Pros outweigh the cons. Ill help to figure out if you want this or XL model
UPDATED: 5/27/2013
I have owned the 3DS for 2 years now, so I decided to update this review for a 3rd time.
In this review I will ignore over-the-top technical aspects, and point out negative aspects in a manner that even buyers who are completely foreign to video games can understand.
This is the ORIGINAL Nintendo 3DS model, now priced at $169.99 or lower in new condition (If you pay more than that, find a better bargain)! Also, look out for bundle deals where the system is packaged with a 3DS game for $169.99, because at that price you should now be able to come away with more than just the system itself.
Parents, keep in mind that this is NOT the Nintendo 3DS XL. They are both the same system that plays the same games, but the XL is a larger model, has a little bit more battery life, a screen that is 93% bigger than the model I am reviewing, and costs $200.00 or less in new condition. To see the differences for yourself, this is the official Nintendo link http://www.nintendo.com/3ds
The original 3DS is roughly the size of the Nintendo DS Lite; however, playing games can be somewhat uncomfortable for larger-handed players due to the games' control schemes, and can cause cramping and other aches. Nintendo created the 3DS XL model to solve this issue, but since the XL model is mich larger, it loses its' portability, and no longer fits in a normal pants pocket. The original 3DS model I am reviewing now does fit in a pocket. Children and adults with smaller hands should be okay, but if you have larger hands, you may want to pay the extra $30.00 for the XL Model.
During game play, one problem I did notice is that the 3DS quality is disrupted when a player tilts or leans the system too far in any direction. The console must be held in a certain position in front of you in order to keep the 3D effect active. Needless to say, this becomes annoying if you should ever readjust your hands or accidentally move the system while playing. This problem became especially frustrating when I was required to use the L and R buttons, located on the back shoulders of the console. The positioning of those two buttons makes it nearly impossible to press them at the same time as when a player is using the circle pad to navigate through a game.
When the console is in a good position, the 3D effect looks good, with no headaches, though I will admit it is not as amazing as some made it seem. Some games do not try to utilize this feature, and I mostly play with the 3D effect off. Just don't expect the 3D to literally jump out at you the entire time. It only happens every so often.
Unlike the older, regular DS models, the stylus is attached to the back of the system on the left side, which I find annoying and less accessible since the original DS console had the stylus easily in reach on the right side. Therefore, I sometimes need to pause the game to get the stylus out. Though not all the games require the stylus, the ones that do can sometimes cause some issues.The XL model fixed this issue as well, and returned the stylus to the right side.
The circle pad differs from traditional joysticks, and does quite well, but walking diagonally can sometimes prove frustrating.
Nintendo will reveal one final reworked model of this device in 2015, but for now if you do not mind losing portability, the larger 3DS XL model is a better purchase; however, if you have small hands this model will be fine.
As for the games, there are many great titles. More to come!Read full review
