How big is the 3DS XL?
The most striking feature, of course, is the larger screens. The screens of the 3DS XL are 90% larger than those of the 3DS. The upper (3D) screen measures 4.88 inches, and the lower touchscreen measures 4.18 inches. Making them the largest screens ever on a handheld device! The dimensions of the 3DS XL are: 93 mm tall x 156 mm wide x 22 mm deep (when closed). The dimensions of the 3DS: 74 mm tall x 134 mm wide x 21 mm deep (when closed). In terms of the system's size itself, it's quite manageable. And if you want to compare weights: 3DS XL: 336 g. 3DS: 235 g. Many people had thought that the pixels would be 'popped out' again, like with the DSi XL. But this time, that's not the case at all. Thanks to the larger screens, the 3D effect is much more pronounced, and the graphics themselves are not compromised. It even looks better!
What else is 'XL'?
Many users of the 3DS were not satisfied with the battery life. The 3DS battery life when using 3DS games was 3.5 - 5.5 hours, when using DS games, the battery life was 5 - 8 hours, and in sleep mode about 3 days. Nintendo listened to this feedback because the battery life of the
3DS XL is much better: 3DS games: 3.5 - 6.5 hours, DS games: 6 - 10 hours, and in sleep mode about 3 days. The charging times, however, have remained the same.
Another improvement is the amount of memory on the included SD card. It has been increased from 2GB to 4GB. This allows players to store more data, and Nintendo is encouraging players to download their games digitally in the eShop, so they are completely stored on the SD card. However, there hasn't been much interest in this yet.
Why doesn't the charger fit in the box?
As usual, every system comes with a charger for powering the system. Strangely enough, there was none in the box of the
3DS XL when purchased new. Nintendo assumed that almost everyone owns a DSi or 3DS. The chargers for those can also be used with the 3DS XL. (Fortunately, at Mario 3DS, you always get a charger with your system.) Just so you know!
6 Months warranty
In original packaging
