It's a 3DS, not a TV. you're not going to be viewing it from any angle but straight-on, especially if you're using the stereoscopic display.
Very true. I finally put both side by side. It's pretty interesting I must say. Yes the IPS give better viewing angles...but by the time you truly notice the degradation of the picture, it's already uncomfortable to view anyway.
Colors are a touch better on the XL; the regular one looks sharper since the XL happens to be the exact resolution of the original one.
I love how the faceplates are not glossy so during normal wear and tear I won't worry about, "oh dear look at that little scratch on the finish." Also the faceplate covers the S/N keeping that safer than the XL...it's not going to protect it from water...well nothing will without a case anyway.
Colored buttons are very nice to look at. BTW do you notice a very slight tint change when switching between 3D and normal viewing modes on the regular n3DS? It's interesting. Nothing terrible, just interesting.
I really hate the power button on the XL. A lot of times while handling the thing I wind up powering it up when I didn't want to or hit the button by accident and cause the 3DS game to close down. Derp! The small n3DS has a lot of resistance to it so only deliberate presses will register.
The biggest asset aside from the faceplates is that it is
so much lighter than the XL. This will make it easier on me for long play sessions...as long as my not-so-sharp eyes allow them. At the right distance, the small one is fine I think.
The biggest weakness for me is that my hands are average in length, but are thicker than the average male hands. This contributes to cramping my thumb if I want to access the D-Pad while holding onto the small n3DS in a normal fashion. Placing my palm off of the left side at a 50 degree angle seems to solve that...I'll just need to put a strap on my arm so if I lose grip it won't fall to the ground.
So overall it's a very cool and welcome addition to the 3DS lineup. I enjoy it (but feel a little guilty at paying the stupid price tag). I guess I better lay off of the "treat myself" thing for awhile...until Tales of Zestria comes out, haha!
But it does leave one question: I really don't need 3 n3DSs...what do I do with that MH4 XL that's mothballed? Hmm...