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Nintendo 3DS XL (2012)

Nintendo 3DS XL (2012)

334 reviews

Apr, 2024

Positive
usability (34)
size (24)
portability (21)
price (17)
design (15)

Negative

General overview
Price comparison

alaTest has collected and analyzed 334 reviews of Nintendo 3DS XL (2012). The average rating for this product is 4.7/5, compared to an average rating of 4.1/5 for other Game Consoles for all reviews. Comments about the design and price are overall positive. The portability and size also get good feedback.

usability, size, portability, price, design

We analyzed user and expert ratings, product age and more factors. Compared to other Game Consoles the Nintendo 3DS XL (2012) is awarded an overall alaScore™ of 82/100 = Very good quality.

Review analysis

(Based on 334 reviews)

Expert Reviews

User Reviews

Review Ratings

(72% of reviews)
Show all 5 star reviews (23% of reviews)
Show all 4 star reviews (2% of reviews)
Show all 3 star reviews (2% of reviews)
Show all 2 star reviews (1% of reviews)
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Features

usability
Show positive (92%)Show negative (8%)(Show all)

size
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portability
Show positive (78%)Show negative (22%)(Show all)

price
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design
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Showing 253 review(s)

Expert Reviews User Reviews

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Showing 1 - 10 of 253 Show Reviews: in English | in other languages (81)

Expert review by : Andrew Hayward (stuff.tv)

New Nintendo 3DS XL review

The gimmicky handheld gets a second shot at greatness, but this is more evolution than revolution

The 3D is a bit better ; Speedier processor for a slightly slicker experience ; Enhanced build and layout ; Great games!

Still dated in terms of tech ; New 3D isn’t perfect ; Charger isn’t included. Seriously

This is not the 3DS completely redefined, but the perks and tweaks make for a better overall experience

Feb, 2015

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Expert review by : Katharine Byrne (expertreviews.co.uk)

New 3DS XL review - Nintendo's biggest, newest handheld

The larger screens are great for certain games, but the New 3DS XL's glossy chassis isn't as comfortable to hold as the smaller New 3DS

Feb, 2015

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Expert review by : Michelle Starr Jeff Bakalar (cnet.co.uk)

The New Nintendo 3DS XL almost nails it

A few head-scratching design choices prevent us from falling for the New 3DS XL, but this is still the best Nintendo portable to get.

The 3D screens are improved by new face-tracking, and the larger size offers a less cramped viewing experience. Internal tweaks and updates add a behind-the-scenes boost.

The poor battery life hasn't improved. Having to remove the back of the console to change the SD card is a poor design choice and the legacy data transfer process is infuriating. Also, there's no AC charger in the box -- you have to buy one separately.

The 3DS XL's improved 3D head-tracking is a big step up and its performance boost more makes a noticeable difference. A few head-scratching design choices prevent us from falling for the New 3DS XL, but this is still the best Nintendo portable to get.

Nov, 2014

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Expert review by : Brendan Nystedt (wired.com)

Nintendo New 3DS XL

A console is only as good as its games, and the Nintendo New 2DS XL has them all.

Sep, 2017

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Expert review by : Michelle Starr Jeff Bakalar (cnet.com.au)

The New Nintendo 3DS XL almost nails it

A few head-scratching design choices prevent us from falling for the New 3DS XL, but this is still the best Nintendo portable to get.

The 3D screens are improved by new face-tracking, and the larger size offers a less cramped viewing experience. Internal tweaks and updates add a behind-the-scenes boost.

Feb, 2015

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Expert review by : Andrew Hayward (stuff.tv_in)

New Nintendo 3DS XL review

The gimmicky handheld gets a second shot at greatness, but this is more evolution than revolution

The 3D is a bit better Speedier processor for a slightly slicker experience Enhanced build and layout Great games

Still dated in terms of tech New 3D isn't perfect Charger isn't included. Seriously

The hardcore, regular 3DS player will definitely appreciate the differences

Mar, 2015

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Expert review by : Michael Andronico (tomsguide.com)

New Nintendo 3DS XL Review

Unless Nintendo has another revision up its sleeve, the New Nintendo 3DS XL is the definitive version of the company's long-running handheld console. The system's improved controls and extra-stable 3D display make playing 3DS games more enjoyable than...

Handy new controls ; Stable 3D display ; Faster loading speeds ; Supports amiibo toys

Screwed-in microSD slot ; No charger included

The New Nintendo 3DS XL is the best version of Nintendo's handheld yet, but not everyone will want to upgrade.

Feb, 2015

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Expert review by : Andy Walker (gearburn.com)

New Nintendo 3DS XL review: pry it from my cold, dead hands

Andy reviews the New Nintendo 3DS XL 'Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate' Edition and finds that love is definitely an impractical emotion.

: I’m in love with my New Nintendo 3DS XL, and no, that’s isn’t some PR quip. I genuinely love this device, but it doesn’t exactly re-imagine the handheld genre. It did do something that not too many devices seem to do though — fill me with absolute...

Feb, 2015

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Expert review by : Simon Crisp (gizmag.com)

Review: The New Nintendo 3DS XL has 3D you'll actually use

When we saw the glasses-free 3D of the original Nintendo 3DS back in 2011, we were suitably impressed, and then promptly disappointed when the effect kept breaking and left us suffering headaches. Now, Nintendo is back with the New Nintendo 3DS...

This means stores could have shelves where the Nintendo 3DS, 3DS XL, 2DS, New 3DS, and New 3DS XL all sit next to each other, leaving potential buyers confused and with a headache before they've even picked one up. To make matters worse original 3DSs...

Feb, 2015

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Expert review by : Darrell Etherington (techcrunch.com)

New Nintendo 3DS XL Review: A Big Upgrade For Now, And For The Future

The *New* Nintendo 3DS XL doesn't exactly have a name that rolls off the tongue, but it does reflect that what you're getting is hardware that's very similar to its predecessor, albeit with some fresh paint and new features that really do help make a...

Overall construction feels improved ; 3D is much more consistent ; C stick great in games that support it

Removable microSD is hard to access ; New stylus placement is less convenient ; No charger included

The New Nintendo 3DS XL is better than its predecessor in just about every way. Taken alone, any individual improvement would seem minor when compared to the original 3DS XL hardware, but together they represent a worthwhile upgrade that improves the...

Feb, 2015

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