The significant difference between the New 3DS XL and the New 3DS LL is that they’re made for different regions. 3DS LL is used in Japan to describe larger sizes. In comparison, XL is used in America and Europe.
Because the 3DS has a strong game library with a unique 3D effect, this instantly makes Nintendo 3Ds worth your money back. Its maker, the Nintendo, made it a system for playing video games. They’re regarded as an international leader in the interactive entertainment industry.
As you go along with this article, it will help you understand the differences between 3DS XL and 3DS LL, especially with their functions. I’m confident that you’ll know what to buy when given a chance.
So, let’s get right to it!
What’s Nintendo 3DS?
The Nintendo 3DS is a handheld game console. It was released in 2011 in Japan as a successor to the Nintendo DS.
One of its features is backward compatibility with the older Nintendo video game versions. It’s an eighth-generation console. Its primary competitor is Sony PlayStation.
As it’s a handheld game console, its most important feature is the ability to display stereoscopic 3-D effects. This can be displayed without 3-D glasses or any additional accessories. Nintendo 3DS also offers new features like the StreetPass and SportPass tag modes.
Moreover, this console is preloaded with multiple applications such as a distribution store. They also added Netflix, an Internet browser, and YouTube streaming video services. This is due to the effort of the Nintendo 3DS to undergo many updates and redesigns throughout its life.
What are New 3DS XL and New 3DS LL?
Basically, the Nintendo 3DS XL is one of the versions of the Nintendo 3DS. The 3DS XL Is a larger model first released in Japan and Europe in July 2012.
It features a 90% larger screen. The new Nintendo 3DS also features a more powerful CPU than the 2DS Nintendo. Additionally, it has a second analog stick called the C stick.
Also, this model includes many interesting new features, such as additional buttons and an improved camera.
It’s just that the new model features a more powerful processor along with face tracking for improved 3-D viewing angles. Here’s a list of some of the features that the new model offers:
- Backward compatible
- Colored face buttons
- Automatic brightness adjustment
- MicroSD storage
- Larger batteries
The new Nintendo 3DS is compatible with existing DS and 3DS versions. The opening display size of the new Nintendo 3DS XL is 4.88 inches. Moreover, it has a resolution of 400 x 240.
On the other hand, the New 3DS LL that replaced the old Nintendo 3DS LL is a slightly thinner, larger, and 7-gram lighter version than its predecessor. Both the models have increased display sizes, which explains the increase in their dimensions.
The LL is considered the Japanese version of the XL. While XL is sold internationally, in America and Europe, the new 3DS LL is only sold in Japan.
Which is Better?
Due to the difference in the sizing category in different regions, the New Nintendo 3DS has separate names. However, they both are the same and perform the same role.
“LL” models function similarly to “XL” models. You can buy the 3DS LL model in Japan because it has Japanese as its default language instead of English. The XL models are available in Europe and America.
These two models are locked by region. You can only play games from that region as they’re locked by location. Therefore, some English games that the New 3DS XL might offer won’t be available on the Japanese LL version.
Region locking allows Nintendo to include parental controls. It also enables it to deliver region-specific system and menu updates to users more efficiently.
Nintendo 3DS LL Japanese to English
The New Nintendo 3DS LL version is sold only in Japan. It’s only right for it to have Japanese as its default Language—however, you can easily change the language from the settings to English.
Just follow these simple steps:
- Click on the System Settings icon and tap Open
- Tap Other Settings, which is at the lower-right corner
- Click on the 4 at the top of the screen
- Click on Language
- Select English, French, Spanish, or Portuguese from the drop-down bar. (Whichever one you want!)
- Tap OK to confirm
See, it’s that easy! So now you don’t need to worry about being stuck with the Japanese language.
Is the New Nintendo 3DS XL Bigger than the 3DS XL?
Yes! The new 3DS has a 3.88-inch autostereoscopic 3-D display and a touchscreen of 3.33 inches.
On the other hand, the new 3DS XL has a 3-D screen that’s a whole inch bigger. It measures 4.88 inches, and its touchscreen comes in at 4.18 inches.
The new 3DS XL is super-sized and is also bigger in its price.
Is the New 3DS XL Better than the 3DS?
While both have their advantages, the New 3DS is considered superior to the XL. It’s regarded as more attractive and more comfortable to hold.
It comes in metallic blue or metallic black models, while the new 3DS comes in only two colors, which are black and white.
However, many claims that the games don’t look quite as sharp on the New 3DS XL. This is because it has a larger screen, giving each display a lower pixel density.
Moreover, they both also have different designs.
Comparing Design, Battery, and User Experience
The New 3DS has an entirely matte plastic chassis. Whereas the New 3DS XL only has a flat plastic interior. And its front and rear panels have a glossy finish, making it look more attractive.
Lastly, the New 3DS model has a smaller 1400mAh lithium-ion battery. At the same time, the New 3DS XL has a 1700mAh lithium-ion battery. This makes it last an hour longer than the New 3DS.
Furthermore, its screen is also sharper and can deliver a more refined gaming experience across the board. It’s better for those who tend to play more games for a more extended period. Its long-lasting battery of about 7 hours makes it all the more worthy!
On the other hand, while there’s nothing wrong with the New 3DS XL, it becomes a deal-breaker because it lacks cover plates! Also, because it has a glossy finish, the sheer number of fingerprints it picks up isn’t particularly significant.
Is 3DS XL Discontinued?
Unfortunately, Nintendo has officially discontinued the 3DS version. That happened after its nine-year run and selling more than 75 million units. The reason for this discontinuation is the development of the new Switch Nintendo.
As Nintendo wanted to promote its new video game console model, they have killed off the previous version. However, you can still buy the Nintendo 3DS versions as refurbished from their official online store.
Apart from its replacement by the Switch Nintendo, they say that it was the right time for this version to retire. That’s because it was no longer selling like it once used to.
Take a look at this table comparing Nintendo handheld consoles and their release dates:
| Handheld Console | Release Dates |
| Game Boy | 1989 |
| Virtual Boy | 1995 |
| Game Boy Advance | 2001 |
| Nintendo DS | 2004 |
| Nintendo 3DS | 2011 |
| Nintendo Switch Lite | 2019 |
Is Nintendo Switch Better than 3DS?
There are many debates over which is better. Personally, what makes Nintendo Switch the better choice is the number of games. But fans still love the Nintendo 3DS models because of their diverse game libraries.
The 3DS model has a library of 1,346 games, and the new games have been added to the eShop. Overall, combined with the DS’s 1,965 games, there are over 3,311 games that you can play on the 3DS.
The Switch is considered way more powerful than the 3DS. It has 512 GFlops and is 10 times more potent than the PS Vita. Technically, when it comes to raw graphical processing capability, the Switch is 106.6 times more powerful than the 3DS.
Although many argue that the 3DS has a better overall quality title, the Switch may have a more extensive library of 3,274 games.
Why Is It so Popular?
Several factors contribute to the success of the Nintendo Switch console. As it’s a hybrid console, it appeals to a broader customer base. It receives plenty of support from both the first-party and third-party developers.
Moreover, it’s portable and can “switch” from a home console to a handheld game console. For this reason, it’s so loved by the people and has a charm in the market.
When choosing between Nintendo and Sony PlayStation, many always go for Nintendo. This is because Nintendo focuses on making the fun of the game and has innovative consoles. You can play family-friendly and entertaining games on Nintendo.
Final Thoughts
- New 3DS XL and New 3DS LL are essentially the same console. They are named differently for different regions. “LL” is used in Japan, and “XL” in America and Europe.
- Introduced in 2011, the Nintendo 3DS is a handheld game console. It is known for its 3D effects without glasses and backward compatibility with older Nintendo games.
- The XL model, released in 2012, offers a 90% larger screen, a more powerful CPU, and a C stick. It has additional buttons, an improved camera, and other enhancements.
- Both models are region-locked, meaning games from one region may not be playable on the other. They have different default languages.
- The choice between XL and LL depends on your region, as they are essentially the same console with regional variations.
- While the 3DS series has been discontinued, the Nintendo Switch has gained popularity for its hybrid nature. It offers both home and portable gaming.
- The Nintendo Switch has a more extensive game library. However, the 3DS series remains popular for its diverse game offerings.
- Nintendo officially discontinued the 3DS in favor of promoting the Nintendo Switch. Refurbished versions may still be available.
- Nintendo’s success lies in its focus on fun, innovative consoles and a family-friendly gaming experience. This makes it a popular choice for gamers.
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