Topic: 3DS XL: The Comically Large Handheld

[NWR_Neal]

The one where Neal lays his eyes on a larger-than-life 3DS and is immediately smitten.

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/blog/31267

Last week, I was privy to Zach Miller getting the review unit for the 3DS XL. Throughout the weekend I spent with him, I got to observe the 3DS XL from afar, play it for a bit, and even record some purely amateur video about it (see below). My takeaway can be summed up like this: It's freaking huge, and holy crap I want one now.

Seriously, the 3DS XL looks like the Penny Arcade rendition of the original Xbox controller at times. It's that goofily big. It's beautiful, though, and as long as you have a pocket large enough to hold it (which isn't as tall of an order as you might think), it's still a portable. It has a form factor just a little bit bigger than the Vita.

One of the big bonuses for me is that the one-to-one mode for DS and Virtual Console games is much more attractive now. The stretched-out versions never bothered me much, but now that the screens are larger, the one-to-one modes are more useful, since the screen is larger. The disparity between Super Mario Land on the 3DS and 3DS XL in the one-to-one mode is vast. Hell, the new screen size might get me to replay some of those short Game Boy affairs again.

While I'm torn between the color I'll get (hop on Facebook and vote to determine what one I get!), I will be rushing out to get a 3DS XL when it hits North America on August 19. I already adore this system, and I have a feeling the XL might make me love it even more.

[Pixelated Pixies]

Sounds great. I just can't justify the cost merely for bigger screens (especially given that I would have to pay additional for an AC Adaptor and a new case).

[Tlon]

The best way to play DS titles is still through a DSiXL or a DSi. The colors are much sharper. As for 3DS titles the colors are sharper on the original than the XL but the bigger screen size makes the 3D effect more immersive.
Game Boy Color titles look best on the 3DSXL.

[Pixelated Pixies]

I've also heard from some sources that retaining the perfect viewing angle for 3D is more difficult with the larger screens. Can anyone confirm whether or not that is the case?

[TeaHee]

I want one, but the color choices are making me hesitate.  I am hoping I will be swayed by some pre-order deal. 
Especially since I think I told my nephew I would sell him my old 3DS.

[NeoThunder]

Will XL come with a charging dock like 3DS did?

[Halbred]

There is no docking station, just the plug.

[Tlon]

I've also heard from some sources that retaining the perfect viewing angle for 3D is more difficult with the larger screens. Can anyone confirm whether or not that is the case?

I don't see any noticeable difference. Since I got accustomed to the 3DS, retaining the sweet spot is no longer a problem though I prefer holding the 3DSXL further away than the original 3DS.

[Halbred]

I would argue that the sweet spot is smaller and easier to accidentally move out of.

[ejamer]

I would argue that the sweet spot is smaller and easier to accidentally move out of.

No docking station is a bummer, but surely there will be one offered later.  So no big deal.


But this is disappointing news. The "sweet spot" for good 3D already seems terribly limited with the original 3DS - small enough that I rarely use the feature while gaming because it's too easy to shift slightly and lose the effect during play. If that becomes even more difficult to use then I'll be put off the feature entirely unless more appealing 3D movies start being provided on the system. Guess it's a good thing they improved the 3D slider.


Also, I am curious about the claim that finding a big enough pocket "isn't as tall of an order as you might think".  Where is Neal (or others) finding these extra large pockets?  As someone who doesn't carry a bag, and doesn't wear coats during the summer, the existing 3DS already seems almost too large to carry.




(Despite my complaints, I'm still kind of interested in 3DS XL. The bigger screens would be great for Netflix, or playing retro games, or just getting the poop scared out of me in Resident Evil.  I'm just not interested enough to be an early adopter, especially when it gives no new features outside of "look how huge everything is!")

[NWR_Neal]

I don't wear skinny jeans?

But more seriously, I don't see the size difference between the 3DS and the 3DS XL to be a barrier of portability. If you have a pocket that fits the 3DS, I'd assume it wouldn't be too absurd to fit the XL. Conversely, if you have one that the 3DS doesn't fit in, then of course the XL won't.

[pokepal148]

is the d-pad better then the original. i still keep street fighter around so..

[Kairon]

I don't wear skinny jeans?

But more seriously, I don't see the size difference between the 3DS and the 3DS XL to be a barrier of portability. If you have a pocket that fits the 3DS, I'd assume it wouldn't be too absurd to fit the XL. Conversely, if you have one that the 3DS doesn't fit in, then of course the XL won't.

You people are giants... the 3DS is already almost too big for the pockets I have...

[Anth0ny]

I've never really been an "on the go" gamer. Since my very youngest years, Gameboy was banned at my school, so my Pokemon adventures were relegated to my home. In fact, more often then not I was playing Pokemon on my TV via the transfer pak and Pokemon Stadium. So I'm a huge fan of the XL revisions. Being able to fit my portables in my pocket never was, and probably never will, be a concern for me. I'll take bigger screens any day of the week.

I love my DSi XL, and I know I'm going to love my 3DS XL. Now if only NOA released it in white...

[NWR_Neal]

I don't wear skinny jeans?

But more seriously, I don't see the size difference between the 3DS and the 3DS XL to be a barrier of portability. If you have a pocket that fits the 3DS, I'd assume it wouldn't be too absurd to fit the XL. Conversely, if you have one that the 3DS doesn't fit in, then of course the XL won't.

You people are giants... the 3DS is already almost too big for the pockets I have...

6'2" white Irish dude has bigger pants than Asian dude. Film at 11.

In jeans, though, the 3DS is a no go generally, especially with the case I have. In shorts, I usually throw it in a cargo pocket easily.

[Ceric]

I don't wear skinny jeans?

But more seriously, I don't see the size difference between the 3DS and the 3DS XL to be a barrier of portability. If you have a pocket that fits the 3DS, I'd assume it wouldn't be too absurd to fit the XL. Conversely, if you have one that the 3DS doesn't fit in, then of course the XL won't.

You people are giants... the 3DS is already almost too big for the pockets I have...

6'2" white Irish dude has bigger pants than Asian dude. Film at 11.

In jeans, though, the 3DS is a no go generally, especially with the case I have. In shorts, I usually throw it in a cargo pocket easily.

Any pants I can wear to work, business casual, I can put the 3DS in.  Jeans I can if there not the type that are warn to be trendy.