3DS XL: Is it worth it?
 

I have had the 3DS for more than a year now, but the 3DS XL has come out since then, and it is much larger. The screen is about 90% bigger than the normal 3DS, and the battery life is longer. I'm happy with my 3DS, it's a great system, but I'd really like to get the XL. I paid $169.99 for my 3DS, and the 3DS XL is $199.99. Now my question is, is the XL worth it, or no because I already have the normal system? I asked my GameStop how much I'd get if I traded it in (I know, stupid idea but it was worth a shot) and they told me I'd get 60 dollars THE MOST, which in my opinion is ridiculous. So, please vote on the poll to tell me what you think is the best option for me.

I owned a cosmo black launch 3DS and upgraded to a 3DS XL when it came out. I'll tell you what I think.

I really don't care that the screens are larger. I kinda prefer the smaller screens on the original because the pixels are smaller so they are harder to make out. It's not a big issue but you can definitely notice it in some games, especially games with really small text; with the letters rendered on larger pixels it will look a bit off. Can't be helped though. The biggest advantage of the larger screen (IMO) is that it makes virtual console games look better. Some people feel that the larger screens make the 3D pop a little more. For me it feels about the same, but you can easily test this in-store at the kiosk to see how you feel.

I upgraded to the XL for these reasons:
* liked the improved chasis design. less prone to screen scratching (though it can still happen... sigh. use a screen protector, at least on the top one!!) There is a very well documented problem with the 3DS where the top screen can get scratched by the elevated ridge that surrounds the bottom screen. While there are some mods you can try to prevent this (including replacing the rubber feet to make them longer), the best way is to simply use a screen protector.
* prefer the matte finish
* yes, better battery
* much nicer start/home/select buttons! I HATE the ones on the original.
* better, more convenient stylus placement (on the right-hand side instead of top)
* I knew the Wii U was coming out soon after so I could use my old 3DS as trade-in credit at gamestop... in fact I got BONUS credit because they were offering that at the time. Keep an eye out for deals like that. I ended up getting almost $100 in credit for it, not bad. It might have been more... i'd have to check my receipt.

potential cons to upgrading:
* 3DS XL does not work with the cradle. Obviously it is too big.
* 3DS Circle Pad Pro does not work with it if you own one. You'll need to buy a Circle Pad Pro XL which is not sold in the west... you'll have to import somehow. amazon has them but they are $45ish, whereas the original CPP was only $19.99 at gamestop. CPP is great for Kingdom Hearts, Monster Hunter and a few other games... but yeah it's more of a bonus, not required.
* if you have any cases or screen protectors they'll be too small. you'll need XL versions!

Keep in mind that any games you bought or earned free via the eShop are locked to your 3DS... you have to do a system transfer to get them on your new 3DS. You are limited in the # of system transfers you can do so you need to plan these carefully.

Talk with your gamestop reps, they can be very helpful. See if they will let you do a system transfer in the store to your new XL and trade your old one in for credit towards it. I've heard of people doing it that way.

In closing I prefer the XL but it's not superior in EVERY way and may not be worth the money for everyone who already owns the original. If nintendo releases a second redesign of the 3DS with the 2nd circle pad built-in I will upgrade again regardless of the size :3 I love my 3DS! (luigi's mansion being delivered today... Mmmm)

I just posted about it in the Nintendo thread, I just got a 3DS XL because I it was on sale. If you live in the US it's on sale this week I believe so you have to get on it today. Also if you buy an XL and register it along with either Luigi's Mansion or Pokemon Mystery Dungeon before May you can get a free retail game (downloadable version) which includes Star Fox 64 3D and Super Mario 3D Land among others. So not bad.

Personally I am happy though I still own my 3DS. I can't really recommend it over the original since they both have their pros and cons. The bigger size is awesome and you notice it straight away, it makes you think how you ever played games on the other one. Some games look so much better however others do look a little worse with more jaggies. The 3D effect looks so much better but at the same time the sweetspot for the 3D seems lower. The buttons are better though I had grown use to the 3DS select/start/home ones and I prefer the original ones now. The slide pad seems a bit different, I both prefer it and think it's worse at the same time, it's odd. Changing back to my original 3DS wasn't as difficult, I ended up liking the smaller feel again in my hands, so it's all about option, what do you prefer. Personally I use my XL as my main 3DS now. The only huge Con I have against it is the volume is lower than the 3DS. Nintendo really was correct when they said the XL wasn't replacing the original, it's just giving costumers options on what they might prefer. I do prefer the XL but the original is fine and dandy too since it also has it's pros.

If you're a fan of the 3DS, absolutely buy the XL. The larger screen alone make it worth it. I used to complain the the DSi XL was too heavy and large for me, but you really get used to it and appreciate the pros over the cons of the system.

It depends on what 3DS you currently have. I would go for the XL... but I like my Zelda edition better.

As far as I know, there is only the normal 3DS besides the XL.

I ment as far as color...

Color has absolutely nothing to do with what we're discussing here...

I know that... but you dont want to chuck it if its limited edition....

A limited edition (which I do not have) or a certain color do not contribute to this thread at all. I'm trying to see if you guys think I should get the XL or not.......