Nintendo Handheld Console 3DS XL - Black (Nintendo 3DS)

I recently upgraded from the 2DS (which I bought solely so I could play Pokemon X sooner rather than later). Upon taking the unit out of the box I was astounded with the build quality. The pictures really don't do it justice. The screen size is fantastic! The 3D really looks great. Playing Pokemon Y on this console is like a whole new experience after playing Pokemon X on the tiny 2DS screen. My only gripe (which is more an issue with the game than the console itself, I guess) is that the frame rate during battles in Pokemon Y seems to drop a bit. As I said, I believe this to be the game, though, as Animal Crossing New Leaf (which is entirely in 3D) doesn't seem to drop noticeably in frame rate. I wouldn't hesitate in recommending this console. However, it is worth noting that this console doesn't come with any means of charging it. It does, however, use the same charger as the DSi (XL) and 3DS (and 2DS).

I have just brought this product for my son for Christmas, had I known I didn't come with a charger I would not have brought it as I would probably have got it for the same price but with a charger somewhere else needs to state that POWER ADAPTER IS NOT AVAILABLE IN CAPITAL LETTERS But then saying that it didn't state it in the description either so just assumed it had one until I opened the product to check.

The DS was previously owned by Jad, possibly born in 2003, birthday 18th October. There were a few photos still in the Camera app, small amounts of data from a pile of games, a few extra apps, and even details for a wifi connection! Although I actually enjoyed exploring the console's past life, not everyone will appreciate recieving a 3DS with leftover data from previous owners. Console is in near-perfect condition, hinges are tight and give a solid click, no scratches, some spotty stains though but I cleaned them so it's fine! Stylus AND SD card included, charger coiled neatly. Good stuff!

So my 3DS XL arrived the other day, nice size and made from sturdy stuff Opened it up and there is no charger. No big deal I thought maybe my old charger from either my classic DS or my DS lite system will work. Unfortunately only the old DSi charger is compatible with it. Oh well, maybe one of my numerous USB cables for my phones might work? Nope sorry, the socket on the 3DS XL is proprietary tech. So Nintendo decide to include the charger on all US and Japanese releases of the console but they don't even have the common courtesy to include a simple cable that costs less than a quid to produce. If the 3DS XL had a Micro USB slot for charging this would not have even been an issue for me at all. It is quite common of mobile phone manufacturers to not include a mains charger, but to not include a USB cable for a proprietary socket is absurd. Is it my fault for not squinting really had at the low resoloution image of the box to see the small disclaimer in yellow before purchasing? Hardly. Goodness knows how many unfortunate parents picked up one of these consoles for a child on christmas. Most retailers only sell the cradle charger which is currently on sale for £23.

DOES NOT CONTAIN CHARGER- not helpful at Christmas!!!!?!!!!!!!?!!

A friend gave me money to buy this for myself, I suspected I wouldn't like it. First of this is an ergonomic nightmare. If you're in a career that has given you RSI in the past, you can be sure that this device is likely to give you bad hand problems with just minutes of gaming. Nintendo's products are some of the most anti-ergonomic devices I have ever used in my life. It might be fine if you have tiny palms, otherwise you're going to have to invest in an attachment. If you're young you probably won't have this problem (trust me though, you might get some nasty pains when you get older if you're at a computer all day). The 3D is a useless gimmick which you won't even notice when gaming. As such it is a waste of money going towards something that isn't required. Nintendo did release the 2DS, but that is a huge slab that is no where near as compact. The games are extremely expensive for what they are. Over £35 for ports of N64 games. And a big "f you" to the consumer who wants to use the online store, it's more expensive than going out and buying physical copies. As a Steam user this blows my mind. This is more of a console issue though so I guess I can't really blame the 3DS for this (e.g Alien isolation being £25 on PC and £45 on xboxone). There's maybe a total of 3 games worth owning on this system if you're not a fan of the beaten dead horse intellectual properties of Nintendo. I'm finding it hard to find quality games as some one who is overly bored of Mario, never enjoyed Smash bros, has no interest in Zelda, and finds Pokemon to be the most insipid turn based RPG out there. If you are a fan of these old IPs that get a new version every year or so you'll probably have no shortage of games. Otherwise I'd suggest putting your money elsewhere. The device itself seems pretty solid. The weight isn't too bad, about what I expect for something of its size. I had some issues with the SD card which came with it, but I planned to replace it anyway. The internal speaker is decent and produces pretty good sound quality. The recharge time is pretty good and I suspect the battery has a good usage time too. In the end if you will enjoy this device or not comes down to the following question: Do you like Nintendo's games (mario, smash bros, zelda, kirby, pokemon, etc)? If yes, you will probably love the 3DS.

Immeasurably superior to the standard 3ds (the 2012 model from which I upgraded); the larger screens are noticeably larger and more comfortable to look at, and the feel of the console itself is markedly better. Small features like the screen clicking into place make this an all-around better console. One feature I was disappointed not to see was the lack of the "3D" icon lighting up in 3D-enabled portions of games, but that is a small feature and one I can get by without. I would unreservedly recommend this console, especially given the fantastic library of games the 3ds can currently offer. Buy it without hesitation.

I have a PSVita which is a more powerful device with more features but I've bought this for my 11 year old son and I have to say that this handheld is great! Way better than a Vita. I reccomend this console for hardcore Nintendo fans or if you have children If you have a kid between 6 and 14 years. Don't buy a Vita nor a Tablet or iPad. This is better for them believe me.