Pentavus 
After acquiring the New 3DSXL this morning, I was quite in a hurry to go home and start the data transfer from my old 3DSXL. There is a software update needed before even beginning the data transfer, fortunately enough, it is a small update. Once the system was patched and ready to go, the long transfer time awaited since I chose to do it wireless instead of using a PC to move data from the SD Card to the microSD. If you have the means to do it using the PC Transfer method, I would advise doing so as it does speed up the process greatly.
First thing I did notice was how much faster the system booted. They mentioned better hardware inside the console and I will have to agree. Even in game, using Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate for testing purpose, the loading screens between map areas load 1 to 2 seconds quicker on the N3DSXL compared to the 3DSXL. The most notable times of this upgrade is while booting a game and while accessing the home menu while playing a game and launching Miiverse or the Browser, well, I mention both of those launching quick while in game yet I have no basis to compare with as my 3DSXL never was able to launch either of those applications without crashing.
The system itself doesn’t look much different in terms of design as you can see:
The main differences from the 3DSXL are:
-Cartridge slot is on the bottom left hand
-Start and Select are off to the right instead of at the bottom of the lower screen
-Volume slider is now opposite of 3D slider
-The addition of the C Stick and ZL/ZR
The C Stick itself is a bit weird to get used to as I still expect some motion from it as I used but it’s more of a little nub than an actual control stick. It is pressure sensitive and does react well to my quick taps to move the camera while playing. The addition of ZL and ZR is something I found myself enjoying more than I thought as for the few games I tried, ZL acts as L and vice versa. This makes it much easier to use shoulder buttons if you have larger hands like me as now they are a bit more off towards the middle instead of being right at the edge.
The feature I am most surprised about is the Super-Stable 3D feature. After trying on multiple occasions of using the 3D feature on both the 3DS and the 3DSXL, I had just about given up as I was unable to find that “sweet spot” to be able to play comfortably. With this head tracking feature, I actually have to try quite hard to not be in the sweet spot for the 3D to work correctly. This feature is the sole reason I’m now able to enjoy the 3D feature that the 3DS is all about.
Of course, with all this said, the real question remains: Should I upgrade to a new 3DSXL or keep my regular 3DS/XL?
It comes down to multiple point in my opinion. If the XL series feels too big for you, you probably won’t enjoy the New3DSXL. If you are using a 3DSXL and don’t play any of the newer more intense games (read Smash Bros really), then it might not be for you. I’d really only suggest it to people that want to go to XL size from a regular, play Smash Bros and got Amiibos or can’t find the sweet spot for 3D and really want to use it. Otherwise, until they do release N3DS exclusive games, first being Xenoblade Chronicles and only one so far, there isn’t much point to jump on the N3DSXL as the 3DS/3DSXL can do all of it, except Amiibos compatibility for now, at a little slower pace.
