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

3DS XL First Impressions/Previews

Status
Not open for further replies.
Gonna try one of those Power A wallets since the Hori one was such a letdown.

I've got a Hori one on pre-order (UK), why was it such a letdown?

EDIT: Just read your review on Amazon. Such a shame since Hori cases are usually great. Oh well, may cancel and look for something better.
 
Just did the Gamestop deal to trade in my 3DS for the XL. Did the transfer, too. I forgot to ask about my free game, oops. I might go back tomorrow for that, but I already have Pilotwings and Steel Diver sounds kinda meh.

Thing seems pretty cool. A lot more comfortable to hold, which is mainly why I bought it in the first place. I already miss the charging dock, however. :(
 
You can't, if I remember correctly, but you can buy eShop cards on many stores, if that's not an option you can order them through a web store that accepts PayPal, but no, you can't buy points directly with PayPal.
lol yeah, at that time all stores were closed and I really wanted to download some GBC classics. They even sell them in supermarkets but they close after 10 pm... Somehow I only get the urge to play classic nintendo games at night, pffft and I forgot the buy the card again despite going in a supermarket 5 times today and yesterday
 
I've got a Hori one on pre-order (UK), why was it such a letdown?

EDIT: Just read your review on Amazon. Such a shame since Hori cases are usually great. Oh well, may cancel and look for something better.

Just a tip for those with the hori case. If you have a club Nintendo pouch, put it on the bottom and it takes enough space to eliminate sliding and snugly closes. I have my blue pouch right now to close the gaps.
 
I finally bit the bullet on the XL, just couldn't resist, i got it on KMart with the free $40 gift card promo, and bought SM3DL, Mario Kart 7, and Theathrythm FF on Best Buy with the buy 2 get 3rd free, the system is great as is the big screen, face raiders is so funny and my gf couldn't stop taking pictures of herself with kirby in her hands.
I think im set for some time i just need to go back to Kmart to use the gift card on NSMB2, i'll probably get Adventure Time and PKMN B/W2 down the line...
 
I went ahead and used my Club Nintendo coins to order those pouches since they never seem to have much I want, got a red and a blue. Will use the blue for the 3DS XL, and since I plan to eventually just get another DSi XL, I'll use the red for that.

Got a decent little generic brand pen DSi Xl style stlus for the 3DS XL, too, just a black one, fits in the bag with it, pretty neat.
 
I saw one in the GameStop yesterday when I went to pick up Tekken Tag 2. It had NSMB2 which I own on a purple 3ds. I didn't like it as much as I thought I would. The slide pad feels dinky.

I couldn't easily adjust to the 3D effect with this one. It might be because it was bright in the store or because it was nailed down, but I just seemed to have to be pretty far away from the unit to get the effect to look right and see the whole screen. Almost at arms length.

Still, there is something to say about how they smoothed out some of the horrible edges, and the screens seem somehow magically big for the thickness of each side.
 
Personally I rawdog it, I don't care for screen protectors.

I had 'em on my DS lite and after seeing what the "spin the circle" event in Elite Beat Agents did to them I figured that I needed a new set. Do you really not have any scratching issues? Maybe I'm underestimating the scratch resistance of the default touch screen.
 
I had 'em on my DS lite and after seeing what the "spin the circle" event in Elite Beat Agents did to them I figured that I needed a new set. Do you really not have any scratching issues? Maybe I'm underestimating the scratch resistance of the default touch screen.
I'll take a look at my 3DS screen tonight and look for scratches but if there are any, they haven't bothered me.
 
Hey, so are the Hori screen protectors the ones to get? I don't have a set yet for my XL.

http://www.play-asia.com/Nintendo_3DS_XL_Screen_Protective_Filter/paOS-13-71-1jn-49-en-70-55gz.html

Not sure why they are $30 on amazon though, I'd prefer to use them, but not for that price.
They're back ordered on Amazon right now, so some sellers are taking advantage of impatient people.

The Hori screens went on perfectly the first time for me, and I usually have trouble with screen protectors. A lot of trouble. They seem to have made it pretty idiot proof.
 
I actually suspect that more often than not the real problem comes from when some tiny speck of something hard manages to land on. I think I got a very, very minor one trying to wipe one off of my 3DS XL screen (Hori filter though), and got a more annoying one on my unprotected DSi screen while playing Layton, and not with something that demands fast wheel spinning or anything either.
 
Hey, so are the Hori screen protectors the ones to get? I don't have a set yet for my XL.

http://www.play-asia.com/Nintendo_3DS_XL_Screen_Protective_Filter/paOS-13-71-1jn-49-en-70-55gz.html

Not sure why they are $30 on amazon though, I'd prefer to use them, but not for that price.

$30? I got them on Amazon last month for like 8 or 9 bucks, they are fantastic though, just make sure you clean the screen of any dust particles


easy to put on but be warned, you have one shot at it
 
easy to put on but be warned, you have one shot at it
Well, depends on how it goes wrong, as you could just apply it like a regular screen filter if it gets botched like when the layer I pull away ripped on my 3DS application. That screw up did get a few specs of dust underneath as a result, but it was too bad of a job. Went better on future attempts at least.
 
After some thoughts I'm going to import an us 3ds xl. Was thinking getting a dsi xl to fully enjoy my huge backlog of ds games but the dsi xl is more expensive than a 3ds xl here in europe, which is crazy. And 3ds xl has activity log, analog nub and a better d-pad imo (don't like the mushy d-pad of my ds lite, does the dsi xl has the same one?)
 
I'm BLOWN away by even the thought of someone using a screen protector for their 3DS. What are you doing with the thing! Or are you that paranoid. Seems weird to me.
 
Im waiting for the white Xl to come out but Its worrying that I cant find a decent case :( anyone have pics of the hori case with the xl in it?

The only thing I could find was this review on youtube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-064lb9lfZA

I have read a few reviews saying the case is too large for the console and watching this vid I kinda have to agree. Not sure whether to get one now, and may import a Cyber gadget one that seems a better fit.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0WRVrm8eR_g
 
I'm BLOWN away by even the thought of someone using a screen protector for their 3DS. What are you doing with the thing! Or are you that paranoid. Seems weird to me.
It's not weird when the 3DS scratches the top screen just by existing.

I don't see what's so weird about an invisible protective film covering a screen. People buy giant rubbery condom wrappers for their phones all the time.
 
I'm BLOWN away by even the thought of someone using a screen protector for their 3DS. What are you doing with the thing! Or are you that paranoid. Seems weird to me.
Unless you've never played games that use the stylus on the DS you should know that after extended use the touchscreen gets scratched to hell and back.
 
It's not weird when the 3DS scratches the top screen just by existing.

I don't see what's so weird about an invisible protective film covering a screen. People buy giant rubbery condom wrappers for their phones all the time.

im sure it must diminish the 3d effect though. Never had any scratching myself on either screen. When you close, it does leave a mark, but you wipe it away. Its not a permanent scratch.
 
So what's the final word on playing DS games on this thing? I've heard so many things over the course of the 3DS and 3DS XL's life that I don't know what the latest consensus opinion is.
 
So what's the final word on playing DS games on this thing? I've heard so many things over the course of the 3DS and 3DS XL's life that I don't know what the latest consensus opinion is.
Yeah I'd like to know that too. I skipped the DS generation and have been thinking about picking up some of the classic titles to hold me over while waiting for the next batch of must have 3DS games.

Also any suggestions on DS games that have aged well and are must plays?

On the subject of screen protectors, I use one for the bottom screen only. Don't see the need to protect the top screen.
 
So what's the final word on playing DS games on this thing? I've heard so many things over the course of the 3DS and 3DS XL's life that I don't know what the latest consensus opinion is.

1:1 mode looks wonderful on the XL, if you don't mind playing with the black borders.
 
So what's the final word on playing DS games on this thing? I've heard so many things over the course of the 3DS and 3DS XL's life that I don't know what the latest consensus opinion is.

1:1 looks better, sharper than playing on an actual DSi, and the screen size is comparable, if not slightly bigger.

Upscaled is still a crapshoot with some games looking like a blurry mess, but you do get a nice large screen.
 
So what's the final word on playing DS games on this thing? I've heard so many things over the course of the 3DS and 3DS XL's life that I don't know what the latest consensus opinion is.
Full screen. I can't take having a huge screen and using this tiny box in the middle of it. DS games look genuinely bad either way, whether its on a 3DS or DS.
 
Unless you've never played games that use the stylus on the DS you should know that after extended use the touchscreen gets scratched to hell and back.

That's fair but for the top screen it is unnecessary and prolly causes more "lines" to appear on the screen than without given that it increases the surface height to a level where it can easily touch the touch screen border while closed.
 
My DS Lite had a lot of scratches from using the stylus over the years and they could not be seen while the screen was lit.

IMO they are useless to a gamer, their only utility is for people who see their handheld as a collector's item.
 
My DS Lite had a lot of scratches from using the stylus over the years and they could not be seen while the screen was lit.

IMO they are useless to a gamer, their only utility is for people who see their handheld as a collector's item.
...or to gamers (like me) who want to keep their systems in prime condition despite the use. It's called taking care of your things.
 
Does anyone think new colors will arrive sometime in the States? I've dedicated a lot of time to my launch 3ds, but seeing the system and hearing good impressions makes me want to trade it in.

But only for something Pink-ish!
 
Does anyone think new colors will arrive sometime in the States? I've dedicated a lot of time to my launch 3ds, but seeing the system and hearing good impressions makes me want to trade it in.

But only for something Pink-ish!

Eventually. Not before 2013, though.
 
1:1 looks better, sharper than playing on an actual DSi, and the screen size is comparable, if not slightly bigger.
Eh, I'm not sure I'd go with "better". They seem about equal to me.
But it should be noted that at 1:1 the top screen has scanlines, which was unexpected. I really like the way it looks.

Speakers are a sad state of affairs compared to the DSi though. :(
 
So what's the final word on playing DS games on this thing? I've heard so many things over the course of the 3DS and 3DS XL's life that I don't know what the latest consensus opinion is.
The same DS games running full screen on my DSiXL look like crap on the 3DS XL. I have run games like NSMB side by side and I can't stand the vaseline smeared screen and slightly washed out look on the 3DS XL. I have zero regrets getting a DSi XL for my DS games even though it was an extra purchase. I let my son use the 3DS XL for DS games since he can't tell the difference as he's only 3.
 
Loving the shit out of my 3DS XL :). Silver looks sexy in real life, and it has a really nice dark tone to it. 3D is great too, got Mario 3D land and it's doing a great job showing the 3D.

REvelations demo was cool too. I still need to get used to the 3D though, I get some double "vision", the fact that I used to have a lazy eye (got surgery to fix it) ain't helping, but getting results these good on day one is pretty nice :).

Now what else do I need? Is Shantae worth it????

Also, the demo selection is pathetic. Unless I'm missing something. And 1:1 mode is gloriouuuuuuus.

I wonder if it'd be possible to patch in higher volume via a system firmware update...? God I hope so. :(

Just use headphones man. Way better than the DS/Lite (which had some pretty noticable noise going on when using 'em, iirc)
 
...or to gamers (like me) who want to keep their systems in prime condition despite the use. It's called taking care of your things.

I feel like screen protectors go beyond taking care of your things. I'd go as far as saying it's a bit OCD. They've been known to impede touch controls, and for what? Preventing scratches that can't be seen during gameplay anyway. Sure, you'll see them when your screen is turned off. But guess what? You'll see the same ones with a protector on.

Anyway, just my two cents. More power to you if you see a real benefit in using one.
 
What I don't get is

A: If the system being closed without cover causes smudges/lines. How come people don't notice them when the systems are new? I mean the longer they've been in the box, the longer they've been closed, and the supposed pressure on the top screen should have made some kind of mark at that point. Or am I just not understanding physics here?
 
Just use headphones man. Way better than the DS/Lite (which had some pretty noticable noise going on when using 'em, iirc)
I usually 3DS game while I'm on the couch with the TV running in the background (while my wife watches). I don't like to have to earphones in case my wife tries to talk to me or something else grabs for my attention. Regardless of the earphone/speaker argument, I think everyone can agree the speakers output on the 3DS XL is far, far too soft.


I feel like screen protectors go beyond taking care of your things. I'd go as far as saying it's a bit OCD. They've been known to impede touch controls, and for what? Preventing scratches that can't be seen during gameplay anyway. Sure, you'll see them when your screen is turned off. But guess what? You'll see the same ones with a protector on.

Anyway, just my two cents. More power to you if you see a real benefit in using one.
Yeah, that too. Not gonna lie. :P
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Top Bottom