New Nintendo 3DS Review

While it certainly is odd in the modern day to have different iterations of the same console, Nintendo has never refrained from releasing newer versions of its handheld consoles with upgraded specs and improved software as seen in the case of the Gameboy - all while retaining the same name.

New Nintendo 3DS and 3DS XL 

Developer: Nintendo
Type: Region Locked (NTSC OR PAL)

But what is improved in the new 3DS and 3DS XL that should make you pick one up or push you to upgrade your present one? Let’s find out.

There have been many versions of the Nintendo 3DS, and the new 3DS is possibly the biggest upgrade that the system has seen in its lifetime. Let’s start with the physical aspects. Both the new 3DS and the 3DS XL are a tad wider than their previous models - thanks to a rearranged layout of the buttons. The volume dial has been shifted to the side of the screen and allows for easier change in the volume. The start and select buttons have moved from the bottom to the right side , similar to the alignment on the Nintendo DSL.

The Wi-Fi switch has been removed from the side and replaced with a non-physical button that lets you switch the Wi-Fi on and off as and when you want by accessing the settings. This helps impart a more continuous and uninterrupted feel to the sides of the console.

The only change that I had an issue with is the replacement of the SD card with a micro SD card. While it doesn’t seem like too much of a problem, it also means that the memory card slot has been shifted within the device. Now, one has to completely remove the back of the 3DS (XL) to change the memory.

There are also other additions in the hardware section, including a new analog stick called the C-stick, which is actually nothing more than a small nub. To be honest, it reminds me of the pointing stick that used to come with laptops back in the day (by which I mean about a decade ago). It’s a little rigid and doesn’t turn or move much, but with enough force, it can be made to lean, though that much force is not required to make it work. I often found myself simply pushing against the C-stick and successfully executing smash attacks in Super Smash Bros without feeling the C-stick move at all. The other major addition is that of the ZR and ZL trigger buttons alongside the L and Z buttons of which I really couldn’t find any functionality at all, except to turn the camera in Monster Hunter 4G.

The L and R buttons have been shortened a little to make room for the two new ones, but they can easily be distinguished from each other and you won’t find any difficulties in settling your fingers on them and identifying the right buttons using the difference in their shape, size and texture.

While the buttons haven’t been utilised greatly in any game till now, they definitely allow for more features to be added in upcoming games that could not be added previously due to the physical limitations of the console. Also, the colours on the ABXY buttons have been changed to resemble those of the Super Nintendo. Nostalgic?

The faceplates can now be swapped on the new 3DS, thus, making customisation easier. It also saves us the trouble caused by the removable vinyl stickers that were used to customise the old 3DS.

Unfortunately, the 3DS XL doesn’t have replaceable faceplates, which is a bummer considering the fact that there is a larger market for the XL, especially in the coming years with the new updated 3D screen. Yes, the glassless stereoscopic 3D has finally been updated! Well, not really, but a new head-tracking feature integrated into the console’s front camera tracks your head movements and adjusts settings of your screen accordingly to make the 3D more stable. Now, you don’t have to keep your eyes fixed on the sweet spot position to get the 3D effect right.

This new addition works brilliantly; the head-tracking camera could track my head movements effortlessly no matter how vigorously I shook it or the console. There is also an addition of an NFC sensor below the touchscreen that should allow you to scan your amiibo figurines right into the supported game on your 3DS.

The console also features an upgraded CPU and graphical processor, but for now, that extra “oomph” in speed can only be experienced in the web browser. As of now, there is yet to be a game to be released, which takes advantage of the extra graphical power.

Verdict

Despite several additions, the gameplay in the old and new versions are pretty much the same, except for the new head-tracking feature that has drastically improved the overall 3D experience. But that does not mean that the other additions have been wasted.

In fact, games coming up in the near future are expected to take full advantage of the new buttons, amiibo support, as well as the more powerful graphics processor.

For those who own the old 3DS or 3DS XL, I would recommend upgrading their handhelds to the newer versions and futureproof themselves as we could expect a few (or maybe all) the upcoming games to be playable with the extra prowess of the new 3DS, which would invariably render the old 3DS redundant.

Hence, I highly recommend the new 3DS, especially for Nintendo fans. The new 3DS is possibly the best handheld console in the gaming market as of now.

Final score: 8.9/10

Pranav is a 17 year old whose passion is writing reviews and articles on technology and gaming. His gaming tag is Fleet Admiral. You can check out his tech vlog at: www.youtube.com/user/pran avnairtech or contact him at pranav.nair@apexmedia.co.o