• Hey Guest. Check out your NeoGAF Wrapped 2025 results here!

3DS XL First Impressions/Previews

Status
Not open for further replies.
Nice image. But this is not how it looks like in real, its way darker.
Thanks. This is pretty accurate in terms of how it looks under flash or daylight color temperatures. It really brings out the vibrant blue in the paint they used. Under crappy torch fluorescent lighting (like the kind we have in our office at home), it's not nearly as impressive. Nor is anything really. :)
 
I have like four DS games, so I'm probably not your best bet :(

Anyway, something I'm being very careful with is... picking it up. It's kinda heavy when you pick it up and kinda slick. Everytime I pick it up it's like this:

b91ZM.jpg

It's a nintendo handheld. Don't worry about it!
 
I hate myself, first hours with my new XL baby and it already got a scratch, it fell from the plastic protector it came with, fucking slippery thing. :(

But damn, it's beautiful, I love it<3, OG looks so dated in design, and to think it costed me more than this awesomely big machine.
 
I do have a concern about the sound from this thing though... the volume of this thing is all over the place

Most times it is quite soft...then there are some games where it's quite loud

and yes I've done the whole changing from Surround to Stereo and even mono trick...

I think it just has to do with the placement of the speaker grill in comparison to the OG 3DS and perhaps even lower quality speakers in general
 
I took my 3DS LL with me on a trip, and will it got bumped around in its case a lot, there was.... no scratches!

I feel bad for people who claim to get scratches/mark, but I don't get how our handhelds could be so different in design.

I prefer the size of the 3DS though... can't wait for the 3DS XL Mini!
 
I do have a concern about the sound from this thing though... the volume of this thing is all over the place

Most times it is quite soft...then there are some games where it's quite loud

and yes I've done the whole changing from Surround to Stereo and even mono trick...

I think it just has to do with the placement of the speaker grill in comparison to the OG 3DS and perhaps even lower quality speakers in general

Some games just seem like their overall volume is louder than others. Honestly, I think surround is just fine, since I could hear someone playing Pilotwings missions across the store today (Gamestop).
 
I've owned every DS machine ever released, played the hell out of them, and never needed a screen protector. The same goes for iPhones and iPads. Screen protectors are junk.
 
Have you ever had an XL? I traded in my DSi XL when I got my 3DS and immediately missed the large screens!

Honestly I had to physically stop myself playing on my DSi XL or else I would NEVER adjust to my new 3DS's inferior screen size at the time. :(

NOW ITS MY TIME TO SHIIIIIIIINE! :D

Also I put a screen protector on my DS phat (the first one) back at launch cause I thought I needed it. Meh way more trouble than it was worth I've had every version of every Nintendo handheld since that without a screen protector and never had a problem with scratches or whatever.

(granted yes maybe that was helped by the fact I was replacing the system with whatever new one Nintendo released each time but still :P)

Not saying its a dumb idea or people are dumb for doing it etc, just saying never understood the MUST HAVE aspect some people have about them.
 
I've owned every DS machine ever released, played the hell out of them, and never needed a screen protector. The same goes for iPhones and iPads. Screen protectors are junk.

All Depends on the game. EBA is a scratch maker. I remember when I traded in my DSi to get my 3DS the gamestop guy was like shit dude we cant take this look at the screen. I was like ho ho thats the screen protector.
 
All Depends on the game. EBA is a scratch maker. I remember when I traded in my DSi to get my 3DS the gamestop guy was like shit dude we cant take this look at the screen. I was like ho ho thats the screen protector.
Lol antonz<3 so clever with the screen protector.
 
I've owned every DS machine ever released, played the hell out of them, and never needed a screen protector. The same goes for iPhones and iPads. Screen protectors are junk.

I've felt similarly about screen protectors on my DS systems in the past but after playing Kid Icarus online a lot I definitely scratched the fuck out of my bottom screen. I'm now a little sensitive about repeating that on my XL as not only could you see the scratched area, but when moving your stylus through it it was no longer smooth but bumpy and rough *shudder*
 
PAULINK, my tracking updated today to say that it "Processed through USPS Sort Facility" in my town at 1:07 am. :D Hopefully that means I get it tomorrow. What about you? Seems Lockerz was a good choice, free fast shipping + no tax + $32 savings ^__^.
 
Anyone have any eshop recommendations? I had mighty switch force and pushmo on my OG 3DS but wasn't able to do a system transfer to my XL :(

Really liked MSF but didn't care for pushmo too much.

Mutant Mudds and VVVVVV would be my top two recommendations. Both are excellent old-school platformers with amazing music.

Tell me, 3DS-GAF: Mighty Switch Force or Mutant Mudds?

I'm also up for other suggestions, though I already own Pushmo and Mario's Picross.

Mutant Mudds all the way. It's my favorite game on the eShop. It's criminal just how well-designed and incredibly fun the game is (if you like old-school platformers).

On the other hand, I didn't really enjoy MSF a whole lot, despite all the hype surrounding it. Beautiful game to look at, though, that's for sure.
 
Finally got a Red 3DS XL tonight, using my stored up Best Buy credit. I've been trying to get one since lost, but both local stores were sold out, but luckily, they got a shipment in today, so I used in-store pickup to get one (with the bonus hard case).

I really like the red/black color mix. Doesn't look like there are any dead pixels or scratches, though I'll need to give it a once-over with a microfiber cloth to make sure about the latter. I was lucky enough to find a clearance copy of SSFIV3D at Best Buy, so I've been playing that, and I'll probably try out some demos tomorrow.
 
Sure, but...



I wasn't ready for this at all. Look, 3D games are nice and all, but this system is tailor-made for old school 2D platformers with 3D effects. I was playing this demo, and the idea of a Mega Man or Mario or Metroid or hell, anything just like it are ideas that I want to see come to fruition sooner or later.

The size of the screen, the d-pad, the game design etc. was a serious blast to the past. I don't remember playing the demo for Mudds on my original 3DS, but if I did, it certainly did not leave the impact that playing it on the XL has.

The Mudds demo alone has justified my purchase already-- I now know that it was indeed a good idea.

toldja :D, I had the exact same reaction. i'm going to tell everyone with a XL to download that demo, it's mind blowing
 
This has been an epic journey but I finally have my 3DS XL. I live in Australia and the XL is only releasing tomorrow, but in early July I thought I would order an XL from the UK instead because it comes out there a month earlier.

I ordered from Zavvi and my XL shipped out on July 24. I waited the expected time of a week and a few days but still nothing in the mail. Two weeks roll by, nothing. Three week, I contact Zavvi and ask what's going on - is it lost? Four weeks, I request a refund and sign a form from Zavvi to investigate the missing parcel. And today, one single day before the local launch (I was prepared to buy one in stores tomorrow) it turns up on my doorstep when I get home from work!

Bloody hell, I've waited just over four weeks for it, completely destroying the whole reason I bought it from the UK in the first place. This is definitely a #firstworldproblem, but still I've been looking out for this parcel for weeks.

I get a one-day head start on other Aussies. Luckily, the system is awesome though and worth the wait. The screen size is brilliant, I'm definitely not going back to an original 3DS. The system also has a more metallic shine to it than the pictures will show and I love the smooth surface, it's really comfortable to hold.

One of the best features is the greatly improved d-pad. I never ended up using the d-pad on my old 3DS just because it was squeaky and uncomfortable, but this one is great. I've now switched to using it for NSMB2. I was also surprised that the circle pad is different. I had assumed it was exactly the same, but the new one is smaller. It's still good though.

Here's a few pics in case someone is thinking of getting a red one:

mWzWB.jpg
bq3Iv.jpg


xrOEL.jpg
tu8Lv.jpg


F0uwn.jpg

It fits perfectly into my DSi XL system wallet.
 
Not Mighty Switch Force, it's really freakin' short. Like, less-than-an-hour short. I got it during a weekly eShop sale (*gasp!* yes, they do exist!) for half price, and I was still disappointed...
Don't listen to this man. MSF lasted me a good 6 hours, and is one of the best looking 2D platformers I've ever seen. The 3D is insanely good. As is the extremely tight platforming for awesome speed runs. I certainly recommend it.
 
Mine arrived in state and departed earlier this morning, delivery man should be here around 5 and don't have to work until Sunday!

Newegg here.
 
Mine arrived in state and departed earlier this morning, delivery man should be here around 5 and don't have to work until Sunday!

Newegg here.

Newegg for me as well. Updated to out for delivery as of 5:30AM this morning. Can't wait to get home from work and grope it!

Mario 2 arrived yesterday so I just stared at the cartridge all night :[
 
I wasn't ready for this at all. Look, 3D games are nice and all, but this system is tailor-made for old school 2D platformers with 3D effects. I was playing this demo, and the idea of a Mega Man or Mario or Metroid or hell, anything just like it are ideas that I want to see come to fruition sooner or later.

The size of the screen, the d-pad, the game design etc. was a serious blast to the past. I don't remember playing the demo for Mudds on my original 3DS, but if I did, it certainly did not leave the impact that playing it on the XL has.

The Mudds demo alone has justified my purchase already-- I now know that it was indeed a good idea.
Absolutely. I really wish there were more 60 fps 3DS games that delivered 2D visuals presented with 3D effects. It's really the most stunning use of the technology I've seen.
 
Tell me, 3DS-GAF: Mighty Switch Force or Mutant Mudds?

I'm also up for other suggestions, though I already own Pushmo and Mario's Picross.

Mutant Mudds. Mighty Switch Force is a big disappointment for me. Mutant Mudds offers a good few hours play, lots of fun and big replayability.

Switch Force isn't a great game imo, looks great though but the mechanics don't really work and its very obvious the game doesn't know what it wants to be.
 
Don't listen to this man. MSF lasted me a good 6 hours, and is one of the best looking 2D platformers I've ever seen. The 3D is insanely good. As is the extremely tight platforming for awesome speed runs. I certainly recommend it.

My sister and I played over 13 hours of Mighty Switch Force. It's fantastic, and I payed full price for it. I will certainly double dip on the Wii U version!

edit:
grimshawish said:
Switch Force isn't a great game imo, looks great though but the mechanics don't really work and its very obvious the game doesn't know what it wants to be.

What? It's a puzzle platformer with excellent level design and solid mechanics (controls and platforming physics are superb). You're doing something wrong, obviously. How can you say that the "mechanics don't really work"? Seriously...
 
Newegg for me as well. Updated to out for delivery as of 5:30AM this morning. Can't wait to get home from work and grope it!

Mario 2 arrived yesterday so I just stared at the cartridge all night :[

Haha, I had Inside Story, KH DDD, and Mario Land arrive last week. Soon.
 
PAULINK, my tracking updated today to say that it "Processed through USPS Sort Facility" in my town at 1:07 am. :D Hopefully that means I get it tomorrow. What about you? Seems Lockerz was a good choice, free fast shipping + no tax + $32 savings ^__^.

Yes, mine has been in the local area since 5 in the morning, so I'm definitely getting it today! Lockerz was a great deal and a good experience, will definitely go there again for a console. However, it looks like my screen protectors haven't even left! AMAZON!

edit: I spoke too soon, it appears that my screen protectors are going to come subsequently with my 3dsxl :D

I've owned every DS machine ever released, played the hell out of them, and never needed a screen protector. The same goes for iPhones and iPads. Screen protectors are junk.

Iphones and iPads are a given, since the front screens are made out of glass or some hybrid of the sort. But I had a ds lite way back and I ended up scratching the screen (I guess the stylus had a spec of dirt or something?) and made me feel terrible. Getting a screen protector not only puts me at ease of mind but it covers up the scratches that I had originally made, so i say it's defintely worth the hassle for stylus touch based devices.
 
Walked into my local KMart and picked up a Red 3DS XL w/ the $20 coupon. Man, what a huge improvement over the original 3DS. Almost an equivalent improvement from the DS fat to the DS Lite.

Sorry if it's been asked before, but does anyone know if the DSi XL cases work for the 3DS XL? I was looking at this one: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0035LBLW2/ref=olp_product_details?ie=UTF8&me=&seller=

EDIT: nvm, I just saw this post: http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showpost.php?p=41283829&postcount=9893
 
Walked into my local KMart and picked up a Red 3DS XL w/ the $20 coupon. Man, what a huge improvement over the original 3DS. Almost an equivalent improvement from the DS fat to the DS Lite.

Sorry if it's been asked before, but does anyone know if the DSi XL cases work for the 3DS XL? I was looking at this one: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0035LBLW2/ref=olp_product_details?ie=UTF8&me=&seller=

Yes, I use that for mine. I had to fold the bottom part into sort of a boxy shape so the 3DSXL slips in easier.
 
Just got back from GS and am in the middle of the system transfer. Hoping everything goes smoothly. So far so good.


Oh, and this thing is huuuuuuge. So nice and solid feeling. Doesn't feel cheap at all!
 
My order from newegg is showing as out for delivery now. This is the last time I ever preorder a new system from online though, even if I saved on tax.
 
Honestly I had to physically stop myself playing on my DSi XL or else I would NEVER adjust to my new 3DS's inferior screen size at the time. :(

NOW ITS MY TIME TO SHIIIIIIIINE! :D

Also I put a screen protector on my DS phat (the first one) back at launch cause I thought I needed it. Meh way more trouble than it was worth I've had every version of every Nintendo handheld since that without a screen protector and never had a problem with scratches or whatever.

(granted yes maybe that was helped by the fact I was replacing the system with whatever new one Nintendo released each time but still :P)

Not saying its a dumb idea or people are dumb for doing it etc, just saying never understood the MUST HAVE aspect some people have about them.

I'm getting screen protectors. I noticed the other day from very light usage, mostly none at all, on the part where the bottom screen matches with the top, when you have the screen off, under really intense lighting, and a bit of moving around to capture the right lighting, there are very tiny, minuscule scratches on my unit, and before it gets any worse, the screen protectors are coming in... And you know what, I honestly don't think it's just exclusive to my system, how would that even make sense? Aren't they all manufactured the same? Except for like a dead pixel and screen temps, scratches happen because of the way the system closes itself, and I'm pretty positive every screen closes itself the same way unless you've got some kind of broken hinge or something. Which I doubt is the case, because Nintendo even put rubber pads on the top screen, but I'm starting to feel like they didn't even bother testing it. Nintendo need to get this shit straightened out, because until now, I have not had to do this for any Nintendo handheld.
 
Someone asked for pictures of the free Universal hardcase that Bestbuy is including with purchase of the XL. It's actually not a bad case and very sturdy. You can't beat free.

Sorry for the crappy quick phone pics

GjDpS.jpg

j93UP.jpg

Gq9Dp.jpg

Lgrb8.jpg

The last pic shows the microfiber cloth I am using to sit in-between the two screens when the system is closed, notice the imprint lines from the bottom bezel on the cloth, scary. If you are not using screen protectors (like myself) this is a must. As others have mentioned the screen scratching issue, while improved, is not fixed. I went without the cloth for 2 days and noticed two tiny dots on the right side of the upper screen. It's not bad and not noticeable at all unless you are anal like me and exam the screen under very bright light at every angle but I figure I would stop it from getting any worse.
 
'Free with 3DS XL' is a good way of clearing out all those DSi XL cases, I guess.

Indeed and it fits the 3DS XL quite nicely, just a tiny bit of room on the sides of the system but it doesn't move at all. I actually prefer this case to the folio one I bought from Amazon that everyone seems to love here.
 
The last pic shows the microfiber cloth I am using to sit in-between the two screens when the system is closed, notice the imprint lines from the bottom bezel on the cloth, scary. If you are not using screen protectors (like myself) this is a must. As others have mentioned the screen scratching issue, while improved, is not fixed. I went without the cloth for 2 days and noticed two tiny dots on the right side of the upper screen. It's not bad and not noticeable at all unless you are anal like me and exam the screen under very bright light at every angle but I figure I would stop it from getting any worse.

Or you're like me and never use screen protectors and have not had any issues with the original or XL 3DS screens.

Just sayin.
 
Someone asked for pictures of the free Universal hardcase that Bestbuy is including with purchase of the XL. It's actually not a bad case and very sturdy. You can't beat free.

Sorry for the crappy quick phone pics

The last pic shows the microfiber cloth I am using to sit in-between the two screens when the system is closed, notice the imprint lines from the bottom bezel on the cloth, scary. If you are not using screen protectors (like myself) this is a must. As others have mentioned the screen scratching issue, while improved, is not fixed. I went without the cloth for 2 days and noticed two tiny dots on the right side of the upper screen. It's not bad and not noticeable at all unless you are anal like me and exam the screen under very bright light at every angle but I figure I would stop it from getting any worse.

THIS! I love your pics btw! I want that case, it looks very nice! If I buy one, get the case, and return it, do I still get to keep the case? Or does the case have a barcode and get scanned as a free item only because of the purchase of the XL?
 
Or you're like me and never use screen protectors and have not had any issues with the original or XL 3DS screens.

Just sayin.

You mean risky? Because it's pretty much been proven here by myself and many others that the system is prone to scratching even from very light use...
 
Aren't Nintendo shipping the consoles without any foam between the screens? If that's the case wouldn't all the screens be fucked out of the box?
 
Or you're like me and never use screen protectors and have not had any issues with the original or XL 3DS screens.

Just sayin.

Indeed, if you haven't had any issues with the original or XL screens then you're golden :) My original 3DS had the stupid screen scratch issue bad along the left side of the top screen
 
THIS! I love your pics btw! I want that case, it looks very nice! If I buy one, get the case, and return it, do I still get to keep the case? Or does the case have a barcode and get scanned as a free item only because of the purchase of the XL?

Wouldn't it be overall cheaper for you to just buy the case? I mean, it's probably like, $10.
 
THIS! I love your pics btw! I want that case, it looks very nice! If I buy one, get the case, and return it, do I still get to keep the case? Or does the case have a barcode and get scanned as a free item only because of the purchase of the XL?

Yeah the case costs $14.99 and has a barcode. When scanned in the same purchase of the XL it shows up at $0.00. I'm not sure if they will force you to return the case when you return your XL though
 
Aren't Nintendo shipping the consoles without any foam between the screens? If that's the case wouldn't all the screens be fucked out of the box?

Yeap, so it's very likely, especially with the shitty boxing that they've done...


Wouldn't it be overall cheaper for you to just buy the case? I mean, it's probably like, $10.

I don't know about you, but cases like that generally cost $15 and up, and maybe for you that's not a big deal, but if I can potentially have something for free, I will get it for free.
 
Yeah the case costs $14.99 and has a barcode. When scanned in the same purchase of the XL it shows up at $0.00. I'm not sure if they will force you to return the case when you return your XL though

Thanks! Maybe I will get it, $15 is not so bad considering I like how nice it looks, and to avoid any complications with a $200 return... Did it come with that large stylus or did you put that there from a DSi XL one?
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Top Bottom