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3DS XL First Impressions/Previews

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New Super Mario Bros 2 is boring me. A particularly bland looking game too... I never cared for the art style they push for the casual demographic. I went back to Super Mario 3D land to finish up the last 5% or so and have been having a blast. Ah well.

It says a lot that playing NSMB2 on the XL is making me want to boot up 3D Land instead, and I already 100%'d that game.

That being said, I am in love with the console. I think it feels and looks amazing compared to the old one. I guess pixel density doesn't matter to me.
 
For getting CLub Nintendo points, do games that give points disappear off the list? So would Kid Icarus or Kingdom Hearts leave the list for points if I don't redeem the PIN # now?



edit: relieved to note I don't have warm screens, menu screens are white as can be
 
Picked mine up. Couldn't resist since it was only $100 for the upgrade (traded in my 3DS).

Anyway, impressions/thoughts:

- The screen quality is crummy. Perhaps, terrible even. The colors don't pop, the contrast is unimpressive. The pixel density is terrible... but I expected that. Anyone who has seen a "retina" display or the Vita can not deny how poor this screen is. On the flip-side, I kind of enjoy how crummy it is. It feels like a toy, not a cutting-edge electronic... and that's okay with me considering I have the other stuff.

- System transfer was absolutely stupid. It requires a wi-fi connection so if you're trading in your 3DS you'll have to work something out with the store owner. The Gamestop I went to didn't have wifi so we had to walk to a cafe and use their free wifi. The transfer took about 30 minutes and I barely had anything on my 3DS. How ridiculous is that?

- The Red actually looks decent. I went with it since I had the blue 3DS and wanted a something different. The machine is decent looking overall but, again, it's really cheap looking. The rounded edge that borders the analogue stick is particularly goofy. Like I said earlier, though, it kinda works somehow. It feels really nice in my hands too.

- I am still in disbelief that Nintendo didn't improve the camera. That's one of the things they could have improved upon that would not have divided the market. Especially since they like the AR stuff. It would make a massive difference with those games.

- New Super Mario Bros 2 is boring me. A particularly bland looking game too... I never cared for the art style they push for the casual demographic. I went back to Super Mario 3D land to finish up the last 5% or so and have been having a blast. Ah well.

Not to sound fanboyish, but of course its crummy compared to the Vita screen. Its just a larger 3DS, so whatever you were used to with that, expand it and there you go.
 
Count me among the many that have a warmer top screen than bottom. When playing 3DS games I don't really notice, because the nature of the 3DS is that your eyes never leave the top screen. But man when I pop in my DS games, like Picross, the difference in temp is noticeable all the time. I hate it. I hate seeing white on one screen and yellow on the other.
 
Been using mine for a few hours.

It's gorgeous. Screens are fantastic and white, and I don't see any noticeably yellow tints (the top screen is a tiny bit more yellow, but you only notice it when both screens are white, and even then there is barely any difference), I love all of the little improvements, and the Blue looks really, really good. I will still end up switching the plates for black or silver ones once they start showing up online though, as I'd like a more unified color scheme. Overall, a wonderful device. Well worth the $200 upgrade.

I would go more in-depth but I don't like typing too much on a phone :p
 
Can people with warmer top screens get it replaced by Nintendo?

Perhaps I was luckier with my XL than I was with my original, and my XL (white) has zero problems.
 
Regretting ordering from newegg so bad now that all of you are using yours.
LLShC.gif


Enjoy it, suckers!
 
Besides the system transfer the only thing I don't like about the new system is the sound. It's way to soft.

Otherwise I'm really enjoying the new system. I've tried out MK7, RE: Revelations, and Kingdom Hearts and all 3 have been great looking on that big screen.

edit* Had to call another gamestop in the area and ask about the free pilotwing/steel diver promotion. He said I should get it (Like everyone else has already verified) so gonna swing by when I go out for dinner. Let's hope 3rd times a charm.
 
The only thing I heard about the Hori ones for the XL is that it can be an actual remedy for the yellow temperature of the screens.

Well, the thing with screen protectors for me is that they tend to turn the image a bit grainy, and I can't really stand that. I haven't put one on the XL.
 
Besides the system transfer the only thing I don't like about the new system is the sound. It's way to soft.

Otherwise I'm really enjoying the new system. I've tried out MK7, RE: Revelations, and Kingdom Hearts and all 3 have been great looking on that big screen.

Turn it on stereo unless you like the surround sound effects in stuff like Pilotwings and Revelations.


Just got to the Mii plaza to make sure everything was there, colors look pretty vibrant on my end. Screen temps seem even too. Even the puzzle swap path looks really nice, aside from being able to notice jaggies abit more, colors are just as nice as they were.

EDIT: I dont think Nintendo ever pushes an artstyle for a certain demographic. They do what works in that specific game / whatever they want most of the time. Its not like EA tried with Madden Wii vs HDtwin versions. If anything, its closer to what they did with Super Mario 1 -> Super Mario 2 (lost levels). The later NSMB2 stages are pretty decent from what i've seen in trailers though.
 
1DE0D208-49B3-4DBB-A6A2-2ED25CD143AB-1253-0000012A6F19C1C8.jpg


So heres what I was talking about, that orange glowing pixel. Is this a dead pixel?

edit: sorry for the size. My iphone was having a hard time focusing.
 
I want to go pick this up at GameStop, but I'm waiting for clarification on the Pilotwings/Steel Diver promotion... the store I called said that they're not doing it with the XL "as far as they know", but it seems like it's just an oversight - it is still 3DS hardware, anyway.

I called my GS, guy put me on hold while he called a regional. Came back on the line and said "No problem, bring back your receipt".

Snagged the last copy of Pilotwings. I will use it as an incentive in selling my 3DS. ;)
 
I called my GS, guy put me on hold while he called a regional. Came back on the line and said "No problem, bring back your receipt".

Snagged the last copy of Pilotwings. I will use it as an incentive in selling my 3DS. ;)

I must be the only one picking Steel Diver
 
That's how XL's sound when you open them, the positions the screen locks into are much tighter in how they lock, we have 2 the both sound the same.

Thanks for clarifying.

The only problems i'm having with my 3ds now is the right speaker being quieter than the left one. I can just send that into Nintendo though and get it fixed while I still have the warranty.
 
Since I already have a Vita, I'm not blown away by the screens size or the hardware itself. :P What blow my mind is the fact that it's one of the best deal I capitalized upon. 5 games traded in for it so it came under 100$ and I also have a 20$ coupon for a game in september priced 39,99$ and over. 0_0 I guess I better charge it up to see if there's any problem with the screen...
 
Just got back from GS with the new XL. I got off at 5:30 and they closed at 6 and rushed to get there and got the last blue one.

Haven't opened it yet cause I gotta transfer and all that but after reading this thread, apparently the $100 offer is only good today?

And how do I get my free game? lol
 
I called my GS, guy put me on hold while he called a regional. Came back on the line and said "No problem, bring back your receipt".

Snagged the last copy of Pilotwings. I will use it as an incentive in selling my 3DS. ;)

Cant lie, thats what I was planning on doing since I already have Pilotwings.

EDIT: I dont have the yellowing problem, so I guess its certain models?
 
I also have a 20$ coupon for a game in september priced 39,99$ and over

Holy shit, I didn't even know they were giving those out in-store. Thought it was online only!

Heeeelll yeah, I know where I'm buying Kirby's Dream Collection now, lol!

I owe you one :P
 
So far I enjoy what it has, the screens look fine to me, and the yellow-sh tint is not visible, and I only noticed it during my transfer. The sequence is stupid, but at least the pikmin are cute.
 
Super wobbly hinges, just like my regular 3DS. GOD DAMN IT, Nintendo.

Will do an exchange tomorrow.

Hopefully this is a much rarer issue. Seems to be.

Does anyone have any wobble on theirs?

Blue is beautiful, BTW.
 
Not to sound fanboyish, but of course its crummy compared to the Vita screen. Its just a larger 3DS, so whatever you were used to with that, expand it and there you go.

Not to mention that there is a certsin "charm" to DS screens.

I've got both the Vita/iPhone retinas and their screens are bright, amazing, and super colorful but they don't partcularly handle graphic images that great. Sometimes, it almost appears as if viewing a video file instead of realtime.
 
1DE0D208-49B3-4DBB-A6A2-2ED25CD143AB-1253-0000012A6F19C1C8.jpg


So heres what I was talking about, that orange glowing pixel. Is this a dead pixel?

edit: sorry for the size. My iphone was having a hard time focusing.

Looks messed up to me take it back. Don't know what you do if you have transferred anything though. Maybe call Nintendo to complain?

For anyone having issues getting the SD card to show up I had to redo mine 3 times. I think it has something to do with the info getting filed under sub folders etc. Make sure it shows up exactly like it did on the 2gb card. Using the desktop to drag and drop should make it simple. Got all my games, apps and demos on the 4gb now working perfectly.
 
So GAF, I need some help here.

My old 3DS that I registered in July 2011 (and checked via Nintendo, it has Amabassador status) was destroyed in a car crash in December 2011.

I never bothered transferring my Ambassador status to my OG 3DS. However, I am interested in transferring it over to my 3DS XL.

I registered my old 3DS, so I thankfully have the serial number. I just don't know where I go to transfer Ambassador status without having the physical system.
 
It's funny how DS games in 1:1 mode feel smaller than a DSi, even though they're actually slightly bigger. I guess it's just due to all the empty space around the screen.
 
Just got back from GS with the new XL. I got off at 5:30 and they closed at 6 and rushed to get there and got the last blue one.

Haven't opened it yet cause I gotta transfer and all that but after reading this thread, apparently the $100 offer is only good today?

And how do I get my free game? lol

$100 is good til 26th I think. You will be fine to bring the 3DS in with reciept tommorrow and get your refund of difference.

So GAF, I need some help here.

My old 3DS that I registered in July 2011 (and checked via Nintendo, it has Amabassador status) was destroyed in a car crash in December 2012.

I never bothered transferring my Ambassador status to my OG 3DS. However, I am interested in transferring it over to my 3DS XL.

I registered my old 3DS, so I thankfully have the serial number. I just don't know where I go to transfer Ambassador status without having the physical system.

You would probably need to talk with Nintendo and explain the situation. Might be willing to let you send the unit in and them adjust it as required
 
Am I the only one who thinks the circle pad feels way worse than a launch 3DS. My launch 3DS has a really smooth pad, while my XL has a gritty feeling when moving it around. Kind of disappointing because otherwise it's perfect.
 
You would probably need to talk with Nintendo and explain the situation. Might be willing to let you send the unit in and them adjust it as required

Gah. I hope it doesn't come down to having to send them my unit.

Welp, I'll wait and see if anyone else has an idea of what to do. If not I'll contact Nintendo Support.
 
What games have you guys re-played and have been blown away by how much better they are with the bigger screens? Just trying to get some ideas about what titles to pick up that I have already played but put down to early because of the originals tiny screens.
 
I made an unboxing video of the Blue 3DS XL if anyone is still on the fence about what color they want. Maybe this video will sway your opinion one way or the other. I love the way the blue XL looks. Fucking gorgeous. Sorry about the green line at the bottom of the video. Not sure why that's there.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hHPIUXquMI0
 
1DE0D208-49B3-4DBB-A6A2-2ED25CD143AB-1253-0000012A6F19C1C8.jpg


So heres what I was talking about, that orange glowing pixel. Is this a dead pixel?

edit: sorry for the size. My iphone was having a hard time focusing.

Is it that large in person? I have a stuck red pixel on the far left of my screen, and I feel like it's a little smaller than that. I'm not sure if the focus is exaggerating the size.

Stuck pixels are different than dead ones though. Dead ones simply don't show anything and often go unnoticed. Stuck ones tend to display only one color, but sometimes go away (or show up later on).
 
Turn it on stereo unless you like the surround sound effects in stuff like Pilotwings and Revelations.

Thanks for the tip.

I just got back from the 2nd Gamestop and had to convince the guy to ring up Pilotwings and just see if it's free for XL. Of course it was and I'm back home with my new game.

As I left the store I hear him tell the other employee that he's got to get himself Pilotwing as well since he bought an XL this morning. /facepalm
 
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