I'm in America to start off. I have the Majora's Mask New 3DS XL and am considering selling it and getting a New 3DS bundle (either just grabbing the happy home designer one now or waiting for the pokemon one) and grabbing some japanese cover plates. I'm also going to Japan in April so could probably pick some up then.
The main reason I want to move to the regular size as opposed to the XL is them sweet cover plates. I'm a sucker for customization.
But I'm worried I might regret downgrading in size (I've have man hands and the XL fits pretty decently, though it does feel a bit heavy). For example, I had an iPhone 6+, then sold it and got a 6s, regretted the smaller size, returned it and got a 6s+, lol. Obviously this isn't the exact same situation... but it's similar.
I know this is an ultimate first world problem, but I'm just wondering if anyone went from n3DS XL down to n3DS and was either happy with the decision or regretted it?
Thanks for the help!
I have bad both.
There really are pros and cons, to each - but it's a 'you pick your battles', type of conundrum.
Let's start with the cons of the N3DSXL:
The hinge on the N3DSXL is pretty terrible. I exchanged mine and even had 2 different N3DSXL's in red (see the IPS/TN thread); but the hinge no matter how tight it is - it will loosen and become flappy.
The outer paint, on the surface near the buttons begins to look like permanent oil stains and it really is wearing down of the paint - almost like polishing the areas. It looks terrible - no matter how clean you keep your hands.
Now for N3DSXL pros:
The screen may not be as crisp (image quality), but it sure is vivid, if you end up with an IPS. The 3D is simply immersive on the large screen and it really is striking. There are differences between IPS and TN, as well (luck of draw). The IPS has the best incarnation of the 3D feature; you get less ghosting, because it's not as washed out as TN. It also holds the 3D effect better, because IPS has a wider angle than TN, so you get less breaking of the 3D with minute movement. The TN screen has the screen door/ wave effect, that was apparent on the old XL - which comes across with movement - something the IPS does not have.
The con of the IPS: it crushes blacks and makes darker games or areas impossible to see or discern.
The outside of the XL is glossy, which means it will collect fingerprints and oils.
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The N3DS:
The NA unit build quality is simply immaculate. The hinge is rock solid (think DSLite solid), which gives it the most rigid resistance of any in the 3DS family - absolutely how they all should have been and weren't. It really is amazing to have 0 give, on a clamshell. The buttons feel much better and more responsive than the XL (clicky vs mushy). Overall, the interior of the inside doesn't wear down around the buttons, like the XL does.
Cover plates: This is an amazing feature and really makes the system as unique as you want it to be. I haven't felt a better textured handheld than a N3DS festooned with the wood plates. These plates totally give the handheld a dry, soft and natural texture that simply feels amazing.
The N3DS only comes equipped with a TN screen. This is a blessing and curse. The size lends to great image quality; however, the TN seems to leave a smearing/ghostlike response, especially with camera movements in games like MH4U. Something not apparent or experienced on the IPS XL. The TN also lends to more ghosting in dark scenes, leaving a prevelent double image, in 3D. The small TN also doesn't give as immersive or as pronounced 3D effect as an IPS XL. The 3D on the smaller system feels lackluster in comparison. It also is riddled by the shimmery screen/waves that come across the screen in 3D, that plagues the old XL.
Weight and size: The weight is absolutely perfect. It doesn't strain the wrists, and still feels substantial. The NXL feels heavy and leaden, in comparison. The size, though can make it feel awkward to normal adult hands. It can be hard to have a comfortable position to hold it, whereas the NXL just feels relaxing - if far less portable, due to the size trade off.
- overall, I prefer neither because they're so mismatched.
If the XL had the build quality and cover plates, with an interior that didn't become shiny over time - it'd be the hands down winner - only if equipped with and IPS - those who don't have the IPS NXL and still aren't sold on 3D, until you try the stability of the IPS 3D and its colors - you never will.
The N3DS, if it had the IPS of the XL and a little more space to hold, for comfort - it would be the decisive victor. As is, you get great pros: Faceplate customization, insanely tight build quality that rivals Apple's own and a great feeling and truly portable handheld, with a great image in comparison to NXL - you lose the immersion of phenomenal 3D (size and TN) and 3D that holds without ghosting or shifting.
Pick your poison.
