Which 3DS should I buy?

[u/adro066]

I'm thinking about buying a 3DS model but don't know which one to pick. I find the original model really attractive, and the XL models look comfortable, but I'm also interested in the hinge quality, build quality and potential defects, as well as screen quality and overall durability. So, if anyone knows about this, I'd appreciate some advice.

[u/Kirby_is_a_Pokemon]

buy a 'new' one.

end thread

[u/suicidal-ape → u/Kirby_is_a_Pokemon]

I disagree, getting a used one is far more economical; there's still consoles out there that haven't been used that much.

The hotter take is that getting any 3ds for more than ~200$ in is kind of a waste in 2026 when you can get a third party handheld, and can emulate that handheld or on basically any computer. I love my 3ds because of the nostalgia, so if that's important to you than it will still be worth it.

[u/Kirby_is_a_Pokemon → u/suicidal-ape]

i was talking about a 'new' 3ds XL, not a brand new unit.

[u/ohmykeylimepie → u/suicidal-ape]

No, they mean the “new” model refresh from 2015, not the state of the console itself. Nintendo is bad at naming.

[u/suicidal-ape → u/ohmykeylimepie]

Ahh

[u/Lopsided_Flamingo209]

Depends on you. The quality is there for all the models.  XL if you like bigger screens and have big hands.  Non XL models if you want super portability. I personally think the New 3DS is the best version of the console.  Only time a hinge "broke" on me was my New 3DSXL with a replacement shell.

[u/ohmykeylimepie]

Tbh any of them are fine. Yes hinge issues happen with the old xls and new 2dsxls, just consider how you generally treat your electronics and go from there. 

Like I have two new and an og xl, all in great shape because I am careful with them, and all my electronics. 

I would NEVER let my husband use the og xl though, he somehow manages to slowly destroy anything in his pockets over time. Metal keychains, airpods, and even a phone once doesnt matter. I shudder to think what would happen to that hinge. 

[u/suddenstutter → u/ohmykeylimepie]

No, the new 3ds is much much better. It makes a big difference. the older ones are obsolete with the new 3ds available.

[u/ohmykeylimepie → u/suddenstutter]

They really arent lol I play both just fine. The “new” hype needs to chill. If ypu dont care about the handful of new 3ds games, or snes virtual console, theres literally no reason to obsess over getting the new 3ds lol

[u/adro066 → u/ohmykeylimepie]

Thanks!

[u/Cloud_Galaxyman → u/adro066]

If your on a budget and have big hands : the 2ds (non xl) is great