Developer: Nintendo

Release Date (NA): February 13th, 2015

Category: HandheldI heard for quite a while that there was supposed to be some “new” Nintendo 3DS that’d be released in the USA on February 13^th, 2015. It was known as the New Nintendo 3DS XL. I thought, “What would make this new 3DS different from the others?”

Compared to an original Nintendo 3DS (right), I suppose there are a few differences…

As the release date drew closer, I began to hear more about it. It was faster, more powerful, and overall better than the original 3DS XL. I decided to research it… and by “research, I mean,  “look up the price, the pictures, and then order it online right away.”

The last DS I had was a Nintendo DSi. Needless to say, it had been a while since I had an upgrade. Despite the lack of color choices and overpriced Limited Edition versions released in the USA, I was happy ordering a black one (The Majora’s Mask Edition ran about $500 on Amazon!).

Three days after ordering my New Nintendo 3DS XL, it arrived. I was ecstatic, and when I opened the box and turned it on, I was not disappointed.

On the box of the New Nintendo 3DS XL, some key features are mentioned:

• Super-stable 3D (Face-tracking keeps feature steady)
• New C Stick for enhanced controls
• Built-in amiibo and NFC support
• Faster processing power
• Backward Compatibility for earlier titles

I inspected the device carefully. I wanted to make certain that my $240 investment was worth it. I used my boyfriend’s original 3DS as a comparison. I’m pretty sure he didn’t mind.

I noticed how nice it felt in my hands. The corners are nice and rounded, its smooth surface dries the sweat from my hands while I play, and its sleek design made the original 3DS look blocky and outdated.

How can you see anything on the original 3DS (right) with a screen that small?

While it looked good, I needed to know if the software was as good as the box said. Previously, I heard a rumor that you couldn’t just shake the New 3DS XL to trick the pedometer into thinking you deserve those ‘hard-earned’ Play Coins. I held the DS and gave it a few delicate shakes. Opening it again, I earned a coin! Shake away, baby!

The 3D feature on this new 3DS really is stable! It even lets me change the intensity of the 3D feature by raising or lowering the switch. It lets you know the 3D feature is on or off by the click of the switch. I had lots of fun using the 3D feature to take pictures as well.

Right in front! Just like I said.

The New Nintendo 3DS XL had to really distinguish itself from the others before it. To do that, the game cartridge slot is located at the front of the device. The headphone connector is in the front and center of the device, right next to the stylus slot and power button. All in the front. At first, I was a bit iffy on that. All those important parts? Right where one could accidentally press the power button or push the game out mid-play? My concerns were put to rest after some time spent playing my games. As it turns out, you really have to push on it like you mean it for anything like that to happen. The power button is small and low enough to avoid an accidental push. Same thing for the game cartridge.

The New Nintendo 3DS also features a data transfer program that you can download from the Nintendo eShop. For those of you who don’t know, the Nintendo eShop is Nintendo’s online store that lets you buy and download Nintendo games and themes for your 3DS. The data transfer program is free to download and use and I definitely needed it. My old Nintendo DSi was my faithful companion for over 5 years. But alas, batteries can’t hold a charge forever. The poor battery on that thing had run its course and could no longer leave the charger without dying in a matter of seconds. So, I used the data transfer program on my New 3DS XL to move all the pictures and programs from the old DSi to the New 3DS XL. I later gave my DSi a proper funeral.

Everything about the New Nintendo 3DS XL checked out nicely, so I decided to give it the final test; The Pocket Test to see if I needed to wear a hoodie in order to carry this device.

It fit in my pocket easily, but that was only part one of my test! The second part was “Will this device fall out of this pocket after an extended period of time?” I kept the DS in my pocket while I did a little cleaning, bending to pick things up and the like. I am proud to say the New 3DS XL has passed!

You hear that guys? If you don’t buy me, you can’t play any new games anyways.

The new C stick positioned just above the “A, B, X, and Y” buttons looked like it would be in the way. Surprisingly enough, it is not. The New Nintendo 3DS XL also features a second set of shoulder buttons right by the original ones, labeled “ZL” and “ZR.” While these new buttons and stick don’t have any particular use right now, Nintendo intends to release future titles exclusively for the New Nintendo 3DS XL.

If you already have a 3DS and are wondering if you should upgrade, I would recommend you do so for two reasons:

1. The New 3DS XL is better than the original in every way.
2. There is going to be future titles that are exclusive to the New 3DS XL.

Now, I think it’s safe to say that the New Nintendo 3DS XL is certainly worth every penny I paid for it.