[hunnies28]

Finally got an XL today. Man those buttons feel good. Dat d pad!

[EvilMario]

If only it had online multiplayer, then it would actually be worth the asking price. It still burns.

It's still hilariously ironic that they included the live-action face camera when it was local multiplayer only.

[Iceblade]

Can anyone post comparison pics of their non-yellow tinted XL next to a 3DS?

[01DragonFly]

Does anyone know if Costco will carry the 3DS XL? I guess I will find out on Friday.

they had the OG 3ds at launch and other games( bough zelda 3ds on day one from them to get the soundtrack) , will probably buy the wii u and my 3ds xl from them.

[sk3tch]

they had the 3ds at launch and other games( bough zelda 3ds on day one from them) , will probably buy the wii u and my 3ds xl from them.

Thanks G. Hoping they will have it this week. I dig their return policy and they usually knock at least a couple bucks off.

[Ken Masters]

if the wifi on all the time? regardless if I close it? Because that would really drain the battery

[thegreatchamp]

if the wifi on all the time? regardless if I close it? Because that would really drain the battery

Yes it is unless you turn it off.

[Incitemaybe]

if the wifi on all the time? regardless if I close it? Because that would really drain the battery

Yup, you can flip the switch off on the side if you don't want wireless on, but you won't get streetpassed either.

[Ken Masters]

Yes it is unless you turn it off.

that sucks, so I have to go to the settings and turn it on every time I want to use it?

Yup, you can flip the switch off on the side if you don't want wireless on, but you won't get streetpassed either.

that answers my above Q

[ShockingAlberto]

that sucks, so I have to go to the settings and turn it on every time I want to use it?

I can't speak for the XL, but the Vanilla 3DS has a wifi switch on the side.

[brandonh83]

What software would you guys suggest? I could either get a retail title, or $40 in eshop credit. Is there anything substantial on the eshop?

I've already played Mario 3D Land and Resident Evil. Haven't played Kid Icarus yet though but I heard it had awful controls.

[Drago]

I can't speak for the XL, but the Vanilla 3DS has a wifi switch on the side.

Same thing on the XL

It's the switch on the right side

[EvilMario]

What software would you guys suggest? I could either get a retail title, or $40 in eshop credit. Is there anything substantial on the eshop? I've already played Mario 3D Land and Resident Evil. Haven't played Kid Icarus yet though but I heard it had awful controls.

Kid Icarus is an excellent game, but the controls require a few hours to really learn and master. If you put in the time though, it's one of the best titles you'll ever play.

[brandonh83]

Kid Icarus is an excellent game, but the controls require a few hours to really learn and master. If you put in the time though, it's one of the best titles you'll ever play.

Are the controls convoluted or something? I mean, what makes it hard?

[chickdigger802]

Are the controls convoluted or something? I mean, what makes it hard?

you need to build up your wrists :P

[MikeE21286]

I always play with wifi off ( unless it's MK7 or something)

[brandonh83]

you need to build up your wrists :P

Yep I'm still confused but that sounds horrible.

[AndrewDean84xX]

What software would you guys suggest? I could either get a retail title, or $40 in eshop credit. Is there anything substantial on the eshop? I've already played Mario 3D Land and Resident Evil. Haven't played Kid Icarus yet though but I heard it had awful controls.

Kid Icarus is easily my favorite handheld game ever. There is so much game there for the $40 price tag.

That would be my retail suggestion.

eShop suggestions would be: Pushmo, Mutant Mudd, Mighty Switch Force, Links Awakening, Super Mario Land 2, Super Mario Land 3:Warioland, Super Mario Bros. and 3D Classics Kirby's Adventure.

[AndrewDean84xX]

Are the controls convoluted or something? I mean, what makes it hard?

Just a learning curve.

[brandonh83]

eShop suggestions would be: Pushmo, Mutant Mudd, Mighty Switch Force, Links Awakening, Super Mario Land 2, Super Mario Land 3:Warioland, Super Mario Bros. and 3D Classics Kirby's Adventure.

May go with a retail game and $20 in credit to pick up Link's Awakening and maybe Mudds and MSF. Thanks. :)

Just a learning curve.

Hm. Wish I could try a demo or something. I don't feel comfortable with spending $40 on something that I may not like because of controls.

[Anteo]

if the wifi on all the time? regardless if I close it? Because that would really drain the battery

It is, the 3ds tries to use streetpass and spotpass while on sleep mode.

Edit: And somehow I missed all the post explaining this. Welp

Re:Kid Icarus,
GOTY, the problem with the controls is that many people go thinking "It is going to suck because is not Dual Analog". It is a new, different way to control a TPS (groun sections), and just like the first time playing dual analog or any other setup , it will take a while to get use to it. But boy, the things you can do when you master it.

[V_Ben]

Well, I got my XL today. It came with Kingdom hearts, and I have Ocarina of Time on order. So... this thing feels lovely doesn't it. Some game prices are still a bit up there over here, so I'll be holding off on Kid Icarus and stuff like that until they drop to around £20 :P Might have a dig around in the eshop though...

Edit: Also, this is the first nintendo handheld i've owned since the original DS. Probably going to end up going out and picking up A BUNCH of original DS games for this thing too. Hopefully i'll be able to find most of the Dragon Quest games that came out for it. Never played World Ends With You either, so i'll be on the prowl for that...

[Glass Joe]

Yep I'm still confused but that sounds horrible.

It's more of a learning curve. No game quite controlled like it before and probably no game will since. The sky missions are easy enough to get the hang of, but land battles do take some dedication before you feel comfortable. If you give it a shot, don't be surprised if you're a good 1/3 of the way through story mode until it "clicks."

Once you "get it," though, it's a really fun, high quality game with a ton of unlockables and replay value.

[PAULINK]

Are the controls convoluted or something? I mean, what makes it hard?

The controls are.. different. In the air it's simply a mix between using the circle pad to move, stylus to aim, and l button to shoot.

Once you are on the ground, you will realize what everyone's been talking about. Circle pad to move, stylus controls aiming, however in order to move your reticule around you will need to use a flicking motion to quickly aim at what you want. At first, the concept is very foreign. But with enough practice and tweaking, you get very used to the control scheme, albeit some hand cramps after a long period of play (at least with the original 3DS).

[brandonh83]

It's more of a learning curve. No game quite controlled like it before and probably no game will since. The sky missions are easy enough to get the hang of, but land battles do take some dedication before you feel comfortable. If you give it a shot, don't be surprised if you're a good 1/3 of the way through story mode until it "clicks." Once you "get it," though, it's a really fun, high quality game with a ton of unlockables and replay value.

Well you're not the only one to say this so I may give it a chance after all, especially if there's a lot of content. I saw some gameplay videos and loved the general vibe to it. Plus... that soundtrack.

Once you are on the ground, you will realize what everyone's been talking about. Circle pad to move, stylus controls aiming, however in order to move your reticule around you will need to use a flicking motion to quickly aim at what you want. At first, the concept is very foreign. But with enough practice and tweaking, you get very used to the control scheme, albeit some hand cramps after a long period of play (at least with the original 3DS).

Sounds like a nightmare but I guess if it was actually a horrible thing people wouldn't be trying to defend it.

[Ponn01]

Couple questions,

1) No XL cradle in US yet?
2)Is it still Nintendo point cards to purchase off 3DS eshop, dont like using my cc on systems.
3) How awesome does KH look on the XL?

[RPGCrazied]

Awesome. I got my hori screen protectors today in the mail, but my 3DS XL won't be here until tomorrow. Glad I got these protectors first!

[Anteo]

Well you're not the only one to say this so I may give it a chance after all, especially if there's a lot of content. I saw some gameplay videos and loved the general vibe to it. Plus... that soundtrack. Sounds like a nightmare but I guess if it was actually a horrible thing people wouldn't be trying to defend it.

I got used to it really fast, and was shocked that so many people complained for a few chapters (a lot of them said they got used to it 5 or 6 chapters later). It is a second nature to me now.

Edit:

Couple questions, 1) No XL cradle in US yet? 2)Is it still Nintendo point cards to purchase off 3DS eshop, dont like using my cc on systems. 3) How awesome does KH look on the XL?

About the cc bit, I think by default, the cc info is not stored (forcing you to enter it again in your next buy). I can't say for sure because I haven't used a CC in the eshop since they blocked foreings CCs

[brandonh83]

I got used to it really fast, and was shocked that so many people complained for a few chapters (a lot of them said they got used to it 5 or 6 chapters later). It is a second nature to me now.

Neat. I may go with it. Especially since it comes in a box.

[V_Ben]

Umm... how the hell do I find out my friend code. I'd love to post it so other people I know with the system can add me.

Edit: I... I found it. *sighs*

[Samyy]

Couple questions, 1) No XL cradle in US yet? 2)Is it still Nintendo point cards to purchase off 3DS eshop, dont like using my cc on systems. 3) How awesome does KH look on the XL?

I found a 3DS card in my 7-11 (Canada) so there should be those if you live in the states/ Canada, not sure about other regions.

[RPGCrazied]

Couple questions, 3) How awesome does KH look on the XL?

From a gaffer.

My camera's not all that great, but... Also, I am really glad I went with blue. Really nice.

[Anteo]

Umm... how the hell do I find out my friend code. I'd love to post it so other people I know with the system can add me.

See the little happy face at the top center of the bottom screen? Click on that, you will see your gamecard with your code.

Edit: Slow internet, the image should be up soon.

[abasm]

The "problem" with Kid Icarus is that its control scheme is genuinely original. Nobody is used to it, because this is the first time anything like it has existed.

I find that it works remarkably well once you're used to it.

[Rodney McKay]

Just tried the 3DS XL demo unit at Best Buy. I love it and want one immediately. :D

Couldn't get a good feel for the weight since it had a metal clamp attached to it, but the screens are MASSIVE and the d-pad and buttons feel FUCKING FANTASTIC compared to my original 3DS.

I'll probably end up waiting for a while until I get a new job (should be very soon, fingers crossed!) and I think I want to upgrade my PC's graphics card before I get the XL. A black/sliver/white colored one would be great, but at least the blue of the demo unit was very nice looking.

[grimshawish]

Been playing it for a while now (also Gamestop fully funded me the £90 on trade in, I'll use them again) its amazing.

Mutant Mudds especially looks great. I used to get a lot of ghosting on some levels, but now its not. No idea why. I think maybe everything its because in the past we were focusing on such a small area? Anyway, it comes alive on the XL. I hope Renegade Kid brings those new levels to the e-shop. Even as DLC (mind you I think Nintendo wants people to pre-announce any and all DLC - not 100% but get that feeling).

Zelda ghosting is still as noticeable, it annoys me this isn't as 'definitive' as it could be, Nintendo obviously worked out how to do the colourings better in later games like Kid Icarus.


I posted a few times on gaf about wanting a 3DS+ before this came out. The main things I wanted: Battery/Speakers. The battery is brilliant, I haven't timed it but it just isn't an issue. Although I might get a cradle as sleep mode is usually an issue. Speakers? Ugh, there not terrible and I find some peoples complaints were present on the original...but I was playing through Resident Evil Revelations again (the Japanese audio is on there - people should check it out) the sound isn't great. I did play that game with head phones before though; as the 3DS speakers are pretty crap too.

So yeah. 1/2 ain't bad and the XL screen is something I never 'called for' but got. Its brilliant, everything feels like it was more or less made for that screen as oppose to the original. So 2/3 in the end, worth the price with a trade in or first time buyer I'd say.

[brandonh83]

Anyone played the DS Castlevania games on the XL yet?

[Barryman]

From the launch of the 3DS I was holding out until the first revision because I was still peeved that about buying the DS Phat, only to have the DS Lite come out and blow it away a little over a year (?) later.

Anyway I'm blown away by the 3DS. The 3D effect is truly impressive, I don't really know why everyone dumps on it. I played through the "end" of Super Mario 3D Land and am blown away by how good it looks. Sure, there is a lot of ugly aliasing, especially on long, straight columns, but the picture is crisp, detailed and bright. The graphical style is very close to Mario Galaxy which is a phenomenal looking series.

That's to say nothing about the gameplay, which is a neat combination of 3D Mario with the tropes and general layout of 2D Mario. Obviously nothing I'm saying is original, but this is a simply fantastic game on a fantastic platform.

[nhlducks35]

The "problem" with Kid Icarus is that its control scheme is genuinely original. Nobody is used to it, because this is the first time anything like it has existed. I find that it works remarkably well once you're used to it.

[eighty(one)]

Are the controls convoluted or something? I mean, what makes it hard?

You just need coordination, once you master the game at a lower intensity, you'll be addicted to its trappings - eventually trying higher intensity - trading risk for reward.

It's probably my game of the year 2012 choice. The game gives you a really lengthy campaign, a robust set of options and so many unlockables, you'd think Nintendo were/are batshit insane in an era of advantageous DLC.

Again, 2012GoTY Followed by Resident Evil Revelations and Dragons Dogma.

[Wolfe]

I'm liking it better after a couple of days (at first I was thinking of selling it off and going back to OG). NSMB2 looks beautiful on this screen. However, a couple of things are still bothering me, though they are slowly being outweighed by the positives: - It makes UI elements look ridiculous. Every button on the lower screen just looks absurd now, like a web browser with the zoom level artificially bumped into senior citizen range. - The sweet spot is too close. I said this before and am getting used to it, but I'd still greatly prefer if this thing would allow me to hold it further away and still see the 3D. As it stands, I have to hold it as close as I did the OG, and that feels odd with such a huge screen in my face.

I disagree on both points as you can adjust the bottom screen button size (unless you're referring to in game) and the "sweet spot" is still the same, as someone mentioned though with the screen being larger it can seem as though it is closer.

[Barryman]

the "sweet spot" is still the same, as someone mentioned though with the screen being larger it can seem as though it is closer.

Isn't that exactly what he was saying?

- The sweet spot is too close. I said this before and am getting used to it, but I'd still greatly prefer if this thing would allow me to hold it further away and still see the 3D. As it stands, I have to hold it as close as I did the OG, and that feels odd with such a huge screen in my face.

[fna84]

the 3d isnt working for me unless its at a certain angle...

[Necromanti]

It was back in stock on Newegg today, so I finally pulled the trigger. Saves me 20 dollars on sales tax, and then I can sell my 3DS on Craigslist for more than Gamestop would have given me. Here's hoping I like the blue...

[Ken Masters]

I can't speak for the XL, but the Vanilla 3DS has a wifi switch on the side.

It does as well, I just never new what it was for until now

[Rollo Larson]

Got Dream Drop Distance today...hoping to have my XL by tomorrow lol

[CornBurrito]

Holy hell, first my fiance surprises me with a 3DS XL as a gift (on top of her preordering Dark Souls PC for me unexpectedly), and then my little sister bought me New Super Mario Bros. 2 and Kingdom Hearts 3D as an early Christmas present since she won't be around for Christmas. Fucking best week for games in a really long time for me. <3

Divorce her for preordering Dark Souls PC.

[donny2112]

Late but lol smh at amazon finally carrying 3DS XL's,

Only Blue/Black and ships in 2-3 weeks. Maybe the problems are finally worked out with Nintendo! :)

[beyond_death]

Any Aussies been able to get one early?

[Baconsammy]

Few things I wish Vita would copy, and vice versa:

Vita needs an easy way to toggle wifi on and off. Vita needs better face buttons. Vita needs to let you use the dpad/analog to navigate the UI. XL needs Vita's Dpad. Every controller in the future needs Vita's dpad. Nothing comes close to that thing.

Very happy now with my stuck-pixel-free, equally-yellow-to-and-bottom-screen new XL. I'm glad I didn't just suck it up and keep the defective one. Unfortunately the new one shares the other one's crappy speakers. I have a feeling that's not a defect. That's probably just how they are now.

One other major difference between my first XL and this new one is that on the old one I had to tilt it slightly to the left in order to nail the sweetspot. On the new one, it's straight-on like the old 3DS. I went to another forum and people were commenting that their top screen felt off-kilter as well. It's odd because physically the placement of the top screen seemed fine to me.

the 3d isnt working for me unless its at a certain angle...

I wonder if you're referring to what I mentioned last in my post.