Hot handheld game player: NINTENDO 3DS XL

The buttons, connectivity and innards — bar the addition of a 4GB rather than 2GB SD card — are the same as the original 3DS, making this a predominantly aesthetic overhaul. But is bigger better?

    The rounded design is more comfy in the hand and at 4.88 inches its screen has a larger 3D sweet spot, so gameplay is more immersive. Yet resolution is not improved, the pixels are just bigger.
    While there are a stack of A-grade games available and more on the horizon, the lack of cheap, downloadable titles is an initial 3DS gripe that still needs addressing.

    Having to shell out £6.99 extra for an AC adaptor is a bit odd in this day and age, while the decision not to integrate the Circle Pad Pro add-on (£15) is a shame, but probably wise on the size front. Nintendo quotes a 3DS-beating 6.5 hours of 3D play and eight of 2D for the XL, and while we lost power a bit quicker than that, it's noticeably improved.
    The 3DS remains a very good handheld, with the XL the best choice for newbies, but there's not enough here to recommend an upgrade for original 3DS owners.

The 3DS XL, pound for pound, out-punches the original 3DS, but existing users should stick rather than twist

{SPECIFICATIONS}
PROCESSOR/RAM Nintendo ARM (speed not specified)/127MB
GRAPHICS PICA200
TOP SCREEN 4.88-inch, 800x240, 3D
BOTTOM SCREEN 4.18-inch, 320x240, 2D touchscreen
CONNECTIVITY G Wi-Fi
CAMERA 0.3-megapixel 3D dual interior and exterior
STORAGE 2GB internal, SD card (4GB card included)
SIZE/WEIGHT 134x74x21mm/235g

LOVE Big 3D sweet spot. Comfortable design. Battery life bump
HATE Build feels a bit cheap. No major tech improvements