Here are some more photos of the 3DS XL:
The stylus is tucked away on the right hand side of the console – you just have to slide it out. You can use your finger instead of the stylus but it’s not as accurate.
There are multiple camera on the console – one facing you
and two (for the 3D effects) facing away.
Pictures are stored on an SD card which slots neatly away on the side of the console.
The 3DS Xl uses the same size game cartridges as previous models.
There is also a slider on the right side of the console to adjust the level of 3D – even giving you the option to turn it off completely.
Final Thoughts
If you have used or owned the 3DS XL’s predecessor the 3DS, the first thing you will notice is the screen size. The XL has 90% bigger screens than the 3DS – and it really shows!
The SD card is also double the size of the one with the 3DS and the stylus is also bigger.
So you get the idea that Nintendo were going for bigger here with the XL (hence the name).
I liked the larger screen, although sometimes it did show off a few issues with the graphics being a bit blocky.
I am also not a great fan of 3D and so found myself turning off the 3D elements – but that is just me!
The battery life was pretty good on a full charge. You can get between 3-6.5 hours of gameplay for 3DS titles and around 5-8 hours for DS titles.
The XL was easy to set up and I was using it in no time – certainly a plus point if you are buying this for a child who doesn’t want to wait ages while you walk through page after page of setup.
I was a little disappointed in the camera quality (although it is only 0.3 megapixels), but then I suppose you wouldn’t really use the 3DS XL for taking pictures over using something else instead.
Playing games on it was fun though, and the longer battery life and the larger SD card was a good move.
The position of the various buttons felt natural and were easy to use.
I still think not including an AC adaptor in the box is a strange move, so if you are going to buy a 3DS XL make sure you have an adaptor!
If you already have a 3DS, the only reason for buying the XL is for the bigger screen, and I am not sure how many people will actually do that. If you haven’t yet got a 3DS then this is the one to go for unless you actually want a smaller and cheaper one.
I can see the XL being more popular with younger gamers rather than with the masses.
The 3DS XL is available now in Sliver & Black, Red & Black (the one we reviewed) and also Blue & Black.
Cost wise, the 3DS XL retails for around £179 with the AC adaptor being £6.99.
Have you got a 3DS XL? What do you think of it? Let us know by leaving a comment below.
Is the 3D any good? Is it worth it to change from the DSi to the 3D xl? Aside from all the extra little features, how much of a differance does the 3D make??
To be honest I think it will come down to personal opinion. As I said I am not a big fan of 3D and so I found myself turning it off more than leaving it on. At the moment I see it as more of a gimmick than anything else, but then a lot of people do like it!