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Nintendo New 3DS
85
Engadget Review
Both of the new 3DSes bring enough improvements to warrant an upgrade from the original system. Nintendo has finally managed to make the 3D effect work comfortably, and hardware looks more refined on both models. If you already own a 3DS, an upgrade in 2015 is a wise decision.
Pros
- 3D screen works better, is more enjoyable to use
- Secondary analog pad offers richer control options
- Upgraded processor does everything faster
Cons
- Some games work differently on the last-gen 3DSes
- Customizable plates only offered on the smaller New 3DS
- Buying games and apps is still a chore
View All Critic & User Reviews
Nintendo New 3DS
- Critic Reviews (6)
- User Reviews (5)
- 85AVERAGE CRITIC SCORE6 ReviewsEngadget90Nintendo 3DS review (2014): a good reason to give 3D another shotBoth of the new 3DSes bring enough improvements to warrant an upgrade from the original system. Nintendo has finally managed to make the 3D effect work comfortably, and hardware looks more refined on both models. If you already own a 3DS, an upgrade in 2015 is a wise decision.CNET80New Nintendo 3DS: Not entirely new, but certainlyNintendo's New 3DS isn't much improved overall, but that new display alone almost makes the purchase worthwhile -- or will do, once it's available outside of Japan.Wired90Nintendo’s New 3DS XL Isn’t a Huge Upgrade, BuWill New 3DS protect Nintendo from the steadily encroaching threats that keep taking big bites out of its portable gaming business? Not by itself. But it continues to produce the very best gaming-only portable device, and that’s got to count for something… right?Eurogamer90New Nintendo 3DS reviewThis is a upgrade worth waiting for - and is likely the final throw of the dice for the 3DS range.The Verge80New Nintendo 3DS reviewIf you’re into the idea of an inexpensive portable machine that plays ... a bunch of other excellent games, you probably own a 3DS already. If you don’t, you should wait for this new model to come out in your country. Even if you do, you might find the New 3DS to be worth the upgrade anyway.TrustedReviews80New Nintendo 3DS reviewIf you're a Nintendo fan then chances are you're already counting down the days until the western launch is announced or have already imported a Japanese model, but for everyone else, this remains the ideal entry point for the 3DS and its library of amazing titles.
- 92AVERAGE USER SCORE5 ReviewsJohn100July 20, 2019Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!I love the Damn thing . I got it as a birthday present years ago and I'm still fascinated with the graphics and amazed with the 3D .... I recently bought Castlevania Lords of shadow/Mirror of Fate and was telling my son how great it looked , then I noticed that the 3D slider was set to off .. When I tried it on WOW !! AMAZING !! I get such a kick out of the 3D games and apps ..... It did so much more then just play gaming .. I'm still creating 3D stop motion movie clips with it ... It's just a great all in one system .. It takes pictures movie clips it has a sound recorded . I'm even trying a bio feedback with the sound recorded for my tinnitus .. What can I say , I still love it to death ! But like all good thing it might come back around again .... I feel it was sent to pasture too soonWilliam80July 14, 2019Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!Aesthetically and functionally the greatest handheld gaming-centric device ever built. Whereas the New 3DS XL would typically take that title, or maybe even the Switch, the New 3DS has two things that set it above the others. 1. Portability. Far greater portable shape and size than the New 3DS XL or the Switch, and even the Vita for that matter. Fits in a pocket easily, albeit with a slight bulge. 2. Aesthetic. Some folks will say the New 3DS XL special editions looks better, and in the case of the Majora's Mask edition, I would be inclined to agree but the simple off-white tone with the SNES buttons make this an immediately more attractive system. But the best part? Customization. Faceplates representing franchises like Zelda, Pokemon, Mario, etc make this a worthy investment and a lot of fun in itself. Personally I rock the Blastoise plates from the 20th Anniversary Pokemon Edition (btw greatest special edition console ever made IMO) but there are plenty of different flavors to choose from.While the system does have it's flaws, it's completely forgiven for the things it gets right. But on the subject of flaws, they do exist. For instance, the battery life is horrid when compared to even smaller phones processing much more than some polygons. 3D will have a noticeable effect on battery life. Best to keep a charger nearby.Also, while it is a simple update, it was outshined graphically by the Vita a couple years prior and completely devastated by the Switch a few years later, all while being rocked by smartphones entirely. Resolution is a bit better than the New 3DS XL but that doesn't make it even remotely pleasant when playing a game like Xenoblades. Personally I find this to be its biggest flaw but I understand most won't see that as big an issue. All in all, the updated processing power, superior games library and all around sleek, refined feel make this the best 3DS variant, and by extension handheld, ever built. I would highly recommend getting one while you still can.Ahmir100July 14, 2019Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!A gadget unicorn - Engadgetaaronmarks90July 13, 2019Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!The best in its category. We highly recommend it. - EngadgetEngadget Reader90May 11, 2015Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!The best in its category. We highly recommend it. - Engadget
Key Specs
GAME FORMAT
Downloadable, Cartridge
SCREEN SIZE
3.5322
TOUCHSCREEN
Yes
ONLINE FEATURES
Multiplayer, Store, Browser
DIRECTION CONTROL
D pad, Thumb stick
MOTION CONTROLS
Yes
CAMERA
Yes
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