New Nintendo 3DS XL review: Return to the third dimension

Glasses-free 3D improvements impress, but other changes are more marginal.

Read the whole story

 

[Marlor_AU]

Merovingian[/url]":36pdn1mg]Apparently there's a lot of Arsians that either aren't parents, or have little experience with temperamental (read: most) kids. Life isn't like TV or the movies. Many kids either find ways to get what they want, or raise hell when they can't. There are wonderful days when the kid is compliant, and the device is put away when asked. The rest of the time it becomes leverage, a bargaining chip, or bullet fodder.

The solution is a jug lead. At a fast velocity.

 

[Chaedog]

Merovingian[/url]":20kov3il]

Marlor[/url]":20kov3il]

Osvaldo Doederlein[/url]":20kov3il]Does this new model include better parental controls, including time limits? No? Not buying then. My biggest mistake as a parent.

You can't enforce time limits by saying: "Kids, that's enough gaming, time for homework."?

Apparently there's a lot of Arsians that either aren't parents, or have little experience with temperamental (read: most) kids. Life isn't like TV or the movies. Many kids either find ways to get what they want, or raise hell when they can't. There are wonderful days when the kid is compliant, and the device is put away when asked. The rest of the time it becomes leverage, a bargaining chip, or bullet fodder.

The effect is multiplied when you have fewer devices than kids, and no, the answer isn't to simply buy enough for everyone (see paragraph above).

Involved parenting isn't science, though it takes real experience with real children to understand.

Oh I understand. Our 3.5 year old (Tavian) and our 1.5 year old (Kaezyr) used to fight over their one iPad air to play with. Now to be fair, it was mainly for Tavian, since he was older and most of the games on there were for him. Kaezyr only wanted it because brother had it. So we waited for the crazy stupid black friday deals that I always swore off as a waste of a holiday break ect..., and I sat my butt in line and got an awesome deal on an iPad mini. So now they both have one, and yes they are great tools, bargaining chips and motivation.

Tavain is having a hard time staying motivated to potty train, so now we use the tablet by saying if you successfully go on the potty, you get to pick out a new game to download. (and now that's the only way to get a new game)


Also though when he's not behaving, we give him warnings and then we slap a password on there so he can't access it.


Given the poor battery performance of the 3DS and I'd imagine the New one isn't great as well, you could control their time by taking away their chargers? That'd cut their playtime down to a good 3 hours or so?


I know its hard though, I remember growing up my dad would get pissed if I had poor grades or my room was trashed. He'd try and take away my TV for games(but I had a monsterly huge 27 inch console tv that weighed a ton) so he'd try to stop my from playing by duct tapping my power cord instead of moving my tv. As soon as he'd leave the room I'd remove the tape and start playing games again.

 

[Spuzzell]

Merovingian[/url]":2tkai8st]

Marlor[/url]":2tkai8st]

Osvaldo Doederlein[/url]":2tkai8st]Does this new model include better parental controls, including time limits? No? Not buying then. My biggest mistake as a parent.

You can't enforce time limits by saying: "Kids, that's enough gaming, time for homework."?

Apparently there's a lot of Arsians that either aren't parents, or have little experience with temperamental (read: most) kids. Life isn't like TV or the movies. Many kids either find ways to get what they want, or raise hell when they can't. There are wonderful days when the kid is compliant, and the device is put away when asked. The rest of the time it becomes leverage, a bargaining chip, or bullet fodder.

The effect is multiplied when you have fewer devices than kids, and no, the answer isn't to simply buy enough for everyone (see paragraph above).

Involved parenting isn't science, though it takes real experience with real children to understand.

Oh, don't be so dramatic.

It is not Nintendo's job to teach your children self-control and self-discipline, it is yours.

And it is not hard.

 

[Anticrawl]

tipoo[/url]":262bbad5]Is there any way to find out what kind of new CPU is in this thing? I've heard mixed reports, some saying a quad core ARM11 at the same speed (with four vector co-processors), some saying a double clock speed dual ARM11, and some saying two new core types in addition to the two old ARM11s (but ARM11 does not support asymmetrical cores, unless Nintendo was arsed to add it in...I guess it could be a true split 2+2 design though). Sites are less spit on the RAM and GPU at least, the main RAM being doubled, and the video RAM going from 6MB to 10MB, but the GPU and its clock speed being unchanged.

Maybe browser benchmarks would help figure out what it is on the CPU side? Single thread bound tests would not benefit from a quad for instance, but if it was a higher clocked dual they would see improvement.

The exact same CPU and GPU are in the device, they just doubled the clockspeed (the original 3DS was downclocked considerably to save on battery life). They also doubled the available system memory. This is essentially exactly what was done during the DS -> DSi shift. Most of that processing power is used for OS improvements, but you will also notice sharper textures on games like MH4U (my copy looks a lot sharper on the New 3DS XL vs the classic 3DS phat I have).

My question is, are these even available in stores right now? I got mine online early but I haven't seen anywhere advertising having them in stock. Only online orders.

 

[Pantagruel]

zealotpewpewpew[/url]":dbl809za]

Marlor[/url]":dbl809za]

Osvaldo Doederlein[/url]":dbl809za]Does this new model include better parental controls, including time limits? No? Not buying then. My biggest mistake as a parent.

You can't enforce time limits by saying: "Kids, that's enough gaming, time for homework."?

He tried, but the system's voice recognition is terrible.

I have another method if all fails. I call it "holding the charger hostage".

 

[LimpBagel]

Spuzzell[/url]":3uor5lls]

Merovingian[/url]":3uor5lls]

Marlor[/url]":3uor5lls]

Osvaldo Doederlein[/url]":3uor5lls]Does this new model include better parental controls, including time limits? No? Not buying then. My biggest mistake as a parent.

You can't enforce time limits by saying: "Kids, that's enough gaming, time for homework."?

Apparently there's a lot of Arsians that either aren't parents, or have little experience with temperamental (read: most) kids. Life isn't like TV or the movies. Many kids either find ways to get what they want, or raise hell when they can't. There are wonderful days when the kid is compliant, and the device is put away when asked. The rest of the time it becomes leverage, a bargaining chip, or bullet fodder.

The effect is multiplied when you have fewer devices than kids, and no, the answer isn't to simply buy enough for everyone (see paragraph above).

Involved parenting isn't science, though it takes real experience with real children to understand.

Oh, don't be so dramatic.

It is not Nintendo's job to teach your children self-control and self-discipline, it is yours.

And it is not hard.

Exactly. Set a timer on the microwave and when it goes off you rip it out of their hands and put it on top of the fridge. You get it back when you show me your homework. None of this wishy washy, "Sorry, Billy. I want to let you play but the Nintendo says you can't!"

 

[tipoo]

Anticrawl[/url]":23i0foo2]

tipoo[/url]":23i0foo2]Is there any way to find out what kind of new CPU is in this thing? I've heard mixed reports, some saying a quad core ARM11 at the same speed (with four vector co-processors), some saying a double clock speed dual ARM11, and some saying two new core types in addition to the two old ARM11s (but ARM11 does not support asymmetrical cores, unless Nintendo was arsed to add it in...I guess it could be a true split 2+2 design though). Sites are less spit on the RAM and GPU at least, the main RAM being doubled, and the video RAM going from 6MB to 10MB, but the GPU and its clock speed being unchanged.

Maybe browser benchmarks would help figure out what it is on the CPU side? Single thread bound tests would not benefit from a quad for instance, but if it was a higher clocked dual they would see improvement.

The exact same CPU and GPU are in the device, they just doubled the clockspeed (the original 3DS was downclocked considerably to save on battery life). They also doubled the available system memory. This is essentially exactly what was done during the DS -> DSi shift. Most of that processing power is used for OS improvements, but you will also notice sharper textures on games like MH4U (my copy looks a lot sharper on the New 3DS XL vs the classic 3DS phat I have).

My question is, are these even available in stores right now? I got mine online early but I haven't seen anywhere advertising having them in stock. Only online orders.

Source? This says instead of a higher clocked dual, it's a quad at the old speed

http://3dbrew.org/wiki/Hardware#New_3DS_Specifications

And the one constant is no change in the GPU apart from vRAM, if you meant that's clock speed was doubled too.

 

[Mangosteen69]

BasP[/url]":22za89gi]I have the original 3DS, and I never found the 3D viewing angle to be cumbersome or too small, so I always left the 3D on. Judging from the review and some of the comments, if the 3D is that much better I guess I'll be completely blown away by the new device?

Are you sure that you're actually experiencing the 3D effect??? This problem exists in every single 3DS and 3DS XL so I'm not sure what happened that you don't have an issue with the viewing angles. Maybe you're one of the few people for which this kind of 3D effect doesn't work?

 

[Pantagruel]

Mangosteen69[/url]":2uqcie45]

BasP[/url]":2uqcie45]I have the original 3DS, and I never found the 3D viewing angle to be cumbersome or too small, so I always left the 3D on. Judging from the review and some of the comments, if the 3D is that much better I guess I'll be completely blown away by the new device?

Are you sure that you're actually experiencing the 3D effect??? This problem exists in every single 3DS and 3DS XL so I'm not sure what happened that you don't have an issue with the viewing angles. Maybe you're one of the few people for which this kind of 3D effect doesn't work?

This is the first of I've ever heard of an actual person who likes parallax barrier 3D.

 

[ShardsOfMe]

I have had the New 3DS for a month or so now (mine came throughy the UK Ambassador programme) and I can honestly say that it's like night and day between that and the old one. I now have the 3D effect on all of the time (as opposed to literally never), the UI is much quicker in use, the screen is slightly bigger and much brighter, the button layout is better, eShop downloads are appreciably quicker; and so on. The only slight disappointment is that the original 3DS really should have been this good.

 

[greatn]

A couple of things incorrect in your article:

1) The screws are not Philips #0. They are Philips #00, which is different. If you use a #0 screwdriver you will have a tougher time and may strip the screws.

2) The new analog nub has been confirmed by many to support Smash attacks. You may require a software update.

As for transferring, I would recommend before even beginning transfer you copy your data to your new MicroSD, and put that in your old system with an adapter. Then when the final step of putting the new microSD card in the New 3DS comes, all you have to do is pop it out of its adapter and place it in. The SD card in my 3DS XL personally has always been a MicroSD card in an adapter, so I actually won't need a PC at all at any point.

But I would really recommend you edit your article to reflect item 1) up there, people using the wrong screwdriver could cause problems with their systems.

 

[jbauer5]

No word on improved battery life? How does a review for new hardware forget to mention it one way or another?

 

[maxwell]

elvisizer[/url]":39nobcis]might actually be time to upgrade the ol' DS lite.
edit: well, that's annoying.

I had a PSP and I made a charger from an old USB cable (model J tip, available at Radio Shack, but hurry in!). My PSP died, and I really do want a portable gaming system with real buttons on it. pre-PSP I had GB, GBC. Spent many, many hours on Pokemon Yellow and the two awesome Zelda's (seasons and time?).

I just saw a 3dsxl (old one) on the subway last week and was surprised how big the screens were. It looked quite playable.

BUT: I'm at the point where I won't buy anything that doesn't charge with a micro/mini usb cable. I've had wacky propietary cables in many devices, they always fail, or you don't have them with you. Cell phones, gps, that crazy psp headphone thing. The port on my old RIO Mp3 player was so wacky I kept it long after the player died to reminded myself 'never again'.

And since I don't have a 3ds now, for me it's 'never again' and a pass. Not worth the long term hassle.

 

[psarhjinian]

Zomboe[/url]":289jx7ac]

kazriko[/url]":289jx7ac]As someone who uses a desktop keyboard with one of those eraser nub pointers, I wish they'd replace that awful circle pad on the left side with one... It's not as good as the Vita's thumbsticks, but better than a circle pad.

I would love a desktop keyboard with one, which one do you recommend?

Unicomp sells keyboards with a trackpoint in them. They're IBM Model-M clones with the same kind of bucking-spring keyswitches IBM used to use, which mean they feel great, but are astonishingly loud to type on.

I have one and love it.

 

[greatn]

jbauer5[/url]":1jwn8f69]No word on improved battery life? How does a review for new hardware forget to mention it one way or another?

It was a glaring omission. Battery life is improved by about 30 minutes over previous models. It's also worth noting the end user now has access to the battery and can replace it themselves if need be, which was not possible before. It is possible the improved battery life will be mitigated by you using 3D mode more often than you used to though.

 

[secretmanofagent]

Sufinsil[/url]":qx9cdnl5]

secretmanofagent[/url]":qx9cdnl5]Out of curiosity, anyone know what the largest SD card supported is in terms of storage? It comes with a 4GB one, but I'd imagine I would want one that's larger in it.

Officially, 32GB. 64 and 128 should work if you format to FAT32.

Cheers!

 

[greenmky]

maxwell[/url]":2fk23o9c]

elvisizer[/url]":2fk23o9c]might actually be time to upgrade the ol' DS lite.
edit: well, that's annoying.

I had a PSP and I made a charger from an old USB cable (model J tip, available at Radio Shack, but hurry in!). My PSP died, and I really do want a portable gaming system with real buttons on it. pre-PSP I had GB, GBC. Spent many, many hours on Pokemon Yellow and the two awesome Zelda's (seasons and time?).

I just saw a 3dsxl (old one) on the subway last week and was surprised how big the screens were. It looked quite playable.

BUT: I'm at the point where I won't buy anything that doesn't charge with a micro/mini usb cable. I've had wacky propietary cables in many devices, they always fail, or you don't have them with you. Cell phones, gps, that crazy psp headphone thing. The port on my old RIO Mp3 player was so wacky I kept it long after the player died to reminded myself 'never again'.

And since I don't have a 3ds now, for me it's 'never again' and a pass. Not worth the long term hassle.

I grabbed a couple of USB->3DS cables for like $2, like any cable, it can be found dirt cheap on the internet these days.

Charges a bit slower that way though than the stock charger.

 

[HisDivineOrder]

The real shame of this is that this is not a "real new console" release but a re-release of an existing console with improvements enough that it should have been given a better screen (higher resolution anyway) and a new name to guarantee games that use the superior hardware.

Instead, Nintendo's skittish about resetting the clock on their PORTABLE console when they failed so spectacularly with the Wii U. So this time, they're not going to rock the boat.

Which means we get another 3DS for a couple years-ish until they're not paranoid about their last remaining golden goose getting gutted and them having no geese left.

 

[JohnMcL7]

but old 3DS games like Mario Kart 8 and New Super Mario Bros. 2 are also pretty comparable to their Wii counterparts graphically

Slight error in the article, Mario Kart 7 was the 3DS version not Mario Kart 8 which was released on the Wii U.

The one improvement I was hoping for with the 3DS XL was a decent extension of the batterylife which I thought would be easily doable. I find the batterylife on the 3DS XL frustratingly short to the degree it always feels like it needs to be near a charger unlike the older DS Lite which just seemed to last forever on a charge, if I was in the mood for it I could chuck it in a bag and take it with me and get some life from it without worrying about ensuring I'd charged it the night before as I did with the PSP and now the 3DS XL.

 

[Kyle Orland]

greatn[/url]":x14u5ei2]A couple of things incorrect in your article:

1) The screws are not Philips #0. They are Philips #00, which is different. If you use a #0 screwdriver you will have a tougher time and may strip the screws.

2) The new analog nub has been confirmed by many to support Smash attacks. You may require a software update.

As for transferring, I would recommend before even beginning transfer you copy your data to your new MicroSD, and put that in your old system with an adapter. Then when the final step of putting the new microSD card in the New 3DS comes, all you have to do is pop it out of its adapter and place it in. The SD card in my 3DS XL personally has always been a MicroSD card in an adapter, so I actually won't need a PC at all at any point.

But I would really recommend you edit your article to reflect item 1) up there, people using the wrong screwdriver could cause problems with their systems.

These have been corrected.

 

[Kyle Orland]

greatn[/url]":1g7bsh71]

jbauer5[/url]":1g7bsh71]No word on improved battery life? How does a review for new hardware forget to mention it one way or another?

It was a glaring omission. Battery life is improved by about 30 minutes over previous models. It's also worth noting the end user now has access to the battery and can replace it themselves if need be, which was not possible before. It is possible the improved battery life will be mitigated by you using 3D mode more often than you used to though.

Yes, apologies for leaving this out of the text. Got lost in the composition process, I guess.

 

[Radiosity]

torp[/url]":3v2rpmmz]

Zomboe[/url]":3v2rpmmz]
For me the 3DS region locking is a sign of hating their customers. Especially in this case, where they just plain refuse to release the smaller New 3DS in America. In some parallel reality I'd be buying the Japanese hardware. Not to mention that my favorite DS game is Japanese.

Speaking of which, is there any point in getting a Nintendo handheld if you live in a country Nintendo hasn't heard of (namely Romania)? I guess i wouldn't get any online services and I'd be limited to whatever they, in their infinite generosity, decide to make available for sale locally. Which at a quick glance is not worth the bother. Or can I just lie that I'm in the UK and get my stuff from UK stores, like I do with the playstation titles?

Edit: or to believe the poster I'm replying to... can I lie that I'm in Japan?

The console connects to the store for the region it belongs to. My JP 3DSLL connects to the Japanese store, for example. No way to change that, not that I know of anyway. So if you import from the UK, you'll get the UK store, and surprisingly enough, Nintendo accepts foreign credit cards without any real issues (unlike Sony).

 

[Mangosteen69]

As a current 3DS XL owner, I'm going to hold off purchasing the New 3DS until a Black Friday deal can hook me up with one for cheap

 

[greatn]

The Smash update was easy to miss because the 3DS doesn't do it automatically like the WiiU. I can understand missing the battery test too, since the models are so similar in size/shape and it's two versions of a proprietary thing from one company, rather than, say, two competing android handsets from different companies.

 

[kazriko]

dfavro[/url]":2aey228d]

Zomboe[/url]":2aey228d]

kazriko[/url]":2aey228d]As someone who uses a desktop keyboard with one of those eraser nub pointers, I wish they'd replace that awful circle pad on the left side with one... It's not as good as the Vita's thumbsticks, but better than a circle pad.

I would love a desktop keyboard with one, which one do you recommend?

Unicomp sells keyboards with a trackpoint in them. They're IBM Model-M clones with the same kind of bucking-spring keyswitches IBM used to use, which mean they feel great, but are astonishingly loud to type on.

I have one and love it.

That's the Endurapro I was talking about. How do you like the pointing stick? Does it self-center correctly? Does it feel like it has too much give when you move it around? I've been really tempted, but haven't want to bet $99 on an unknown.

 

[Cvantez]

HisDivineOrder[/url]":3iv0x938]The real shame of this is that this is not a "real new console" release but a re-release of an existing console with improvements enough that it should have been given a better screen (higher resolution anyway) and a new name to guarantee games that use the superior hardware.

Instead, Nintendo's skittish about resetting the clock on their PORTABLE console when they failed so spectacularly with the Wii U. So this time, they're not going to rock the boat.

Which means we get another 3DS for a couple years-ish until they're not paranoid about their last remaining golden goose getting gutted and them having no geese left.

I am not sure I'd attribute skittishness to Nintendo in this case. Incremental, non-library-sacrificing updates are traditional with Nintendo handhelds (GBA SP, GB Micro, DS Lite, DSi,, DSiXL), not to mention new colors and limited editions. It's only been four years since the 3DS hit retail, and 2.5 years since the 3DS XL. You've got devs hitting their stride on this hardware, and the next "couple years-ish" stand to be golden on the platform, games-wise. Freshening it up with minimal market disruption seems smart.

It's not like there's anyone nipping at their heels in this space.

 

[mochica]

karashata[/url]":3i0eqs4g]I'm personally going to hold off on upgrading from my original Aqua Blue 3DS until the standard-sized model New 3DS is released, if we're lucky enough for NoA to decide to release it here some time in the future. I don't expect there to be too many exclusive games for the New 3DS that could convince me to upgrade to the larger XL model, since I don't find it at all appealing to me, for various reasons.

That said, for those people that do like the XL model, it's probably a reasonable upgrade, certainly if you want the extra power and controls for those games that will be able to utilize them.

DSI to USB cable:
http://www.walmart.com/ip/28880288?wmls ... 31&veh=sem

 

[greatn]

I have a feeling America will get the normal sized New 3DS in some form but not at retail. I think they may offer refurbs at some point for direct order, formatted to the proper region. I don't really have anything to base this on.

 

[hecate.]

(Update: A downloadable patch for <i>Smash Bros.</i> seems to have activated the analog nub's use in the game. Ars regrets the error).

The <i> tags didn't seem to be caught.

 

[oxHanoverxo]

Mangosteen69[/url]":xud8vinp]

BasP[/url]":xud8vinp]I have the original 3DS, and I never found the 3D viewing angle to be cumbersome or too small, so I always left the 3D on. Judging from the review and some of the comments, if the 3D is that much better I guess I'll be completely blown away by the new device?

Are you sure that you're actually experiencing the 3D effect??? This problem exists in every single 3DS and 3DS XL so I'm not sure what happened that you don't have an issue with the viewing angles. Maybe you're one of the few people for which this kind of 3D effect doesn't work?

I've never really had a problem with 3D in my existing 3DS XL either. I think when you use it enough, you get good at keeping it in the sweet spot.

 

[mogbert]

I've always loved the 3D effect, and was waiting for this to be released in America (was holding off on a 3DSXL for the new one to come out).

It is VERY weird that they don't include a charger. I mean extremely. I would be willing to disregard the first two articles saying it because I wouldn't believe any company would sell an item with a rechargeable battery and not sell a charger (unless it was a universal like micro USB). That's, well if I didn't already have a charger, it would have been a deal breaker for me.

It's almost as if they said "You know that whole 'Blue Ocean' stuff where we try to appeal to a larger user base? STUFF IT! You can't use the New 3DSXL unless you already own a previous version! BWAAAHAHAHAAHA!"

 

[Sasquatch86]

Merovingian[/url]":twfyjhmo]

Marlor[/url]":twfyjhmo]

Osvaldo Doederlein[/url]":twfyjhmo]Does this new model include better parental controls, including time limits? No? Not buying then. My biggest mistake as a parent.

You can't enforce time limits by saying: "Kids, that's enough gaming, time for homework."?

Apparently there's a lot of Arsians that either aren't parents, or have little experience with temperamental (read: most) kids. Life isn't like TV or the movies. Many kids either find ways to get what they want, or raise hell when they can't. There are wonderful days when the kid is compliant, and the device is put away when asked. The rest of the time it becomes leverage, a bargaining chip, or bullet fodder.

The effect is multiplied when you have fewer devices than kids, and no, the answer isn't to simply buy enough for everyone (see paragraph above).

Involved parenting isn't science, though it takes real experience with real children to understand.

Apparently you aren't that great of a parent if you can't control your kids even a little bit. Take away the device when it is time for homework or whatever needs to be done, if they cry, kick, and scream ignore it yes kids throw temper tantrums but if you reward that behavior they learn that they get what they want when they do it and will continue to do so. Don't let your kids control you that is the first rule of parenting, otherwise they end up self-entitled, spoiled brats. From what you said it doesn't sound like you are an involved parent at all and think that all kids must be like yours. I am assuming you are describing your own kids if I am wrong I apologize for making the assumption based on your statement about how real life parenting isn't like TV or Movies. Of course it isn't like TV or Movies it takes actual work not a magic montage when everything works out in the course of a 3 minute song with time sped up. Start doing some real parenting instead of just praying that it is a "wonderful day" for your kids mood.

P.S.
To all the parents that fit this description. Unless there is a Golden Arch outside and it says play-place on the building, It is not appropriate to let your kids run around and scream at the top of their lungs, so either put an end to it or don't bring the kids. I've seen even the youngest of children be quiet and respectful in public so don't say its impossible.

 

[sinewav]

Thanks for the review Kyle, this sways me further into the side of "hold on to my current HW'.

 

[Marlor_AU]

Pantagruel[/url]":1uutj8ab]

zealotpewpewpew[/url]":1uutj8ab]

Marlor[/url]":1uutj8ab]

Osvaldo Doederlein[/url]":1uutj8ab]Does this new model include better parental controls, including time limits? No? Not buying then. My biggest mistake as a parent.

You can't enforce time limits by saying: "Kids, that's enough gaming, time for homework."?

He tried, but the system's voice recognition is terrible.

I have another method if all fails. I call it "holding the charger hostage".

Or just confiscate it permanently. Sell it, throw it in the bin, whatever.

You only need to do that a few times and they learn.

 

[nimatoed]

Hey, real quick, you guys made a pretty big error! You mentioned that "3DS games like 'Mario Kart 8' and New Super Mario Bros. 2 look like their Wii counterparts."

Mario Kart 8 is a Wii U exclusive, you were thinking of Mario Kart 7!

 

[anonArs]

oxHanoverxo[/url]":2e8rd24f]

Mangosteen69[/url]":2e8rd24f]

BasP[/url]":2e8rd24f]I have the original 3DS, and I never found the 3D viewing angle to be cumbersome or too small, so I always left the 3D on. Judging from the review and some of the comments, if the 3D is that much better I guess I'll be completely blown away by the new device?

Are you sure that you're actually experiencing the 3D effect??? This problem exists in every single 3DS and 3DS XL so I'm not sure what happened that you don't have an issue with the viewing angles. Maybe you're one of the few people for which this kind of 3D effect doesn't work?

I've never really had a problem with 3D in my existing 3DS XL either. I think when you use it enough, you get good at keeping it in the sweet spot.

I've also had no problems with the 3D either (on my original 3DS, non XL). It's not like you have to hold the system perfectly still. There is some wiggle room.

I always play with 3D on as I think it is a cool effect and makes everything look better (and yes, I can see 3D - tbh, that suggestion seemed rather rude to BasP).

 

[magnusalpha]

Merovingian[/url]":3rr1so6k]

Marlor[/url]":3rr1so6k]

Osvaldo Doederlein[/url]":3rr1so6k]Does this new model include better parental controls, including time limits? No? Not buying then. My biggest mistake as a parent.

You can't enforce time limits by saying: "Kids, that's enough gaming, time for homework."?

Apparently there's a lot of Arsians that either aren't parents, or have little experience with temperamental (read: most) kids. Life isn't like TV or the movies. Many kids either find ways to get what they want, or raise hell when they can't. There are wonderful days when the kid is compliant, and the device is put away when asked. The rest of the time it becomes leverage, a bargaining chip, or bullet fodder.

The effect is multiplied when you have fewer devices than kids, and no, the answer isn't to simply buy enough for everyone (see paragraph above).

Involved parenting isn't science, though it takes real experience with real children to understand.

Maybe you're doing it wrong?
When gaming time is over, the kids know it because I say it. Their handhelds are collected and put away, and they get ready for bed. Homework is done before they're allowed to play, chores are done before they're allowed to play. If one of them is grounded, they simply don't have access to gaming systems.

 

[edwardangle]

Merovingian[/url]":3vaac6hu]

Marlor[/url]":3vaac6hu]

Osvaldo Doederlein[/url]":3vaac6hu]Does this new model include better parental controls, including time limits? No? Not buying then. My biggest mistake as a parent.

You can't enforce time limits by saying: "Kids, that's enough gaming, time for homework."?

Apparently there's a lot of Arsians that either aren't parents, or have little experience with temperamental (read: most) kids. Life isn't like TV or the movies. Many kids either find ways to get what they want, or raise hell when they can't. There are wonderful days when the kid is compliant, and the device is put away when asked. The rest of the time it becomes leverage, a bargaining chip, or bullet fodder.

The effect is multiplied when you have fewer devices than kids, and no, the answer isn't to simply buy enough for everyone (see paragraph above).

Involved parenting isn't science, though it takes real experience with real children to understand.

Yes you can take them away, and if your kids complain let them. If they scream and cry and throw a fit -- DON'T ignore it -- put them on the time out chair.

I'm a parent, and I can't imagine letting the quality of my days be determined by whether my child wants to act out or not.

Children need discipline.

 

[Drakkenmensch]

edwardangle[/url]":353cgmdh]

Merovingian[/url]":353cgmdh]

Marlor[/url]":353cgmdh]

Osvaldo Doederlein[/url]":353cgmdh]Does this new model include better parental controls, including time limits? No? Not buying then. My biggest mistake as a parent.

You can't enforce time limits by saying: "Kids, that's enough gaming, time for homework."?

Apparently there's a lot of Arsians that either aren't parents, or have little experience with temperamental (read: most) kids. Life isn't like TV or the movies. Many kids either find ways to get what they want, or raise hell when they can't. There are wonderful days when the kid is compliant, and the device is put away when asked. The rest of the time it becomes leverage, a bargaining chip, or bullet fodder.

The effect is multiplied when you have fewer devices than kids, and no, the answer isn't to simply buy enough for everyone (see paragraph above).

Involved parenting isn't science, though it takes real experience with real children to understand.

Yes you can take them away, and if your kids complain let them. If they scream and cry and throw a fit -- DON'T ignore it -- put them on the time out chair.

I'm a parent, and I can't imagine letting the quality of my days be determined by whether my child wants to act out or not.

Children need discipline.

 

[Christarp]

Marlor[/url]":15slybk4]

xizar[/url]":15slybk4]
3DS -> New 3DS? ... really? "I just got a new New Nintendo 3DS." "Just gotta say `new' once, dude." "no... that's the name."

They're just copying Apple's branding (e.g. "New iPad").

Apple abandoned that naming scheme quickly and for good reason.