Great system for anyone. Enjoyable games and other programs.

The Nintendo 3DS XL provides improvements over the standard 3DS. The game selection appeals to a wide audience, but the current selection is not yet very broad. The 3D component is interesting and, along with the touch screen and dual screen components, allows for some great gameplay dynamics.

The visual resolution is impressive for what it is, and the wireless internet and download options add greater functionality to the device beyond that of merely a handheld gaming platform. You can swap messages with friends, download full game titles (both old and new), download and stream videos via Netflix and other sources, and you can even take your own 3D photos. The sound quality is pretty good, and the screen size is nice for a handheld. The little add-ons really make a big difference for this system.

However, the price is still an issue. Each game title has a retail price that rivals that of console games. The lack of a second thumbstick without an additional peripheral leaves something to be desired the control scheme for some games.

AMAZING, whether you're upgrading or not. PERFECT GIFT! :)

Well, let's start this off by saying that $190 is about the same as a new iPod Touch 4th generation on Amazon. Except, you get a bigger screen, TWO screens, 3D capability and NINTENDO GAMES! I have that same iPod and I'm extremely happy! The 3D doesn't give me a headache, the dual-screens are amazing quality! And closing the unit doesn't scratch the screen like it does on the original 3DS. I upgraded from a DSI so this is like whoa to me. The color is BEAUTIFUL! I got this BRAND NEW with a free Zelda game for $190 from the nicest seller in the world. Look on eBay - THERE ARE SO MANY! This was my Christmas present to myself (my excuse for buying it!) and I'm in love. The picture quality is great, however the camera is terrible. But who needs it!? All of the features inside a 3DS are GREAT, but if you're getting one, get the XL NOT the original. Once you play on this thing, you will never go back to those tiny screens! If you're playing DS/DSI games on this, WORRY NOT! They are blown up to fit the new screen and NO, they do not look pixelated! Trust me on this, this has been my favorite purchase on eBay EVER. They are going for $199 in-store PLUS tax, and NO free game! I recommend buying this on Ebay and I ESPECIALLY RECOMMEND GETTING THIS SYSTEM! Sure, there aren't many 3DS games yet but here are the BEST to me so far, NO SPECIFIC ORDER:

1. Zelda
2. Kid Icarus
3. Tales of the Abyss
4. Resident Evil Revelations
5. Animal Crossing 3DS (coming out in a few months, it'll be great)
6. Harvest Moon 3DS (pre-order it now and get a free Yak or Cow plushie!)


Bottom line is,
if you're going to buy your kids or whoever a DS, get them this one and be done for the next few years. I made the mistake of buying a DSI the year the 3DS came out and all of the new games came out for the 3DS so I was very behind! The 3DS is still new and fresh and games are STILLL coming out for it! Get this NOW and be done with gifting for a while. ;)

Great console, great games, lots of fun.

In my humble opinion, this is by far the best mobile console out in the market right now, considering it can play DS & 3DS games the game library is great, the extra size makes it a lot more comfortable to hold and use and the extra battery size (lasting up to 20 hrs of single player games in my experience) is great for mobility.

The most attractive factor is the new 3d games, Ocarina of Time 3D is a great game that makes good use of the 3D capabilities, mario 3D land is a very good experience in 3D as well, now I'm playing kid icarus uprising and the graphics and 3D mode go really well with it.

Great system that's really only missing that second circle pad.

I didn't own the original 3DS because I wasn't impressed with the design and the battery life was poor. However, the 3DS XL really improves on the original. First off, the top screen is huge! The 3D functionality works quite well, and the battery life is better on this model, from what I've read. In my experiences, the battery life is pretty good, but the 3D effect does drain the battery (generally I keep it off while playing,depending on the game). The graphics are really nice, I'd say playstation 2 quality, if not better. Unfortunately it's not HD, but the games do look good!

Two gripes. First, while the D-pad's responsive, it's small and in an awkward spot, so using it for extended periods can get uncomfortable (this may only be a problem on the XL model because of its size). Second, I just don't understand why Nintendo didn't add a second circle pad. There's more than enough space on the face of the unit, at least the XL version, and it would make playing 3D games much easier.

Its a cool little game device. Not so good for media comsuption.

its a cool handheld device but for me, is just not an option. I mean im used to bigger screen and also a fully featured device, not just a game caonsole. The graphics are not that great and the internet browser built it cant even reproduce flash. If you want this just for playing is all good, it not please go and buy a tablet.