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Nintendo 3DS XL

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How it works?
  1. User ratingsUser ratingsratings of product added by Productz users
  2. Expert ratingsExpert ratingsexperts ratings from editorial reviews
  3. Consumer ratingsConsumer ratingsratings from the biggest online stores worldwide
Legend
  1. Excellent
  2. Good
  3. Poor
  4. Average
4.2
based on all reviews
User ratings:
53
4.3 out of 5
53 user ratings
5 stars
50 %
4 stars
32 %
3 stars
11 %
2 stars
3 %
1 stars
1 %
Consumer ratings:
4.2 / 5
Editorial reviews:
40
  1. See more
4.1 out of 5
12 user ratings
5 stars
25 %
4 stars
75 %
3 stars
0 %
2 stars
0 %
1 stars
0 %
Read editorial reviews

Pros

  • feels and performs markedly better than its predecessor
  • more powerful hardware is having a strong beneficial impact on the software
  • faster and smoother than in previous models

Cons

  • the decision is a bit more complicated
  • Nintendo 3DS does count as a hardware upgrade
  • a 3DS is not an iPad

Key specs

  • no
  • yes
  • 2 GB
  • yes
  • LED
  • 4.85 in
  • no
  • yes

Nintendo 3DS XL - Pros & Cons

Nintendo 3DS XL

Pros

  • feels and performs markedly better than its predecessor
  • more powerful hardware is having a strong beneficial impact on the software
  • faster and smoother than in previous models
  • 3DS's tilt-and-touch controls are better for precision aiming
  • improved 3D effect comes pretty close
  • internet browser is greatly improved on the New 3DS XL as well
  • system transfer even retained my folder system
  • faster downloads and smoother UI
  • great upgrade and a strong entry point
  • super durable
  • clean and easy use controls

Cons

  • the decision is a bit more complicated
  • Nintendo 3DS does count as a hardware upgrade
  • a 3DS is not an iPad
  • Nintendo 3DS XL seem largely unnecessary
  • Nintendo 3DS XL
  • 3DS has only one analog pad
  • Slim has a bit more juice
  • 3DS is a step behind
  • next-generation Nintendo handheld/console fusion platform
  • the slot is concealed beneath a removable back plate
  • is disappointing is battery life

Nintendo - Video Reviews (9)

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Nintendo 3DS XL - Full Specifications

Icon
Technical details
CPU cores2
CPU clock speed266.0 MHz
CPU typeARM11
GPU typePICA200
GPU clock speed200.0 MHz
Ram memory128MB
Icon
Camera
Built-in camerayes
Main camera resolution0.3 Mpx
Second camerayes
Second camera resolution0.3 Mpx
Icon
Design
Colour of product
  • Black
  • Black,Blue
  • Black,Grey
  • Black,Red
  • Black,Silver
  • Orange
  • Pink
  • Pink,White
  • White
Built-in touchpadno
Gaming control technologyAnalogue / Digital
Gaming control function keys
  • D-pad
  • Home
  • Power
  • Select
  • Start
Analog thumbsticksyes
Shoulder buttonsyes
LED indicatorsY
Icon
Audio properties
Supported audio files
  • AAC
  • MP3
Built-in speakersyes
Number of built-in speakers2
Icon
Features
Accessories includedGame
3D supportyes
Motion sensoryes
Gyroscopeyes
Accelerometeryes
Multiplayer supportyes
Backward compatibilityyes
Built-in microphoneyes
Video game includedno
Games includedSuper Mario 3D Land
Stylus penyes
Parental controlyes
Icon
Network
App StoreNintendo eShop
Icon
Display
Display typeLED
Screen size4.85 in
Aspect ratio16:10
Screen resolution800 x 240 px
Number of colours16.78 million colours
Touch displayyes
Touchscreen typeResistive
Second displayyes
Second screen size4.18 in
Second display resolution320 x 240 px
Icon
Dimensions
Height3.66 in
Width0.63 in
Depth3.66 in
Weight3.28 oz
Icon
Storage
Internal storage2 GB
Memory card readeryes
Type of mediaMemory card
Compatible memory cards
  • Secure Digital
  • Secure Digital HC
Memory card includedSD
Included memory card size4.0 GB
Built-in hard driveno
Built-in optical driveno
Icon
Image
Supported image files
  • GIF
  • JPEG/JPG
Icon
Connectivity
WiFino
Wireless networking standard
  • 802.11b
  • 802.11g
  • 802.11n
USByes
USB version2.0
GPRSno
Bluetoothno
DC-in jackyes
Microphone inyes
Headphone connectivity3.5 mm
Headphone output1
3G (UMTS)no
Built-in navigation systemno
Icon
Power
Battery life (running)8.0 h
Battery life (max)10.0 h
Battery type
Lithium-Ion
Battery capacity1750.0 mAh
Number of batteries required1
Charging time3.5 h

Nintendo 3DS XL - Q&A (23)

  • 0
    Votes
    Productz
    over 1 year ago
    Is the 3DS XL still supported?
    elias
    over 1 year ago
    3DS family hardware was officially discontinued on September 16, 2020. Nintendo Network services remain active in most regions; the Nintendo eShop is slated to shut down in late March 2023. The option to add credits for the 3DS has been removed as of late August of 2022.
    Helpful?
  • 0
    Votes
    Productz
    over 1 year ago
    What can a 3DS XL do?
    sheilah.koss
    over 1 year ago
    Innovating further with future iterations such as the 3DS XL, which has increased the company's rapport among fans....So today we look at 15 things you had no idea the Nintendo 3DS could do.
    Helpful?
  • 0
    Votes
    Productz
    over 1 year ago
    Are 3DS XL still being sold?
    marry.okon
    over 1 year ago
    Due to the manufacturing of all 3DS models having been discontinued in September, 2020, their prices will vary based on which editions are more sought after and the condition of each individual console.
    Helpful?
  • 0
    Votes
    Productz
    over 1 year ago
    What does the blue light on the 3DS XL mean?
    malik
    over 1 year ago
    The Nintendo 3DS has four different LED notification colors that signal various system statuses: Blue: You have received a SpotPass notification. The Notification LED may not light for some types of data.
    Helpful?
  • 0
    Votes
    Productz
    over 1 year ago
    Is the new 3DS XL more powerful?
    conrad
    over 1 year ago
    Not all games take advantage of this, but it's a far more elegant solution than the ugly Circle Pad Pro attachment for the original 3DS models. The New 3DS XL also packs a more powerful processor than its predecessors.
    Helpful?
  • 0
    Votes
    Productz
    over 1 year ago
    Is 3DS XL worth getting?
    natividad.collier
    over 1 year ago
    If you've never had a 3DS before, you may be wondering if it's worth getting one. I say it absolutely is worth it. With a large range of games (made even larger by its backward compatibility with the DS system's titles), there is no better time to grab one than right now.
    Helpful?
  • 0
    Votes
    Productz
    over 1 year ago
    Why was the 3DS XL discontinued?
    jarrett.blick
    over 1 year ago
    While Nintendo initially insisted it was not a "replacement" for the 3DS, declining support and sales meant the venerable handheld's time was limited. In the year to March 2020, only 69,000 3DS consoles were sold.
    Helpful?
  • 0
    Votes
    russ
    about 2 years ago
    How old is Nintendo 3DS XL?
    wanda.heller
    about 2 years ago
    As of 2022, the Nintendo 3DS XL is now around 10 years old. The first 3DS XL went on sale in 2012.
    Helpful?
  • 0
    Votes
    dannie
    about 2 years ago
    Is Nintendo 3DS XL discontinued?
    basil
    about 2 years ago
    Yes, the Nintendo 3DS XL has now been officially discontinued by the company.
    Helpful?
  • 0
    Votes
    jacelyn
    about 2 years ago
    How much is Nintendo 3DS XL?
    elbert
    about 2 years ago
    A Nintendo 3DS XL would cost around $90 in the US.
    Helpful?
  • 0
    Votes
    carlee
    about 2 years ago
    Does Nintendo 3DS XL have Bluetooth?
    terese
    about 2 years ago
    No, the Nintendo 3DS XL does not have Bluetooth.
    Helpful?
  • 0
    Votes
    benedict_emard
    about 2 years ago
    Does Nintendo 3DS XL need an SD card?
    joanna_waters
    about 2 years ago
    Yes, the 3DS XL uses a microSD card for backing up data such as music or additional game content.
    Helpful?
  • 0
    Votes
    shea.conroy
    about 2 years ago
    Does Nintendo 3DS XL have region lock?
    teofila
    about 2 years ago
    Yes, the Nintendo 3DS is region locked to optimize parental controls and region-specific menu updates.
    Helpful?
  • 0
    Votes
    pamula
    about 2 years ago
    Can Nintendo 3DS XL connect to TV?
    blaine.pfannerstill
    about 2 years ago
    Yes, it is possible to connect your Nintendo 3DS XL to a TV, but an attachment made by thrid party vendors is required.
    Helpful?
  • 0
    Votes
    ahmad
    about 2 years ago
    What is the difference between Nintendo 2DS XL and 3DS XL?
    olinda
    about 2 years ago
    The main difference is the inclusion of stereoscopic (sans glasses) 3D in the 3DS. Furthermore, the 3DS is also slightly heavier.
    Helpful?
  • 0
    Votes
    nathanael.schroeder
    about 2 years ago
    Can Nintendo 3DS XL play DS games?
    rudolf
    about 2 years ago
    Yes, the Nintendo 3DS XL is backward compatible, meaning they can play DS games.
    Helpful?
  • 0
    Votes
    versie.kutch
    about 2 years ago
    Does Nintendo 3DS XL play all DS games?
    euna
    about 2 years ago
    Yes, the Nintendo 3DS XL is backward compatible with the DS, meaning you can play DS games. Some games, however, cannot be played such as those that require the GameBoy Advance Game Slot.
    Helpful?
  • 0
    Votes
    saturnina_lindgren
    about 2 years ago
    Does Nintendo 3DS XL have WiFi?
    malinda_sawayn
    about 2 years ago
    Yes, the Nintendo 3DS XL does have WiFi capability.
    Helpful?
  • 0
    Votes
    robby_pagac
    about 2 years ago
    Can Nintendo 3DS XL play GameBoy Advance games?
    van.predovic
    about 2 years ago
    No, the Nintendo 3DS XL cannot play GameBoy Advance games, whether physical copies or virtual ones.
    Helpful?
  • 0
    Votes
    sheree.leuschke
    about 2 years ago
    Can you play Fortnite on Nintendo 3DS XL?
    cara
    about 2 years ago
    No, Fortnite cannot run on the Nintendo 3DS XL.
    Helpful?
  • 0
    Votes
    edmund
    about 2 years ago
    Does Nintendo 3DS XL play 3DS games?
    mirian
    about 2 years ago
    Yes, the Nintendo 3DS XL is backward compatible, which means it can play 3DS games as well.
    Helpful?
  • 0
    Votes
    chong.mann
    about 2 years ago
    Does Nintendo 3DS XL come with a charger?
    ambrose.runolfsson
    about 2 years ago
    Yes, the Nintendo 3DS XL does ship with a charger. The 'New' Nintendo 3DS XL, however, does not come with a charger.
    Helpful?
  • 0
    Votes
    dot
    about 2 years ago
    Does Nintendo 3DS XL come with SD card?
    danilo.carroll
    about 2 years ago
    Yes, the Nintendo 3DS XL comes with a 4 GB SD card.
    Helpful?
  • Don't see the answer you're looking for?

Nintendo 3DS XL Nintendo - Editorial Reviews (40)

4.1
Based on 40 reviews
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
Nintendo 3DS XL 5 Most Powerful Gaming Systems Currently Available in The Market - Absolute Gizmos
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Absolute Gizmos
Published: 28.12.2017
5 Most Powerful Gaming Systems Currently Available in The Market - Absolute Gizmos

If you’re a gaming enthusiast you’d most probably be aware of the top brands that sell popular gaming systems like Nintendo, Sony, and Microsoft. Consoles from these manufacturers engrain and inspire gamers due to the creative cornucopia of games that they have to offer and their amazing functionality. Here’s a list of the top 5 gaming systems or consoles that are available in the market. Microsoft Xbox One S Microsoft is famous in the gaming arena for its awe-inspiring Xbox, and the recent video game console from the brand works great for uplifting the brand’s value with its high-performance specifications. [...]

Nintendo 3DS XL Nintendo 3DS XL Review: Bigger Screen, Better 3D, Still Kinda Clumsy
Gizmodo logo
Gizmodo
Published: 18.09.2012
Nintendo 3DS XL Review: Bigger Screen, Better 3D, Still Kinda Clumsy

When everyone's already got a smartphone in a pocket, what good is a portable game console? Figuring that out is one of the toughest challenges for traditional game makers right now.

Nintendo 3DS XL Nintendo 3DS XL Review and Giveaway
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MakeUseOf
Published: 09.04.2013
Nintendo 3DS XL Review and Giveaway
3.5

Among all the big names in gaming consoles, Nintendo is definitely among the top favorites. As a '90s kid, I associate much of my childhood with playing Nintendo games. I remember growing up with the Nintendo 64, the GameBoy Color, GameBoy Advance, and Nintendo DS. Through all the different iterations, the gameplay had improved drastically with new features and visual effects. Nintendo is still going strong and has brought out their latest generation portable gaming console, the Nintendo 3DS. Today, we'll be taking an in-depth look at the <strong><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Nintendo-3DS-XL-Blue-Black/dp/B008GEH9HO">Nintendo 3DS XL</a> as well as give one away to a lucky reader</strong>!

Nintendo 3DS XL Nintendo 3DS XL
stuff.tv/my/ logo
stuff.tv/my/
Published: 18.07.2012
Nintendo 3DS XL
4.0
Nintendo 3DS XL Nintendo 3DS XL review
The Verge logo
The Verge
Published: 01.10.2012
Nintendo 3DS XL review

In a market under threat, Nintendo attempts to prove size does matter

Nintendo 3DS XL Nintendo 3DS XL Review
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SlashGear
Published: 01.08.2012
Nintendo 3DS XL Review

Reviewing a product like the Nintendo 3DS XL is a strange affair. The mobile gaming market has changed dramatically over the last several years thanks to the advent of iOS and Android, both offerin…

Nintendo 3DS XL Nintendo 3DS XL Review - Review
Nintendo World Report logo
Nintendo World Report
Nintendo 3DS XL Review - Review
Nintendo 3DS XL Review: Nintendo 3DS XL
techsmart.co.za logo
techsmart.co.za
Review: Nintendo 3DS XL

Nintendo's 3DS XL charmed us no end when we first saw it, but having spent more time with it of late, we found the console to be even better than we remembered.

Nintendo 3DS XL Nintendo 3DS XL Review: Bigger Screen, Better 3D, Still Clumsy
Gizmodo Australia logo
Gizmodo Australia
Published: 19.09.2012
Nintendo 3DS XL Review: Bigger Screen, Better 3D, Still Clumsy

When everyone already has a smartphone, what good is a portable game console? Figuring that out is one of the toughest challenges for traditional game makers right now. Nintendo’s answer is the simplest and best so far: just make it nothing like a smartphone. That’s worked so far. But the...

Nintendo 3DS XL Nintendo 3DS XL review: Is it better than a smartphone for mobile gaming? - Pocketables
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Pocketables
Published: 30.11.2013
Nintendo 3DS XL review: Is it better than a smartphone for mobile gaming? - Pocketables

The Nintendo 3DS XL has been out for a year-and-a-half, and during that time some great games have been released. But can they replace smartphone gaming?

Nintendo 3DS XL Review: The 3DS XL
Destructoid logo
Destructoid
Review: The 3DS XL

The idea of an

Nintendo 3DS XL Review: Nintendo 3DS XL
WIRED logo
WIRED
Published: 15.08.2012
Review: Nintendo 3DS XL
4.5

Nintendo's 3DS XL -- a larger version of its handheld gaming machine -- doesn't just need to supplement the existing 3DS, it needs to redefine the platform. And it might just do that.

Nintendo 3DS XL Nintendo 3DS XL Review | Handheld Gaming Console | Digital Trends
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Digital Trends
Published: 17.08.2012
Nintendo 3DS XL Review | Handheld Gaming Console | Digital Trends

Nintendo’s 3DS XL offers a bigger screen and more ergonomic design than its predecessor, and it will only cost you the price of one game to upgrade.

Nintendo 3DS XL Nintendo 3DS XL review - An idiot’s guide to the 3DS XL
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Critical Hit
Published: 25.07.2012
Nintendo 3DS XL review - An idiot’s guide to the 3DS XL

We've been playing with Nintendo's supersized 3DS XL. Here's just about everything you need to know.

Nintendo 3DS XL New Nintendo 3DS XL review
Polygon logo
Polygon
Published: 13.02.2015
New Nintendo 3DS XL review

The Nintendo 3DS has only been on the market for four years, but it already has a successor of sorts in the New Nintendo 3DS XL. Confusing naming conventions aside — and trust me, we'll get to...

Often compared with Nintendo 3DS XL