The Nintendo 3DS XL: A Hidden Gem in 2025

The original 3DS XL came out in 2012, following the release of the 3DS in 2011.

In the age of PS5 and Switch 2 it can be easy to forget about the 3DS. Released in 2011 to replace the aging DS, the 3DS promised a new era of gaming featuring a glasses-less 3D screen. And yet, early on there was little promise of success. I remember thinking about buying a 3DS in 2011, only to decide against it after witnessing the thin lineup of games available, the limited 3D function, and how weak the system was graphically (about on par with the much older PSP).

However, as time went on, I began to appreciate the 3DS more. I eventually was gifted one for my birthday, with my first games being Pokémon Black, Chrono Trigger, and Mario Kart 7. Over the years my collection of 3DS games grew to incorporate titles like Pokémon X and Pokémon Moon. Then in 2016 I put my 3DS into semi-retirement, where it gathered dust in a drawer most of the time, the exception being when I had the urge play Pokémon.

I rediscovered the 3DS during the pandemic, seeking to find a way to pass the hours while quarantining and otherwise avoiding events with other people. I built up a decent collection of 3DS games, including classics like Rune Factory 4 and Bravely Default. For a time it became a staple in my gaming routine, offering experiences not available to more powerful equipment.

One thing I didn't like about my 3DS was its size. Its tiny screen matches that of the original iPhone with a chassis that's difficult to hold for long periods of time when you have adult-sized hands. So I went on the hunt for a 3DS XL, which, unfortunately, was difficult to find for a decent price. After weeks of searching for a decent deal, I found a red 3DS XL in near-mint condition on Amazon sold for a fair price (under $140). I would have tried to get a New 3DS XL, but those were going for $200+ and didn't offer much to justify that price difference (namely a faster CPU and a more stable 3D effect).

I've now owned the original 3DS XL for a little over three years now, and I have nothing but great things to say about it. It adds new life to the 3DS games I used to play over decade ago, providing far more space to take in the scenery and appreciate the graphics and artwork. I like playing JRPGs, and one of the problems with playing them on the smaller 3DS was how all the detailed information, e.g. health bars, character avatars, attack names, etc. were smashed into a tiny amount of screen real-estate. A prime example of this is Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivor Overclocked, which primarily uses the bottom screen of the 3DS. On the smaller 3DS you really have to squint to see things, on the 3DS XL everything is much more clear, making an already fantastic game that much better.

In terms of build quality, the 3DS XL is solid. Like most devices in the 3DS family, the hinge connecting to the screen becomes wobbly if you shake it around too much. The buttons are far improved over the original 3DS-line, feeling punchier and almost akin to those on Switch Joy-Cons. The D-pad is also improved, feeling more responsive and springier. The 3D effect is largely the same, though I never really had a problem finding the "sweet spot" on it like some, but for those of you who are picky about that you might want to spend more for the New 3DS XL.

Ultimately, the 3DS XL offers something of a unique experience in 2025. Many of its best games, like those in the Shin Megami Tensei, Monster Hunter, and Etrian Odyssey series can only be played on the 3DS. Because it was exclusively a handheld console, the 3DS offers tailored portable experiences more bespoke than those offered on say the Switch or Switch 2, both of which have games that weren't really designed with the handheld experience in mind. The 3DS is fully backwards compatible with the DS as well, meaning you have access to those titles too. If dated graphics aren't a problem for you, the 3DS XL offers many hours of great experiences and uniquely ageless gameplay.

As to where you can find a 3DS these days, your best bet might be to try Amazon or Gamespot, both of which offer used and refurbished 3DS consoles at reasonable prices. I've heard others have had luck on Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist too. Unfortunately Nintendo no longer sells the 3DS directly, so there's really no way to get a new one unless you are willing to pay a premium.

With respect to good deals on 3DS games, unfortunately the online store was taken down quite a while ago. If you were around in 2022 you probably took advantage of the last digital 3DS sales, but nowadays you'll have to search for used copies of physical media, which don't exactly come cheap. Sometimes you can find "world editions" of popular 3DS games that are still in production (like Pokémon Ultra Sun), meaning they are still purchasable at MSRP.

The 3DS XL is an older device, being released almost fifteen years ago. However, it continues to be a solid machine with a tremendous amount of quality titles. Though it no longer receives support from Nintendo and has been supplanted by the wildly popular Switch series, it still offers enough of a unique experience to be worthy of being including in your gaming lineup. Catch you on StreetPass!