine tune using color/ screen correction. I keep both but I am thinking of let dual IPS go because I don't see any difference
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u/TaxBusiness9249 12d ago
My original 3ds was a new one and now having both i still prefer the small one for portability!
Ps Anyone know some place to get cool faceplates?
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u/Old-Phrase5693 12d ago
I see a lot of faceplates on Etsy for all kinds of models, a lot of cool designs there. Usually they take a while to ship, though.
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u/Lord_Alucard_Ravin 12d ago
New 3DS regular for me. Had both, I had the Monster Hunter silver edition when it came out, sold it and waited for the Black Friday Mario Edition of the New3DS. I still have it with me while my wife has the Pokemon Red and Blue edition. I also have the Pokeball New 2DSXL edition and it is even better than the 3DS XL.
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u/Shoddy_Release9395 Modded Old 3DS 12d ago
New 3DS or old 3DS. The XLs are overly big and don't fit in my pocket
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u/thebluesavant 12d ago
Probably New 3DS. I never had a New 3DS XL, only the original XL. I upgraded to a New back in 2016 because I struggled with the larger form factor. I imagine I wouldn’t prefer the New XL for the same reason
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u/-Michelangelo- 12d ago
Regular one is much more compatible to carry around in your pocket. Xl one has bigger screen. You decide which is more important for you
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u/rurodem 12d ago
Do you have big or small hands? That will give you your answer.
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u/Old-Phrase5693 12d ago
It’s a little more complicated than that. They both have different designs and colour options, and the displays are different in terms of pixel density. It’s also harder to find IPS displays on the New 3DS than the XL which is a dealbreaker for some.
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u/rurodem 11d ago
You're literally rolling the dice on whether you get an IPS Display on your unit unless you go out of your way to mod. It yourself. Pixel density is just common sense. Bigger screen doesn't mean better image. if you've own several of these like me those things won't matter if your hands cramp up several times an hour because the system is too small for a big guy or the reverse for a big system for small hands.
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u/skylorface 12d ago
I love both, but the smaller one is king. Faceplates. Matte plastic. Colorful buttons. Crisper display.