Nintendo Handheld Console 3DS XL

I bought this as an early Christmas present for myself and couldn't be more pleased. As a big Pokemon fan (and what Pokemon fan doesn't love Pikachu) I couldn't resist. I already own the Zelda edition 3DS, and this was a nice step up.

So! A few things I looked at when I received it: When the screen is lifted, the inside of the console is a little different than I expected, as it is white and I did assume it to be yellow all over, but this makes it nice to play on as it's the most neutral of colours and yellow may have been distracting. Also, it's a nice touch that Pikachu's tail carries on from the back of the front screen and on to the back of the console. It also has sort of a smooth Matt Finish, unlike the 3DS' glossy finish, which allowed fingermarks all over it, a nightmare for people who like their console's pristine! So no more fingermarks on the 3DS XL.

Comparing this as a 3DS XL to the 3DS and previous DS consoles, I had no experience with 3DS XL's since they have come out, and so had no idea what to expect. But having owned one of every DS console released, I can honestly say this is the best one yet.
The top screen is crystal clear and bright, and much bigger compared to the DSi XL, (and the biggest DS screen yet) which makes it easier to use the 3D and is just overall more comfortable to use. The console itself seems more 'finished', compared to the 3DS which still seemed very much like a prototype from it's appearance when it was released, it was clunky and square and not very attractive. But the 3DS XL has been nicely rounded off to look more like it's from this decade.

This also makes it easier to use as it sits more comfortably in your hand. The light weight for it's size is another important factor, for what it is - being an XL console with 3D, it would be assumed to be weighty, but actually it's fairly light and this makes it easy to play happily for hours. The Sound is also much clearer compared to any other DS console I've used before.

The 'Select', 'Start', and 'Home' buttons have been made more like buttons this time, rather than embedded into the console like the 3DS, they are still in the same position - below the bottom screen, but are now much easier to access if you're mid-game and need to pause. The 3D slider can now be snapped down to an 'off' position, and it will be held there, unlike the 3DS where it could be accidentally knocked on again. The SD card slot is now on the right hand side rather than on the left like the 3DS. For me, the improvement I found most helpful (but also minor) is the stylus! The stylus itself has been changed back to the older style, just a plain plastic stick, none of the extendable aluminium stuff, it is also larger (around the same size as the one given for the DSi XL). And the slot for the stylus has been put back to the side of the console, and sits above the SD card slot on the right hand side. I found it so annoying with the 3DS that if you needed it mid-game you'd have to reach behind it (and fail)to grab it, and then try and extend it to the size needed, so a well thought-of improvement.

Obviously yes, it doesn't come with a charger but I don't see this as a problem due to the superb price. It is labelled clearly on the box. If you owned either the DSi, DSi XL, or the 3DS, all of the chargers included with those console work fine. If not, you can buy an official one at a reasonable price. Nintendo Power Adapter (Nintendo 3DS)

Well that's just about anything and everything I have to say about this fabulous console. Go buy it! :)

Prior to purchasing this Pikachu 3DS XL, the most recent version of the Nintendo DS that I owned was the original silver 'brick-like' DS. Boy, how things have moved on! I've been thinking about upgrading for years, but it was the unique 'Pikachu' design that really won me over; I'm so pleased that for once such a design has been released outside of Japan!

Concerning the quality of the console itself, I'm equally as impressed with it's functionality as I am with it's façade; the picture quality is amazing, the sound is beautiful, the 3D effects are simply 'WOW!'.
Even though I've got small hands and wrists and this is an 'XL' model, I find it light and manageable to hold; no muscle strain whatsoever. Whilst it's light, it also feels durable; the plastic, buttons etc. are of a brilliant quality, not cheap looking at all.

My friend warned me that no charger was included in with the package so I chose to add one in with my order; thankfully they only cost about £5 so it didn't cause me any disappointment.

All in all, a must have for lovers of Pokemon, cuteness and all things yellow!

I have always wanted a 3DS, but due to many factors including the 3D not particularly working with my dodgy eyesight and the color schemes of previous 3DS' I decided to hold out. I am so glad I did! The yellow and white go together fantastically, plus the 3DS XL has curved edges rather than edged ones of the normal size DS. Battery life for me lasts a good 5-7 hours roughly, however this may be due to the fact I never play with the 3D turned on. Please note it DOES NOT come with a charger, do your research before parting with such a large amount of money! Above all if you are a pokemon fan this will please you to no end. A must have and at a very reasonable price! If you are on the fence go for it as it is limited edition and with the recent Pokemon X & Y announcement won't be in stock much longer.