3DS vs. 3DS XL
Nintendo has a habit of updating its portable systems. Therefore, it comes as no surprise to any passionate fan to learn that an upgrade to the 3DS system, the 3DS XL, is now available.
This latest addition to the family doesn’t improve upon the basics of the sequel; the system still features support for glasses-free 3D viewing. So what are the changes to this model when we compare Nintendo 3DS vs. 3DSXL? Read on to find out.
Screen size
This is perhaps the biggest selling point of this edition; screen sizes are 90% larger than the sequel. What this simply means is that you get a better gaming experience with the screen that looks twice the size of the 3DS. One drawback, however, is that the screen resolution remains the same.
Design
This edition has moved away from the glossy, slippery finish of the sequel to a matte finish that sits firmly in your hands. Regarding the changes in the system dimension, there is not much difference to report. The newer system has a dimension of 134 x 74 x 21mm compared to the previous dimension of 30 x 74 x 20mm.
Battery duration
The 3DS XL has a longer battery life than the 3DS. To power up those new screens, the newer console has a 3.5-6.5 hour battery life compared to 3-5 hours on its predecessor. In general, you will find that battery life depends on things like the brightness of the screens.
Storage device
The free SD drive that comes with the console has also been updated. The drive size has been increased from 2 GB to 4 GB, giving you more hard drive space to store your downloaded games, images, and audio files.
Weight
With a 90% increase in viewing area, there is a small increase in console weight. The 3DS XL weighs 3.5 ounces more than the 3DS. However, this should not affect the portability of the device.
The following remain the same:
button controls
You can expect to find your button controls in the same way with a little more space. There have been rumors about the possibility of Nintendo introducing a second circle analog pad, but this has not been implemented in this update, possibly because it will affect battery life.
game lines
Backwards compatibility is preserved on this system, which means your old favorite titles downloaded from DSiware, games from the 3DS-only store, and GBA titles all hold up just fine on the 3DS XL.
cameras
There are still three cameras; two outward-facing cameras and one inward-facing camera.
recommendations
When comparing 3DS XL vs 3DS, there isn’t much of a difference between the consoles. However, the 3DS XL will certainly give you a better gaming experience. So this is the verdict; Already own a 3DS system and are you a die-hard fan? You should think about upgrading. If you don’t have one, it’s obvious, you should get one.