4 years after the Nintendo 3DS’ launch in North America, Nintendo released a new version of the 3DS with various upgrades and changes. The system functions mostly the same as every other 3DS systems so this review will mostly discuss the differences between it and other 3DS systems.
Hardware
The New Nintendo 3DS XL is possibly the biggest upgrade of any updated system released by Nintendo, but it is also the most similar to its original incarnation in many ways too. The shape is extremely similar to the original Nintendo 3DS XL from 2012, which makes them holding them roughly the same experience, with one unfortunate exception. Somehow Nintendo decided that they should change the New Nintendo 3DS XL’s backplates to make them glossy. While this make the system look nice in promotions and when first opened, after that it only goes downhill. The backplates quickly become covered with fingerprints and also seem to be much more prone to scratching and having paint peel compared to earlier Nintendo 3DS models. The glossy backplates are also simply less comfortable to hold than those of earlier Nintendo 3DS systems.
Most of the other changes to the actual system that the player holds are good ones, though. The cartridge is now entered into the chin of the system, which is a much more difficult place to accidentally push and make the cartridge come out of, causing the game to stop and any unsaved data to be lost, compared to other Nintendo 3DS and DS models. The stylus is also moved to the chin of the device, which while not exactly the most comfortable position for it to be, is the reason why this stylus is so much better than any stylus that has been featured on a Nintendo 3DS XL system before. Though earlier Nintendo 3DS and Nintendo 2DS systems conveniently used the same stylus in almost every iteration, this new stylus will make it so you will most likely never have to buy a new stylus due to losing one. The fit of the stylus in the system is much more tight than earlier Nintendo DS and 3DS systems, making it near impossible to lose. The Start and Select buttons have also been changed. Now they are placed under the buttons on the right side of the system, which is a much more comfortable position than their earlier position on the bottom rim of the bottom screen. The Home button still stays on the bottom rim of the bottom screen though, so it is difficult to accidentally press. Another good change is the 3D screen’s face tracking, which allows the 3D effect of the Nintendo 3DS to be viewed at more angles.
Some of the more controversial changes surround SD card slot. Though Nintendo did switch to the arguably better microSD format, owners of older Nintendo 3DS systems will no longer be able to use their SD cards that they may have purchased for earlier Nintendo 3DS systems. This also means that transferring data from old Nintendo 3DS systems to this one requires a rather lengthy, but at least somewhat simple process, rather than just putting the same SD card into the new system. The microSD card slot is hidden under the New Nintendo 3DS XL’s backplate now, unlike the older Nintendo 3DS systems that had a SD card slot on the outside of the system. Overall this was a good decision because it makes it much more difficult to damage the microSD card slot or lose the microSD card, but it can be an annoyance when switching microSD cards.
The New Nintendo 3DS XL also features some additions to its hardware. The R and L buttons now have ZR and ZL buttons respectively next to them. These allow for more control options in many games and pressing them feels fine, making them a good addition overall. These buttons are also part of Nintendo’s plan to implement Circle Pad Pro functionality into the New Nintendo 3DS XL.
Another addition is what Nintendo calls the “C stick”. While this is very much not a stick at all it is still a welcome addition. It essentially functions as a second circle pad for the right side of the system. In games that supported the Circle Pad Pro, it has the same functionality as that circle pad. This makes it extremely useful for games like The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask 3D and Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate, where the “C stick” is arguably the best way to move the camera. It can be difficult to understand how to use the “C stick” at first, but once the player understands how to use it, the “C stick” is not that bad. Unlike its name would imply, pushing the “C stick” in the direction you want to go is NOT how it is used. Instead, the player should push down on the side of the “C stick” that points towards where they would be pushing it if it was actually a stick. Overall it is a useful addition, despite its misleading name.
The final major addition is the NFC reader. It is placed under the bottom screen and works completely fine. It basically functions as the amiibo reader. It is a good addition overall as earlier 3DS models required the purchase of a separate reader to have the same functionality.
One strange omission is the charger for the system, which is not included in this system at all. While this may be an annoyance for some, most people who would be interested in this system probably already have multiple chargers that work on the New Nintendo 3DS XL, as it uses the same charger as every other Nintendo 3DS and even some Nintendo DS systems.
Power
The power upgrade of this system is the most impactful of any other hardware refresh done by Nintendo before. Many games load much more quickly compared to earlier Nintendo 3DS systems. There are also many games that have problems with performance on earlier Nintendo 3DS systems that are mostly rectified by the power of the New Nintendo 3DS XL. Some supported games even make some upgrades to the game if it detects that the player is using a New Nintendo 3DS system. One example is Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate, where textures are improved if the player is using a New Nintendo 3DS system.
While these updates are often up to the developer to implement, as seen in the later Monster Hunter Generations, which runs exactly the same on every Nintendo 3DS system, the updated games that do exist are noticeably better. Overall the power of the New Nintendo 3DS XL does help make it a compelling upgrade.
Software
Possibly the most compelling aspect of the New Nintendo 3DS (and eventually New Nintendo 2DS XL) line of systems is the exclusive software. Games like Xenoblade Chronicles 3D, Minecraft: New Nintendo 3DS Edition, and SNES games on the virtual console, which were not possible on earlier Nintendo 3DS systems, can only be played on New Nintendo 3DS systems.
While none of these games are as big as a Pokémon, Animal Crossing, or Mario games, there absolutely are some great games that can only be played on New Nintendo 3DS systems like the New Nintendo 3DS XL. These games probably won’t convince somebody who doesn’t already like the 3DS to buy this upgraded version, but they are a nice bonus and do make the system more compelling overall.
Overall
Despite its few issues, the New Nintendo 3DS XL is absolutely the greatest Nintendo 3DS system that ever has and probably ever will release. Anyone interested in having the best version of the Nintendo 3DS should buy it while they still can, which will likely not be for much longer.
Overall, taking the system itself and its price into account, the reviewer would give the system an 8.5 out of 10.
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