Nintendo 3DS XL
It has only been barely a year since Nintendo released the world's first glasses-free 3D handheld games console, and already the Japanese games company has brought out a new iteration of the 3DS format. In the same vein as the Nintendo DSi in 2009, the company decided to supersize its latest handheld. The world got an inkling of what was coming back in June, but now that it has come, and the hype has died down, is it any different to the original 3DS - is it a better alternative, and more importantly is it worth your money?
On first picking up the Nintendo 3DS XL, the most striking thing about the console is the larger screen and the improved clarity of the device. When compared with the original 3DS model, this difference is even more apparent. The 3D effect of the newer machine has more focus and is much easier on the eye. It is also far less fiddly as you no longer need to manoeuvre the device into a very particular position to your eyes for you to enjoy the 3D effect. At least not to the same extent as the original. In fact the 3D is so subtle compared to its predecessor that we had to turn the device sideways just to check if it was on. In testing, Mario Kart 7 was played on the device and, we must say, the game hasn't looked so fresh and felt as if it was custom made for the bigger screen. The colours are brighter and more vibrant and the gameplay has become much more user friendly.
That brings us to the next improved feature of the device - the controls. Similar to the DSi XL, the d-pad button layout is much more comfortable for those with normal sized hands - I.e. the average adult. Button layout is pretty much exactly the same as the 3DS, which is expected since this is not a successor to the original but an alternative much like the choice between the smaller and larger DSi models.
Aesthetically speaking, the outer casing looks shinier and sleeker than the 3DS original. You'll probably be forgiven for wanting to rub your fingers along the lid and whisper "my precious" to it -although we should mention that this would be ill-advised in public as you will probably lose all street cred, or at the very least be given a wide berth on public transport.
The choices of silver, red and blue are a good selection and the test version, blue, looked very sleek indeed. There are some areas that crack the sheen of the improved aesthetic. The 3D effect slider, though same place and slightly larger, is no longer silver painted and is just plain greyish plastic, cracking the illusion that this is not a toy. Additionally, the lower screen buttons (Home, Start, Select) whilst now real buttons and not an awkward plastic strip, are now so large that they come across as a bit silly compared to the old 3DS layout. The shoulder buttons are thicker and more rounded compared to the DSi XL but have this similar effect.
The top screen is thinner on the 3DS XL than on the DSi XL or 3DS. This difference is great as the DSi XL in particular suffered from having a somewhat heavy touch screen and wore down the hinges much quicker. These may be cracks in the illusion but they are very minor in comparison to the improved gameplay and control experience.
Backward compatibility with the DS is still weak, DS games look faded and less vibrant on the screens. This is unsurprising but a little sad as people who have picked up a 3DS and try some DS games will be unable to appreciate them in their original glory.
Overall, we can assuredly say that the 3DS XL is a welcome enhancement on the original. It boosts the graphics, smoothes the 3D visuals to improve ocular comfort, and has a somewhat more ergonomic and sleeker look. What it loses in portability is well compensated with a more satisfying gameplay experience.
The Nintendo 3DS XL is available to buy now.
--http://www.thisisfakediy.co.uk
