As most of you know, I talk about Nintendo. A lot. Actually, I’m pretty sure most of my regular readers are as big of fans of Nintendo as I am, however, there’s a small chance that some people are tuning in because they are curious in the world of Nintendo and have not made that final jump to either purchase a Nintendo console or upgrade to a newer console like a 3DS, 3DS XL, or a Wii U. So let’s talk about the 3DS and 3DS XL for right now since I have another article where I go over reasons why you should buy a Wii U over a PS4 or an Xbox One (which I posted over the holiday season).
Do you still have an old Nintendo DS lying around that you are enjoying playing? You probably think you don’t really need to upgrade to a 3DS because your regular DS is still getting plenty of regular use and works great. Here’s a couple of reasons why you should upgrade:
1. New games
Animal Crossing: New Leaf, Pokemon X and Y, Super Smash Brothers, Fire Emblem Awakening, The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds, Mario Kart 7, and Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D. You won’t be able to play any of these games unless you own a 3DS. To get more bang for your buck and utilize the 3D aspect even better; purchase a 3DS XL instead of a standard 3DS.
2. Streetpass
Hey, achievement hoarders! I know you’re out there. Nintendo now has a unique way to show off your awesome accomplishments with the 3DSes’ Streetpass function! Can you collect all of the puzzle pieces in your Mii Plaza? Can you street pass another 3DS user who is visiting your state from another state… or even another country? There’s tons of different “achievement-like” things you can do via Streetpass only on the 3DS!
3. The 3DS can play DS games too!
If you’re worried about your large library of DS games and just refuse to say goodbye to your DS, have no fear! The Nintendo 3DS is backwards compatible with ALL Nintendo DS games! If you upgrade, you can just do a system transfer to have all of your saved content on your brand, new Nintendo 3DS! BAM! New system with all of your old stuff… pretty awesome!
4. You love retro games
Have you been missing those old-school retro Nintendo games that came out on the Nintendo Entertainment System or the Game Boy? You’ll be pleased to know that the 3DS features an eShop and with a working wi-fi connection, you can download tons of different retro titles for a very small price. Get your Super Mario Brothers, Megaman, Kirby, Metroid, and Castlevania fix for under $10 a game!
So for those of you who already have a 3DS but still have not upgraded to a 3DS XL, here are a few reasons why you should upgrade to an XL:
1. Bigger really IS better
Some people may be hesitant to upgrade for the sheer fact that the standard 3DS is, well, good enough especially when it comes to the 3D feature. When comparing the 3D feature on the standard 3DS to the 3DS XL; the difference is absolutely amazing. 3D just looks, well, better. If you’re like me and you don’t really use the 3D all that much except for cut scenes, it actually is worth the upgrade. Believe it or not, I actually enjoyed playing Fire Emblem Awakening more on my 3DS XL than my standard 3DS. Chrom looks way better when he’s bigger!
2. Longer battery life
The standard 3DS did not really have the best of battery life and I found myself plugged to my wall most of the time. Nintendo upgraded the 3DS XL with a longer battery life so you will be able to play your 3DS XL longer without having to charge it. If you use your 3DS on-the-go often, you will notice the difference immediately after your upgrade.
3. More memory
The 3DS XL comes bundled with a 4GB SD memory card whereas the standard 3DS only comes with 2GB. If you’re one of those people who loves your retro games, 4GB will take you a lot farther than a measly 2GB. Worried about upgrading and losing your content on your 2GB SD card? You can do a system transfer so all of your content on your 2GB SD card will be moved over to your brand, new 4GB SD card that is bundled with the 3DS XL!
Last but not least….
4. ALL of the special editions!
Have you guys seen all of the awesome collectors editions of some of the 3DS XL bundles? There’s a Legend of Zelda: Link Between Worlds bundle, a Yoshi’s New Island bundle, a Mario & Luigui Dream Team bundle, Pokemon X & Y bundles, and so many more! You can get a limited edition 3DS XL and your favorite game for a fraction it would be to spend on a regular 3DS XL and the game you are wanting.
And finally….
Whether you guys decide to upgrade to a standard 3DS or a 3DS XL; both parties will be winning in the month of March. New 3DS or 2DS owners will be able to get Pokemon X or Y FOR FREE with the purchase of one of these awesome games (The six participating games are Mario Kart™ 7, Super Mario 3D Land™, Animal Crossing™: New Leaf, Donkey Kong Country™ Returns 3D, LEGO® City Undercover: The Chase Begins and the upcoming Yoshi’s New Island™.). Pokemon X and Y was the fastest 3DS title to hit 1 million sales. The popular franchise has been loved by many for years and Pokemon X and Y are the first games in the series to feature 3D aspects with the 3D function in the 3DS console and a new ability called mega-evolution.
So what are you waiting for? Upgrade your Nintendo DS to a 3DS or upgrade your standard 3DS to a 3DS XL to qualify for a popular free game and tons of benefits. I also recommend the Nintendo 2DS if you have smaller children. Read more about the Nintendo 2DS here.