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3DS XL First Impressions/Previews

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3DL is definitely the best Mario game on the system; don't return it!

but Kid Icarus Uprising is the best game, overall ;)
 
I've been playing on my XL for like 8 hours today and I've come to the conclusion that the 3DS XL is seriously the best handheld I've ever used.

spiderman3sogood.gif

I've come to the same conclusion.

The 3DS already has a strong library, that will grow stronger. I had been enjoying the system/platform enough, that I've been consistently buying games on a regular basis. Until the XL, I was always struggling to justify the OG 3DS, in terms of its overall viability. Nintendo had a solid idea, a solid canvas in their hardware - though, there were too many loose ends which needed some tying up. Too many issues and unrefined implementations...it was Nintendo throwing something out to the market, without the finesse and polish needed to instantly grab you.

The XL refines the entire 3DS build and brand identity. It takes the ideas and implementations and asserts itself with a confident viability. The platform is a game changer. The 3DS line can go nowhere but up. Nintendo has polished the hardware, polished the entire idea - it sparkles like a shiny penny. This is the realization of the 3DS brand.

When I unboxed my unit in store, I was impressed by the shade of blue. I opened the unit: Holy Shit! I wasn't prepared. This hardware, in my usage - is solid and impactful. It's a joy to handle and offers an ease of use. Games benefit immensely from the added screen real estate, your hands benefit from the land mass gain in size. I really, really like it. Not because it's new toy, either. The more I've used it, the better my impressions have become.

The system is ace.
 
I have come to the conclusion that the 3DS XL has the second best dpad ever.

Handhelds are really dominating in the dpad space!
 
I have come to the conclusion that the 3DS XL has the second best dpad ever.

Handhelds are really dominating in the dpad space!

iirc, Nintendo has a patent on this specific dpad design. this is why everyone else has to alter their designs.
 
What spotpass data did Street Fighter IV have? I'm not sure there was anything of note to worry about.

I lost out on my DoA costumes in my transfer from the 3DS to the XL which sucked.

Your comment on the DoA costumes scared the crap out of me so I popped in the cart that I hadn't played in like 6 months and thankfully all my downloaded and unlocked costumes/characters were there :) Looks like I didn't lose them.
 
Seriously man? Where did Nintendo say it? This has caused me so much stress trying to work it out :/

They said it about the DSi XL on their support page a year or so ago. We assume they're using similar tech for the 3DS XL. No one has posted pictures of a 3DS XL that didn't have a warm temp yet, so it's a fair assumption to say they're using warmer screens. Where the defect comes into play is when the screens are both decidedly different temps. That's not acceptable.

Also, I can't have the web browser open when I'm playing a game.

Sure you can. You just need to open the browser via a link in the Twitter app.


I'll agree with everyone above that says do NOT return SML3D. Get rid of that god-awful NSMB2. OK it's not god-awful, but it's also not good. SML3D is great.
 
Your comment on the DoA costumes scared the crap out of me so I popped in the cart that I hadn't played in like 6 months and thankfully all my downloaded and unlocked costumes/characters were there :) Looks like I didn't lose them.

The issue with mine was moving data from one memory card to the other. I couldn't copy stuff over so I have the memory card data from my OG 3DS sitting on my PC right now until I can find a memory card reader that supports the XL's 4 gig card. Then I have to figure out which data is the costume data.
 
They said it about the DSi XL on their support page a year or so ago. We assume they're using similar tech for the 3DS XL. No one has posted pictures of a 3DS XL that didn't have a warm temp yet, so it's a fair assumption to say they're using warmer screens. Where the defect comes into play is when the screens are both decidedly different temps. That's not acceptable.



Sure you can. You just need to open the browser via a link in the Twitter app.


I'll agree with everyone above that says do NOT return SML3D. Get rid of that god-awful NSMB2. OK it's not god-awful, but it's also not good. SML3D is great.

Twitter app? This isn't the Vita.
 
I just bought RE: Revelations. Was going to get NSMB2 but the RE demo looked so good on the XL I couldn't resist :)
 
Please don't do it. 3D land is one of the best games for the system, you'll really enjoy it!

3D Land is my favorite Mario game ever. Play it, for me. :(

You shouldn't return it. The game is awesome. It's the best game on the system.

Please don't, it's the best 3D Mario and the best game on the system.

That would be a mistake. You'd be better off getting rid of MK7.

If anything, return Kart. SP3DL is fucking awesome. Kart is just another Kart (in my opinion).

3DL is definitely the best Mario game on the system; don't return it!

but Kid Icarus Uprising is the best game, overall ;)

I'd rather have Mario Land over NSMB2.

I subscribe to this point of view

SM3DL is brilliant

Wow, I didn't know that so many had so much love for the worst 3D Mario.

NSMB2 is much better.
 
Wow at that RE: revelations demo.The first game that uses some sort of AA. Looks so clean. Though if you use 3D the AA goes away. The mini cutscene at the start when she gets out of bed looks pretty good in 3D though. Gonna get very soon.

What other game uses AA?
 
My HORI screen protectors came in today. Normally I'm fuck awful at applying them and get air bubbles/dust/etc., but I've found screen protectors necessary in the past, and as a heavy Theatrhythm player, there was no way I was going to play it on my XL before getting my touch screen some protection.

Anyway, I have to hand it to HORI -- these are fantastic screen protectors and they seriously could not make applying them any easier. The instructions are clear and the installation process is pretty foolproof, and this is coming from someone who, like I said, has been terrible at applying them in the past. For the first time ever, my top screen's protector has no dust trapped underneath and no air bubbles. The touch screen's protector does have a scant couple tiny bubbles, but no dust.

I'm very pleased. If you're on the fence about the HORI protectors, I recommend them wholeheartedly.

I'll certainly hand it to Hori... they're the easiest screen protectors I've ever installed, but the instructions were terrible. It seems easy enough... peel this sticker first, apply, pull, then pull off the plastic covering the protector. However, that didn't work out for me like the instructions said it would.

I eventually got it though. Caught a few dust specks under the screen protector, so I just lifted it with some tape and used some more tape to pick up the dust on the screen.

Wow, I didn't know that so many had so much love for the worst 3D Mario.

NSMB2 is much better.

I don't even like 3D Mario games in general, but 3d Land is an awesome game. I didn't like it at first in the first 2 worlds or so, but after that, it got more interesting.
 
I just started playing Mario 3D Land and it's good fun so far. Passed on NSMB2 because honestly it just looks more of the same. Still having trouble finding other games I might be interested in though. Nothing I've seen so far screams insta-buy to me.
 
Since my local Gamestop isn't getting any screen protectors in and I'm not at home, I did the next best thing I could think of. I purchased a set of screen protectors for a tablet and cut them down to size.

The result, its the best I've ever done when installing a screen protector. No air bubbles and both the top and bottom screens are lined up perfectly.

I'm using this case for my XL and its totally worth it

product-large-BDA-075119.jpg


Highly recommend it. Costs about $20.
 
Putting it in the cradle and plugging in the cable is the same - just atheistically different.

It's easier putting the 3DS in a cradle in a dark room on the nightstand than finding the cable and placing it in the 3DS. I play my 3DS in bed before going to sleep. This made the cradle a must.

My 3DS XL cradle arrives tomorrow.
 
Since my local Gamestop isn't getting any screen protectors in and I'm not at home, I did the next best thing I could think of. I purchased a set of screen protectors for a tablet and cut them down to size.

The result, its the best I've ever done when installing a screen protector. No air bubbles and both the top and bottom screens are lined up perfectly.

I'm using this case for my XL and its totally worth it

product-large-BDA-075119.jpg


Highly recommend it. Costs about $20.

We've had the Chopper Purse and now we have the Linkboy Manbag.
 
Another question about volume. How come in some games its louder than others? Just got done playing some Dragon Quest 9. The sound is louder than Kingdom Hearts 3D, which is hard to hear sometimes.
 
I've had my silver 3DS XL for about a week now and I like the system a lot. Also, Super Mario 3D Land is seriously amazing. Can't even remember having that much fun with a Mario game since Mario 64! I've played NSMB2 for the first time yesterday and to be honest it's kind of a disappointment. I used to like 2D Mario games but for some reason it didn't click at all... I probably won't send it back since I only paid €15, but I'll probably keep concentrating on 3D Land.
 
I still haven't put the XL screen protector in :( i'm scared haha

The hori one was really easy. And I have OCD of taking care of things. The slightest smudge I go crazy. lol

I have one tiny air bubble on mine. I just put it on the touch screen. Other than that you can't tell its on and you can't see the bubble when I'm in game.

I'd say go for it.
 
I asked said:
Ok after reading all the posts from folks who insist there's a screen gap I might be willing to upgrade sometime in the next few months. My only other concern now is how well does the XL fit into a pocket? My OG fits very nicely but I'm guessing the XL is much tighter? Or does it have a thin enough chassis that it's not a very noticeable difference?

Any input/opinion on this would be greatly appreciated.
 
Anyone else unable to hold the 3DS XL correctly to play Kid Icarus Uprising? I managed fairly well with the original 3DS, but I probably going to sell the game now that I only have the 3DS XL. Thoughts?
 
I am pleasantly surprised how nice the Blue 3ds XL looks, color-wise. Some of those pictures made it look rather pale but it's a really deep blue under normal light. Checked the screen to see if it has any scratching during shipping, none was seen. Also noticed that the hinges kinda snap click when opening to two positions, that was a little weird. Also shuts really hard. I don't think those nubs to keep the top screen from touching the bottom will really work, namely because of the thunbstick and right side buttons.

Analog stick thing feels nice and movable, my old 3ds' was a bit rough and wouldn't easily move around quickly.
 
Anyone else unable to hold the 3DS XL correctly to play Kid Icarus Uprising? I managed fairly well with the original 3DS, but I probably going to sell the game now that I only have the 3DS XL. Thoughts?

It's the perfect game to show that there should have been a second analog on the 3DS...period.

I can only play the game for about 15 minutes at a time based on how terrible it really is. It's frustrating.

If i didn't borrow the game from my brother, I would have sold it
 
Any input/opinion on this would be greatly appreciated.

I've never carried my zelda 3DS in a front pocket so I can't comment on that but I did regularly carry it in my rear pants pocket when I'm wearing jeans and the XL still fits in my back pocket although it sticks up out of the pocket by maybe an inch? So while it still fits it's definitely more noticable.

Considering that I would imagine it fits well in most cargo and larger type pockets and maybe even inside jacket pockets depending on the jacket.

Hope that helps.
 
I think Kid Icarus' controls are perfect as-is, but y'know, opinions and stuff. Also this has been discussed to death already.

I better check it out on the XL though, hopefully that won't be a problem.
 
I think Kid Icarus' controls are perfect as-is, but y'know, opinions and stuff. Also this has been discussed to death already.

I better check it out on the XL though, hopefully that won't be a problem.

The balance issue was already a problem on the OG 3DS. Holding it with your left hand, using the top L button, and the analog in your hand is one thing, but it's the fact that doing all that and not being able to use your right hand for stability is a PitA. I find it more noticeable when you have to control the camera when you "land".
 
I've never carried my zelda 3DS in a front pocket so I can't comment on that but I did regularly carry it in my rear pants pocket when I'm wearing jeans and the XL still fits in my back pocket although it sticks up out of the pocket by maybe an inch? So while it still fits it's definitely more noticable.

Considering that I would imagine it fits well in most cargo and larger type pockets and maybe even inside jacket pockets depending on the jacket.

Hope that helps.

Well I'm definitely not putting it in my back pocket in case I accidentally sit on it. lol I wear corduroy and cargo type stuff and my OG 3DS fits in my regular pockets fine with room to spare (I don't use the side/leg pockets on my cargo pants and shorts because too much movement/risk of the system slamming against something while walking).
 
The balance issue was already a problem on the OG 3DS. Holding it with your left hand, using the top L button, and the analog in your hand is one thing, but it's the fact that doing all that and not being able to use your right hand for stability is a PitA. I find it more noticeable when you have to control the camera when you "land".

I always used my pinky to stabilize the system. It was a non-issue.

Or sometimes I rested it on my knee or lap.
 
I might be alone on this opinion but so far I've not been amazed by my XL at all. Now I own a DSIXL and I absolutely loved that thing from the start but i'm just having a hard time transitioning to the 3DSXL. Been testing games on both systems and i can't believe i'm going to say this but I actually much prefer the 3DS' feel and higher ppi screen. Maybe I need to spend some more quality time with the XL but at this point i'm planning on selling it.
 
I always used my pinky to stabilize the system. It was a non-issue.

I, too, did this with the original 3DS, and I really enjoyed the game. The XL is way too long and heavy for the same configuration to work. I'm going to break out the stand tonight to see if that helps, but the game is getting sold if it doesn't.
 
I might be alone on this opinion but so far I've not been amazed by my XL at all. Now I own a DSIXL and I absolutely loved that thing from the start but i'm just having a hard time transitioning to the 3DSXL. Been testing games on both systems and i can't believe i'm going to say this but I actually much prefer the 3DS' feel and higher ppi screen. Maybe I need to spend some more quality time with the XL but at this point i'm planning on selling it.

I was under the belief that the OG 3DS (ambassador system) and the ones that were reduced did not have the same screens in them (at least the top one). I've done side-by-sides with my brothers and it was quite clear the OG screens were crisper, and quite possibly had a better PPI

It wouldn't surprise me if you had an OG 3DS and were comparing it to your XL
 
How long is the battery suppose to last? I had a full charge this morning. I've been playing it off and on. Sometimes with max 3D. Downloaded the RE demo, played that. Played about an hour of theatrerythum. I guess I'm going on 4 hours. I even played some Dragon Quest 9.

I have 2 bars left. Does it use a lot of battery in standby mode? With the blue light flashing?
 
I was under the belief that the OG 3DS (ambassador system) and the ones that were reduced did not have the same screens in them (at least the top one). I've done side-by-sides with my brothers and it was quite clear the OG screens were crisper, and quite possibly had a better PPI

It wouldn't surprise me if you had an OG 3DS and were comparing it to your XL

What?
 
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