Bought this just to play pokemon (and Persona Q). Works well. Battery life isn't exceptional and the analog stick isn't the best but otherwise does exactly what I want it to. Can't complain really.

Awesome device though with almost 15 years of games to choose from. Id take this over a switch right now. Youd think they could have updated the OS for just these so I dont have to see that 3DS load screen everytime. Small issue but still. Doesnt seem like itd be that big of a fix.

In his book Console Wars , Blake Harris reveals a mantra that video game industry insiders spouted in the '80s: "the name of the game is the game." Translation: If you don't have awesome games on offer, there's no point in trying. Early adopters know the struggle.

The plastic clamshell is equally well-suited for kids and klutzy adults; Amazing back catalog of games, super affordable; Plus, you get an AC adapter

Low-res screens; The toothpick stylus is hilariously tiny; Mediocre battery life for a modern gadget; Not as sexy or exciting as a Switch

Most of the conversation around Nintendo right now is understandably focused on the Switch , which has had a terrific launch and continues to be difficult to find in stores. And while the Switch is clearly the successor to the failed Wii U, its hybrid nature means that it should ultimately replace...

Sleek new design; Reasonable price; Tons of great games

No 3D; Screens are still bad; Archaic data management

We're used to Nintendo's crazy ideas now. A mushroom-guzzling Italian? Sounds great. Motion-controlled bowling? Sure. Scales that can be used in a video game? Weird, but OK.

It’s hard to see who the New 2DS XL will appeal to. For those really wanting the absolute best, the New 3DS XL offers a significantly better display and feels much more of a premium device. The cash-conscious gamer, meanwhile, already has the standard 2DS. So the New 2DS XL sits between them in no man’s land. The hammer blow, though, is the Switch. It was only a few months ago that Nintendo released its hybrid console and it’s crystal clear that almost all of the company's focus is going towards producing games for that new platform, leaving the 2DS and 3DS out in the cold. Don’t get me wrong, the New 2DS XL is still a well-made device that would have been a portable champion three years ago. But in 2017? It just feels redundant.

Clamshell design a massive improvement on door-wedge 2DS; New processor offers more grunt; Handy little C-Stick;

Rough-around-the-edges display; Plasticky build; Limited games on the horizon ;

Clamshell design a massive improvement on door-wedge 2DS; New processor offers more grunt; Handy little C-Stick;

Rough-around-the-edges display; Plasticky build; Limited games on the horizon ;

I have been wanting this system ever since the trailer launched in April 2017. I got the 2ds I'm Christmas 2013, the year it launched instead of getting the 3ds xl that I wanted. I was completely satisfied with it for being an upgrade to my original 3ds.

I think if you've never owned a Nintendo 3DS handheld or are in need of a new one, the New 2DS XL is the way to go. At $150, the handheld is a reasonably priced way to get access to the whole 3DS library of games, which is absolutely loaded with excellent titles.

Lightweight and compact; buttons are responsive; enormous library of superb games available

New stylus is a little too short; battery life is just OK; speakers can end up covered by hands during gameplay; 3DS platform in general starting to show its age; still uses cumbersome friend codes for online services

While the Nintendo Switch is quickly becoming the handheld of choice-thanks in part to the likes of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Super Mario Odyssey -the 3DS still has some life left in it. Kirby's Blowout Blast , Hey!