A Guide To Buying A 3DS In 2024 And Beyond

The Nintendo 3DS might have released over a decade ago, but it remains popular and the prices have been increasing in recent years. Last year I made a guide video on buying a 3DS in 2023, so it's time to update the guide for both new and existing 3DS owners. Let's take a look at which 3DS is right for you.
Chapters:

00:00 Introduction
00:52 Old 3DS'
1:15 Average Price Sheet
1:30 Old vs New 3DS
2:41 New 3DS/2DS average prices
3:00 IPS Screens
3:20 Special Editions Systems
3:52 All North American System Average Prices
4:59 Imported Japanese 3DS systems
5:20 Japanese 3DS' Average Prices
5:46 Comparing all System Prices
6:02 What to look out for
7:40 Ending

Example of an Unlocked Japanese New 3DS U.S. Based Seller with Disney Cover plates ( Not affiliated with channel and I do not endorse the seller, purchase at own risk):

Example of a Japanese Region Unlocked New Regular Size 3DS, ships from Japan so might be subject to import fees ( Not affiliated with channel and I do not endorse the seller, purchase at own risk):

Example of a Region Locked/Unmodded Japanese New 3DS regular size if you want to Mod it yourself . ( Not affiliated with channel and I do not endorse the seller, purchase at own risk):

Example of a New 3DS LL( XL version in Japan) with IPS screen already Region Unlocked( Not affliated with channel and I do not endorse the seller, purchase at own risk):


Example of a Unmodded/Region Locked New 3DS LL ( XL version in Japan) if you want to unlock/mod it yourself( Not affiliated with channel and I do not endorse the seller, purchase at own risk) :

Example Video of how to mod your 3DS ( Not affiliated with channel and I do not endorse this channel, follow at your own risk):

Some of the Music used in the video does not belong to me and belongs to their copyright holders:

Pokemon Ruby and Sapphire Pinball : Main Music Theme

Pokemon Ruby : Littleroot Town song

Mario and Luigi Super Star Saga : Castle theme

Pokemon Trading Card Game : Main Battle Theme

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[LAFLAME]

Wow this is a really good video, I wasn’t expecting this level of production value from a channel this small. Really helpful! Thanks!

[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!

[izzymaedavidson]

I just got an OG 3ds because I like the quirky design and I hear it feels more premium than the other models.

[bngbox]

Those average prices are if you don’t care about the condition of the device, in my searches. If you want a pretty condition one it’ll be about $40-50 more than your listed prices, not including shipping.

[TeapotDaddy]

I kept my eye on local second hand markets and found a new 3ds xl for 60$ (it was 80, but I managed to get 20 knocked off for the microphone not working and the battery being so bloated it blew out the back) I replaced the battery and I've never been so happy with a purchase.
If you're patient there are some great deals out there!

[bradybalaban]

Already have a new 2ds XL, not sure why I watched the video until the end, but glad I did

[ebuze]

Actually bought a New 3Ds for 110€ earlier this week

[mentallyfatigue]

Just in time! Thanks for this video 🌟 I just ordered N3DS regular last week and still waiting for the item. Need this guide since the only online servers shut down recently.

[VeanorSajmon]

in my country it costs average of 200$-220$ for an used one, thats crazy

[WantBadtime]

Thanks. I needed this video to show to my friend who is interested in buying a 3DS.

[danielEverett]

Alright I'm gonna be straight here. Just buy the new 3ds xl. It's the cheapest, and arguably the best model. But if you want the smaller new 3ds, that's gotten a fair bit expensive. But that's also an option.

Just none of the old models, they have risen to way too much in prices for what they're actually worth.

[mart]

I can't wait for my New 3DS XL to arrive. I have a 3DS XL but it recently broke due to water damage. Gonna mod it again and get this app i installed that allowed me to use my 3DS as a controller for my smartphone/computer. I remember I mounted my phone over the top screen of my 3DS XL, loaded a Dreamcast emulator on my phone, and I used the 3DS as a controller. I was basically playing Sonic Adventure on my 3DS. And it worked perfectly lol.

[charliecarrot]

How do you sound like a teenager but have the hands of a 50 year old man

[zachzeaman]

picked up a original 2DS for $80 from a local retro games store. already modded

[MrChickenD]

I just bought mine for $90 on facebook marketplace here in Mexico, for some reason they are cheaper here. It's the New 3DS XL. I was lucky because I think it was the last one on sale in town, I asked in several groups and no one had it.

[rvreqTheSheepo]

Got original 3DS, new for 130 euro, as I heard that DS games look better on smaller screen, never had one so it will be interesting to start from

[alfonsopayan]

Got lucky online
50 usd for a normal first older 3DS

[romeosnow]

Just got my hands on an original 3ds for $90 and i cant wait to mod it thanks for convincing me man. I appreciate you!

[ericv]

I want to buy old pokemon games and the old systems for them. So a 3ds/2ds would be great. There's a store by where I live called the exchange where you can buy and sell all kinds of old/new video games, consoles, music cds/vinyls, movies, TV show dvds, etc. So I'll probably get them from there.

[Trinket_Master]

Ill be honest youtube is one of the reasons i hate the second hand market.

The reason the prices are so high is because a gaggle of high subscriber youtubers started posting how the 3ds is a "hidden gem to get while its cheap", the typical clickbait crap they do for every genre of device and since then they've become a collector's item, ive seen people selling them for over 200 euro in horrible condition and im talking OG 3ds not even new.

All my local stores have beat up models at nearly 300 euro, its a fucking joke and all because youtubers cant leave something niche and fun be niche and fun, they have to gouge the market so excited people who have no interest in the console flock to it and then let it rot on a shelf when they realise it isnt an end all be all system and needs a lot of modding to work well in 2024