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3DS XL First Impressions/Previews

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Your answers will vary. I think it's totally superfluous and adds nothing to the game after the, "Oh, that looks cool." I play with it off 95% of the time.

Others have compared it to HD graphics and higher resolutions adding to the immersion.

Agreed with this. 3D is absolutely useless to me. All it brings with it is the added element of forcing me to hold my handheld at a specific height and distance and for it to never waver. In games with heavy use of the gyroscope, it's complete shit since the ability to hit the sweetspot is so small, made even smaller for me on the XL. The XL's much bigger screens are the star of the show for me. Not the gimmick. The other downside of building the device around 3D is that the 2nd screen gets far less attention in games than it did with DS games since your focus is supposed to always be on the larger, 3D screen. Zen and Marvel Pinball would have been infinitely better if they split off across both giant screens instead of being squished into the top.


The 3DS does need some sports titles.

I enjoy sports games, but of all the 40-50 or so DS games I bought, I don't think one was ever a sports title. Except for Clubhouse Games, which had bowling.
 
DSi XL TALK TIME!

Okay, so I made the decision to get a DSi XL before it gets discontinued. It's going for a relatively reasonable 130 bucks at the moment and after spending the week enamored with the 3DS XL's large screen, I can never go back. Yet there are tons of DS games I still want to play, so the DSi XL must be mine.

Now, here's my question. From the pics I've looked at online, Bronze looks better than Midnight Blue. However the stores in town are all out of Bronze, so I'd have to order online to get it. The Midnight Blue I could probably pick up as early as today. Can anyone comment on how they look in RL, since pics can be deceiving? (also I'm trying to justify picking up the MB one so I don't have to wait)
 
DSi XL TALK TIME!

Okay, so I made the decision to get a DSi XL before it gets discontinued. It's going for a relatively reasonable 130 bucks at the moment and after spending the week enamored with the 3DS XL's large screen, I can never go back. Yet there are tons of DS games I still want to play, so the DSi XL must be mine.

Now, here's my question. From the pics I've looked at online, Bronze looks better than Midnight Blue. However the stores in town are all out of Bronze, so I'd have to order online to get it. The Midnight Blue I could probably pick up as early as today. Can anyone comment on how they look in RL, since pics can be deceiving? (also I'm trying to justify picking up the MB one so I don't have to wait)

My brother still has the bronze. It looks brilliant.

I'd get one used. You could probably get a mint-near mint one for like $80
 
I'd recommend using that 130 dollars on used DS games and just get used to playing them on the 3DS XL. I hated how they looked at first too, but as long as you never go back to a DSi/XL, you'll stop noticing the difference.
 
DSi XL TALK TIME!

Now, here's my question. From the pics I've looked at online, Bronze looks better than Midnight Blue. However the stores in town are all out of Bronze, so I'd have to order online to get it. The Midnight Blue I could probably pick up as early as today. Can anyone comment on how they look in RL, since pics can be deceiving? (also I'm trying to justify picking up the MB one so I don't have to wait)

The midnight blue color is probably my favorite out of all of Nintendo's colors, it's a really nice looking dark blue. I can take some comparison shots of it next to my blue 3DSXL and Aqua blue 3DS if you really want another perspective on the color.
 
I ordered the screen protecters out of fear today but when I close the 3DS and look through a light the screens aren't touching and I haven't noticed any scratching or marks on the screen since I've had it since sunday


for those with the HORI screen protector, is it noticeable when it's on?

No it isn't noticeable. I put them on the next day. They went on pretty easily and I don't have any bubbles or lint stuck under the screen.
 
the HORI's are great... except i DID manage to get like 1 or 2 super tiny bubbles but that's ok i barely notice them plus after my gf spent like an hour until they were JUST right we said fuck it and called it a day... (if i had applied em myself i'd have gotten 10+ huge bubbles or something i am so terrible with gimmicky things like that lol)
 
the HORI's are great... except i DID manage to get like 1 or 2 super tiny bubbles but that's ok i barely notice them plus after my gf spent like an hour until they were JUST right we said fuck it and called it a day... (if i had applied em myself i'd have gotten 10+ huge bubbles or something i am so terrible with gimmicky things like that lol)
The bubbles should only be permanent if there was a little piece of dust stuck under it that's raising the surface there. You can easily squeegee any other bubbles out no matter how far they are from the edges by using that little piece of cardboard they give you. It works surprisingly well
 
DSi XL TALK TIME!

Okay, so I made the decision to get a DSi XL before it gets discontinued. It's going for a relatively reasonable 130 bucks at the moment and after spending the week enamored with the 3DS XL's large screen, I can never go back. Yet there are tons of DS games I still want to play, so the DSi XL must be mine.

Now, here's my question. From the pics I've looked at online, Bronze looks better than Midnight Blue. However the stores in town are all out of Bronze, so I'd have to order online to get it. The Midnight Blue I could probably pick up as early as today. Can anyone comment on how they look in RL, since pics can be deceiving? (also I'm trying to justify picking up the MB one so I don't have to wait)

Is it really worth owning a DSi XL and a 3DS XL? Seems like overkill.
 
DSi XL TALK TIME!

Okay, so I made the decision to get a DSi XL before it gets discontinued. It's going for a relatively reasonable 130 bucks at the moment and after spending the week enamored with the 3DS XL's large screen, I can never go back. Yet there are tons of DS games I still want to play, so the DSi XL must be mine.

Now, here's my question. From the pics I've looked at online, Bronze looks better than Midnight Blue. However the stores in town are all out of Bronze, so I'd have to order online to get it. The Midnight Blue I could probably pick up as early as today. Can anyone comment on how they look in RL, since pics can be deceiving? (also I'm trying to justify picking up the MB one so I don't have to wait)

Since you just bought an XL3DS, no hurry for the DSiXL ^_^

Just order bronze and wait patiently, you'll be happy you did. The system is so, so elegant and sharp in person.
 
I watched some videos of some 3D Classics and was like hnnggh so I wanted to ask, are there any options to stretch them into widescreen or blow them up at all? Also how do you activate 1:1 mode on DS titles?
 
This is very true, and I meant no disrespect if it any point it felt like I was attacking you or misunderstanding. I see your point, and I will agree with you, it's worth keeping in mind, and logically makes a lot of sense. Thank you for your perspective. ;)

Right on dude, I'm glad we could come to an understanding and hopefully I didn't come off as rude or anything with my posts either.
 
DSi XL TALK TIME!

Okay, so I made the decision to get a DSi XL before it gets discontinued. It's going for a relatively reasonable 130 bucks at the moment and after spending the week enamored with the 3DS XL's large screen, I can never go back. Yet there are tons of DS games I still want to play, so the DSi XL must be mine.

Now, here's my question. From the pics I've looked at online, Bronze looks better than Midnight Blue. However the stores in town are all out of Bronze, so I'd have to order online to get it. The Midnight Blue I could probably pick up as early as today. Can anyone comment on how they look in RL, since pics can be deceiving? (also I'm trying to justify picking up the MB one so I don't have to wait)
Blue is definitely nice, but maybe green or yellow might be an option? Love the look of those the most

Is it really worth owning a DSi XL and a 3DS XL? Seems like overkill.
No no nonono! DSiXL for DS games, 3DS XL for 3DS games. As it should be :)
 
The right side seems to be where the hinge lock is located.



Turn up the sensitivity and aim assisting (automatically fires when reticule is moved over an enemy) in the options. Calibrate those controls to your advantage.

You'll thank me later.
I didn't know there was such an option. Thanks
 
Welp, just got mine, and dead pixel on the bottom screen center... :/ I guess I can live with it or return it to Newegg and wait another week...

Actually, just going to send it back for a refund and go buy one at Target.

The D-pad is loose too, very loose it makes a noise whenever I barely touch it. Is this normal?
 
Got mine. Its weight is definitely at the upper limit for handheld consoles, probably even a bit beyond. The device slipped from my grip a couple of times when I was not paying attention. Otherwise, very cool. The interior plastic feels/looks a bit cheap, though.
And wow, the AR stuff is truly amazing. Too bad, that constantly maintaining the sweet spot gets in the way.
 
Seeing those pics of the 3DSXL, the blue doesn't look too bad. I still want to wait for more options though. I hope we get new colors.

No picture that I have seen has even come close to how it looks in real life. It is glorious.


DSi XL TALK TIME!

Okay, so I made the decision to get a DSi XL before it gets discontinued. It's going for a relatively reasonable 130 bucks at the moment and after spending the week enamored with the 3DS XL's large screen, I can never go back. Yet there are tons of DS games I still want to play, so the DSi XL must be mine.

Now, here's my question. From the pics I've looked at online, Bronze looks better than Midnight Blue. However the stores in town are all out of Bronze, so I'd have to order online to get it. The Midnight Blue I could probably pick up as early as today. Can anyone comment on how they look in RL, since pics can be deceiving? (also I'm trying to justify picking up the MB one so I don't have to wait)

Both the Bronze and the Midnight Blue are phenomenal looking consoles. You cannot go wrong with either one. I went with the Midnight Blue because Blue is my favourite colour, and the shade of it on the XL looks really nice. But, that said, I would have had no problem getting the Bronze and being happy with it.
 
bought a 3ds XL Blue but i might return it....i rented RE Revelations so we'll see what happens when it arrives, it was the sole system seller. It's a shame more developers don't make handheld games, pickings are so incredibly thin for worthwhile games on vita or 3ds. The only games i want to play are RE Revelations, Mario 3d land, maybe kid icarus, and then Luigi's Mansion 2 in the year 3000.
 
bought a 3ds XL Blue but i might return it....i rented RE Revelations so we'll see what happens when it arrives, it was the sole system seller. It's a shame more developers don't make handheld games, pickings are so incredibly thin for worthwhile games on vita or 3ds. The only games i want to play are RE Revelations, Mario 3d land, maybe kid icarus, and then Luigi's Mansion 2 in the year 3000.
They're still relatively new systems. If you're looking for more of a console experience, I'd recommend looking elsewhere.
 
and then Luigi's Mansion 2 in the year 3000.

Yeah dude I can't wait!

E3cEY.jpg
 
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.
 
+1. I inspected the top screen closely before I applied the screen protector and it was pristine.

Still no marks on the screen protector either.

Me neither. Just applied a bottom screen protector for insurance against vigorous gameplay but I'm going to forego the top one.
 
They're still relatively new systems. If you're looking for more of a console experience, I'd recommend looking elsewhere.

i'm just not much of a handheld guy, i liked my DS enough, didn't really use the psp i bought used much at all. All handhelds get a small handful of games i want to play, 3ds looks to be the same and i gave RE Revelations awhile to see if it would get announced for something else, but it didn't yet, and then the 3ds XL got announced with a giant screen soooooooooo we'll see how it goes.
 
No picture that I have seen has even come close to how it looks in real life. It is glorious.

I concur, it is glorious.

Having looked over my BlueXL enough, I feel like my pics actually look the closest/accurate to its real life color:

d05c4f4c6c61e43bd52c23b0e07a26cd.jpg

93cec694abb0de71bba5e1a1592d77b1.jpg


With a tiny bit more of a metallic sheen in person.
 
Our current photography technology is still five years behind being able to accurately capture the majesty of 3DS XL.
:P
 
i'm just not much of a handheld guy, i liked my DS enough, didn't really use the psp i bought used much at all. All handhelds get a small handful of games i want to play, 3ds looks to be the same and i gave RE Revelations awhile to see if it would get announced for something else, but it didn't yet, and then the 3ds XL got announced with a giant screen soooooooooo we'll see how it goes.

Some recommendations:

Nano Assault
New Super Mario Bros 2
Super Mario 3D Land
Ace Combat Assault Horizon Legacy
Kid Icarus Uprising
Resident Evil Revelations + Mercenaries 3D
Star Fox 64
Legend of Zelda Ocarina of Time
Kingdom Hearts 3D
Dead or Alive Dimensions
Need For Speed The Run
Rhythm Thief
Sonic Generations
Final Fantasy Theatrhythm


That's just off the top of my head. Lots of great games, just gotta look ^_^
 
Somehow I got RE: Revelations for $17 at Gamestop, I think someone mislabeled it as Mercenaries 3D. Score! Also picked up Rhythm Thief, which I'm enjoying so far. I'll get to KH3D once I finish Birth By Sleep.
 
i'm just not much of a handheld guy, i liked my DS enough, didn't really use the psp i bought used much at all. All handhelds get a small handful of games i want to play, 3ds looks to be the same and i gave RE Revelations awhile to see if it would get announced for something else, but it didn't yet, and then the 3ds XL got announced with a giant screen soooooooooo we'll see how it goes.

Resident Evil: Revelations
Ace Combat: Assault Horizon
Mario Kart 7
Kingdom Hearts: DDD
Tales of the Abyss
Super Mario 3D Land

All offer a pretty console-ish experience. All are good purchases for the 3DS as well.
 
Does anyone else's XL close very slightly lopsided? When mine is closed, I can see a very small gap of light between the left rubber foot and where it should hit to the left of the select button. Right rubber foot hits fine. It's a tiny gap and doesn't seem to be an issue when the system is opened and locked into a position. Not sure if one side of the upper half might be heavier or something.
 
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...

No, it isn't. I still have zero marks on my screens after one month. I even let my Vita lie on top of my XL. Doesn't budge the screens one bit.
 
No, it isn't. I still have zero marks on my screens. I even let my Vita lie on top of my XL. Doesn't budge the screens one bit.

Mine isn't scratched or scratching, either.

I agree with whoever said it earlier, and something that's common sense to people who have ever worked customer service. Nobody ever calls up to say, "You guys are doing a great job! Keep it up!" If people are having problems, they'll say something. If it's working, you won't hear anything.
 
Does anyone else's XL close very slightly lopsided? When mine is closed, I can see a very small gap of light between the left rubber foot and where it should hit to the left of the select button. Right rubber foot hits fine. It's a tiny gap and doesn't seem to be an issue when the system is opened and locked into a position. Not sure if one side of the upper half might be heavier or something.

Yeah mine does this as well now that I look at it, although upon close inspection it seems as though the spring (or whatever mechanism that is in place) for the hinge is located more on the right side of the system which might explain why it closes tighter on that side.

Just speculation on my part though.
 
Yeah mine does this as well now that I look at it, although upon close inspection it seems as though the spring (or whatever mechanism that is in place) for the hinge is located more on the right side of the system which might explain why it closes tighter on that side.

Just speculation on my part though.

Thanks lol. Thought I might be crazy.

edit - might as well jot down some impressions.

-Form factor is incredible. Feels so good to hold.
-Blue looks magnificent.
-Face buttons and (especially) shoulder buttons feel better.
-Battery life seems better. Played 30 minutes of KH3D on full brightness/no power saving/full 3D/wireless on without losing a battery bar. I recall my OG 3DS dropping that first bar rather quickly.
-Stylus position.
-Screen resolution looks fine to me. A few niggles here and there that look slightly weird (fuzzy folder names on home screen etc...) but it just looks so much fucking better as a whole. It's been noted before but I feel the need to reiterate: If you own an XL, you simply must play Rainbow Road in MK7 on the highest 3D you can tolerate. You'll feel like you reached enlightenment.
-D-pad feels way better to use. I'm using it with a lot of success and minimal discomfort in NSMB2.
-My screen doesn't seem warm at all. Didn't even have power saving on out of the box. I think it might be a tad warmer than my very white OG 3DS but it looks totally fine.

It's pretty much the best handheld hardware I've owned. Can't really find a downside. And it was a steal for $100 with the Gamestop trade in deal.
 
I just got mine from newegg! I literally said "oh my God" as I took it out of the box. The difference between the 3DS and XL is staggering, way more than I expected. I got the blue color, and boy is it slick. I'm starting to set everything up now.
 
Ok got a good one from Target. Everything is fine except for the screen protectors. I fucked it up and it doesn't look very good. Wow super easy my ass. I might just take them off once I'm sure there's no scratching problem.

I think the sound is good, but very quiet.
 
Ok got a good one from Target. Everything is fine except for the screen protectors. I fucked it up and it doesn't look very good. Wow super easy my ass. I might just take them off once I'm sure there's no scratching problem.

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.
 
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