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3DS XL First Impressions/Previews

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Kaijima said:
Stands?

Where we're going, we don't need stands.
Click to expand...

Can't wait to get there!

Are we there yet??

Really can't wait for the XL, still haven't preordered as I was a bit disappointed with the US colors but fuck it, I'm jumping in once I've decided on a color.

Do you think any stores in the US will setup some type of transferring in store so I can trade in my normal 3ds?
 
Seik said:
Just saw some XL gameplay of original DS titles...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x6sf0IqNaeA&t=1m25s

OK, this will be good at this size. I hope they won't mess up the image quality like they did with original 3DS, still playing on my lite for accuracy, even if that's not that big of a deal.
Click to expand...
So 1:1 DS games will be bigger than the original 3DS screens? Well then! Very nice!

They'll still feel small though with the bigger system and black bars and all...
 
Kaijima said:
I've actually been stocking up on DS games I never had a personal copy of for cheap, and waiting to open them until this thing gets here. I've got:

Megaman Zero Collection
Dragon Quest V
Dragon Quest VI
Mario & Luigi Partners in Time
Chrono Trigger
Nanostray 2
Golden Sun Dark Dawn
Shiren The Wanderer
Orcs & Elves
Harry Hatsworth

And for 3DS, I have on hand unplayed and am saving:

Rhythm Thief
Resident Evil Revelations
Shinobi
Starfox
Cave Story (TINY FUCKING CHARACTERS)


Plus I still play Mario Kart regularly so am looking forward to the 3D hopefully being easier to keep stable, as I do actually like to use it.
Click to expand...

I missed out on the DS generation, so I also picked up some DS games, which I'm saving for 8/19, well ^_^

I picked up:

Super Princess Peach
Okamiden
The World Ends With You
Legendary Starfy
Magical Starsign
Aliens Infestation

Also saving Rhythm Thief for that day too. Tempting to play it, but will wait :)
 
Does the XL still have that lip around the bottom screen? I watched some unboxing videos and it looks like it does. Would that mean we'd still get those lines/scratches on the top screen or did Nintendo find a way around that?
 
suaveric said:
Does the XL still have that lip around the bottom screen? I watched some unboxing videos and it looks like it does. Would that mean we'd still get those lines/scratches on the top screen or did Nintendo find a way around that?
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There's plastic or rubber feet at the top protecting the screen.
 
I'm curious, is the 3DS XL's top surface glossy like the DSi XL? I can't really tell from the pictures and videos. I'd really love it if that was the case, because I love that about the DSi XL.
 
Tyeforce said:
Not in my experience. My DSi is scratched to hell. My DSi XL, however, is completely scratch-free.
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All the more reason to get a white system. My white DSi might be scratched, but I can't tell either way.

It's a shame that it's Japan-exclusive for the time being.
 
After playing on the 3DS XL (silver) for a while last week, I can say that the top lid has a VERY similar finish to the original phat DS.

Obviously better, but it was the first thing that came to mind.
 
Coolwhip said:
Are there any stores in the Netherlands where you can check the XL out yet?
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How long was it until NOA started releasing different colors for 3DS? I can't in good conscience pick up one of these ugly Red/Blue models when a White may be available a few months down the road...
 
Has anyone asked how the sturdiness of this thing is? General build quality? I'm generally very clumsy with my things and it would be great if this thing is made out of the same nintendium that has survived bombings
 
chertipros said:
Has anyone asked how the sturdiness of this thing is? General build quality? I'm generally very clumsy with my things and it would be great if this thing is made out of the same nintendium that has survived bombings
Click to expand...

It feels far sturdier and more durable than the original 3DS. Was far more comfortable to hold too.
 
I have posted my hands-on impressions from Comic-Con, if anyone is interested in another opinion on how the 3DS XL actually looks and feels in person.

http://www.examiner.com/article/nintendo-3ds-xl-hands-on-impressions

The short version for those who don't want to click: it's a big improvement on the 3DS in most ways, but not every way. There are a couple issues, but overall it's a major improvement on the existing model and I quite want one at launch.
 
So a question for you Aussies.

This is releasing for AU$249. Is that the price of the 3DS when it dropped?

I know it's closer to street price of AU$199 at the moment....

I'm just trying to get a gauge of what the price will be in NZ.

I've noticed a store put it at $329, which is what the 3DS is currently going for. Anyone know if there's a price drop?

Vook?
 
Played on the XL yesterday in my local GAME store. Well, I plan to buy later this year, 3D is deeper but screens are blurier like expected. I'm not a guy you want to sacrifice portability just for the sake of having bigger screens.

IMO, Nintendo did a thing they rarely do. They listened to the customers who "wanted to play on bigger screens", except those customers (probably everyone who applied those club Nintendo surveys) unconsciously wanted bigger resolution too, by just saying 'bigger screens'.

This can lead to some misunderstandings, starting by a short video review on gamekult.com stating "XL screens emphasis games cons" (like texture bluriness, low plygons count, and aliasing).
 
chertipros said:
Has anyone asked how the sturdiness of this thing is? General build quality? I'm generally very clumsy with my things and it would be great if this thing is made out of the same nintendium that has survived bombings
Click to expand...

I have the feeling it is far more sturdier than the original 3DS just by looking at the pics lol.
 
MaverickHunterAsh said:
I have posted my hands-on impressions from Comic-Con, if anyone is interested in another opinion on how the 3DS XL actually looks and feels in person.

http://www.examiner.com/article/nintendo-3ds-xl-hands-on-impressions

The short version for those who don't want to click: it's a big improvement on the 3DS in most ways, but not every way. There are a couple issues, but overall it's a major improvement on the existing model and I quite want one at launch.
Click to expand...

Very good read. Thanks for posting.
 
MaverickHunterAsh said:
I have posted my hands-on impressions from Comic-Con, if anyone is interested in another opinion on how the 3DS XL actually looks and feels in person.

http://www.examiner.com/article/nintendo-3ds-xl-hands-on-impressions

The short version for those who don't want to click: it's a big improvement on the 3DS in most ways, but not every way. There are a couple issues, but overall it's a major improvement on the existing model and I quite want one at launch.
Click to expand...

My biggest question, no one has seemed to answer: aside from added lock positioning, is the hinge floppy/wiggly when locked? Or is it stiff/sturdy? A big gripe with the 3DS current, is even when locked, you feel it shifting during gameplay....
 
Played on it again today, this time on Kid Icarus and the DS version of Chrono Trigger.

My impressions:

PROS

+ The screen is incredible. It lacks the precise resolution of the Vita, but it's bright, vivid and is a markedly better experience of 3D than the original 3DS. The sweet-spot is pretty much the same, but the 3D is GLORIOUS due to the bigger screen size.

+ The handheld itself is nice and sturdy. The 3D switch is not as loose as the original's, and the hinge is much, much better. The black coated inside is nice, and has a slight metallic sheen to it. Best of all? NO FUCKING FINGERPRINTS!!!!!!!!.

+ The D-Pad is GREAT! Much, MUCH better to use. Niceeeee....which brings us on to...

+ DS games look superb in 1:1 mode. Full screen mode is a bit nasty though :(

CONS:

- The added size makes it impossible to play Kid Icarus comfortably. My hand ached like hell afterwards :(

- The 3D slider is nice, but it's really REALLY firm when in the OFF position. Takes a bit of work to get it out of there.

That's it. Cannot wait until I get mine next Friday!
 
richisawesome said:
Played on it again today, this time on Kid Icarus and the DS version of Chrono Trigger.

My impressions:

PROS

+ The screen is incredible. It lacks the precise resolution of the Vita, but it's bright, vivid and is a markedly better experience of 3D than the original 3DS. The sweet-spot is pretty much the same, but the 3D is GLORIOUS due to the bigger screen size.

+ The handheld itself is nice and sturdy. The 3D switch is not as loose as the original's, and the hinge is much, much better. The black coated inside is nice, and has a slight metallic sheen to it. Best of all? NO FUCKING FINGERPRINTS!!!!!!!!.

+ The D-Pad is GREAT! Much, MUCH better to use. Niceeeee....which brings us on to...

+ DS games look superb in 1:1 mode. Full screen mode is a bit nasty though :(

CONS:

- The added size makes it impossible to play Kid Icarus comfortably. My hand ached like hell afterwards :(

- The 3D slider is nice, but it's really REALLY firm when in the OFF position. Takes a bit of work to get it out of there.

That's it. Cannot wait until I get mine next Friday!
Click to expand...

Thank you for your continued impressions. I already have the blue fully paid/preorder. It's just a long wait until 8/19 :(

Which color have you seen in person? Which looks appealing, in the real world: blue? red?
 
richisawesome said:
- The 3D slider is nice, but it's really REALLY firm when in the OFF position. Takes a bit of work to get it out of there.
Click to expand...

Definitely a plus for me. Seemed like it moved too easily on the 3DS. I accidentally touched near it and would slightly switch the 3D on.

Does the top part move as much as the first model? I would try playing a game in 3D and the top part on the hinge would swivel and break the sweet spot all the time.
 
Skilletor said:
Does the top part move as much as the first model? I would try playing a game in 3D and the top part on the hinge would swivel and break the sweet spot all the time.
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Nope. It's like the DSi XL.

eighty(one) said:
Thank you for your continued impressions. I already have the blue fully paid/preorder. It's just a long wait until 8/19 :(

Which color have you seen in person? Which looks appealing, in the real world: blue? red?
Click to expand...

I've only used the Silver one.
 
Anth0ny said:
I can't in good conscience pick up one of these ugly Red/Blue models when a White may be available a few months down the road...
Click to expand...

There was the Red 3DS in September, Zelda special edition in November, and then Pink Nintendogs bundle in December last year. Good bet a new color will be available sometime in the Fall for 3DS/XL.

Really interested in any retailer promotions for 3DSXL in the U.S., but probably won't start getting that information for another 3 weeks. :(
 
richisawesome said:
Nope. It's like the DSi XL.
Click to expand...

So it's pretty much inflexible (stiff/sturdy/no give), until you apply pressure to move the screen?

Never owned a DSi/XL, so I'm trying to get a clear picture...

My biggest gripe with 3DS, aside from being a smudge magnet, is that the hinge has give or play when clicked - you "feel" it's weight shifting around if you move/shake, or use gyro on the unit. Making it seem "floppy/flimsy" - which then interferes with the 3D effect, as the screen (top region) is then shifting, even when you slightly move the system at all.

Thank you again for your input. Next time you play the XL, really test this for us ^_^ move the unit around while you play, examine its movement/lack of...

I'll adore you for eternity :)
 
eighty(one) said:
So it's pretty much inflexible (stiff/sturdy/no give), until you apply pressure to move the screen?

Never owned a DSi/XL, so I'm trying to get a clear picture...

My biggest gripe with 3DS, aside from being a smudge magnet, is that the hinge has give or play when clicked - you "feel" it's weight shifting around if you move/shake, or use gyro on the unit. Making it seem "floppy/flimsy" - which then interferes with the 3D effect, as the screen (top region) is then shifting, even when you slightly move the system at all.

Thank you again for your input. Next time you play the XL, really test this for us ^_^ move the unit around while you play, examine its movement/lack of...

I'll adore you for eternity :)
Click to expand...

I tested it earlier. And the time before.

It's far more rigid than the standard 3DS. You won't have any problems!
 
eighty(one) said:
So it's pretty much inflexible (stiff/sturdy/no give), until you apply pressure to move the screen?
Click to expand...

This could be down to luck like with the original 3DS. I have a black 3DS which has a fairly loose hinge, where as my gf has a blue one which doesn't move at all...

Also on the XL I tried last week, the 3d slider was pretty easy to move to and from 3d mode. There was an obvious notch between modes to prevent accidental switching but it was a very smooth bump.
 
Might as well add my 2 cents here.

Had a go on 2 separate occasions in game:

1st Occasion - Was able to use the 3DS XL without any security attachments etc. Console itself feels light even though its heavier, much better build quality than the original.

The game i got to play was Lego Batman 2 which i've never played on the original but i was severely disappointed with how it looked, it was blurry and suffered from aliasing (this may be the same with the game on the original so don't hold me to it!)

Screen itself took a few minutes to get used to, it's so much bigger! 3D itself looked average.

However....

2nd Occasion - This time the console was attached so no opinion on weight etc, but i got to play Mario Kart... What a difference! Screen was vibrant, 3D works a lot better on the bigger screen and on my short play through i didn't notice any blur or aliasing issues. Felt strange playing with a bigger device but i imagine my hands will adjust.

Overall i cannot wait to get my hands on the console but i have a feeling that certain games will benefit greatly from the screen whereas some which don't take full advantage of the hardware will show signs of graphical inferiority
 
Do we have any vids of the XL playing GBA games? I'm sill debating wether to transfer the ambassador stuff to the XL, or just keep it on the normal 3DS. All depends on picture quality really.
 
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