Nintendo originally launched the 3DS into a market that was full of apathy: sceptical about the rather gimmicky 3D, dubious about its low technical specifications when compared with Sony's PS Vita and uncertain whether an upgrade was required to the successful DS. Since then, Sony has more or less abandoned software support for the PS Vita, Nintendo has been immensely successful with the 3DS and I, rather grudgingly, found myself buying my *third* 3DS. Am I just wasting money or is there a good reason?
The 'New" (2015) 3DS has made several changes over the previous XL model: some clear improvements and some arguably manufacturing economies. The 3D is the best ever by a long way: although it is not perfect if you move your head very quickly, it gives a real sense of solidity just as long as its camera can get a good fix on where your eyes are. Going back through your 3DS library trying out again games such as Mario Kart 7 is close to a revelation.
The other prominent additions include an analogue "nub" to the right of the lower screen, and two additional trigger buttons at the rear of the console. These mean that the console now fully integrates the features added by the Circle Pro accessory. In reality, it adds comparatively little functionality at the moment, but works fairly well with games that support it (such as Monster Hunter 4) and gives a degree of future-proofing that will be welcome to anyone joining the 3DS generation late. The 3DS now also sports support for Amiibo toys, although I haven't tested this myself and it is not currently clear how much Amiibo add-ons will add to games in the future. It could be prove to be a big advantage, or no advantage at all.
The New 3DS has a replaceable battery, which would be a massive advantage for some users were it not for the fact that and the memory card slot are now hidden behind the fiddly backplate: to remove this you need a screwdriver and a degree of patience. Given that I never felt the need to switch the memory card in my old 3DS, I don't mind losing the spring loaded slot too much ... it seems safer behind a secure plate. On the other hand, it would have been nice to be able to change the battery more easily, opening the possibility of carrying a charged spare to increase battery life from a stated six hours. Regardless, it is better to have a user-replaceable battery than to have to depend upon the factory-fitted one for the entire lifetime of your device.
I like the finish of the Majora's Mask special edition more than I expected to. It's less pristine-looking than the lovely gold finish of the previous Link Between Worlds Special Edition, but this means that you don't feel like you ought to put on gloves every time you pick it up. Sadly, while the LBW SE was entirely gold (i.e. the screen panels were gold as well as the outer panels), the Majora's Mask only has a unique back and front panel. It's only a minor quibble, but worth knowing.
The New 3DS feels like a proper overhaul of what is now a well-established system and it could prove to be an essential one if developers exploit the additional functionality. Even with the library as it stands, it's worth owning this for the improved 3D.
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From the manufacturer
Nintendo 3DS XL
Product Overview
Nintendo 3DS XL offers customisation options, speed, controls, 3D viewing and a whole new experience.
A dynamic gaming experience on larger screens. Fully immerse yourself in gameplay with the 4.88 inch 3D Screen and 4.18 inch Touch Screen.
Product Details
Better Controls - ZL and ZR buttons have been added next to the L and R buttons, and a C stick can be found near the A, B, X and Y buttons, expanding your control options. With these additions, it's easier than ever to surf the internet on your handheld, or take total control in a range of games.
Enhanced Processing Power - Improved CPU performance also allows for faster loading of applications such as Miiverse. Dedicated software will be released for Nintendo 3DS and Nintendo 3DS XL that utilises the improved performance of the CPU.
Amiibo Compatability - Power up your gameplay with amiibo, interactive figures that utilise near-field communication (NFC) to enhance your games in surprising new ways.
Nintendo 3DS XL have an area on the bottom screen with NFC reading and writing functions built-in, so you can enjoy playing with amiibo in compatible software.
More Comfortable 3D Viewing - The super-stable 3D function allows the system to recognise your face using the inner camera, automatically adjusting the angle – even if you move a lot during gameplay – to give the best possible 3D experience.
- Larger Screens.
- Better controls.
- Enhanced processing power.
- NFC function for amiibo-compatible software.
- Plays Nintendo 3DS games in 2D and steroscopic 3DS.
- Backwards compatible- Plays Nintendo DS.
- Supports local and online multiplayer (wireless internet connection required for online play).
- Connect to Nintendo eShop (wireless internet connection required).
- StreetPass - exhanges game data with system owners you pass on the street.
- Parental Controls.
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| Nintendo 3DS | Nintendo 3DS XL | Nintendo 2DS | New Nintendo 3DS | New Nintendo 3DS XL | New Nintendo 2DS XL | |
| Plays 3D games | In 2D and 3D | In 2D and 3D | In 2D only | In 2D and face-tracking 3D | In 2D and face-tracking 3D | In 2D only |
| Plays Nintendo 3DS games | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Plays Nintendo DS games | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Top Screen Size | 3.53 inches | 4.88 inches | 3.53 inches | 3.88 inches | 4.88 inches | 4.88 inches |
| amiibo NFC Reader/Writer | Sold separately | Sold separately | Sold separately | Built-in | Built-in | Built-in |
| Clamshell Design | ✓ | ✓ | Slate design | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pre-Installed Game Included | No | No | Yes (pre-installed game may vary) | No | No | No |
| Colour/Pattern Options | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| SD Memory Card Included | 2GB | 4GB | 2GB | 4GB | 4GB | 4GB |
| Packaged with Charging Power Adapter | ✓ | Sold separately | ✓ | Sold separately | Sold separately | ✓ |
Nintendo 3DS Hardware and Software
Perfect for players of all ages and experience levels, The Nintendo 3DS family makes gaming easy and accessible.
With a library of amazing titles to choose from, including fan-favourites from the Mario, Pokémon and The Legend of Zelda series, online play and more, they are a must-have for every member of the family.
Customer reviews
The New 3DS XL Zelda Handheld is fantastic.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 2 April 2015
I just absolutely love the overall look and feel of the limited edition Zelda New 3DS XL handheld and I was a bit skeptical with the whole C stick but I just love the new addition.The handheld is so much faster than my previous 3DS XL and as for the overall design I just love everything about it.All I need to do now is to get myself the biggest micro SD card that my New 3DS XL can handle and then I am secured for the future.I didn't even need to system transfer from my old silver 3DS XL since I had nothing on it worth transferring and lastly I am going to buy the actual physical cartridge of the game.Majora's Mask is one of those games that I played when I was 14 and this remaster has made a old game look new again ready for the modern age for the newer players of today.The intricacy of the gameplay mechanics retains the same as the original except with some overall changes to the maps especially in Clock Town and I am yet to see how the game handles with the complexity of the Masks,Weapons and Items and to see if any portion of the game has changed and altered for the worse since this remaster came out.The reason why I chose this handheld is because it goes nicely with my WII U Zelda Wind Waker HD Console and Gamepad which I bought here on Amazon.co.uk on day 1 and since I am on a quest to own the entirety of The Legend Of Zelda franchise in terms of games whether it will be physical or digital I wouldn't mind either waybut knowing that I am a collector I prefer owning the actual physical media.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 2 April 2015
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