So if you buy this and then do a system transfer from your old 3DS, does it write over Mario Kart? 

No, it'll transfer ALL of your content from one 3DS to the other, (the only thing is it doesn't transfer any games you downloaded BUT you still can re-download them with NO charge for the ones you had on your old 3DS).

I am so annoyed.  I decided to buy a 3DS XL as soon as it was announced, but I decided to wait for a few months to see if different colors or bundles would show up.  Then, when I didn't see anything interesting for Black Friday, I bought one. Now, a bundle I would have been interested in pops up.  I must have bad karma!

So, if you want to install a higher SD Card is it possible to re-download the game to another card?

Of course. As long as the system transfer has been done you can use a larger size card that your last one.

this still isn't enough to get me to finally purchase a 3ds but might as well ask here than to bump an old thread:

is the image quality different on the xl version? I recall reading that the original dsxl would stretch images out because if three larger screens, and the result want always pretty.

i can see myself getting an xl because it would be slightly more comfortable in my hands, but if the visuals take a hit I'd rather go with the smaller model (some i rarely play my handheld anyway).

I don't see any evidence that there is any loss of visual quality on the 3DS XL of any kind. In my opinion it is worth getting. I have one myself and I love it.

The # of pixels are the same, so by definition the XL will not have as good of quality as the normal 3DS.  But it's not like going from standard def to high def. 


To me, it's more about comfort.  With the standard 3DS, I play with the 3DS closer to my face.  With the XL, I play with my arms more stretched and in a more comfortable position for me. 

This is a start at least, but I know $20-25 off was the standard this holiday season.  Add that in with all the game sales, you could have easily gotten an XL with a physical copy of Mario Kart for $200 this holiday season.

Thanks for the info, I have to hope a store has both systems side by side to see the difference myself I suppose. Then again I'm not sure how much more comfortable the XL would be as I've never held one that wasn't attached to a demo station.

The image quality itself is the same, however you may notice jaggies on the XL's larger screens, especially if you use the 3D and hold it at the recommend one foot away. But if the jaggies bother you then you can hold it farther away, and it'll look just fine. However, a common issue appears to be that one of the screens will have a slight yellow tint, but this isn't really noticeable outside of the white menu screens and such.

I think the XL is definitely more comfortable than the regular. Console controllers are still better of course, but the size makes it easier to grip and the material of it just feels better than the original. And you can always get the Circle Pad Pro XL if you need something more. It is a little heavier, but that shouldn't be a problem for a big, strong man like yourself. ;)

Thanks for noticing ;)

I just know my hands can cramp from long sessions of playing my DS/DSi but I hardly play the damn thing. The Gamepad is surprisingly comfortable given its size so I have a feeling once I do upgrade to a 3DS, it'll be the XL model.