The 3DS is already a solid handheld, but Nintendo has nevertheless rejigged it. The result is the (rather awkwardly named) New Nintendo 3DS. With a faster processor and twice the memory of the existing model, there will be future games playable only on this new hardware. Added input – two extra shoulder buttons and a much-needed second thumb-stick – allows more nuanced controls, and the device is natively compatible with amiibo figures, which unlock features in select titles. The 3D effect, ostensibly the system’s selling point but rarely well-utilised, is dramatically improved. Motion tracking and a greater depth of field see the hardware finally living up to its original promise. It’s stunning to behold.
Some shifting of inputs is slightly disorienting, with volume controls now along the top screen, and both game carts and the stylus now housed in the unit’s bottom edge. These soon become accustomed to though, and overall it’s an ergonomic, comfortable device. Swappable cases also allow some personal flair, but only for the standard size model, not the XL unit.
The only changes for the worse are having the power button also on the bottom, leading to accidental turning on, and having to unscrew the backplate to insert a MicroSD storage card. It’s also disappointing that Nintendo didn’t improve screen resolutions – with 800x240 on the upper screen and 320x240 on the lower, any smartphone has a better display. Relative lo-res and fiddly backplates aside, this is a significant improvement on the existing 3DS and undeniably the best version to own.
