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

3DS XL First Impressions/Previews

Status
Not open for further replies.
So I've been playing around with Theatrhythm that I borrowed from a friend from work. I really like the game so far, but one thing it's made me noticed about my 3DS XL is the audio output seems kinda weak. I don't know if it's just me, but I feel like I can barely hear the music and I'm the only one in my room.

I even tried some headphones. I got X12 turtle beach headphones that I normally use for my PC. They have an audio amplifier on them so I thought I'd get some extra boost that way. Still seemed quiet to me. I even decided to just plug in my PC speakers to the 3DS XL, and I got the volume jacked up all the way, and it still just sounds like everything's really quiet. I should be getting blasted out of my room with the way everything is jacked up.
 
Yuripaw said:
So I've been playing around with Theatrhythm that I borrowed from a friend from work. I really like the game so far, but one thing it's made me noticed about my 3DS XL is the audio output seems kinda weak. I don't know if it's just me, but I feel like I can barely hear the music and I'm the only one in my room.
Click to expand...

It's not just you. The XL has some of the weakest speakers of any handheld device I've ever used. Most other people in the thread appear to agree. It's unfortunate, because I have no desire to wear headphones when I play a handheld (anyone with a young infant knows why).
 
Got mine this afternoon.

One thing I really dislike is how cheap it feels compared to the original 3DS. Not a deal-breaker, but it's a couple steps back in the sexy department. I also can't stand the ergonomics. No matter the game, my hands start cramping within 15 or so minutes (same with the original)...maybe I need to hold the circle pad differently...

Other than that, I'm happy. The benefits of extra screen space cannot be understated. Got a pretty good deal at GameStop of all places on trade-in too...$100 towards an XL. Not too shabby.
 
nyong said:
Got mine this afternoon.

One thing I really dislike is how cheap it feels compared to the original 3DS. Not a deal-breaker, but it's a couple steps back in the sexy department. I also can't stand the ergonomics. No matter the game, my hands start cramping within 15 or so minutes (same with the original)...maybe I need to hold the circle pad differently...

Other than that, I'm happy. The benefits of extra screen space cannot be understated. Got a pretty good deal at GameStop of all places on trade-in too...$100 towards an XL. Not too shabby.
Click to expand...

Do you live in opposite land? I can barely look at my old 3DS without cringing.
 
nyong said:
One thing I really dislike is how cheap it feels compared to the original 3DS. Not a deal-breaker, but it's a couple steps back in the sexy department. I also can't stand the ergonomics. No matter the game, my hands start cramping within 15 or so minutes (same with the original)...maybe I need to hold the circle pad differently....
Click to expand...

I don't think it feels cheap. If anything, I find it sexier, because it doesn't have that horrible glossy finish that makes all handhelds look dirty because of hand contact after playing. The texture of the XL feels nice and smooth, but it my skin doesn't leave any marks behind. The edges also feel much better on my hands, because they're not square and pointy like the original 3DS. Nice and round. Still not as nice as having some grips, but still a huge improvement.
 
Ok, the transfer is done, SD card transfer done, and the wife is playing NSMB2. Holy crap at this screen! I never had an XL DS or anything like that, so this is totally new to me. This is incredible, I'm so happy I upgraded.
 
RPGCrazied said:
Are they Hori ones? I'm going to try and put one on the bottom screen soon as I take it out of the box.
Click to expand...

Yeah, I'm sure you'll be fine I just suck at it, and if you don't do a good job, it's hardly noticeable when you are playing. As long as there's not particles that is.
 
Downhome said:
Ok, the transfer is done, SD card transfer done, and the wife is playing NSMB2. Holy crap at this screen! I never had an XL DS or anything like that, so this is totally new to me. This is incredible, I'm so happy I upgraded.
Click to expand...

I had a DSi XL. My thoughts were the same as yours. It's why the 3DS was so shitty in comparison. Now I finally feel like I'm back to where I was over a year ago, except now I can play DS and 3DS games on the big screens.
 
Baconsammy said:
I had a DSi XL. My thoughts were the same as yours. It's why the 3DS was so shitty in comparison. Now I finally feel like I'm back to where I was over a year ago, except now I can play DS and 3DS games on the big screens.
Click to expand...
Totally agree. I was shocked when I first got my hands on my launch 3DS. Having used a DSi and a DSi XL for the previous 2 or 3 years, I was baffled as to why the 3DS was so unconventional. An undeniable step backwards in design. The XL absolutely puts everything right again. It makes my launch unit look like a fucking oddball.
 
really stupid question, how do I get my main menu to look like this?


nlttS.jpg
Click to expand...
 
Well I was a bit concerned carrying my 3DS XL around with me today. I put screen protectors on yesterday (the Hori ones, highly recommended), and I've heard people say that it might add just enough thickness to the top screen to cause the scratching problem.

But after carrying it around in my pocket all day, it doesn't have a single mark on it. Hooray!
 
Whoo going to go out and grab one in a little while. Even woke up unseasonably early (well for me) because I'm so excited.

Mistle said:
Woo it's finally out in Australia! Going to pick a blue one up on my lunch break.
JB has it cheapest at $229 if any Aussies are hunting.
Click to expand...

I think Big W actually has the best deal though. Its like $248 but you also get an Essentials pack. But I dont live near one so I'm going JB anyway.
 
The difference in build quality in my Red and Blue units is quite stark (returning the red once my transfer timer is reset and I can move it all to the blue). The issues on the red: much yellower screen on top than on bottom. Stuck pixel right in middle of top screen. Noticeable misalignment of the bottom cover, which results in somewhat of a sharp edge on the bottom where you hold it. Misaligned top screen which necessitates that I hold the XL at an odd angle to hit the sweetspot. Terrible speakers. The only issue the blue unit shares is the problem with the speakers. There used to be a time when Nintendo was the gold standard for quality control. I guess that goes out the window when you're desperate to start making money on each handheld. Disappointing, but I'm happy that I finally got a good one. I hope others are just as lucky to get a good one.
 
Baconsammy said:
The difference in build quality in my Red and Blue units is quite stark (returning the red once my transfer timer is reset and I can move it all to the blue). The issues on the red: much yellower screen on top than on bottom. Stuck pixel right in middle of top screen. Noticeable misalignment of the bottom cover, which results in somewhat of a sharp edge on the bottom where you hold it. Misaligned top screen which necessitates that I hold the XL at an odd angle to hit the sweetspot. Terrible speakers. The only issue the blue unit shares is the problem with the speakers. There used to be a time when Nintendo was the gold standard for quality control. I guess that goes out the window when you're desperate to start making money on each handheld. Disappointing, but I'm happy that I finally got a good one. I hope others are just as lucky to get a good one.
Click to expand...

I will definitely be checking mine closely.
Glad you got a good one.
 
Got it. Really love it. I put the hori screen on the bottom. There is one air bubble I can't rid of, but can't really tell when in a game. The thing I hate the most is the sound. Even with headphones it seems really low.

Can you not set the time in non military time? I don't want to see 18:30. 3D first time was pretty cool, but you have to hold it just right to get the effect. I saw some doubling of the image in theatrytum final fantasy. No dead pixels or anything. Here's a pic, crappy webcam ftw.

Picture_1059.jpg


Guess I need to charge. Only have 2 bars left, course I played with it straight out of the box.
 
The people that complains about the low DPI without owning one forget that you get used to it after a while and then it becomes almost nonexistent to you.

I noticed the quality drop at first, but with an hour of Starfox later it doesn't bother me anymore.

Downhome said:
Ok, the transfer is done, SD card transfer done, and the wife is playing NSMB2. Holy crap at this screen! I never had an XL DS or anything like that, so this is totally new to me. This is incredible, I'm so happy I upgraded.
Click to expand...

my exact toughs about the system!

I feel like I'm playing with the screen of a cinema XD
 
AJSousuke said:
The people that complains about the low DPI without owning one forget that you get used to it after a while and then it becomes almost nonexistent to you.

I notice the quality drop at first, but with an hour of Starfox later it doesn't bother me anymore.



my exact toughs about the system!

I feel like I'm playing with the screen of a cinema XD
Click to expand...

Not really. That's like saying everyone is used to sub-HD resolutions in today's home consoles. People accept it because it they have no choice or think it's good enough but it doesn't become non-existent.
 
leng jai said:
Not really. That's like saying everyone is used to sub-HD resolutions in today's home consoles. People accept it because it they have no choice or think it's good enough but it doesn't become non-existent.
Click to expand...

well, but at least it is not as bad as to make you unable to enjoy it.

But my point is: you may notice the drop in quality, but it may will not bother you after a while
 
AJSousuke said:
well, but at least it is not as bad as to make you unable to enjoy it.

But my point is: you may notice the drop in quality, but it may will not bother you after a while
Click to expand...

Your point was that it becomes a non-factor after awhile. And that's very very true. It's already become that for me after 3 days.
 
Baconsammy said:
Your point was that it becomes a non-factor after awhile. And that's very very true. It's already become that for me after 3 days.
Click to expand...

wow 3 days, for me it was like 10 minutes lol

I think some people is too concern about the dpi stuff, a friend of mine is holding buying one just for that reason, but he hasn't played with it more than just a demo.
 
Yeah no doubt a lot of people just don't care but at the same time some people do. I haven't seen the difference for myself but judging by the change in screen estate it would be pretty significant. The OG 3DS looked very sharp but the screen was just too damn small for me.

People care about different things - it's not hard to understand.
 
AJSousuke said:
wow 3 days, for me it was like 10 minutes lol

I think some people is too concern about the dpi stuff, a friend of mine is holding buying one just for that reason, but he hasn't played with it more than just a demo.
Click to expand...

The biggest difference for me is that the original 3DS needed the 3D to make some of the tiny graphics more discernable. On the XL I thankfully never have a need for the 3D except when precise movements are required and the devs did a poor job with 2D shadowing (SML3D).
 
lunchtoast said:
I'm playing Super Mario Land. Viewing angle is so strict.
Click to expand...

Yep, they're essentially forcing you to use 3D whether you want to or not. It's a great game, though. For me 3D is best when it enhances the experience instead of being a requirement. SML is so much better than this NSMB2 game I should never have bought.
 
RPGCrazied said:
Can anyone answer my question about setting the time?
Click to expand...

If there's no option in the settings I don't think you can. There has to be a setting though.


Baconsammy said:
Yep, they're essentially forcing you to use 3D whether you want to or not. It's a great game, though. For me 3D is best when it enhances the experience instead of being a requirement. SML is so much better than this NSMB2 game I should never have bought.
Click to expand...

Yeah it's fun while NSMB2 looks like the same ol'. When I play KH I think "I like it more with 3D off." then I think "But it's a 3DS..."
 
Came back and got my silver XL. Thing is sexy as. For and Aussies wondering JB actually does the best deal if you talk to a games person. I got an XL, Ocarina of Time and the starter pack for $278

One question, it seems when you open the screen it snaps back once and you can also snap it back further and it makes a big "click" sound. Thats normal right? I dont want to snap my machine in half already.
 
Oh ok, thanks. That sucks, but I'll live. I noticed if you put the 3D on the lowest setting gets rid some of the yellow tint. I like the warmer temp myself though.
 
Yes... my red XL has arrived from Amazon.ca and is now charging. I like the feel of it already. Not sure if I will do the transfer first, or just give in to my most base of desires and play OoT one more time.
 
Guys, please help:

  • Do DS games (FFIV especially) look as good on this thing as on my DSiXL? Specifics please!
    Will it get Flipnote? I have a lot of flipnotes and I want to make more :)
 
we.are.the.armada said:
Guys, please help:

  • Do DS games (FFIV especially) look as good on this thing as on my DSiXL? Specifics please!
    Will it get Flipnote? I have a lot of flipnotes and I want to make more :)
Click to expand...
I can't give you specifics, but no. Not quite as good. And one day we might get Flipnote, but it might be vaporware thanks to Swapnote.
 
beyond_death said:
Came back and got my silver XL. Thing is sexy as. For and Aussies wondering JB actually does the best deal if you talk to a games person. I got an XL, Ocarina of Time and the starter pack for $278

One question, it seems when you open the screen it snaps back once and you can also snap it back further and it makes a big "click" sound. Thats normal right? I dont want to snap my machine in half already.
Click to expand...

The loud, audible snap is normal. It uses a new hinge, with new torque to counteract the weight of the top section. It's just the system locking into place.
 
Doing the system transfer using tethering (iphone 4) mine keeps making it to the last step (eshop transfers) then the source 3DS loses connection, every time, making me need to restart the XL...... any tips on this? (4/5 bars Telstra 3G tethered hotspot on iphone 4)....
 
Finally pulled the trigger and I should be getting my 3DS XL on Sunday. I've waited for too long but it was worth the wait, I think.

Currently deciding what games to pick up and so far I have these in my cart:

Super Mario 3D Land
Resident Evil Revelations

I'm thinking two more and I should be good for a while.
 
beyond_death said:
Came back and got my silver XL. Thing is sexy as. For and Aussies wondering JB actually does the best deal if you talk to a games person. I got an XL, Ocarina of Time and the starter pack for $278

One question, it seems when you open the screen it snaps back once and you can also snap it back further and it makes a big "click" sound. Thats normal right? I dont want to snap my machine in half already.
Click to expand...

I got the 3DS XL and Rayman + Ghost Recon for $258. For me, that was the best deal as I didn't have / and wanted those games.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Similar threads

Fable: The First Preview
Opinion Trailer  2
58
418
Humdinger replied
Resident Evil: Requiem Final Previews are up
0
80
Draugoth replied
Final Resident Evil Requiem previews are dropping in
2 3
132
458
Danjin44 replied
Battlefield 6 impressions
41
1K
HeisenbergFX4 replied
Blades of Fire Gameplay & First Impressions
2
50
4K
CosmicComet replied
Top Bottom