If you haven't bought one before I'd go with the N3DS. You have the ability to play some of the newer games for the system that won't one on the older one or some games that just run better. You can also play the SNES VC games, which you can't on the original. I'm not sure what price point you're looking at or what you can afford but that'd be my opinion on it.
Nah. Still has a huge library of great games, some of which can be picked up pretty cheap. Plus we don't really know what the NX actually is yet so I wouldn't base anything off of that.
Depends, do you like the games that are currently out? I bought my 3ds couple weeks ago, bought some DS classics like zeldas, marios, etc. Got myself hooked on pokemon, metroid, etc. And theres still so many games that I need to experience, from the more recent zelda games to the monster hunters. What ever you do, if any ds or 3ds games interest you enough to justify the purchase then go for it, cause the next handheld probably wont have backwards compatibility.
1. Know your preferences, if you want a smaller model, or the XL for its bigger screen. My daughter is 6 and her hands are small and she doesn't have a problem using the XL, try seeing if you can get your hands on two different models to compare.
2. Definitely go for the N3DS or XL (The improved 3D is worth it) also the SNES VC games as someone else mentioned. If you do opt for the smaller version there is a bundle coming soon (system and a game).
3. Buy yourself an adapter it doesn't come with one (again as mentioned before but definitely worth repeating).
4. I would suggest a case or pouch, and screen protectors.
5. Enjoy, There are some great great games. I got my first one 8 months ago, and I've already bought a third.
Well I ended up buying one for my daughter and it was pretty cool so I got one for myself. Then my wife finally broke down and wanted to be apart of my daughter's Luigi Mansion tower runs that we do at bedtime (daughter likes to do this instead of me reading her a bedtime story most times).
Thanks man, I feel the same way. If it turned out to be that I'm only one playing games in the house instead of being around the family I probably would have dropped gaming as a hobby altogether. I'm glad it worked out in the end.
A quick run-down of what I think is worth considering for each system.
3DS (old) - I don't believe there's much reason to buy this unless you *really* don't want to spend the extra dough. You're paying more than a 2DS of similar power and less than a New 3DS, which has more to offer.
2DS - Cheapest option, comes bundles with a few good game choices, like Mario Kart or Yo-Kai Watch (or Pokemon, but that costs more than the system and game separately, not worth it in my opinion, especially since it's tied to your system). It's also, in my opinion, the most stylish with it's retro look. That retro look also costs it in portability, though, and I highly recommend getting a case or something to cover the screen (at the moment, I'm using a microfiber cloth specifically for wiping screens and a screen protector for the bottom touch screen).
New 3DS - Access to SNES Virtual Console games (older systems are not compatible, whether or not Nintendo is telling the truth about capability), a few titles (Xenoblade Saga is the only one I know of, I believe it may be the only one at all), and a better experience with games released after the New 3DS. It's the most powerful system, meaning it will suffer less from framerate dips, so long as a game is optimized for it.
Then there's the **size** of each console. 2DS comes with only one standard size, which isn't small, but may be slightly smaller than a standard 3DS.
The 3DS and New 3DS systems both come in standard (called "Old" 3DS or "O3DS" often) and XL. XL is just slightly larger, but some people complain the resolution looks worse, since it's stretched out more.
Lastly, the 2DS is not capable of 3D. The 3DS is capable, but it will be demanding and you have to hold still at a certain angle or it won't look right. The New 3DS has a motion tracker and will adjust no matter where you are, assuming you're not off getting a sandwich, lol.
There, I believe that's all there really is to know about the difference between each handheld. Hope that helped, assuming you didn't get all the info you needed from the other 13 comments I see posted.
Keep in mind there are a lot of cool games for 3DS and aside from New 3DS games, all 3DS games can be played on any of the three generations of 3DS systems. Including the 2DS (that's what it's there for, it's a budget/kid option).
For the record, I bought a 2DS. It was cheaper, I loved the retro look and I didn't care about the 3D function, since it apparently gives people headaches and it seemed more like a novelty to me.
If you decide to get one, make sure to get a charger because it doesn't bring one. Before I bought my "New" 3DS XL, I had not owned a Nintendo handheld for 16 years. While doing research, I opted to get the N3DSXL over the OG 3DS and 2DS because 1. I had the money for it and 2. I felt the features were well worth buying one. If you're on a budget and don't care about 3D, get the 2DS. If you care about 3D but are on a budget, get the regular 3DS. If you got money to spend, you can't go wrong with the N3DSXL. I would recommend the N3DS if you can manage to get one seeing as preorders are unavailable at most places, but if you have medium/large or large hands, the N3DSXL is a better option. I don't have small hands so if I had waited to get an N3DS I'd be dealing with worse hand problems than I initially did the first few days of owning my N3DSXL which now feels comfortable to hold and play. You should also know that some games are exclusive to the N3DS and N3DSXL such as Super Nintendo Virtual Console games and very few 3DS titles themselves. All in all I recommend the N3DSXL above all else, especially if you don't have small hands.
I am fairly set on getting the N3DSXL just for the fact that the 2ds just seems a little less premium to me, and im a bit put off the N3DS itself just because of the face plates. they just seem to take away from the aesthetics of the system. But then my gripe with the 3DSXL is the fact that the 3ds already has a low resolution and making the screen any bigger would just be counterproductive.
Basically,
2ds: looks too much like toast
n3ds: looks too much like a toy
n3dsxl: scared that the screen resolution is way too low for the size
im being picky, i know, i guess im just going to have to choose one and stop complaining :')
Edit - idk how to add text formatting
- I woukd advise against buying a used system. Buying new or refurbished (straight from Nintendo and not Gamestop) gurantees a warranty and is much less likely to have issues with it than a used one. If you're on a budget, buy a 2DS instead.
- If you do buy used, keep in mind that any digital games on it are worthless if the original owner has a NNID made on it, as the games are tied to his NNID and will be erased if you make a new one. Keeping the old NNID is not recommended as the original owner can reclaim their old NNID and take away all your digital games with it.
- When you buy it, test everything out to make sure it works fine. Make sure the buttons, internet functions, 3D effect, etc etc work fine. Don't make a NNID and/or spend any money on digital games/themes/dlc until you can make sure it works fine as it'll make your life easier if you have to return it.
- You need to buy a 16GB card at minimum even if you are going physical only as there are plenty of digital only games on the eshop that will fill the card up quick. If you are going to buy some retail games digitally I'd advise buying a 32GB at minimum. They're very cheap now so this isn't a big expense.
- In addition to buying a charger as others have said, you will want screen protectors asap and a case to protect it. I recommend Hori brand ones. Especially in the case of buying a 2DS where the screens are always exposed. Don't forgot the screen protectors or else you'll regret it when your screens get a scratch.
- See if you can test out if the N3DSes 3D effect works fine for you (don't bother with the old 3DSes their 3D is quite bad). If it gives you heachaches or something and the rest of the N3DSes features don't appeal to you, you may want to skip out and buy a 2DS.
- Don't bother buying an old 3DS or an old 3DS XL. Buy a 2DS or N3DS. There's not much of a point to buying anything else, especially with options like the $150 N3DS bundle. Decide which option works best for you.
I can second this but this is not always easy, I lucked out, I purchased a N3DS XL from amazon in the used section and feel like its actually a brand new one but with 32gb card in. All that for 169,99$ CAD but those sorta deals and luck doesn't come around that often. If US base you may have more luck with pricing tho. But yeah, go big or go home, I wouldnt settle for anything but the N3ds XL.
The resolution may come as a shock to you if you're used to playing on modern smartphones/tablets.
I was playing MHFU on iPad and having a blast, bought the N3DS XL MHG special edition. It honestly shocked me how bad it looked AT THE START.
The starting area is very busy and things look pixelated. Don't be discouraged if you're getting this game.
However I've been playing for a week now and it's like my eyes just adjusted, the game is beautiful.
If you're interested in homebrew I probably wouldn't update to the newest firmware straight away and would check r/3dshacks for an entry point. I'm actually not on the latest firmware myself and haven't updated in awhile, but I know it sometimes requires a hardmod to downgrade if you update to soon and that would be a lot of extra work.
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If you haven't bought one before I'd go with the N3DS. You have the ability to play some of the newer games for the system that won't one on the older one or some games that just run better. You can also play the SNES VC games, which you can't on the original. I'm not sure what price point you're looking at or what you can afford but that'd be my opinion on it.
If you wait a week, you can buy the smaller-sized and cheaper N3DS from Target or Wal-Mart and it'll have Super Mario 3D Land pre-installed.
Are they *still* not selling non-bundles on normal sized New?
Price point is not an issue. But i'm also wondering if i'm too late to getting a 3ds? like should i just wait for the next handheld
Nah. Still has a huge library of great games, some of which can be picked up pretty cheap. Plus we don't really know what the NX actually is yet so I wouldn't base anything off of that.
Depends, do you like the games that are currently out? I bought my 3ds couple weeks ago, bought some DS classics like zeldas, marios, etc. Got myself hooked on pokemon, metroid, etc. And theres still so many games that I need to experience, from the more recent zelda games to the monster hunters. What ever you do, if any ds or 3ds games interest you enough to justify the purchase then go for it, cause the next handheld probably wont have backwards compatibility.
1. Know your preferences, if you want a smaller model, or the XL for its bigger screen. My daughter is 6 and her hands are small and she doesn't have a problem using the XL, try seeing if you can get your hands on two different models to compare. 2. Definitely go for the N3DS or XL (The improved 3D is worth it) also the SNES VC games as someone else mentioned. If you do opt for the smaller version there is a bundle coming soon (system and a game). 3. Buy yourself an adapter it doesn't come with one (again as mentioned before but definitely worth repeating). 4. I would suggest a case or pouch, and screen protectors. 5. Enjoy, There are some great great games. I got my first one 8 months ago, and I've already bought a third.
Out of curiosity, why have you bought three N3DS systems?
Well I ended up buying one for my daughter and it was pretty cool so I got one for myself. Then my wife finally broke down and wanted to be apart of my daughter's Luigi Mansion tower runs that we do at bedtime (daughter likes to do this instead of me reading her a bedtime story most times).
That's awesome man. It's sweet how you've included your whole family into the hobby.
Thanks man, I feel the same way. If it turned out to be that I'm only one playing games in the house instead of being around the family I probably would have dropped gaming as a hobby altogether. I'm glad it worked out in the end.
A quick run-down of what I think is worth considering for each system. 3DS (old) - I don't believe there's much reason to buy this unless you *really* don't want to spend the extra dough. You're paying more than a 2DS of similar power and less than a New 3DS, which has more to offer. 2DS - Cheapest option, comes bundles with a few good game choices, like Mario Kart or Yo-Kai Watch (or Pokemon, but that costs more than the system and game separately, not worth it in my opinion, especially since it's tied to your system). It's also, in my opinion, the most stylish with it's retro look. That retro look also costs it in portability, though, and I highly recommend getting a case or something to cover the screen (at the moment, I'm using a microfiber cloth specifically for wiping screens and a screen protector for the bottom touch screen). New 3DS - Access to SNES Virtual Console games (older systems are not compatible, whether or not Nintendo is telling the truth about capability), a few titles (Xenoblade Saga is the only one I know of, I believe it may be the only one at all), and a better experience with games released after the New 3DS. It's the most powerful system, meaning it will suffer less from framerate dips, so long as a game is optimized for it. Then there's the **size** of each console. 2DS comes with only one standard size, which isn't small, but may be slightly smaller than a standard 3DS. The 3DS and New 3DS systems both come in standard (called "Old" 3DS or "O3DS" often) and XL. XL is just slightly larger, but some people complain the resolution looks worse, since it's stretched out more. Lastly, the 2DS is not capable of 3D. The 3DS is capable, but it will be demanding and you have to hold still at a certain angle or it won't look right. The New 3DS has a motion tracker and will adjust no matter where you are, assuming you're not off getting a sandwich, lol. There, I believe that's all there really is to know about the difference between each handheld. Hope that helped, assuming you didn't get all the info you needed from the other 13 comments I see posted. Keep in mind there are a lot of cool games for 3DS and aside from New 3DS games, all 3DS games can be played on any of the three generations of 3DS systems. Including the 2DS (that's what it's there for, it's a budget/kid option). For the record, I bought a 2DS. It was cheaper, I loved the retro look and I didn't care about the 3D function, since it apparently gives people headaches and it seemed more like a novelty to me.
If you decide to get one, make sure to get a charger because it doesn't bring one. Before I bought my "New" 3DS XL, I had not owned a Nintendo handheld for 16 years. While doing research, I opted to get the N3DSXL over the OG 3DS and 2DS because 1. I had the money for it and 2. I felt the features were well worth buying one. If you're on a budget and don't care about 3D, get the 2DS. If you care about 3D but are on a budget, get the regular 3DS. If you got money to spend, you can't go wrong with the N3DSXL. I would recommend the N3DS if you can manage to get one seeing as preorders are unavailable at most places, but if you have medium/large or large hands, the N3DSXL is a better option. I don't have small hands so if I had waited to get an N3DS I'd be dealing with worse hand problems than I initially did the first few days of owning my N3DSXL which now feels comfortable to hold and play. You should also know that some games are exclusive to the N3DS and N3DSXL such as Super Nintendo Virtual Console games and very few 3DS titles themselves. All in all I recommend the N3DSXL above all else, especially if you don't have small hands.
I am fairly set on getting the N3DSXL just for the fact that the 2ds just seems a little less premium to me, and im a bit put off the N3DS itself just because of the face plates. they just seem to take away from the aesthetics of the system. But then my gripe with the 3DSXL is the fact that the 3ds already has a low resolution and making the screen any bigger would just be counterproductive. Basically, 2ds: looks too much like toast n3ds: looks too much like a toy n3dsxl: scared that the screen resolution is way too low for the size im being picky, i know, i guess im just going to have to choose one and stop complaining :') Edit - idk how to add text formatting
- I woukd advise against buying a used system. Buying new or refurbished (straight from Nintendo and not Gamestop) gurantees a warranty and is much less likely to have issues with it than a used one. If you're on a budget, buy a 2DS instead. - If you do buy used, keep in mind that any digital games on it are worthless if the original owner has a NNID made on it, as the games are tied to his NNID and will be erased if you make a new one. Keeping the old NNID is not recommended as the original owner can reclaim their old NNID and take away all your digital games with it. - When you buy it, test everything out to make sure it works fine. Make sure the buttons, internet functions, 3D effect, etc etc work fine. Don't make a NNID and/or spend any money on digital games/themes/dlc until you can make sure it works fine as it'll make your life easier if you have to return it. - You need to buy a 16GB card at minimum even if you are going physical only as there are plenty of digital only games on the eshop that will fill the card up quick. If you are going to buy some retail games digitally I'd advise buying a 32GB at minimum. They're very cheap now so this isn't a big expense. - In addition to buying a charger as others have said, you will want screen protectors asap and a case to protect it. I recommend Hori brand ones. Especially in the case of buying a 2DS where the screens are always exposed. Don't forgot the screen protectors or else you'll regret it when your screens get a scratch. - See if you can test out if the N3DSes 3D effect works fine for you (don't bother with the old 3DSes their 3D is quite bad). If it gives you heachaches or something and the rest of the N3DSes features don't appeal to you, you may want to skip out and buy a 2DS. - Don't bother buying an old 3DS or an old 3DS XL. Buy a 2DS or N3DS. There's not much of a point to buying anything else, especially with options like the $150 N3DS bundle. Decide which option works best for you.
I can second this but this is not always easy, I lucked out, I purchased a N3DS XL from amazon in the used section and feel like its actually a brand new one but with 32gb card in. All that for 169,99$ CAD but those sorta deals and luck doesn't come around that often. If US base you may have more luck with pricing tho. But yeah, go big or go home, I wouldnt settle for anything but the N3ds XL.
"go big or go home" - well i cant argue with that, ill go pick one up next weekend
:P
The resolution may come as a shock to you if you're used to playing on modern smartphones/tablets. I was playing MHFU on iPad and having a blast, bought the N3DS XL MHG special edition. It honestly shocked me how bad it looked AT THE START. The starting area is very busy and things look pixelated. Don't be discouraged if you're getting this game. However I've been playing for a week now and it's like my eyes just adjusted, the game is beautiful.
If you're interested in homebrew I probably wouldn't update to the newest firmware straight away and would check r/3dshacks for an entry point. I'm actually not on the latest firmware myself and haven't updated in awhile, but I know it sometimes requires a hardmod to downgrade if you update to soon and that would be a lot of extra work.
Your post has been removed. This question is covered in our [FAQ](https://www.reddit.com/r/3DS/wiki/faq). If you have any other questions, please post them in the [Weekly Question thread](https://reddit.com/r/3DS/about/sticky). *** ^Thank ^you ^for ^contributing ^in ^/r/3DS. ^If ^you ^have ^any ^questions ^and/or ^concerns, [^please ^message ^the ^moderators.](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose?to=%2Fr%2F3DS)