3DS Deals/Buying Advice for GF

Hi All,

I've got a GF that has never been much of a gamer (other than Atari when she was a kid, and only because her brother had the console) but she enjoys playing co-op with me on things like Lego games, Wii U, etc. and regularly plays The Sims 3 on her laptop. She also has a 360 (which she uses primarily for Netflix, Hulu, and the like) but does play games like Halo Reach, COD, MNC, etc. very casually.

She's mentioned a few times that she'd like a 3DS for Christmas, and is especially interested in the Animal Crossing game(s). I'm not much of a portable gamer - the last handheld I bought was a GBA - so other than researching them online or playing with a 3DS display in a brick and mortar, I'm not especially well-versed in what to look for.

I'm thinking that Black Friday would be a great time to pick up a starter bundle of the New 3DS XL but am looking for advice on price points and which version to get. From what I understand, the New 3DS XL has an improved processor, 3D/eye tracking, and can play exclusive games, but there are only 1-2 of them at the moment. It also lacks an AC adapter for charging. The normal 3DS XL seems like the most cost-effective option in the XL line, but the 3D technology doesn't sound as "good" (although how much she'd use that is debatable). Ideally I'd like to get her the New XL in the event she really gets into the system and a new game would come out that would require the newer version. However, the CAG in me says that the regular XL version will do just fine and that we could upgrade later on if necessary. So any suggestions as to the best version to get would be great, with any advice on price points to watch for/deals that are available.

In addition to Animal Crossing: New Leaf, are there other games you would recommend in that vein? While we've played platformers like Mario, they aren't really her thing, although she'd give it a shot, I'm sure. What games would you recommend I pick up on Black Friday that would be good to go along with a 3DS?

Last - any recommended accessories/SD cards/etc. that she'd need?

Thanks in advance for your help!

Go with the New 3DS, it's worth the premium for the little improvements and better experience even if the only game specific to it is Xenoblade.  The games load noticeably faster (by a minute plus in new and high demand games like Smash) and the system just runs so much smoother.  Plus the 3D goes from fiddly on the original to hassle free and reliable.  So if it's in the budget go that route, if not the standard 3DS is still great.  Oh and the N3DS also supports Amiibos for what little it's worth.

Game wise AC New Leaf is outstanding, avoid Happy Home Designer though as it's a poor spin-off.  Pokemon always seems to be a winner with almost everyone.  If she likes strategy at all Fire Emblem Awakening is one of the system's must play games and has some RPG and social elements to it.  If she likes rhythm games Project Mirai DX is super cute and really outstanding.  Zelda's a consistent winner as well and you've got A Link Between Worlds (a sequel and in the style of the SNES classic Link to the Past) and updated ports of the N64 Ocarina of Time and Majora's Mask (both classics).  Really just depends what catches her eye as there's a lot of really good games across most genres on the 3DS.

Just a general list of high quality 3DS titles she may be interested in with no particular order:


The system will come with a sufficient SD card unless she decides to start buying games digitally but that's something that can be easily upgraded down the line.  It's standard SD on the original and micro SD on the New.  Case is always good.  Screen protectors are a personal preference and how you treat the system.  Obviously a charger if you go N3DS.

Fair warning that BF ads so far have been really, really, really lacking on 3DS stuff so you're likely better off looking for games on other sales as of now.  N3DSXL is $180 at Target, BBY and GS.  Basically Nintendo's just given up on BF this year which is a shame as they usually put out a cool limited edition system for it.

My opinion, have her go to Target or somewhere and try a 3DS and see how much she'll actually use the 3D feature.  I'll be honest, I have rarely used mine.  I usually just turn it off.  I find the 2DS ugly, but that could be an option. 

Thank you both for your replies! I think having her check it out in the store is a good idea regarding the 3D feature. The 2DS plays all of the 3DS titles, correct (with the exception of the New 3DS exclusives)? I feel like not only would that be a cost-effective solution here, but also saves $$$ for games rather than buying an AC adapter, especially if she ends up not really using it. The only thing I'm concerned about with the 2DS versus the 3DS (XL or otherwise) is the inability to close/cover the screen. I can already see the system getting thrown into a purse/bag/etc. and the screen getting scratched. While screen protectors are nice, I do like the idea that the 3DS can flip close.

I actually wasn't aware there were any games the 2DS couldn't play so you might want to look into that and be sure.

The scratching is an issue with girls and their purses, but I'd get her a case/pouch for either system no matter what you decide to get simply because even if it's closed, you don't want the outside of the system getting scratched to heck or keys, bobby pins, candy, etc. getting into any of the slots.  So a $10 case will protect the 2DS just as good and girls seem to like to buy cases/purses stuff so she might enjoy it.  For $100 you can get a 2DS bundled with a decent game and then you have $100 to play with for accessories and other games.

I was all "OOOOHHH 3D" when I got mine but sometimes it hurts my eyes if I use it too long and sometimes I have to sit there and play with the viewing angles to get the effect so I usually don't bother and it's not like the games are any less fun.  

Yeah, the 3D isn't something I use a ton regardless but it's basically a fiddly gimmick on the 3DS and an actual functional feature on the N3DS.  I still recommend the N3DS if it fits the budget but wouldn't go that route just for the 3D.

I believe Xenoblade is the only game the 2DS can't play though there may be a couple digital only ones.  The 2DS is kind of ugly and barely portable but it's actually a really good system if those things don't bother her.  In fact I think it's by far the most comfortable form factor.  It's a bit thicker and tapers with more room to put your hands on it and was a lot easier to play for extended periods which has been my biggest gripe with Nintendo handhelds since they went to the thin clamshell form factor.  It's not quite as easy to hold while laying on your back, like in bed, as the clamshells but it's not unusable.  Screens are a bit smaller than the XL models but they're still plenty big enough and even look a little sharper because they're the same resolution.  There was something else I really liked about the hardware that's escaping me at the moment (traded it some time ago because I didn't need a third system and wasn't using it).  Oh, much easier to hold in one hand while using the stylus for games as well.

So definitely think it's a viable option if she likes the form factor and will save a good chunk of change.  $100 MSRP and it comes with a digital copy of Mario Kart 7 (one of the best games on the system).  Personally I like the Sea Green of the currently available colors.  If you're super lucky you may have a GS store near you with the "red" model marked down (though that one doesn't come with MK7): http://www.gamestop.com/nintendo-3ds/consoles/nintendo-2ds-red/111560

Case is a definite must for any of them if she's putting it in her purse.  The 2DS to protect the screens and the 3DS because they're glossy and it will just destroy the finish.

So first, thank you both for your continued contributions here. It's been a bit hectic for me as of late, but now that Black Friday is upon us, I bit on a 3DS deal for the GF - the Walmart 3DS XL bundle with Mario 3D Land is live for $129.99 online, and that was about the sweet spot I was willing to pay considering it comes with a game and the charger. I know it isn't the *new* 3DS XL but honestly, I don't think it matters to her. Plus, getting to relax with her after Thanksgiving dinner without having to stand in line and throw elbows with BF'ers tomorrow night? Win-win. I don't think I would have stood in line for $129.99, but for the convenience of having the system, game, and adapter delivered to my door? I'm happy with that.

Now to find an online deal to match B&M Target's $15 copy of AC: New Leaf, and I'll have Christmas shopping (tech-wise) pretty much sewn up