Its a bigger version with large screens, some of whom struggled to see playing on smaller screen in handhelds or grip the handheld for longer period while playing; the 3DS XL is attractive to lot of audience. The device is priced at 180. Is bigger only enough? Can it find a place on the heart of game-playing masses? Read the review.

Hardware

Its bigger and its a huge relief to see. It looks simple, with softly curved oblong, and looks mature and considered. The matte finish wraps around both halves look pretty. The casing is solid and feels much slimmer. The devices thickness still remains equals to 3DS , despite the explosion in screen size, improved 3D. The main selling points of the 3DS XL are their 90 per cent larger screen, the top of which has been increased from 3.58 inches to 4.88 inches, makes it biggest Nintendo ever included. The lower touch screen now has improved from 3.02 inches to 4.18 inches. As youd expect increase in size and add bulk means the new device is bit heavier, up from 235g to 336g compared to original 3DS, with overall dimensions of 134*74*21mm.

The positions of few buttons and inputs have changed; the headphone ports usefully moved to the bottom center of the portable over to the left hand side, and the wireless communication LED has been dragged off the side of the unit. The Select, Home, and Start buttons much-criticised positioning of the stylus on regular 3DS model has been moved to the right side of the portable where it’s far, far easier to reach. The XL includes a single analogue control stick, so if you want to fully experience 3D action titles like Monster Hunter and Metal Gear Soild: Snake Eater 3D, you’ll need to purchase a modified version of the Circle Pad Pro accessory, which is promised for future release. The addition out of the box is boosted memory; where the original 3DS came with a 2GB SD card, the 3DS XL gets a 4GB one to store all your Nintendo downloads. The compromise is unless you live in North America you won’t get a charger; European and Japanese customers will need to buy their chargers separately, although if you already have a 3DS, DSi or DSi XL you can use their chargers with your new 3DS XL. Dont worry a new charger will cost very lesser.

The 3DS XL again features 0.3 MP cameras front-sided which can take 3D snaps and glasses free 3D effect on the top screen controlled by a 3D slider, which is a nice addition. Back to impressive screen, the bigger model goes without saying that the Vitas screen is the stronger performer, both visually and technically.

Software

Nintendos software hasnt changed much, so it got strong contenders with the smartphones era. Nintendos baked in software includes eShop, Spot Pass, Mii Plaza, and online functions, have had time to grow and its particularly noticeable when it comes time to interact with other users. The games that tie into the social component really are not worth your time. The uncomplicated approach makes the online gaming a clinch. With a access to WiFi, we would connect in game with a single option selection and would soon be battling strangers with far greater skills than we could ever muster, The friend PIN system allows you to connect with real-life competitors.

The augmented reality games are still backed into device, if you have played with them on original; youre getting the same deal again here. The eShop has expanded its offerings since we had seen last time, with its wares separated out for ease of navigation. In Stores houses demos of incoming 3DS titles are there. Next is the Virtual console, wrapping up NES, GameBoy, GameBoy Color, and Game Gear titles for anyone over 20 to replay again. It is joined by a software and mini-game channels and a recommended videos collection.

Performance

The bigger screen 3DS XL got some low resolution textures and polygon are far more apparent on larger XL screens. The smaller 3D objects can look a little less detailed. The lower 4.18 inches screen features the same imperfections as the top, although most of the games utilizing it for 2D menus, it doesnt suffer anywhere. The slightly redeeming side effect of the stretched screens is a noticeably improved effect from the glasses-free 3D display. It is difficult to deny its increased effectiveness here; most of the games like Kid Icarus Uprising and Super Mario 3D looks great. The intensity of the 3D effect, which is again more window 3D than pop out 3D its more forgiving than smaller model and at its lowest setting its so subtle theres almost no reason for turning it off.

The battery life last around five hours when playing 3DS games at maximum brightness, which is really a good upgrade. But whereas the improved power consumptions mainly been brought in to power those bigger screens, it really shines for us when the portable’s in its closed Street Pass mode. Just like with the original 3DS, our experience didnt quite reach these heady quoted heights. We did just that, also switching on battery saver mode and dropping brightness down to the middle setting, and got closer to six hours of playtime — it’s a substantial improvement but obviously means limiting your gamer habits to some extent. So, we are really not happy with the batter life, only because you cant limit your gamer habits while buying a gamer device.

For: Big Screen, improved 3D, improved layout to hold and use

Against: Lacks Digital content, low resolution screen, disappointing battery life, only one circle pad

Conclusion

The new size improvement in so many ways includes playability. The bigger screen makes 3D games less tiring, offers a larger sweet spot for Nintendos all-important gaming effect, while the curved edges simply fit your hands better. Competition remains tough, however. The lower resolution screen and lack of second circle pad are really disappointing one for us. For existing 3DS owners looking for an upgrade there are plenty of reasons to trade in for the XL; it’s more comfortable. What we think is Nintendo could have gone further with this version, this enlarged system is the clear choice if you’ve yet to dip your toe into the waters of glasses-free 3D gaming, but we’re not entirely sure it offers enough benefits over the previous hardware model to justify the making the transition.