Nintendo may have had our childhood or that of our kids but they haven't been doing very well these past few years. Last year's attempt to penetrate the portable gaming industry was a flop.

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.

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.

Nintendo's update to their 3DS console isn't a revolution of form, but is more comfortable to use, sturdier and classier than its older brother, writes Tom Hoggins.

This 3ds xl is much better compared to the normal 3ds with a bigger screen and better 3d graphics. The upper part of the xl is kind of shaky and unstable but otherwise it is a good device compared to the normal 3ds.

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 ever, and its beefed-up processor makes it...

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

Screwed-in microSD slot; No charger included

The 3DS is primarily a game machine, and everything else is just icing on an already delicious cake. You'll find the ability to download common media apps like Netflix, YouTube, and Hulu Plus.

It's the games that make the system, right? That's especially true with the Nintendo 3DS, which judged on its technical merits isn't a particularly great bit of hardware.

Nintendo's New 3DS XL has more in common with existing 3DS systems than it might want to admit, but it's still a solid upgrade option for older 3DS owners. It's been a while since I'd laid down any cash on a new Nintendo portable.

I've never been one for mobile gaming. Not on a phone, not on a PS Vita , or on a 3DS. Then the so-called New 3DS from Nintendo came along and showed me just how good it could be.