I remember when Nintendo first announced the new 3DS XL, alongside
its sister the new 3DS, not to be confused with the existing 3DS XL and 3DS of
course. Back then it was being referred to as the 3DS XL LL and
3DS LL respectively. A few thoughts struck me as I clasped my face in my palms. Firstly, 'that's a lot
of random letters.' Followed by 'that’s a lot of 3DSs.' I realise that
console makers are known for remodelling their consoles in a bid to keep a
fresh appearance, but the 3DS family has become a bit ridiculous.
 |
In the beginning we had the 3DS, launched in 2011. The 3DS XL brought us a bigger screen in 2012. I could see the logic in increasing
the size, but the time gap could have been longer. For 3DS owners like myself, the announcement of an update mere months after purchasing the first felt like an insult. Then
came the 2DS in 2013, and to be frank I’m still not sure why. The unique selling point of
the 3DS was the 3D in many ways. It distinguished it from the original DS in more so than updated graphics, but the release of the 2DS took focus away from the 3D aspect. Also, it doesn’t
close like the rest of the family, making the 2DS closely resemble Cousin Itt from the Adams Family. This then brings us
to the new Nintendo 3DS and 3DS XL. Do we really need them?
They offer some improvements to the past models; both have bigger screens than the 3DS, although the same size as the 3DS XL. These screens have apparently got improved 3D ability, which overcomes the original 3D problem that it limited you to looking directly at the
screen. You had to have your head positioned exactly a 30cm ruler’s distance away, with your eyes pointed directly at the screen's centre, and
make sure there wasn't a strong wind to tilt your gaze or you would end up with a fragmented image.
 |
| I have owned a few too many of these to mention without embarrassment |
The new 3DS and 3DS XL are also said to have a quicker processing power than older consoles, and have
been redesigned slightly in regards to button colour. As well as this, the positions of the stylus,
volume slider and game cartridge is different. The buttons do look nice in a purely
superficial way, but I don’t agree with the relocation of the stylus. I am a
creature of comfort, therefore the stylus should be found on the top of devices or
the right-hand side to avoid confusion (it doesn’t take much). Cartridge and
volume slider movement doesn’t really bother me much. The start/select buttons
have moved too, and actually they have improved in ease of use but not aesthetics.
The biggest draws for these new consoles come from the new C-stick and exchangeable
faceplates. The C-stick allows for two joysticks, which comes in handy. Most
gamers have become accustomed to movement and camera being controlled by separate
analogue sticks, and handhelds that offered a single stick always feel a bit
clunky. Directional pads can never quite live up to the precision of an
analogue stick in my opinion. The C-stick is about the size of a pea and looks
like it is made of a rather uncomfortable rubber substance, and I was a bit
unsure of whether the new addition would be welcome. After giving it a try, however, I found it quite accommodating,
responsive and all-round a nice new addition. It is very similar in appearance to the
mouse nubs some laptops have sitting at the heart of their keyboards, but these
have a tendency to be too responsive and often shoot the mouse off to an
unknown screen edge at the lightest touch. Thankfully, the C-stick doesn’t and
actually feels like you are slowly rotating a normal
analogue stick despite not actually moving itself. The C-stick feels good and gave me a reason to play Monster Hunter 3, which I enjoy more now as it is easier to control. I was very impressed by this and it outshines some full
controllers, and is a definite improvement on the 3DS Pro that Nintendo
launched a few years ago (this was a bulky add-on that clipped to the side).
I feel the need to mention that new shoulder buttons have also been added, but I have yet to find a use for these.
The exchangeable faceplates are a nice touch for people,
like myself, who like to buy new devices when the old one begins to
bore them. I look forward to the release of new designs, and the changing of
plates is as simple as unscrewing two screws and unclipping the old plate. They
also announced two limited editions, a Majora’s
Mask edition and a Monster Hunter 4
edition. As a life-long Legend of Zelda fan I fell in love with the Majora’sMask edition on site.
 |
| I may be a nerd, but now I'm a happier nerd. |
I haven’t really noticed a dramatic improvement in the 3D
effect. Although, I tend to play it with the effect off unless I am watching a particularly
stunning cutscene. I have noticed that the device looks flatter and
feels a bit lighter, although neither is too noticeable.
Lastly, a word on data transfer. Nintendo have issued
various step-by-step guides that help to transfer data from your old device to
the new. As someone who is an avid player with a lot of game-time this was
essential. The process was nail-biting to say the least. As I watched a cute little
animation of Pikmin moving my data, the thought that I had accidentally deleted years of my life made me feel ill (I can hear you judging me
over there). Thankfully, the process went smoothly, and no data
was harmed in the transfer.
If you are looking to buy the new 3DS or 3DS XL then I would say it
would be worth it, but on a few conditions. One, that you do not already own a 3DS and
you have been looking for a reason to buy one. Two, that you own an old 3DS and
think the increased screen size of a 3DS XL is worth it (it is). But I would not advise
those who already own a 3DS XL to buy the new one. The C-stick is a great addition, but I would hold out on buying one until major games are released that can't be played without it; like Xenoblade Chronicles. Unless you are like me, and
can’t stand being behind in all things new and shiny.
