3DS XL

[The Laird]

I've had an XL for a few days, and for me, I prefer the new screen. Whilst no-one could argue that the resolution looks as sharp as the smaller 3DS (I guess that's how to describe it - in the same way that smaller TV's seem to look sharper that bigger ones? So it's not that it's soft, it's just not as sharp?) but the size difference makes me feel more like I'm playing a Gamecube game - it sort of feels more home-consoley rather than a handheld. Something like VVVVVV now just looks properly like it's on a C64, rather than on PC. I dunno, it's really hard to put it into words, I'd recommend you guys have a look at one if you get chance. I prefer it. I think some people won't, but honestly, that screen is huuuge in comparison. I also find it comfier to hold, but I'm an adult with adult size hands!

I have to say that when I played on your 3DS briefly at Retrovision one of the things that bothered me about it, apart from it making my eyes go funny, was how small the screen was. So for me this new model would be a far better option.

[ALK]

I've had an XL for a few days, and for me, I prefer the new screen. Whilst no-one could argue that the resolution looks as sharp as the smaller 3DS (I guess that's how to describe it - in the same way that smaller TV's seem to look sharper that bigger ones? So it's not that it's soft, it's just not as sharp?) but the size difference makes me feel more like I'm playing a Gamecube game - it sort of feels more home-consoley rather than a handheld. Something like VVVVVV now just looks properly like it's on a C64, rather than on PC. I dunno, it's really hard to put it into words, I'd recommend you guys have a look at one if you get chance. I prefer it. I think some people won't, but honestly, that screen is huuuge in comparison. I also find it comfier to hold, but I'm an adult with adult size hands!

Do you know how things like VC games (Gameboy, NES etc.), Nintendo Video content, and such look on an XL?

[nakamura]

I will probably have a look at Darran's XL on friday so will report what I think.

I have no desire for a larger screen myself but I can see the appeal, mainly if the 3D view angle is wider.

[DreamcastRIP]

I think it'll just be a case of what you're used to. The pixel density of the XL is generally close to par with the DS range so it's not going to look ghastly to upgraders. However, if you've got used to playing games on a smartphone with an HD screen it's going to seem awfully blocky.

By way of comparison:
Nintendo DS Lite XL - 76 pixels per inch
Nintendo 3DS XL - 96
Nintendo DSi - 98
Nintendo DS Lite - 102
Nintendo DS - 106
Nintendo 3DS - 133

And the competition:
Sony PSP Vita - 221
Samsung Galaxy S3 - 306
HTC One X - 312
Apple iPhone 4S - 330

Although I suppose it should be said that being a generation behind everyone else's tech has never harmed Nintendo that much in the past.

So the 3DS XL top screen has fewer pixels per inch than the nearly eight year old DS.

[nakamura]

Yeah very interested to see how it looks.

[Matt_B]

So the 3DS XL top screen has fewer pixels per inch than the nearly eight year old DS.

Sort of. There are twice as many pixels there if you count each eye separately, but otherwise it's very much the C64 of modern handhelds.

That's essentially the price you're paying for the 3D effect.

[DreamcastRIP]

So Ninty will be selling 3DS XL in Europe without an AC adaptor in the box (unlike 3DS) according to the usual sites currently offering the handheld to pre-order.

I also note 3DS XL won't be sold here supplied with a charging cradle either (again, unlike 3DS).

I see the official charging cradle plus AC adaptor pack has an SRP of nearly £30 ...



... although it can be sourced for around £20.

So, given that Ninty are being tight beyond belief (an AC adaptor should not be considered an optional accessory) can 3DS XL be used with the same AC adaptor as already owned by the eleventy billion DS Lite owners out there or are Ninty nickel and diming us by having made it a proprietary (3DS excepted, presumably) AC adaptor?

[Matt_B]

You can use it with a 3DS,DSi or DSi XL power supply, but not a DS or DS Lite one as they have different connectors.

Anyway, they did say they were hoping to have the 3DS profitable again by the end of the year and I'd suppose that this is how.

[DreamcastRIP]

You can use it with a 3DS,DSi or DSi XL power supply, but not a DS or DS Lite one as they have different connectors.

Anyway, they did say they were hoping to have the 3DS profitable again by the end of the year and I'd suppose that this is how.

Thanks for the confirmation. Urgh, that sucks then.

Really quite disgraceful Ninty are stooping to these measures... although I suspect their merry band of cheerleaders will as ever tow the company line by insisting it's a great decision as it means 3DS and DSi owners won't need to pay for a second 'unnecessary' AC adaptor.

[Matt_B]

No two ways about it from me, it's disgraceful and I wouldn't be surprised if it bites them on the bum when loads of people return them because there isn't one; I can foresee them getting a Watchdog special out of this.

It's also no surprise to me that the, rather more clued in, NoA are bundling a power supply.

[ShadowNeku]

Really quite disgraceful Ninty are stooping to these measures... although I suspect their merry band of cheerleaders will as ever tow the company line by insisting it's a great decision as it means 3DS and DSi owners won't need to pay for a second 'unnecessary' AC adaptor.

You go on about Nintendo fanboys way too much.
But no i doubt anyone will support this decision. Its a ridiculous idea to sell the adaptor seperately and will only serve to censored people off who are potentially buying their first Nintendo handheld, take it home only to their disappointment find they cant play it and have to make another trip to the shops.

[DreamcastRIP]

Really quite disgraceful Ninty are stooping to these measures... although I suspect their merry band of cheerleaders will as ever tow the company line by insisting it's a great decision as it means 3DS and DSi owners won't need to pay for a second 'unnecessary' AC adaptor.

You go on about Nintendo fanboys way too much.
But no i doubt anyone will support this decision...

... and on the very first Ninty fan site I just happened upon,

"Nintendo aren't screwing anybody - they are providing us wiht great consoles for a fair price! " (sic)



(Source: http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2012/0 ... _retailers )

To be fair though, on most sites I've seen even the Ninty fanboys think the decision is a disgrace too.

+10,000 internets to the guy who posted,

"Didn't you hear? You have to buy your AC adaptor separately for Wii U because it seemed pointless putting one in considering everybody owns a Wii! Isn't it great! Now we get to keep our Wiis forever since we can't trade them in or sell them to buy a Wii U!"

(Source: http://www.computerandvideogames.com/35 ... ter-price/ )

[Freestyler]

Yeah I got an email from Amazon proudly boasting the 3DS:XL was in stock, and underneath that was a list of all the chargers!
What a swizz. It's like the PS1 and the memory card fiasco all over again. Or the Vita...

[DreamcastRIP]

Yeah I got an email from Amazon proudly boasting the 3DS:XL was in stock, and underneath that was a list of all the chargers!
What a swizz. It's like the PS1 and the memory card fiasco all over again. Or the Vita...

I'd say it's a whole load worse than those two instances. At least in those cases one can still play games whereas with 3DS XL once the battery dies the first time many owners won't be able to do anything with it without also having to had purchased the *ahem* optional accessory of an AC adaptor to recharge the damn thing.

3DS XL Review: Nintendo's Hardware Analysed & Rated:
( http://www.nowgamer.com/features/149090 ... rated.html )

Pros:
+ improved build quality over 3DS (not exactly hard to do!)
+ Proper start, select and home buttons (a minimum expectation)
+ 3D slider switch that locks into an 'off' position (should have featured on 3DS anyway)
+ Matte finish so no fingerprint smears any more
+ Improved battery life (once you've acquired an AC adaptor!)
+ Larger screen sizes (it's what you're paying for with an 'XL' model so is a moot point)
+ Improved ergonomics relative to 3DS
+ Improved hinges with more articulation points (let's hope they don't wobble when closed like on 3DS or crack like on DS Lite)
+ "... screen is slightly brighter than the 3DS"

Cons:
- still no second circle pad
- Circle Pad Pro XL will make it the size of the Death Star!
- "loss of picture quality... Jaggies become more apparent, text suffers a degree of softening and elements that were once sharp and now smudged slightly" with a shockingly low pixel density
- godawful quality 3MP camera still present
- reversion to Ninty's Fisher Price aesthetics of old
- no AC adaptor included now
- no charging cradle included now
- reduced portability (a moot point as it's what you're paying for in acquiring an 'XL' model)

[noobish hat]

People realise that Nintendo did this decades ago when the Super Famicom came out, right? They assumed that since everyone already owned a Famicom, which uses the same power supply, there was no need to include one with the new system.