Which 3DS Should You Buy? Full Guide

In this video, we take a look at every 3DS model. And rank them all at the end.

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MUSIC:
► 3DS - eShop

INFO:
This video is created by Anton Retro.
Certain videos are for educational purposes.

[TheSusGuyO_O]

I got a "new" Nintendo 3DS XL from someone at my school for only 5$ since it was in cosmetically bad condition and he just wanted to get rid of it. It was originally black, but after replacing the outside top shell, outside bottom shell, and battery cover with red ones. So I basically made my own "custom" "new" Nintendo 3DS XL that is red on the exterior and black on the interior. I also had to replace the micro SD card slot and speakers due to the micro SD card slot being dented down and the speakers being busted, but it wasn't difficult to do the repairs and I spent 30$ to buy the parts. So I basically bought it for just 35$ after I repaired it, which was less than a quarter than what those go for on eBay! Probably one of my best purchases ever and I'm very happy with it!

[willissudweeks]

I bought a new 3ds xl and now it’s a mandatory console for me to have. I play it more than my steam deck. I absolutely love it.

[Atodarack]

American price for 3DS are insane, 300$ for a New 3DS XL?? if you plan on hacking (which in 2023 is probably the case) just buy one from Japan and region change it if you don't want the UI to be in japanese
I just bought two metallic blue New 3DS LL from japan for 60$ each (before shipping), both are working great and I switched the region to Europe now

[Greaseworld]

I really miss my new 3ds xl but I really like the feel of the 2ds xl and the original 2ds . Great work on the video

[AdriaanD]

I bought a New 2DS XL in 2017 for €139. In the next few years I bought around 20 games. And I really wanted to play them in 3D. In 2022 I was in a game shop and saw a used New 3DS XL for €109. So I bought it on the spot. Still so happy with it. The upper screen is also a IPS screen.

[penguinz]

Luckily i can get a “new” nintendo 3ds for less then 200€ in good condition

[kailthous]

I'm amazed you put 2DS at the bottom of the list. as the original 2DS is the only ergonomically designed 3DS and the only one where human sized hands wont cramp after 5 mins of gameplay.

[grafvinestarry]

Great Video


I'm happy with my (modded) New 3ds

[jeng]

I used to have a DS Lite in rose pink but had to sell it. 😢 I miss that little thing.

[Frank-spvu]

Agree with most of your rankings, but I personally would have switched the 2DS with the 3DS. The 2DS screens look bigger, and it feels better in the hands too. They're also the most affordable too.

[newogame]

N3dsXL all the way though its going to be hard to get one in decent condition + cheap. Worth it for playing DS, SNES and 3ds games.

[Ziscuit]

what a great structured and informative video. no BS just right into da point. thanks man. u earned a sub!

[meILM]

In my opinion, the new 2DS XL is extremely overrated. Compared to the 3ds XL and the New 3ds XL, (the other 2 3ds systems i've had) It feels very cheap and almost hollow. Especially the upper screen, which is extreme flimsy, and bends so much thst the colors shift whenever adjusting it's position. It feels like I might break it on accident when opening the console.

That beung said, its unique size, (being smaller than the other XL consoles; the camera and home/start/select buttons being moved to the sides and hinge of the console) may make it better for people with smaller hands.

[JuanD]

I used to have a New 3DS XL but couldn't stand the pixelated screen and noticable jaggies, I ended up selling it and getting myself the normal sized N3DS and it has been a blast, with better pixels per inch making every game more sharper due to the small screen and better portability, not to mention that I got lucky in getting dual IPS screens, this for me is the best version out of all the 3DS consoles

[CB_gt]

I love the 3DS music it just gives nostalgia

[dreamseeker]

My entry into the Nintendo 3ds line was the 25th anniversary legend of zelda ocarina of time limited edition console back in 2011, but I'm looking to upgrade to the new 3ds xl Majora's mask limited edition hopefully this year. I love my console and it still looks like it did the day I got it brand new but I'm a 6'8" guy and I need a bigger console, and I've tried plenty of 3ds options which give increased grip size such as the racing wheel accessory and the circle pad pro attachment but it's past time to upgrade. I've had tons of fun and made great memories with this and I hope that whoever ends up buying it from me do the same. Thanks for the video, I appreciate getting a comparison of all 3ds and 2ds consoles out there

[SpidrexZ]

I have the New Nintendo 3ds and it is so amazing. I am so happy I got it for 100 dollars at Walmart on black friday since it is the super mario editon that was sold that year. The prices now are insane.

[gazzaboy]

I bought a 2ds as a entry level for £50 2 months ago and haven't put it down, planning on getting the new 3ds XL now😊

[ignasia]

Definitely an interesting take. I do not own any 3DS, 3DS XL, or 2DS systems. I do however own N3DS, N3DS XL's, and N2DS XL's.

I would like to mention that the New 3DS base model does have two things above and beyond the N2DS XL, and one thing above the New 3DS XL.

1. Battery life is superior to the New 2DS XL. Though it's slightly worse than the New 3DS XL. This is due to the calibrations of the models, but it does vary greatly, as the New 2DS XL's are the only model with a consistent calibration, and both New 3DS models have absolutely wonky off the wall calibration that differs whether it's IPS or TN, with various colour temps, balance, brightness, contrast, color, and even sharpness. No seriously, they're probably unique to each factory, and Nintendo just failed to send a universal setting until the New 2DS XL's.

However the New 2DS XL's have rather high brightness, color, and contrast vs every model of New 3DS + XL I've seen. They're also consistent, and the backlight is brighter. A lot brighter. The speakers are also inherently louder due to the downward position towards cupped hands, just to get a similar level of sound for most players. I have large hands, so for me it's louder, but to move sound over that much distance as well...yeah. So it eats through battery life like nothing else. Plus the New 2DS XL uses the New 3DS battery, rather than the New 3DS XL battery. So not as much power to draw from.

2. The screen ratio is flawless on the New 3DS. While both the XL's stretch it, so certain games look more jaggy as a result. While it's much crisper and cleaner on the smaller "New" model. Like...way cleaner.

===

I'll add in a 3rd. This is a huge mark against the New 2DS XL. Replacing screens, and just generally getting into the system to clean it. Screen replacement is about a 6/10 rank or so versus only a 3 or 4/10 with both New 3DS models. Especially as they use double sided sticky pads between the screen and back. Plus the way the wires lay inside make it a pain, and taking the top off the bottom is trickier...only somewhat (this is actually where every 3DS unit seems to have issues, though I haven't been inside the original models of either, apparently the exception is the original 2DS).

Though the smaller New 3DS does have one issue: it's far harder to find parts as they didn't release nearly as many units, especially outside Japan.

[callmebrody]

A long time ago my “3ds” broke, today I suddenly had the urge to get a new one for Christmas. After watching this video I came to the shocking revelation that “3ds” was actually just a new 2ds XL that I thought was a 3ds. (Close enough I guess)