Used it almost daily. This is my second one!
When the hinge broke last autumn on my first Pink 3DS, I was determined to buy another one. I had the option to pick up a Mario 3DS on Black Friday, but in my heart I REALLY wished for another pink one. My first was a gift; I wanted the continuity of the beautiful pink more than anything else.
Anyway, I play only a few games on this device. I mostly use it for the free Youtube app, and reading via internet browser at night. My last one was just under four years old. It survived the occasional drop or fall, carried in purses and backpacks, and my niece (aged from under 2 until 4) with an interest in Nintendogs
Note for suggested care:
I advise being mindful of the pressure applied to the screen with stylus use. Then it'll last the lifetime of the 3DS. My first's screen was still in like-new condition. I've seen some DS devices in local pawn shops with peeling and bubbling touchscreens that were less than 2 years old! Of course, this any other instructions are in the Owner's Manual....
Good Points:
The graphics are pretty good; the colors pop and the visuals are clear. I can't state for any realism, of course, because the games I've played are rather cartoony.
I've only used the 3D mode occasionally, but it's an amazing feature.
Streetpass is one of my favorite things! You make your own character (a Mii), and a cute little profile for them, and that's your person other 3DS owners will catch. I love going shopping, and opening up my 3DS when I get home to see who I found! Also, if you go to a Nintendo Hotspot (companies that pay Nintendo for access to their network [McDonald's, Starbucks, and other etc.]) you can add the last few (3 or 5, I believe) Mii's that visited the location to your Mii Plaza collection, even if the players aren't there anymore. There isn't a time displayed of their visit, which helps with anonymity. However, each Mii cycles out every time a new player enters that location.
Down Points:
The 3D feature is, naturally, the spotlight of this device series. A tiny slider on the right side of the upper screen adjusts the intensity level of the 3D capability to suit the player's individual comfort. Personally, I kept this turned off. I have average eyesight (no glasses or other aid needed), but prolonged use on the lowest setting gave me a slight headache. By which, I mean a light pressure behind and above my eyes. I've also noticed a similar strain when watching 3D movies at the theater. So, it's easy for me to assume that I have sensitivity to 3D, which is not uncommon. Keep that in mind when buying the product, especially as a gift.
Also about the 3D feature, it can be dangerous to the eyesight of children under 6 years. It's located somewhere in the safety warnings of the Owner's Manual. My niece loves playing with my Nintendog, and luckily my lack of use of the 3D slider has left her completely unaware of it. Please supervise any use of the 3DS with young children, just in case.
Nintendo makes a 2DS handheld gaming device in response to the eyesight concerns for young children. But it doesn't have a hinge to make the device foldable.
Lastly, I made an observation when shopping through used 3DSs. A couple pictures of handhelds displaying their slight wear revealed a tiny crack on the plastic of the right hinge. This is where my first 3DS broke.
For several months, the crack was nothing. Slowly, it loosened with normal use. The hinge would stiffen and make it hard to open. Finally, it broke off and the screen was left half hanging loose. Without the right hinge to support the left, the top screen eventually loosened enough from the cables and died.
My experience, added with other player's photos, makes me wonder if right hinge wear may be a common problem with this device.
TO SUM UP EVERYTHING:
The 3DS is a wonderful handheld. The portability factor is made extra entertaining with Streetpass. The baby pink with pearl white is such a feminine, darling color combination that I adore! Take good care of it and watch the hinges.
If one finds a game they love, (mine was Animal Crossing: New Leaf) the 3DS is a gaming device that can easily get daily use.Read full review
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
