Despite a handful of missed opportunities, the 3DS XL is still the superior version of Nintendo's 3D-enabled handheld. It fits more comfortably in the hand, its 3D effect is more pronounced thanks the larger screens employed, battery life is improved and the whole unit is sturdier overall.

In the days after my review of the original 3DS I fell more and more in love with the console. As re-releases surprised and Nintendo started to release new titles that warranted critical acclaim, the reasons for owning one multiplied.

If you're hellbent on getting your nipper or yourself a 3DS, then the XL is the obvious choice. However, without the additional thumbstick, Nintendo has once again failed to deliver the means to comfortably explore 3D environments.

It's been a week since the Nintendo 3DS XL arrived in the Shacknews office. And I am absolutely in love with it. Yes, the XL is simply a larger version of the 3DS, but it's an upgrade that's entirely worthwhile.

The Nintendo 3DS XL is now on sale in Europe and boy does Nintendo need it to sell well .

Better battery; Bigger screens; Comfortable 3D; Improved layout

Lower pixel density; Only one circle pad; Less pretty

After barely a year, Nintendo is already upgrading its 3DS handheld with a supersize model. While the company is known for updating kit – it did so several times with the Game Boy and DS – the 3DS XL isn't the big leap forward from the original that many gamers were expecting.

I really love this portable gaming counsel. I had the 3ds but I wanted the bigger screens. It was worth the upgrade. Less eye strain and no longer a fingerprint magnet.

Easy to use; set up; and overall experience is great.

Nothing really

Nintendo loves revising its handheld game systems -as opposed to sticking with one design for the life of the system. The Game Boy went through several iterations before it was replaced by the Game Boy Advance, which itself was upgraded to the Game Boy Advance SP.

Big, beautiful screen; Solid build; Comfortable to hold

Glasses-free 3D still has issues; System transfer process is convoluted

So is it a buy? Definitely! Even as a previous 3DS owner I'd say that this is a significant enough upgrade to make it worth checking out, and if you've been waiting to jump on board the 3DS train, this unit is likely to be THE revision for the next couple years, and marks a definite improvement in...

Bigger screen, weightier feel and curved lines mean the 3DS XL is an improvement over the original 3DS. Still needs a second analog stick.