Nintendo 3DS XL Black/Black - Nintendo 3DS XL

Though, at this point, I would recommend getting a New Nintendo 3DS XL, an original Nintendo 3DS XL is anything but a bad choice for any gaming fan. I'm sure there will be more games exclusive to the "New" model, but there are plenty of games to play on the original XL, and more to come.As far as the hardware goes, the 3DS XL model is a fantastic way to experience the 3DS family's expansive library of games. The system is heavy and not about to fit in your jeans pocket comfortably. However, like all Nintendo products, it's built tough, plus the buttons have a satisfying clicky-ness to them. And the circle pad moves nice and smooth. Casual players won't care about this, but hardcore players may despair over the lack of a second analogue stick. The bulky Circle Pad Pro attachment remedies this, but be warned: it's like carrying two full-size console controllers around.It's all about the games, though, and the 3DS has some great ones. You can play 3 of the best Zelda games ever designed on this system, for one thing. Ocarina of Time 3D and Majora's Mask 3D are remakes, of course, but the 3DS-exclusive A Link Between Worlds is an absolute masterpiece in its own right. Other first-party Nintendo games are also worth picking up: Super Mario 3D Land, Animal Crossing: New Leaf, Mario Kart 7, Pushmo (eShop only), Kid Icarus Uprising, Luigi's Mansion 2, Pokemon X/Y, Pokemon ORAS, Super Smash Bros. 3DS, and even New Super Mario Bros. 2. There are many worthy 3rd party titles as well, such as the recent Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate, Kingdom Hearts: Dream Drop Distance, Bravely Default, Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate, Resident Evil: Revalations, and more. The 3DS eShop is also full to bursting with goodness. Do me a favor and pay the measly $5 needed to enjoy Gunman Clive and Gunman Clive 2.Finally, if there's one game that makes this system worth owning, it's Fire Emblem: Awakening. Anyone can enjoy this habit-forming gem thanks to multiple difficulty levels and the heaven-sent Casual mode. Another Fire Emblem game is on its way too.Other than having what has slowly become one of the best current-gen game libraries, the 3DS XL also comes with some built-in software. It's not the deepest of stuff, but you can enjoy the 3-D effect and cameras with AR Games and Face Raiders, and the StreetPass games that are included free aren't bad either.Finally, the 3DS XL systems play Nintendo DS games. This is most refreshing in an industry where backward compatibility seems to be heading toward a little town I like to call Obsolete. Getting a 3DS XL is getting two systems in one. You can't beat that.

I recently got a 3DS XL and passed on my old one to my girlfriend. I had purchased it used some time ago and it wasn't in the best shape; I felt horrible delivering such a shoddy piece of technology to someone I care so deeply for.So, I hopped online to see if I could find one for my girlfriend. Needless to say, I ended up purchasing this one for her (although, I REALLY wanted to get her a Pikachu one).This is arguably the best console that has ever been. Now, I say that as an avid and seasoned gamer; one who has played since the NES/Sega era and played all the major consoles (god do I miss my Dreamcast...). The range of video games is fantastic, I can guarantee if you spend a bit of time looking around, literally anyone can find a game for them on this system. The buttons are easy to learn, the 3DS XL fits in a wider range of hands than almost any other handheld, and it all just feels right.The HUD (Heads-Up Display) and general User Interface are intuitive and slick, complemented by contemporary styling and easy customization.The 3D works surprisingly well. After setting up the best 3D depth with the slider, eyes adjust quickly (in a matter of minutes in most cases) and you don't have to fidget too much with holding it at any uncomfortable angles or distances from you. It plays well in almost any comfortable gaming position.Setting these things up can be kind of a pain between logging into your wireless network(s), setting up a Nintendo account, transferring information (if you have another 3DS and, more difficult, a micro-SD card), customizing settings, and more. But it's ultimately worth it. That and the gyroscope (I think) inside the system can sometimes create issues in games (for instance in first-person mode in Mario Kart 7, where tilt is used to steer). Those are honestly my only complaints.As for my girlfriend; she is madly in love with the system. It's been her pride and joy since I surprised her with the package. :) I highly recommend this for ANYONE; not JUST gamers.

I used to own a 3ds. I loved it. Had it for a bit over a year, and it started to get that wear and tear that comes with using something constantly for a long period of time. I thought about trading in my 3DS and getting an XL. At first, I was like "Ehhhh, do I really want to spend all this money for the same thing that I have, only a bigger screen?" That way of thinking made me procrastinate for a long time, but finally I decided to get it during all the Christmas sale shenanigans everyone has every year.I'm not the kind of person who carries around a fancy Iphone and treat it like its my own child, but my goodness. As far as handheld device go, this is the absolutely best thing I've ever had in my life. I've owned every nintendo handheld device before this one, and I just have to say. The amount of recourcefulness you get out of this thing just tops it all. I mean hell, it even has Youtube and stuff these days. Its almost like your favorite game console combined with a notebook laptop. If anyone was ever considering getting this as a gift for someone for a birthday/holiday/whateverday, do them a favor and get it. Or get it for yourself. I can pretty much say 95% of people wouldn't regret the purchase (I don't say 100%, because there's always 'those people' who just can't bring themselves to like a good thing. Or maybe they just prefer using a laptop for PC gaming. People like different things, so maybe even 95% is too generous, but I definately say its worth a shot).