I was late getting into the DS/3DS world. I was “too cool” for Nintendo and just playing my PSP or Xbox instead. Later, I delved back into Nintendo after getting a Switch and remembering the joy of the games I grew up playing. I then saw a video about how easy it was to hack a Nintendo 2DS XL, and also…they were only $99 at Walmart, and it included Mario Kart 7.

I ordered my N2DSXL, and it arrived the next day with an urgent sticker on it, like Walmart thought I needed it, life or death. After getting it, I hacked it full of these games I never played, and even ordered an R4 cart to load it up with more games I never played. But I played that system more than any other system that summer. There was a whole amazing world of games I had never played, now available at my fingertips.

The Downfall

My wife’s work was doing a big retreat where couples were invited to come. I knew I had to bring my N2DSXL. I remember putting it on our kitchen island and turning to grab the case and bumping it off. It fell about 4 feet, and the hinge broke right off. I reattached it, tried turning it on, and was greeted with a blue light and a loud popping sound. I had to go on this trip defeated with my worn-down Anbernic RG351V instead.

You know what happened between me buying it and then breaking it? Well, N2DSXL prices were no longer $99; they were more than double! I was so devastated scrolling eBay looking for a replacement. I finally decided to get a white Nintendo 3DS XL from Japan to hack. This had to be a good alternative.

To my pleasure, this thing was much more sturdy, the battery seemed longer, and I now had a cool 3D switch to toggle on and off with. I was happy until I heard about the whole IPS screen thing.

After some investigation, I had a top IPS screen. I eventually searched and searched until I could find a dual IPS and nothing. I then decided to get a bottom IPS and have a friend swap them for me so I could have an artificial dual IPS screen 3DS.

Why I Love the Nintendo 3DS

The 3DS line of systems has a great library. There are so many weird quirks with the Mii characters, a street pass, a pedometer that earns coins, themes, and so much more. The weird nub that could be used as a second stick is such a Nintendo thing to do, well, old Nintendo.

The 3D with the Nintendo 3DS XL is very interesting to use. There are some games that utilize it very well, and it makes it so immersive. The backwards compatibility with the DS library is great as well. I know DS purists will scoff at the idea of playing it on a 3DS screen, but I have no judgment, and I am also not buying a whole different system when this thing can play both.

Conclusion

After buying the Switch 2, which I do enjoy, I just felt like I needed to gush about the 3DS. The new Switch lacks the love and innovation that Nintendo used to show. This came from a time when Nintendo was so passionate about their console, the CEO even took a pay cut and offered free GBA games for early adopters as a thank you for the higher price they paid with a sloppy release.

It just feels good to use a system that is fun, quirky, and has some passion behind its development. After using the Switch 2 and going back to it, I wish the Switch 2 had a little more of those things. I also don’t enjoy emulating DS or 3DS because it loses a ton of the charm that the original console provides. Thank you, Nintendo of old, please slap Nintendo of now in the back of the head.

What did you think of this article? Let us know in the comments below, and chat with us in our Discord!

This page may contain affiliate links, by purchasing something through a link, Retro Handhelds may earn a small commission on the sale at no additional cost to you.