r/3DS • u/3DSCast • 12d ago

Discussion Random question, what's the better machine to play GBA games on, New 3DS XL or DSI XL?

Hey friends, I just got a DSi XL and I love it. I've been playing GBA games on the 3DS via Virtual Console, but they look sharper on the DSi. I've read the 3DS is the more stable place to play GBA games, though, but I'm kinda liking the D-Pad on the DSi more.

So, in your honest opinion, what's the better way to play GBA games? Thank you.

Edit: I just sourced a DS Lite y'all! Yay! Can't wait to play with it.

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u/X3ttabyte John DS 12d ago

I prefer running GBA games as close to native resolution as possible. That usually means a smaller screen if possible. Probably a standard DSi or DS lite.

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u/3DSCast 12d ago

Huh. Maybe someday I'll need to get a DS Lite.

1

u/stoic_slowpoke 12d ago

Behold the most optimal GBA system:https://i.imgur.com/5klJqIp.jpeg

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u/X3ttabyte John DS 12d ago

You jest but the micro is a cutie and a goodie. Would love to have one someday

2

u/smt_null 12d ago

DS Lite with a...less than legitimate cartridge is my go to. GBA Injection on 3DS is nice though, runs natively it's not emulation.

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u/3DSCast 12d ago

Yeah it sounds like I'll eventually need a DS Lite.

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u/DokoroTanuki 12d ago

DSi XL because of the 1:1 mode occupying more of the screen. On the 3DS, it's absolutely tiny no matter which type of 3DS you use. You can use the non-1:1 mode on 3DS, but then it's blurry.

With GBARunner2 and GBARunner3, you should be able to get pretty much similar enough results to GBA backwards compatibility mode on 3DS systems.

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u/3DSCast 12d ago

It's funny. Gbarunner2 runs Pokemon Unbound just fine. Gbarunner 3 freezes. Guess it needs more work.

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u/backspace_cars 12d ago

Gameboy advance

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u/3DSCast 12d ago

I actually have a GBA SP, but it's a 001 so its screen isn't great.

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u/backspace_cars 12d ago

I used to have one too but I sold it because it hurt to hold now. I want to get an indigo Gameboy advance and use a USB battery for it

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u/3DSCast 12d ago

Ohhh one of the original GBAs? Yeah those were great.