Nintendo 3DS, 2DS and New 3DS XL compared

Nintendo 3DS, 2DS, XL or would you prefer the New Nintendo 3DS? In our comparison, we show you the differences between the different models.

The classic model: The Nintendo 3DS

The Nintendo 3DS is the classic and oldest model of the Nintendo 3DS.

• The Nintendo 3DS has all the important features of the Nintendo 3DS. You can play Nintendo 3DS games as well as the older Nintendo DS games because the 3DS is backward compatible.
• While the Nintendo DS games can only be played in classic 2D, you can also play the 3DS games in 3D with the Nintendo 3DS thanks to the stereoscopic 3D effect - just like in the cinema.

The big brother: The Nintendo 3DS XL

The Nintendo 3DS XL is basically a classic Nintendo 3DS, except for one small, big difference.

• As the name suggests, the Nintendo 3DS XL is larger than the Nintendo 3DS. Both screens are a whopping 90 percent larger.
• Except for the larger screens, the Nintendo 3DS XL is identical to the Nintendo 3DS. The Nintendo 3DS XL is therefore recommended if the classic Nintendo 3DS model is too small for you and you want to play on a larger screen.

The affordable entry-level model: the Nintendo 2DS

The Nintendo 2DS is the cheapest model and is often offered in combination with games.

• With the Nintendo 2DS, you can play both 3DS and older Nintendo DS games.
• One of the main differences of the Nintendo 2DS is that you can't close it like the other models. The housing of the Nintendo 2DS is made of noticeably cheaper plastic, but is still comfortable to hold.
• Note that the Nintendo 2DS does not offer a stereoscopic 3D effect. However, you can still play all 3DS games in 2D without restriction.
• Due to the lack of a 3D effect and the housing, the 2DS is often sold individually for less than a hundred euros.

The current model: The New Nintendo 3DS

The New Nintendo 3DS is the latest model of the Nintendo 3DS and improves the classic 3DS by some new functions.

• As with the 3DS, 3DS XL and 2DS, you can also play 3DS and DS games with the New Nintendo 3DS without any restrictions.
• The New Nintendo 3DS has an additional analog stick on the right, which you can optionally use in some games - The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask or Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate.
• There are also two additional shoulder buttons on the back, which are also optionally supported by some games.
• If you use the older Nintendo 3DS or Nintendo 3DS XL, you can also attach the second analog stick and the additional buttons with the Pro sliding pad or Pro XL sliding pad.
• The New Nintendo 3DS offers an improved 3D effect. An infrared camera detects the player's head position. This enables the handheld to readjust the 3D effect. As a result, the 3D effect is more stable and can be seen from a larger angle.
• The New Nintendo 3DS also has a better CPU. This reduces loading times, downloads are faster and individual games, such as Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate, are slightly improved by the New 3DS.
• Thanks to the better CPU, games should appear in the future that will only be playable on the New Nintendo 3DS and New Nintendo 3DS XL. The first exclusive game announced for the New Nintendo 3DS and New Nintendo 3DS XL is Xenoblade Chronicles 3D.
• However, you do not have to worry that you will no longer be able to play new games with an older model. The exclusive games for the New Nintendo 3DS and XL are expected to be exceptions. However, you are only on the safe side with the New Nintendo 3DS and the New Nintendo 3DS XL.
• The New Nintendo 3DS also has an NFC reader under the touchscreen. Thanks to this, you can also use Nintendo's amiibo figures on your handheld. Nintendo has announced an external NFC gadget for the older 3DS and 2DS models.
• For the New Nintendo 3DS, you can also purchase additional interchangeable bezels that you can use to customize your handheld.
• A battery charging cable is not included in the scope of delivery - this costs you around 6 euros again. If you own a 3DS, you can also use its charging cable and do not have to buy a new one.

The latest handheld in large: New Nintendo 3DS XL

The New Nintendo 3DS XL was released together with the New Nintendo 3DS and largely has the same functions and differs only in minor details from its little brother.

• While the New Nintendo 3DS is the successor to the Nintendo 3DS, the New Nintendo 3DS XL can be seen as the successor to the Nintendo 3DS XL.
• For this reason, the New Nintendo 3DS XL has much larger screens. If you already have an XL model, you will probably use the XL model again for the New Nintendo 3DS.
• The only disadvantage of the New Nintendo 3DS is that you have to do without the interchangeable trim panels of the New Nintendo 3DS. These only fit the New Nintendo 3DS compatible.
• The battery charging cable is also missing in this model.
• All other functions of the New Nintendo 3DS, such as the faster CPU or the improved 3D effect, also apply to the New Nintendo 3DS XL.

$config[ads_text5] not found

Which 3DS model is recommended for whom?

Depending on requirements and use, it is recommended to choose a different Nintendo 3DS model.

• With the New Nintendo 3DS you are prepared for the future thanks to new functions and a stronger CPU and you get the current top model of the Nintendo handheld. The XL variant is aimed at those for whom larger screens and better haptics are important.
• The 3DS and 3DS XL are the classic models and offer all the important functions of the 3DS, including the stereoscopic 3D effect. However, the models are getting a bit old and due to the missing buttons and weaker CPU, you cannot use all future functions of new 3DS games.
• The Nintendo 2DS is clearly aimed at beginners due to its low price. You have to do without a high-quality housing and the 3D effect. If you only want to buy the 2DS for a few games, such as Pokémon or Animal Crossing, the 2DS model is sufficient.

Our next practical tip shows you what you can do if your 3DS does not recognize the SD card.

$config[ads_text6] not found