Poll What is the best Nintendo 3DS model? (19 votes)
Nintendo 3DS 16%
Nintendo 3DS XL 0%
Nintendo 2DS 11%
New Nintendo 3DS 26%
New Nintendo 3DS XL 47%
There have already been more models of the Nintendo 3DS than of any other Nintendo handheld in history. With so many models, you'd think that there is a clear progression of improvement over the years, but surprisingly enough, that is not actually the case- the models are all each differentiated enough that you can make a compelling case for each of them, except for maybe the original.
Here's a summary of each model to better help you vote:
NINTENDO 3DS:
- Original launch model
- Features autostereoscopic 3DS
- Small form factor
- Comes with 2GB storage included
- Comes with a telescopic stylus
- 3-5 hours of battery life
- Cramped ergonomics
- Unstable 3D with a narrow sweet spot
NINTENDO 3DS XL:
- Bigger screens compared to original model
- Slightly better 3D quality
- 4GB of included storage
- More spread out ergonomics
- 5-7 hours of battery life
- Low pixel density
- Too big to be truly portable
- Unstable 3D with a narrow sweet spot
NINTENDO 2DS:
- Comfortable form factor and ergonomics
- Extremely cheap
- Comes with 4GB of included storage
- Most durable 3DS model
- Lack of clamshell design limits portability
- No autostereoscopic 3D whatsoever
- Only mono sound output (requires headphones for stereo sound)
- 4-6 hours of battery life
- Screen size reverts to the same as that of the original 3DS model
NEW NINTENDO 3DS:
- Same form factor and size as the original model
- Battery life 4-6 hours
- 4GB of included memory
- Changeable faceplates add to further customization
- Super Stable 3D
- Highest pixel density of any 3DS model
- Added controls via the C stick, and ZL/ZR buttons
- Small form factor can lead to cramped ergonomics
NEW NINTENDO 3DS XL
- Same form factor as the 3DS XL
- Massive screens, using IPS panels (highest quality screens)
- 4GB included memory
- Super Stable 3D
- 5-8 hours of battery life
- Added controls via the C stick, and ZL/ZR buttons
- More spread out ergonomics
- Massive size means low portability
- No changeable faceplates
- Extremely low pixel density
Which one is the very best model, then? It seems like on paper, the New 3DS would be the best, but because that did not launch here in North America, I can't actually say for sure. Of the ones I used? New 3DS XL wins out for sure, so that gets my vote.
How about you all?
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