I finally did it! Ordered myself a 3DS XL + Zelda :D


Recommended Posts

I had a firmware update to do. No idea what new features it added though.

There's a changelog for all the updates here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nintendo_3DS_system_software

Chances are you had the 3dsxl launch version(3.1.0-6).

I am thinking of picking up Pokeman Black 2 once I complete OoT. Also the DS Zelda games (Phantom Hourglass and Spirit Tracks) will be a must buy when I have the time/money.

the two DS Zelda games were alright, not the greatest IMO. I didn't like that they went full touch screen with them, link doesn't always do what you want him to do because of it

if you haven't played the GBA zelda games I'd definitely recommend picking those up from the eStore though :)

the two DS Zelda games were alright, not the greatest IMO. I didn't like that they went full touch screen with them, link doesn't always do what you want him to do because of it

if you haven't played the GBA zelda games I'd definitely recommend picking those up from the eStore though :)

100% agreed on that - Minish Cap is an absolutely fantastic game - arguably the best handheld Zelda there is (outside of the ports, you could argue Link's Awakening is the best, another fave Zelda title of mine, the one that got me into the series!).

You're absolutely going to love OoT 3D, such a fantastic amount of replay value if you're a completionist and a rather awesome surprise when you complete the game (I won't spoil it unless you know already :p)

I'm glad Nintendo has finally started offering some of their retail games for download in the eShop. Maybe a response to the almighty App Store?

it's hardly a great thing considering this is Nintendo, who believe in charging as much as possible for their first party games for as long as they can possibly get away with it. All their retail titles on eShop are ?39.99, more than you'll see in any sane retail store I'll be damned if I ever pay that much for a 3DS game. It usually takes a year or 3 before they even considering putting their prices down too - though then again they also said they were making a concerted effort to not cannibalize retail store sales too.

Their entire pricing structure is insane anyway, they charge between ?4-?8 for 10-20 year old GBC / GB games, and ?5-?9 for worthwhile bespoke eShop titles, which is hardly an ideal way to try and compete with the App Store,. Though they don't seem entirely bothered about competing with that. Apple really did screw with the pricing of software forever when they came out with the App Store, allowing everyone to have an unregulated mad rush to undercut each other in price and get the most sales by being cheap (which you'd imagine probably wouldn't have happened if independent developers weren't given so much free reign) :p

Pfft, it's hardly a great thing considering this is Nintendo, who believe in charaging as much as possible for their first party games for as long as they can possibly get away with it. All their retail titles on eShop are ?39.99, more than you'll see in any sane retail store I'll be damned if I ever pay that much for a 3DS game. It usually takes a year or 3 before they even considering putting their prices down too - though then again they also said they were making a concerted effort to not cannibalize retail store sales too.

it all comes down to being a smart shopper,... here (in the US) we have an electronics store (Fry's)

at which some day-1 releases (including consoles) carry a considerable price markdown

I, for example, purchased the 3ds XL on launch day for $179, marked down from the MSRP of $199

and NSMB2 for $29 (10 off from the MSRP) ... Same place where i got MK7 which was also released

for that same price

:D

it's hardly a great thing considering this is Nintendo, who believe in charging as much as possible for their first party games for as long as they can possibly get away with it. All their retail titles on eShop are ?39.99, more than you'll see in any sane retail store I'll be damned if I ever pay that much for a 3DS game. It usually takes a year or 3 before they even considering putting their prices down too - though then again they also said they were making a concerted effort to not cannibalize retail store sales too.

Their entire pricing structure is insane anyway, they charge between ?4-?8 for 10-20 year old GBC / GB games, and ?5-?9 for worthwhile bespoke eShop titles, which is hardly an ideal way to try and compete with the App Store,. Though they don't seem entirely bothered about competing with that. Apple really did screw with the pricing of software forever when they came out with the App Store, allowing everyone to have an unregulated mad rush to undercut each other in price and get the most sales by being cheap (which you'd imagine probably wouldn't have happened if independent developers weren't given so much free reign) :p

I haven't bought anything from the eshop because I think their prices are just ridiculous.

it's hardly a great thing considering this is Nintendo, who believe in charging as much as possible for their first party games for as long as they can possibly get away with it. All their retail titles on eShop are ?39.99, more than you'll see in any sane retail store I'll be damned if I ever pay that much for a 3DS game. It usually takes a year or 3 before they even considering putting their prices down too - though then again they also said they were making a concerted effort to not cannibalize retail store sales too.

Their entire pricing structure is insane anyway, they charge between ?4-?8 for 10-20 year old GBC / GB games, and ?5-?9 for worthwhile bespoke eShop titles, which is hardly an ideal way to try and compete with the App Store,. Though they don't seem entirely bothered about competing with that. Apple really did screw with the pricing of software forever when they came out with the App Store, allowing everyone to have an unregulated mad rush to undercut each other in price and get the most sales by being cheap (which you'd imagine probably wouldn't have happened if independent developers weren't given so much free reign) :p

Gameboy games and such are more expensive than your app store trash, er, i mean, "games" for a reason. That's because even 20 years later, they're still infinitely more fun and playable than anything on your phone ever will be.

  • Like 2

Gameboy games and such are more expensive than your app store trash, er, i mean, "games" for a reason. That's because even 20 years later, they're still infinitely more fun and playable than anything on your phone ever will be.

Yeah that's true, Zelda: Links Awakening is a very good game. Is a ROM image worth ?5.99? **** no.

Can buy a whole gameboy with the game off ebay for cheaper than that.

Yeah that's true, Zelda: Links Awakening is a very good game. Is a ROM image worth ?5.99? **** no.

Can buy a whole gameboy with the game off ebay for cheaper than that.

Have fun carrying that brick around

  • Like 1

GBA SP or Micro is actually much smaller than a 3DS and lighter... So you wanna revise your post or...?

even the GBC is about the same size and weight as the DS

no idea why he assumed you were talking about the original gameboy anyway

GBA SP or Micro is actually much smaller than a 3DS and lighter... So you wanna revise your post or...?

"a whole gameboy with the game"

why wouldn't I assume you were talking about the original gameboy? Almost everyone who wants to refer to a GBA SP refers to it as such.

Also, have fun playing Link's Awakening DX on your Micro.

"a whole gameboy with the game"

why wouldn't I assume you were talking about the original gameboy? Almost everyone who wants to refer to a GBA SP refers to it as such.

Also, have fun playing Link's Awakening DX on your Micro.

No, people refer to it as a gameboy, because it is, a gameboy.

When I say windows, I'm probably talking about windows 7 or 8, not windows 1.0 or 3.11 by your dumb logic.

Link's awakening dx runs perfectly fine on my micro with a flashcart, and it is enjoyable - thanks.

Any more stupid responses feel free to just post them without thinking!

No, people refer to it as a gameboy, because it is, a gameboy.

When I say windows, I'm probably talking about windows 7 or 8, not windows 1.0 or 3.11 by your dumb logic.

Link's awakening dx runs perfectly fine on my micro with a flashcart, and it is enjoyable - thanks.

Any more stupid responses feel free to just post them without thinking!

that's funny, no one said about buying a flashcart off ebay, but I'm glad you enjoy the game!

also, what a ridiculous analogy. Yes, Windows 7 is also Windows. However, a 3DS is also a DS... but would you call it as such? It's hardly dumb logic. Nobody I know (especially in gaming circles like these) would refer to a GBA as a Game boy explicitly (although clearly the Nintendo section has gone down hill lately if people like you are posting in it)

that's funny, no one said about buying a flashcart off ebay, but I'm glad you enjoy the game!

Wow you must lack knowledge of what you're talking about, I mean obviously you do because you're still posting FUD in this thread. The MICRO is micro because it has no +5v regulator needed for original GB carts so they do not work, only GBA cartridges work, so once you've finally got that in your head, feel free to correct your post.

also, what a ridiculous analogy. Yes, Windows 7 is also Windows. However, a 3DS is also a DS... but would you call it as such? It's hardly dumb logic. Nobody I know (especially in gaming circles like these) would refer to a GBA as a Game boy explicitly (although clearly the Nintendo section has gone down hill lately if people like you are posting in it)

So now you're flipping what you think because of a different product - do go away, here's a website you can go away to and play with other people that have the same mental age as you; http://www.thekidzpage.com/freekidsgames/index.htm

I'm thinking of picking one up soon - I should check out the new Zelda games!! I had loads of fun with the Gameboy ones. This thread has made me decide to get an 3DS XL for sure over a 3DS regular... plus the ladies love when things are XL ;) (jokinggg, well, kinda)

  • 4 weeks later...

My wife caved and gave me my christmas gift early (we are terrible gifters, can't seem to hold out to Christmas Day). And what do you know, a 3DSXL (Blue) with OoT and New Super Mario Bros 2!!! She also let it slip (cause I went looking for a case immediately) not to look for a case because my mother in law is buying me a starter kit and a few games, as well as a eshop gift card for christmas.

My friend code is 4914-2706-3313. I'm loving it so far, and will be going out this weekend to get some streetpass hits if I can. I was skeptical when I saw the launch at e3 (3DS 2010) but the effect is amazing, and looks spectacular in Zelda.

You clearly didn't look very hard if you couldn't find anything more to play on it after OoT3D.

Gotta agree. The 3DS is also BC with the DS, so you also have all of those games you could buy.

  • 2 weeks later...

I ended up returning mine after a week. I did not like the 3D effect and once Zelda was completed I couldn't find anything else to play on it :( You can delete my friend code as there is no point keeping it now.

That's unfortunate. With games like NSMB2, which is awesome and has some good coin rush DLC available. Resident Evil: Revelations (best graphics on any mobile platform right now), Kid Icarus: Uprising is a great game, the LEGO games are fun and challenging, virtual console offers several very fun throwbacks, Link's Awakening and Ninja Gaiden being my favorites, and upcoming Zelda and Smash Bros titles, there is plenty to enjoy on the 3DS(XL). 3DSforums.com has some great reviews on current games, and news on upcoming games that would have been of interest I'm sure.

  • 2 weeks later...

funny thread as it is a nice coincidence. i bought a 3ds xl package with mario kart and zelda just a couple of days ago. havent had any mobile gaming for ages. both games are excellent and i enjoy them a lot. was a very spontanious purchase, i just felt the need to play zelda...

I ended up returning mine after a week. I did not like the 3D effect and once Zelda was completed I couldn't find anything else to play on it :( You can delete my friend code as there is no point keeping it now.

Really surprised. There's plenty of games out there on the 3DS worth purchasing.

This topic is now closed to further replies.
  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
  • Posts

    • Glad I uninstalled this incredibly buggy browser. Looking at that changelog, they clearly don't test their updates at all.
    • UniGetUI 2026.2.2 by Razvan Serea UniGetUI is an application whose main goal is to create an intuitive GUI for the most common CLI package managers for Windows 10 and Windows 11, such as Winget, Scoop and Chocolatey. With UniGetUI, you'll be able to download, install, update and uninstall any software that's published on the supported package managers — and so much more. UniGetUI features Install, update and remove software from your system easily at one click: UniGetUI combines the packages from the most used package managers for windows: WinGet, Chocolatey, Scoop, Pip, Npm and .NET Tool. Discover new packages and filter them to easily find the package you want. View detailed metadata about any package before installing it. Get the direct download URL or the name of the publisher, as well as the size of the download. Easily bulk-install, update or uninstall multiple packages at once selecting multiple packages before performing an operation Automatically update packages, or be notified when updates become available. Skip versions or completely ignore updates in a per-package basis. Manage your available updates at the touch of a button from the Widgets pane or from Dev Home pane with UniGetUI Widgets. The system tray icon will also show the available updates and installed package, to efficiently update a program or remove a package from your system. Easily customize how and where packages are installed. Select different installation options and switches for each package. Install an older version or force to install a 32bit architecture. [But don't worry, those options will be saved for future updates for this package] Share packages with your friends to show them off that program you found. Here is an example: Hey @friend, Check out this program! Export custom lists of packages to then import them to another machine and install those packages with previously-specified, custom installation parameters. Setting up machines or configuring a specific software setup has never been easier. Backup your packages to a local file to easily recover your setup in a matter of seconds when migrating to a new machine Devolutions UniGetUI 2026.2.2 changelog: This release marks the completion of UniGetUI's migration from WinUI to Avalonia. With the remaining WinUI components and dependencies now removed, UniGetUI is fully powered by Avalonia. This update also brings Windows 11 Snap Layouts support, refined styling throughout the application, improved log viewing, new illustrations, and significantly smaller release packages. Highlights Further refined the Avalonia user interface to better match WinUI styling and behavior across package lists, navigation elements, dialogs, and controls. Added support for Windows 11 Snap Layouts when hovering the maximize button, matching the behavior of native Windows applications. Added illustrations for empty and loading package list states, improving visual feedback throughout the application. Improved the operation log window so automatic scrolling no longer interrupts users when reviewing previous log entries. Reduced installer and application package sizes, resulting in smaller downloads and a significantly leaner Windows distribution. User Interface Improvements Improved package list styling, column headers, backgrounds, hover states, and selection indicators for a more polished and consistent experience. Refined sidebar navigation and segmented controls to better align with modern Windows design patterns. Improved package tag badges and icon presentation throughout the application. Updated several labels, placeholders, and interface elements for improved clarity and consistency. Removed the remaining WinUI-specific styling dependencies, further consolidating the application around Avalonia. Windows Improvements Added native Windows 11 Snap Layouts integration for the maximize button. Improved maximize button hover and pressed visual states to more closely match native Windows behavior. Performance & Reliability Reduced the size of Windows release packages by removing unnecessary runtime dependencies and optimizing published builds. Reduced installer size through improved compression settings. Simplified application dependencies and reduced overall maintenance complexity. Fixes Fixed log output auto-scrolling behavior when manually reviewing previous entries. Resolved various UI inconsistencies and styling issues across the Avalonia interface. Addressed several minor issues and edge cases throughout the application. Other Changes Dependency cleanup and project maintenance. Internal code refactoring and infrastructure improvements. Additional test coverage and build pipeline optimizations. Download: UniGetUI 64-bit | Portable | ~90.0 MB (Open Source) Download: UniGetUI ARM64 | Portable Links: UniGetUI Home Page | GitHub | Screenshot Get alerted to all of our Software updates on Twitter at @NeowinSoftware
    • The best controller for XBOX and PC is down to the lowest price by Taras Buria Image via Neowin The GameSir G7 Pro is a fantastic controller for XBOX and PC. Officially certified, it works with Microsoft's consoles, mobile devices, and PCs, giving you a universal controller for any kind of gaming machine. And right now, you can save 20% on it, thanks to the latest deal during Prime Day 2026 (purchase link below). The G7 Pro has the classic XBOX layout, complemented by a couple of extra elements, such as the M button for changing various settings and four additional remappable buttons. It also has trigger locks and TMR sticks that eliminate drifting issues, giving you a reliable, long-lasting gamepad. The controller is powered by a built-in battery, which charges via a USB Type-C cable or the bundled dock station. The G7 Pro supports wireless (XBOX Wireless, proprietary dongle, or Bluetooth) and wired connectivity. In addition to software customization (you can remap multiple buttons to different actions), it lets you personalize the look by swapping the faceplate or grips, enabling multiple design combinations. Other features include a 1,000Hz polling rate, an audio jack for your headphones, Hall Effect triggers, and a swappable D-pad (two extra are included). The controller is also available in four color variants, and all of them are now discounted. Thanks to quality materials, reliable components, rich customization, universal compatibility, and an affordable price tag, the G7 Pro received very high praise in our review. It is certainly among the best controllers you can buy. GameSir G7 Pro - $63.99 | 20% off with Prime Good to know This Amazon deal is U.S. specific, and not available in other regions unless specified. We only use first-party seller links (at the time of article publishing); ensure that you purchase from a first-party seller link only. Check out Today's Deals on Amazon | or our recent tech deals. Become a Prime member (for Students or SNAP) via Neowin Get Prime Access - Prime for half price (for qualifying Medicaid, EBT, SNAP) Subscribe to Prime Video, Audible Plus, Music Unlimited or Kindle Unlimited via Neowin As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
    • Microsoft further improving Windows 11 Taskbar with latest builds by Sayan Sen Microsoft has released new Windows 11 builds for users flighting the Experimental channels. The new builds are 26300.8758 for Windows 11 26H2, 28120.2374 for 26H1, and 29617.1000 for future platforms. There are improvements related to the Taskbar, File Explorer and more with the new update. The full changelogs are given below: First we have the build 26300.8758: Changes and improvements gradually being rolled out [Taskbar] Taskbar customization just got easier. As we continue to make improvements to the Taskbar experience mentioned last month, we've introduced a dedicated Taskbar Size setting, making it simpler to find, understand, and personalize your ideal taskbar experience. UI showing the new Taskbar Size setting in Settings. We've also made refinements to the transitions between taskbar sizes for a smoother overall experience. [File Explorer] We've improved the reliability of thumbnail previews for cloud files in the Details pane. The pane has also been reorganized so file properties are easier to find and review at a glance. Fixed an issue where the OneDrive shortcut in File Explorer stops working when File Explorer is run in administrative mode. Fixed an issue where the confirmation dialog might display an internal Recycle Bin file name instead of the original file name when permanently deleting a file. [Sounds] Improved system sounds when using Windows in dark mode. Up next we have build 28120.2374: Changes and improvements gradually being rolled out This update includes a small set of general improvements and fixes [Mobile Device Settings] You can add and manage your mobile devices in Settings under Bluetooth & Devices > Mobile Devices. On this page, you can manage features such as using your device as a connected camera or accessing your device's files in File Explorer. [Remote Recovery Management] Added a recovery remote management plug-in to extend WinRE management capabilities for MDM providers. [Input] The emoji panel (Windows key + period (.)) now uses GIPHY as the GIF provider, delivering a smoother GIF browsing and sharing experience following the deprecation of the Tenor API. Finally we have the changelog for Windows 11 build 29617.1000: Changes and improvements gradually being rolled out [Windows Update] As announced in the Windows Update announce blog, we are now bringing a new unified update experience to reduce the number of reboots you see per month. We are starting by coordinating driver, .NET, and firmware updates to align with the monthly quality update, reducing the update experience to a single monthly restart. See the blog for more information. [Windows Magnifier] Magnifier now gives you more control over how you zoom. You can type an exact zoom percentage directly in the magnifier toolbar to land on precisely the level you need. We've also added preset step increments (5%, 10%, 25%, 50%, 100%, 150%, 200%, and 400%) to the Settings dropdown, so you can jump to common levels in a single click. Whether you need a subtle boost or a dramatic close-up, Magnifier adapts to how you want to zoom. Enter an exact percentage or jump to preset steps —5% up to 400%. Feedback: Share your thoughts in Feedback Hub (WIN + F) under Accessibility > Magnifier. [Accessibility] We're introducing screen tint, a new accessibility setting that applies a color overlay across your entire display, softening its intensity so it's easier on your eyes throughout the day. If bright, saturated screens leave you with tired or sensitive eyes by the end of a long session, screen tint can help. Screenshot showing UI for screen tint in Accessibility, with color presets and a strength slider. To get started, open Settings > Accessibility (or press WIN + U) and look for screen tint under the Vision section. From there, you can: Pick from six preset colors or choose a custom color of your own. Adjust the tint strength slider from a subtle wash to full intensity. Night light warms your display to reduce blue light that can interfere with sleep. Screen tint reduces overall screen intensity to ease eye fatigue and light sensitivity during the day. They tackle different problems and you can use both at the same time, one working on warmth and the other on intensity. Note that turning on screen tint will disable color filters, and vice versa. If you currently rely on color filters, you might need to keep screen tint turned off. Feedback: Share your thoughts in Feedback Hub (WIN + F) under Accessibility > Narrator. [Voice Access] Voice Access now supports Portuguese (Portugal), Portuguese (Brazil), and Korean (South Korea). [Audio] Continuing our work on improving Sound Settings, we've made a few more updates in this build: We've adjusted the description text for the Allow option in properties for audio devices to include the current state of the device, to improve the clarity of the text and the purpose of the button actions. "Listen to this device" is now available in properties for audio devices, so you don't need to enter Control Panel for this functionality. [Multiple Desktops] Improved explorer reliability when switching between multiple desktops. [Storage] We've updated the dialog when creating a Dev Drive to now support specifying the size in GB instead of only MB. This has also been added when changing the size of volumes under Settings > System > Storage. [Personalization] This update improves color selection accuracy when adjusting your accent color to match your wallpaper when automatic accent color selection is enabled in Personalization settings. This update improves wallpaper persistence reliability across restarts and upgrades, including better support for large-resolution wallpapers and other scenarios to prevent solid color wallpaper fallback. [Display and Graphics] Improves the reliability and persistence of applying color profiles. You can view the official blog posts here (link1, link2, link3) on Microsoft's site.
  • Recent Achievements

    • One Year In
      bernmeister earned a badge
      One Year In
    • Week One Done
      Scoobystu earned a badge
      Week One Done
    • Week One Done
      tuben earned a badge
      Week One Done
    • First Post
      OffsetAbs earned a badge
      First Post
    • Reacting Well
      OffsetAbs earned a badge
      Reacting Well
  • Popular Contributors

    1. 1
      +primortal
      442
    2. 2
      +Edouard
      197
    3. 3
      PsYcHoKiLLa
      156
    4. 4
      FloatingFatMan
      71
    5. 5
      Steven P.
      67
  • Tell a friend

    Love Neowin? Tell a friend!