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The Nintendo 3DS has been a popular handheld gaming console since its release in 2011. It has sold over 75 million units worldwide, making it one of the best-selling video game consoles of all time. There have been several different versions of the 3DS released over the years, each with its own unique features. So, which version of the 3DS is the best? It depends on what you’re looking for.
If you want the most powerful 3DS experience, then the New Nintendo 3DS XL is the way to go. It has a faster processor, a larger screen, and improved 3D capabilities than the original 3DS. It also has a built-in amiibo reader, which allows you to use amiibo figures with your games. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a more affordable option, the original Nintendo 3DS is still a great choice. It has a smaller screen and less powerful hardware than the New 3DS XL, but it can still play all of the same games. It also has a longer battery life than the New 3DS XL.
Ultimately, the best version of the 3DS for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you want the most powerful 3DS experience, then the New Nintendo 3DS XL is the way to go. However, if you’re looking for a more affordable option, the original Nintendo 3DS is still a great choice.
The 3DS XL: A Supersized Canvas for Gaming
If you’re looking for a portable gaming experience with a larger display, the 3DS XL is the perfect choice. Released in 2012, this model offers a spacious 4.88-inch upper screen and a 4.18-inch lower touchscreen, providing ample room for gaming and multimedia content. Its larger size makes it easier to immerse yourself in games, appreciate the vibrant colors, and navigate complex menus with ease.
Key Features and Improvements:
The 3DS XL boasts several notable enhancements over its predecessor, the original 3DS:
- Larger Screens: The 3DS XL’s increased screen size provides a wider field of view, allowing you to see more of the action in games and enjoy movies and videos with greater immersion.
- Enhanced Battery Life: The 3DS XL’s larger battery capacity allows for extended gaming sessions of up to 8 hours on a single charge, ensuring you can stay entertained on the go without worrying about battery drain.
- Ergonomic Design: The 3DS XL features a comfortable grip and curved back, providing a more ergonomic and enjoyable gaming experience during prolonged play.
- Built-in NFC: The 3DS XL includes near-field communication (NFC) support, enabling connectivity with compatible games and accessories, such as the Nintendo Amiibo figures.
| Feature | Original 3DS | 3DS XL |
|---|---|---|
| Screen Size | 3.53″ (upper), 3.02″ (lower) | 4.88″ (upper), 4.18″ (lower) |
| Battery Life | 3-5 hours | 6-8 hours |
| Weight | 125g | 175g |
Overall, the 3DS XL offers a compelling package for portable gaming enthusiasts, with its larger screens, improved battery life, ergonomic design, and added features. Whether you’re a seasoned Nintendo fan or a new gamer looking for a versatile and immersive handheld system, the 3DS XL remains a top choice.
New Nintendo 3DS: Enhanced Functionality and Portability
Enhanced Hardware
The New Nintendo 3DS boasts significant hardware upgrades compared to its predecessor. It features a faster processor, allowing for smoother gameplay and reduced loading times. Additionally, it incorporates a larger, higher-resolution top screen, providing a more immersive visual experience. The device also includes additional buttons, including ZL and ZR triggers, which expand control options for games.
Improved 3D Display
The New Nintendo 3DS introduces an improved 3D display that addresses the viewing limitations of the original 3DS. The Super-Stable 3D technology utilizes a face-tracking camera to adjust the 3D depth effect based on the player’s head position. This results in a more stable and comfortable 3D viewing experience, even when moving the device around.
Internal and External Design Enhancements
The New Nintendo 3DS features several design improvements. It has a more ergonomic handle, providing a more comfortable grip during extended gaming sessions. The device also includes a built-in NFC reader, allowing for the use of amiibo figurines and other compatible accessories. Additionally, it offers a removable faceplate system, enabling users to customize the appearance of their console.
| Original Nintendo 3DS | New Nintendo 3DS |
|---|---|
| Smaller screen | Larger, high-resolution screen |
| No additional buttons | ZL and ZR triggers |
| Regular 3D display | Super-Stable 3D display with face tracking |
| No built-in NFC reader | Built-in NFC reader |
| Fixed faceplate | Removable faceplate system |
3DS Lite: Affordable Access to Portable Gameplay
Features and Enhancements: A Closer Look
The 3DS Lite, despite its budget-friendly price, offers a surprisingly robust set of features and enhancements.
Enhanced 3D Display: While the 3D display is not adjustable like on the New 3DS models, the 3DS Lite’s 3D effect is still impressive. It brings games and videos to life, offering a more immersive and engaging experience.
Improved Performance: Compared to the original 3DS, the 3DS Lite boasts improved processing power and graphics capabilities. This results in smoother gameplay and reduced loading times.
Extended Battery Life: The 3DS Lite has a significantly longer battery life than its predecessors, allowing for hours of uninterrupted gaming on the go.
Game Library: A Vast Collection for All Ages
The 3DS Lite gives players access to a vast library of games, both physical and digital. Here is a breakdown of the key categories:
| Game Genre | Popular Titles |
|---|---|
| Action/Adventure | The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds, Super Mario 3D Land |
| Role-Playing | Pokémon Sun and Moon, Fire Emblem: Awakening |
| Casual/Family-Friendly | Animal Crossing: New Leaf, Nintendogs + Cats |
| Puzzle/Strategy | Professor Layton and the Azran Legacy, Picross 3D |
| Indie/eShop | Shovel Knight, SteamWorld Dig |
With its wide range of game options, the 3DS Lite caters to gamers of all ages and interests.
New Nintendo 3DS XL: Ultimate Gaming Experience
Large Screen and Improved 3D Effects
The New Nintendo 3DS XL boasts a massive 4.88-inch top screen, providing an immersive gaming experience. The Super-Stable 3D technology delivers stunning 3D visuals that are stable even when viewing the console from different angles.
Powerful Hardware for Seamless Gameplay
Under the hood, the New Nintendo 3DS XL packs a powerful quad-core processor, ensuring smooth and lag-free gaming. The console also features 512 MB of RAM, providing ample memory for demanding titles.
Customizable Controls and Ergonomic Design
The New Nintendo 3DS XL offers customizable controls, allowing you to tailor your gaming experience to your preference. The ergonomic design and large handgrips provide a comfortable and fatigue-free gaming session.
Nintendo Switch Compatibility and Enhanced Features
The New Nintendo 3DS XL is compatible with Nintendo Switch games, expanding your gaming library. It also supports amiibo functionality, allowing you to interact with your favorite characters in compatible games. Additionally, built-in features like NFC and a microSD card slot further enhance its versatility.
Technical Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Screen Size | 4.88 inches (top screen) |
| 3D Technology | Super-Stable 3D |
| Processor | Quad-core |
| RAM | 512 MB |
| Battery Life | 3.5-6.5 hours (depending on usage) |
| Compatibility | Nintendo Switch games, amiibo |
The Best 3DS for Kids: Nintendo 2DS
The Nintendo 2DS is the best handheld gaming system for kids. It’s durable, affordable, and has a wide range of games to choose from. Here’s what you need to know.
Durable
The 2DS is made of durable plastic that can withstand drops and bumps. It also has a rubberized grip that makes it easy for kids to hold. Other 3DS models have a clamshell design that can be broken if it’s dropped. The 2DS has a single-screen design, which is more durable and less likely to break.
Affordable
The 2DS starts at $80, making it more affordable than other handheld gaming systems on the market. This makes it a great gift for kids who might be getting their first handheld gaming system.
Wide range of games
The 2DS has a large library of games that are perfect for kids of all ages. These include games like Mario Kart, Super Mario 3D Land, and Animal Crossing. It has backwards compatibility with previous handheld Nintendo systems, so you can play games like Pokemon Red and Blue on it, making it a fantastic choice for kids and adults who want to revisit their childhoods.
3DS Family: Side-by-Side Comparison
Original 3DS
The original 3DS was released in 2011 and featured a clamshell design, a 3.53-inch top screen, and a 3.02-inch bottom screen. It had a resolution of 800×240 pixels on the top screen and 320×240 pixels on the bottom screen. The original 3DS was available in various colors, including Aqua Blue, Flame Red, Cosmo Black, and Pearl Pink.
3DS XL
The 3DS XL was released in 2012 and was an enlarged version of the original 3DS. It featured a 4.88-inch top screen and a 4.18-inch bottom screen. The resolution on both screens remained the same as the original 3DS. The 3DS XL was available in various colors, including Midnight Purple, Crimson Red, and Blue/Black.
New Nintendo 3DS
The New Nintendo 3DS was released in 2014 and featured a number of upgrades over the original 3DS and 3DS XL. It had a faster processor, a built-in C-Stick, and a second analog circle pad. The resolution on both screens was also increased to 800×480 pixels. The New Nintendo 3DS was available in various colors, including Black, White, and Red/Blue.
New Nintendo 3DS XL
The New Nintendo 3DS XL was released in 2014 and was an enlarged version of the New Nintendo 3DS. It featured a 4.88-inch top screen and a 4.18-inch bottom screen. The resolution on both screens remained the same as the New Nintendo 3DS. The New Nintendo 3DS XL was available in various colors, including Black, White, and Red/Blue.
2DS
The 2DS was released in 2013 and was a budget-friendly version of the 3DS. It featured a single, non-folding screen and lacked 3D capabilities. The resolution on the screen was 800×240 pixels. The 2DS was available in various colors, including Red+Blue, Black+Blue, and White+Red.
New 2DS XL
The New 2DS XL was released in 2017 and was an enlarged version of the 2DS. It featured a 4.88-inch screen and lacked 3D capabilities. The resolution on the screen was increased to 800×480 pixels. The New 2DS XL was available in various colors, including Black+Turquoise, White+Orange, and Pink+White.
Upgrading Your 3DS: Which Version Is Right for You?
Original 3DS
The original 3DS system was the first model released in 2011. It has a 240p resolution top screen and a 320×240 resolution bottom screen. It also includes several other features such as gyro controls, a 0.3-megapixel camera, and a built-in stylus.
3DS XL
The 3DS XL released in 2012 is a larger version of the original 3DS. It has a 400×240 resolution top screen and a 320×240 resolution bottom screen. It also includes a built-in SD card slot.
2DS
The 2DS released in 2013 is a more affordable version of the 3DS. It has a 240p resolution top screen and a 320×240 resolution bottom screen. It does not have 3D capabilities, but it is still able to play all 3DS games.
New 3DS
The New 3DS released in 2014 is an upgraded version of the original 3DS. It has a 400×240 resolution top screen and a 320×240 resolution bottom screen. It also includes several other features such as a faster processor, a larger battery, and built-in NFC.
New 3DS XL
The New 3DS XL released in 2014 is a larger version of the New 3DS. It has a 400×240 resolution top screen and a 320×240 resolution bottom screen. It also includes a built-in SD card slot.
2DS XL
The 2DS XL released in 2017 is a larger version of the 2DS. It has a 400×240 resolution top screen and a 320×240 resolution bottom screen. It does not have 3D capabilities, but it is still able to play all 3DS games.
New 2DS XL
The New 2DS XL released in 2017 is an updated version of the 2DS XL. It has a 400×240 resolution top screen and a 320×240 resolution bottom screen. It includes several other features such as a faster processor, a larger battery, and built-in NFC.
| Feature | Original 3DS | 3DS XL | 2DS | New 3DS | New 3DS XL | 2DS XL | New 2DS XL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3D Capabilities | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Top Screen Resolution | 240p | 400×240 | 240p | 400×240 | 400×240 | 400×240 | 400×240 |
| Bottom Screen Resolution | 320×240 | 320×240 | 320×240 | 320×240 | 320×240 | 320×240 | 320×240 |
| Built-in SD Card Slot | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Processor | Single-core | Single-core | Single-core | Dual-core | Dual-core | Single-core | Dual-core |
| Battery Life | 3-5 hours | 3-5 hours | 4-6 hours | 4-6 hours | 4-6 hours | 5-7 hours | 5-7 hours |
| NFC | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
Future-Proofing Your 3DS: The Latest and Greatest
The New Nintendo 3DS
The New Nintendo 3DS is the latest and greatest version of the 3DS family. It features a number of improvements over the original 3DS, including a faster processor, a larger screen, and improved 3D technology. The New Nintendo 3DS is also backwards compatible with all 3DS games.
The New Nintendo 3DS XL
The New Nintendo 3DS XL is a larger version of the New Nintendo 3DS. It features a 6.2-inch screen, which is larger than the 4.8-inch screen on the New Nintendo 3DS. The New Nintendo 3DS XL also has a longer battery life than the New Nintendo 3DS.
The New Nintendo 2DS XL
The New Nintendo 2DS XL is a budget-friendly version of the New Nintendo 3DS XL. It has the same features as the New Nintendo 3DS XL, but it does not have a 3D screen. The New Nintendo 2DS XL is also backwards compatible with all 3DS games.
Which 3DS is Right for You?
The best 3DS for you depends on your needs and budget. If you want the most powerful and feature-rich 3DS, the New Nintendo 3DS is the best choice. If you want a larger screen, the New Nintendo 3DS XL is the best choice. And if you want a budget-friendly option, the New Nintendo 2DS XL is the best choice.
The Future of the 3DS
The 3DS is a mature platform, but it is still going strong. Nintendo continues to release new games for the 3DS, and there is a large library of games to choose from. The 3DS is also a great way to play classic Nintendo games, such as Super Mario Bros. and The Legend of Zelda.
The 3DS and the Nintendo Switch
The Nintendo Switch is Nintendo’s latest console, and it is a hybrid between a home console and a portable console. The Switch can play both 3DS games and Nintendo Switch games. This makes the Switch a great option for gamers who want to play both 3DS and Nintendo Switch games.
Which Nintendo Console is Right for You?
The best Nintendo console for you depends on your needs and budget. If you want a portable console that can play both 3DS and Nintendo Switch games, the Switch is the best choice. If you want a dedicated 3DS console, the New Nintendo 3DS is the best choice. And if you want a budget-friendly option, the New Nintendo 2DS XL is the best choice.
Comparison Table
| Model | Screen Size | 3D? | Backwards Compatible |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Nintendo 3DS | 4.8 inches | Yes | Yes |
| New Nintendo 3DS XL | 6.2 inches | Yes | Yes |
| New Nintendo 2DS XL | 6.2 inches | No | Yes |
Exclusive Games and Features: What Each 3DS Version Offers
The Nintendo 3DS family has three main versions: the original 3DS, the 3DS XL, and the 2DS. While all three versions can play the same games, there are some exclusive games and features that are only available on certain models.
Original 3DS
The original 3DS was released in 2011. It features a clamshell design with two screens, a top screen that displays 3D images without the need for special glasses, and a bottom touchscreen. The original 3DS also has a built-in camera and microphone, and it can connect to the internet via Wi-Fi.
Exclusive games for the original 3DS include Super Mario 3D Land, The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds, and Animal Crossing: New Leaf.
3DS XL
The 3DS XL was released in 2012. It is a larger version of the original 3DS, with a larger top screen and a larger battery life. The 3DS XL also has a built-in stand, which makes it easier to play games on a table or desk.
Exclusive games for the 3DS XL include The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask 3D and Xenoblade Chronicles 3D.
2DS
The 2DS was released in 2013. It is a budget-friendly version of the 3DS that does not have a 3D display. The 2DS also has a different design than the 3DS, with a single, flat screen and a more rounded shape.
Exclusive games for the 2DS include Pokémon Sun and Moon and Yo-Kai Watch.
Comparison of Exclusive Games and Features
The following table compares the exclusive games and features of the different 3DS versions:
| Version | Exclusive Games | Exclusive Features |
|—|—|—|
| Original 3DS | Super Mario 3D Land, The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds, Animal Crossing: New Leaf | Built-in camera and microphone, 3D display |
| 3DS XL | The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask 3D, Xenoblade Chronicles 3D | Larger screen, larger battery life, built-in stand |
| 2DS | Pokémon Sun and Moon, Yo-Kai Watch | No 3D display, budget-friendly price |
Choosing the Perfect 3DS for Your Needs
1. Original 3DS
The most affordable option, lacking 3D capabilities and a smaller screen compared to newer models.
2. 3DS XL
Features a larger screen than the original 3DS, but still lacks 3D capabilities.
3. New 3DS
Includes improved 3D technology, a faster processor, and additional buttons for enhanced gameplay.
4. New 3DS XL
Combines the larger screen of the 3DS XL with the advanced features of the New 3DS.
5. 2DS
A budget-friendly option with no 3D capabilities and a clamshell design.
6. New 2DS XL
A larger version of the 2DS, offering a more comfortable gaming experience.
7. SNES 3DS XL
A special edition 3DS XL with a retro design inspired by the Super Nintendo Entertainment System.
8. Pokémon Sun & Moon Pikachu 3DS XL
A limited edition 3DS XL adorned with Pikachu artwork and bundled with Pokémon Sun or Moon.
9. Fire Emblem: Awakening Limited Edition 3DS XL
A special edition 3DS XL featuring a design based on the popular strategy RPG Fire Emblem: Awakening.
10. Customizable 3DS Hardware
| Feature | Original 3DS | 3DS XL | New 3DS | New 3DS XL | 2DS | New 2DS XL |
| Screen Size | 3.53 inches (top) 3.02 inches (bottom) |
4.88 inches (top) 4.18 inches (bottom) |
3.88 inches (top) 3.33 inches (bottom) |
4.88 inches (top) 4.18 inches (bottom) |
3.53 inches (top) 3.02 inches (bottom) |
4.88 inches (top) 4.18 inches (bottom) |
| 3D Capability | No | No | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Additional Buttons | No | No | Yes (C-Stick and ZL/ZR) | Yes (C-Stick and ZL/ZR) | No | No |
| Clamshell Design | Yes | Yes | No | No | Yes | Yes |
The Best Version of Nintendo 3DS
The Nintendo 3DS has undergone several iterations since its initial release in 2011, with each version offering slight improvements and new features. While personal preferences may vary, the Nintendo 3DS XL is widely regarded as the best overall version of the console.
The 3DS XL features a larger, 4.88-inch top screen compared to the 3.53-inch screen on the original 3DS. This provides a more immersive gaming experience, particularly for games that require precision or detail. The 3DS XL is also notably lighter and thinner than its predecessor, making it more comfortable to hold for extended periods.
Additionally, the 3DS XL includes several other improvements over the original model, including a built-in Amiibo reader, longer battery life, and improved 3D performance. For these reasons, it is the best choice for those looking for the most well-rounded 3DS experience.
People Also Ask
What is the New Nintendo 3DS?
The New Nintendo 3DS is an updated version of the 3DS that was released in 2014. It features a faster processor, improved 3D capabilities, and a built-in Amiibo reader. While it offers some improvements over the 3DS XL, it is not a significant enough upgrade to warrant purchasing over the latter for most users.
What is the New Nintendo 3DS XL?
The New Nintendo 3DS XL is an updated version of the 3DS XL that was also released in 2014. It includes all of the features of the New Nintendo 3DS, as well as a larger, 4.88-inch top screen. It is the most powerful and feature-rich 3DS model available.
Which 3DS is the best for emulation?
The New Nintendo 3DS XL is the best 3DS for emulation because of its faster processor and improved hardware capabilities. This allows it to run emulators more smoothly and with better performance than other 3DS models.
