Torn between new 2DS or used 3DS for xmas gift

[Shadrack]

I'm torn between buying a new 2DS from walmart's $99 sale now or work on finding a good used 3DS or 3DS XL on Craig's list (or possibly Amazon) for my step son for Christmas.

 

I think I can get a used 3DS for about $75 on craigs list (just looking around at previous posts).  XLs seem to vary a bit more (but folks are asking around $125).

 

For those who own any of the 3DS models: how is the ware and tear going on them?  That is why I'm probably only going to shop Craig's list is so I can inspect it before paying for it.

 

I'm really not sure which he would prefer and I want this to be a surprise.  He has been wanting to play the New Super Mario Bros 2 game and has hinted on about it all year.

 

I brought up the 2DS with him when it first came out and he didn't like the way it looked.

 

Can't really find a good deal for NSMB2.  Its either $20 used or $30 new.

 

Walmart had a bundle with a Paper Mario game and an accessory for $120 but it seems to be sold out.  Not sure if Paper Mario is really that great of a game or not.  I think my step son is mostly just interested in playing NSMB2 and Pokemon.  He commented that he didn't really like the 3d when the 3ds first came out, but for some reason I still see him wanting that feature... I just can't afford a 3ds or the 3dsxl unless they are discounted to something preferably less than $100.

 

Thanks for your input!

[xboxfan50]

Exact asame position as you, really can't make up my mind which is better. There are a lot of mixed views on the 2DS.

[Shadrack]

I think I'd rather have the XL for myself... :P

 

But I can't justify the $199 price tag and I missed the $150 sale yesterday.

 

I'm thinking about waiting to see if anyone has anything for cyber Monday.  Is Cyber Monday even a thing anymore?  Worried the 2DS on WalMart may be the best "bang for my buck" but will miss out when they are sold out.

 

The 2DS looks like it HAS to have a case to me.  The 3DS (xl) look more overall portable.  The 2DS looks more comfortable to hold.  idk.

[DrunknMunky Veteran]

The real advantage of the 2DS besides being cheaper is the removal of the hinge. Young children are particuarly bad for caring after hinged devices like the 3DS, and it can easily be broken in a backpack. Alternatively, the 2DS screens will be exposed all the time not just to cracks but scratches. However, a case like this should be enough to prevent those.

 

I've had a 3DS XL for nearly 6 months now, and although I don't use the 3D I definitely think it's the more appealing console. I'm sure your kids would be happy to get either. Once they start playing the games they'll probably forget about the console design anyway.

 

I can't say much for Paper Mario as I haven't played it, but if your kids enjoy Mario for the platforming elements it probably won't be their cup of tea. The Paper series is an RPG, albeit basic compared to something like Final Fantasy etc. I own NSMB2 and can vouch for that though; great little game.

[Shadrack]

Thanks for your input.  What do you think about used vs. new?

 

I'm curious if Target has anymore XLs for $150...

[DrunknMunky Veteran]

Thanks for your input.  What do you think about used vs. new?

 

I'm curious if Target has anymore XLs for $150...

 

That's a really hard call and I'll admit I'm not the best person to ask either. I say that because I pretty much refuse to buy anything used 99% of the time. I'd rather wait for something to drop in price or pay the extra for peace of mind, knowing it's history and that I won't find out it's faulty soon after buying. That's a really tough call in your position because it's for a child's xmas present and telling them "we have to wait" isn't going to sound good on Xmas morning no matter how you put it unfortunately.

 

I think your step son would be really happy with a 2DS from Walmart's sale, honestly. Once he has it in his hands and sees there's really not all that different besides the removal of 3D, and actually has a good few benefits to it, he'll forget all about it not being a 3D/XL. Longer battery life, solid design and the same great games, what's not to like :)

[Thief000]

I'd take the 3DS XL.

How old is he though (asking in relation to the 3D feature health issue, <6-7yo is not advised => strabismus)?

[compl3x]

I had an original 3DS and I found the screen too small. 2DS looks weird to me. Reviews seem to be positive but it just looks bizarre to me. I say get the 3DS XL. They are pretty robust unless your step son like to throw tantrums and break stuff.

[Shadrack]

He is 11 and I'd score him a B- on taking care of his stuff.  lol.

 

I think if I could find the XL for $150 on sale, I'd get that.  Otherwise, I just don't know...

 

I'd jump on the Walmart sale but I don't like to feel rushed :P.  I have a feeling $99 is the best new offer for the 2DS.  Hmmm.... maybe I'll bite.

 

Thanks for your input everyone.

[Shadrack]

I had an original 3DS and I found the screen too small. 2DS looks weird to me. Reviews seem to be positive but it just looks bizarre to me. I say get the 3DS XL. They are pretty robust unless your step son like to throw tantrums and break stuff.

 

I don't seem him breaking it outright.  More like...letting it get so grimy it only lasts 3 years instead of 5 to 6 :p. He's not the type to throw fits.

[Shadrack]

I had an original 3DS and I found the screen too small. 2DS looks weird to me. Reviews seem to be positive but it just looks bizarre to me. I say get the 3DS XL. They are pretty robust unless your step son like to throw tantrums and break stuff.

 

What else makes me lean towards XL is the stereo sound vs the mono sounds on the 2DS.  How would you feel about new 2DS vs used XL though?

[TruckWEB]

I have a 2DS, but the screen are too small for my taste.  It was nice and all, but using it for an extended period of time became hard on the eyes.

 

Got a 3DS XL yesterday (black Friday) for $150.  The 2DS is $129 here....  So it was a good deal!!

[compl3x]

What else makes me lean towards XL is the stereo sound vs the mono sounds on the 2DS.  How would you feel about new 2DS vs used XL though?

 

 

I never buy used, but if you can get a bargain and you are confident there is nothing wrong with the device then go for it. It would be a shame to buy it and give it to him only to find there is something wrong with it on Xmas day. :(

[madd-hatter]

I fear you'll be met with a look of disappointment if he unwraps a 2DS.

[Shadrack]

I fear you'll be met with a look of disappointment if he unwraps a 2DS.

This is my fear too :(.  I think I may pass up the 2DS and continue looking for a better deal for a 3DS/3DSXL.

 

I ran to Target to check to see if they had anymore XLs at $150 but of course they didn't.  Really kicking myself for not getting in on that, but I hate Black Friday crowds so w/e.

[SinsOfCube]

It might also be worth noting that the 3DSXL doesn't come with a charger, you'll need to buy it seperate. With the 2DS a charger is included and I'm not sure if the 3DS includes a charger, but I think it does.

 

I personally think the 2DS doesn't look to be very ergonomic, but haven't had one in my hands.

[Blackhearted]

It might also be worth noting that the 3DSXL doesn't come with a charger, you'll need to buy it seperate. With the 2DS a charger is included and I'm not sure if the 3DS includes a charger, but I think it does.

 

I personally think the 2DS doesn't look to be very ergonomic, but haven't had one in my hands.

 

Isn't that just a japan and europe thing?

[dead.cell]

I'd go with the 2DS, and I say this as someone who thought it was gonna be totally stupid as well. Considering I find the 3D in the 3DS to be utterly useless unless I want a self-induced headache, it's a better price, sturdy, and imo, doesn't look that bad at all. :)

[SinsOfCube]

Isn't that just a japan and europe thing?

I just checked and it seems you're right, what did Europe ever do against Nintendo! ( Probably due to all the differant plugs used in Europe :shiftyninja: )

[Shadrack]

I'd go with the 2DS, and I say this as someone who thought it was gonna be totally stupid as well. Considering I find the 3D in the 3DS to be utterly useless unless I want a self-induced headache, it's a better price, sturdy, and imo, doesn't look that bad at all. :)

 

Thanks.  I actually think that price wise its the best deal out there, and I totally agree on the 3D.

 

What I decided to do is go ahead and buy the 2DS from Walmart online.  If there is a better 3DS(XL) deal that comes up, then I can always return the 2DS...this is Walmart we are talking about here.

 

But if I can get the 3DS for ~$120 or the 3DS XL for ~$150 then I'll probably jump on that.  I can't justify paying full price on either of those right now ($169/$199)...its just too much money.  And I'm concerned about getting something used.  Seems like an easy wear-and-tear device to me.

[madd-hatter]

This is my fear too :(.  I think I may pass up the 2DS and continue looking for a better deal for a 3DS/3DSXL.

 

I ran to Target to check to see if they had anymore XLs at $150 but of course they didn't.  Really kicking myself for not getting in on that, but I hate Black Friday crowds so w/e.

Cyber Monday might help you out.

[Liana]

Thanks.  I actually think that price wise its the best deal out there, and I totally agree on the 3D.

 

What I decided to do is go ahead and buy the 2DS from Walmart online.  If there is a better 3DS(XL) deal that comes up, then I can always return the 2DS...this is Walmart we are talking about here.

 

But if I can get the 3DS for ~$120 or the 3DS XL for ~$150 then I'll probably jump on that.  I can't justify paying full price on either of those right now ($169/$199)...its just too much money.  And I'm concerned about getting something used.  Seems like an easy wear-and-tear device to me.

I've had my 3DS XL for about 6 months and it's still looks, feels, and plays the same as the day I bought it. The hinge has held up really well for me but I also baby my 3DS. I would not buy one used unless it's been adult owned and you can see it in person and get a good feel for the condition of the hinge, analog controller, etc. 

 

As far as the 3D goes, it really varies by person and by game. My husband gets an instant headache trying to view the screen in 3D. For me, I absolutely LOVE it for LoZ: A Link Between Worlds, can take it or leave it for most games, and can't use it when playing Mariokart because I tend to move my hands more when I play and any change in angle to the screen throws off the 3D. I have found that many third-party titles make poor use of the 3D to the point where I wonder why they bothered at all.

 

The downsides of the XL for me were/are price (obviously) and lack of accessories! You can find a case on Amazon for around $10, but most other accessories are only available for the regular 3DS. Personally I found the 3DS XL to be a little bit heavy and uncomfortable to hold for long periods, so I ended up buying a grip via Amazon, imported from Japan. The shipping cost more than the grip, but it's saved my hands!

 

Just stuff to think about. :)

[compl3x]

I fear you'll be met with a look of disappointment if he unwraps a 2DS.

 

 

This is my fear too :(. 

 

 

No disrespect to you or your step-son intended, but if you go to all of this effort and buy him a great handheld (2DS or 3DS XL, whichever you end up choosing) and he isn't grateful for such a generous present spend your money on yourself in the future  :laugh:  :p

[Shadrack]

No disrespect to you or your step-son intended, but if you go to all of this effort and buy him a great handheld (2DS or 3DS XL, whichever you end up choosing) and he isn't grateful for such a generous present spend your money on yourself in the future  :laugh:   :p

 

Point well taken.

 

The only cybermonday 3DS deal is the Mario & Luigi Dream Team XL bundle for $180 (only $20 off).  So I think I'll be sticking with the 2DS + NSMB2 I got.  I'd get the XL + a game I know he wants...but I'm not sure if he would like Mario & Luigi Dream Team....

[Shadrack]

The reviews for Mario & Luigi Dream Team were quite good.  It's an RPG, and he does like some RPGs (he loves Pokemon for example).

 

I decided to get the Mario & Luigi Dream Team XL bundle for $180 for this BB sell and I've cancelled my 2DS order.  The NSMB2 game had already shipped...  I was thinking of still returning it at the store though.  I might convince his brother and sister to go 50/50 on the NSMB2 game or he can just buy it with his own allowance.