Which Nintendo 3DS to buy?

Video Review

Nintendo 3DS

This console was released on February 26, 2011.

The name 3DS is not accidental. The image on the upper screen of the Nintendo 3DS actually works in 3D mode. This is stereoscopic 3D, which does not require special glasses, which is a plus for this console. However, if you slightly turn your head away from the console, the image "splits" and the 3D effect disappears.

Accordingly, Nintendo 2DS is the same as Nintendo 3DS consoles but without the 3D effect. That's why they are part of the same family.

The pros of this console are:

1. Its small size (it is the smallest in the Nintendo 3DS lineup);

2. Very beautiful design;

3. Low price.

The cons are a bit more complicated. Since it was released a long time ago, its main drawback is the lack of bonuses found in later versions of the Nintendo 3DS. The main problem is that to see the 3D effect, you need to hold the console directly in front of you and not move your head even a centimeter, which was fixed in later models. Additionally, it lacks extra buttons found in future consoles. It also has a weaker processor. Another significant drawback is the battery life of this console. You can play 3D games for about 2-3 hours.

Despite its drawbacks, this console has one use. If you have never played Nintendo DS or Nintendo 3DS games, you can buy this console (it's 2-3 times cheaper than other versions) and try out these fantastic game libraries. The low price allows you to try 3D games and decide whether it's worth buying an advanced version of this console. Additionally, you can see how comfortable you are playing 3D games. Many people complain that they can't see the 3D effect: some get headaches, others feel nauseous, and so on.

Nintendo 3DS XL

This version of the console was released on July 28, 2012.

Compared to the previous console, it has two big advantages:

1. Larger screen (many complained about the small screens);

2. Increased battery life.

3. According to numerous reviews, this console is more reliable, although I didn't notice any significant difference.

Its cons are the same as the previous version – the lack of bonuses found in newer models.

However, the battery life issue has been resolved, increasing from 2-3 hours to 3-6 hours.

As of 2021, it can be bought for 7-9 thousand rubles, and this is perhaps its most significant drawback. Because the subsequent models are not much more expensive but offer many more bonuses.

Unfortunately, this is the only console for which I found no practical use or reason to buy. Its high price doesn't allow you to buy it just to try. The lack of bonuses from later models puts it at a disadvantage. It can only be bought for collection purposes or if you find it at a very cheap price.

These two consoles are Nintendo's trial step, and it was generally successful. Yes, at launch, the Nintendo 3DS cost a fortune, around $300. Nintendo almost immediately dropped the price by 40% in all regions! And those who bought the console at the old price were offered to participate in the Ambassador program, where they received free NES and GB games. The Nintendo 3DS XL was released at a normal price of around $200 and fixed all the shortcomings of the first console. However, the most critical drawback, for me personally, is the boot time of both consoles and the games on them. These consoles boot so slowly that at times I started to worry that they were broken. And that's why these consoles are not even close to the New Nintendo 3DS series, but we'll talk about them later.

What is Nintendo 3DS LL?

This is simply the Japanese name for Nintendo 3DS XL. In Japan, all XL-sized consoles come with the LL abbreviation (New Nintendo 2DS LL, Nintendo 3DS LL, and New Nintendo 3DS LL).

Nintendo 2DS

On August 28, 2013, the Nintendo 2DS console was released.

Interestingly, it has a completely different form factor. It is the only console that does not fold. This is both a plus and a minus. Because of this, it became more durable, but its size increased compared to the folded console. Now, to enter sleep mode, you had to switch a button, whereas in older models, you just had to close the console.

It also lost the stereoscopic 3D effect. These two changes are directly related to the target audience of this console. Nintendo itself did not recommend children under seven to play in 3D mode, and this form factor increased the durability of the console.

Surprisingly, this console appealed to people with large hands, as it is comfortable to hold.

It is still relevant for children. With an average price of 6-7 thousand rubles (and if you search, you can find it for 5 thousand rubles) and having a hyperactive child, this console is the best purchase. And of course, you can buy it for your collection.

New Nintendo 3DS

This version of the Nintendo 3DS was released on November 11, 2014. As the name suggests, it added the prefix "New," i.e., new. And it was indeed significantly updated and improved compared to the old 3DS models.

Everything was updated:

1. New design, which allowed for different faceplates;

2. Improved processor and RAM (which significantly reduces game and console boot times);

3. Added a C-stick on the right, which allows for better control in shooters;

4. Added ZR and ZL buttons.

5. Added the Super-Stable 3D function. A sensor was built into the console that recognizes the position of your head and adjusts the 3D effect so that it doesn't split into separate images if you move your head.

I would like to talk separately about the C-stick. It is really needed in some games. For example, if you want to play Resident Evil Revelations or Xenoblade Chronicles, you will definitely need it.

All these improvements hit the mark, and now the console became exactly what it should have been. Except that 3D still doesn't suit everyone, and it can cause eye strain, nausea, etc.

The only downside of this console is that Nintendo stopped including a charger in the box. They justified this by saying that chargers from old Nintendo DSi consoles are also compatible.

I would like to separately note a feature unique to this console. It has interchangeable faceplates. That is, you can customize your console.

Nintendo released many interchangeable faceplates, and they can still be found and bought.

As of 2021, this console costs on average 10-12 thousand rubles. If you are not constrained by budget, this console will be a very good purchase. However, you will have to make a very difficult choice: whether to buy this console or the New Nintendo 3DS XL, which we will talk about now.

New Nintendo 3DS XL

This console was released simultaneously with the New Nintendo 3DS.

It has all the same advantages as the smaller version, except for the interchangeable faceplates.

This console also did not come with a charger.

I would like to separately note that, due to a strange coincidence, this console comes with two different screens. There is a version with an IPS screen and a version with a TN screen, and they can be different within the same console. The top screen can be IPS, and the bottom TN, or vice versa. The advantage of the IPS screen is the viewing angles, which are wider than in the TN version, but honestly, it's unlikely that you will play this console at such an angle that this difference becomes noticeable, and there are no other differences. At least, I couldn't tell the difference between the TN and IPS screens by eye.

As we wrote above, the hardest choice is between this console and its smaller version. Here you should base your decision on your own preferences, but we recommend getting the larger version. A big screen is cool.

New Nintendo 2DS XL

This console was released on June 15, 2017. That is, even after the launch of the Nintendo Switch.

It has a more "childish" design. But it was aimed not at children but at those who want to play Nintendo 3DS games without the 3D effect.

A significant advantage of this console is the location of the micro-SD card slot and the game cartridge slot. They are hidden behind a special cover that protects them and provides easy access. In both the New Nintendo 3DS and New Nintendo 3DS XL, to access the memory card, you need to unscrew the back panel, which is extremely inconvenient. Also, this console came with a power adapter included.

It has all the same advantages as the New Nintendo 3DS version. However, it has a more compact size, and the hinges are moved back.

Unfortunately, this console is some kind of transitional step from the Nintendo 2DS to the New Nintendo 3DS XL. You can buy it for 8-12 thousand rubles, but why you would do that remains an open question. It doesn't have a clear direction like the Nintendo 2DS and doesn't have the 3D effect like the New Nintendo 3DS XL. And if the 3D effect couldn't be turned off on the older console, it could still be recommended for people with poor eyesight, but at its price, we can't recommend it under any pretext. Unless you find it very cheap somewhere.

What to buy?

So it turns out that out of all the models, we can only recommend 4.

If you are not limited by budget, then the choice is between the New Nintendo 3DS and the New Nintendo 3DS XL, depending on your preferences. Perhaps you need to base your decision on the size of your phone. If you like larger models, then buy the larger version, the New Nintendo 3DS XL, and if you prefer smaller phones (and don't like "shovels"), then buy the New Nintendo 3DS.

For a child, the Nintendo 2DS is a good choice. And if you have never played 3DS games and don't want to risk buying an expensive console, then get the very first Nintendo 3DS to try it out.

In our VK group, we held a vote for the best version of the Nintendo 3DS family console: