The New 3DS is a great handheld games console but is it worth the upgrade from the original 3DS or 3DS XL? We investigate in our New Nintendo 3DS review.

The *New* 3DS XL is a great upgrade to the previous 3DS XL model.
If you want to play the new Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate with enhanced
graphics and a built-in Circle Pad Pro, it's ideal.

Durable; Entertaining; Fun; Great Value; Interactive

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 glee.

I've been playing on Nintendo handhelds for a long time. With the ubiquity of smartphones and the proliferation of free apps, younger gamers might not realize that back in the 90s, dedicated portable game consoles were a big deal.

We all saw it coming. The original 3DS hadn't even been on the market for more than a few months when gamers everywhere were already predicting a revised version of the handheld. A few individuals such as myself were actually waiting for a new 3DS model.

Since it's inception in 1989, Nintendo's Gameboy, and all subsequent forms of it, has been the reigning champion of the handheld gaming world. Even after Sony joined the race in 2005 with the PSP, the odds still favored Nintendo.

finally big enough screen; still small enough to carry around; dual screens; 3D; great games

should have been HD

In early 2010, when Nintendo's DSi handheld game machine was racking up record-breaking sales, the Kyoto gamemaker introduced an unexpected new model, the DSi XL . It was a classic example of Nintendo zigging where others zagged; as its competitors raced to make handheld gaming smaller and smaller,...

Colossal-size screens make old and new games look their best; Larger form factor and battery life make a more comfortable, convenient experience; Double the included memory

Games still cost each; Still no account system; Still waiting for Nintendo to unleash the floodgates of cheap digital content instead of trickling out zero to three games a week

Old 'n' busted; new hotness

Better designed; better built, It's huge, Matte finish is great, Seats five, System transfer is a cinch

New stylus is a disappointment; SD card door is a liability; Swapnote and photos take a hit

The original 3DS launch didn't quite go to plan. Initial sales were disappointing, but after cutting the handheld's price and releasing an XL model, Nintendo were able to turn their latest handheld's fortunes around.

Incredible game library; Much improved 3D; Faster processor is great

Nintendo's online system needs work; Interface still a little clunky; Awful camera