Nintendo DS, 2DS, & 3DS -- EVERY MODEL COMPARED - in depth comparison and buying guide
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- čas přidán 19. 06. 2024
- Long video alert. I DEEP DIVE into all of the differences between every DS, 3DS, and 2DS model. This is meant as an educational video as a new buyer could easily be overwhelmed by choices. Screens, emulation, custom firmware and homebrew, compatibility, formfactor, and more are compared.
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Timestamps:
0:00 intro
0:55 Original DS
2:43 DS Lite
3:45 DSi
6:16 DSi XL
7:05 Comparing Screens, formfactor, buttons, etc.
9:35 Summary of DS version
10:40 3DS (and 2DS) intro
11:52 3DS original
14:48 3DS XL original
16:52 New 3DS Standard (my favourite)
19:10 New 3DS XL (double IPS magic)
21:37 New 2DS XL (because 3D sucks)
24:52 2DS Standard (Wtf is this thing)
28:17 DS game screen comparisons (DS and 3DS models)
31:27 3DS game comparison
34:24 AC Charger compatibility
35:37 Homebrew, Custom Firmware, and Emulation (all devices)
40:33 Summary and buying recommendation - Zábava
The new 3DS is hard to find in the US cause they were only ever released as special editions for limited time. Whereas the New 3DS XL was super common and easy to get new. And as a side note the base 2DS doesn’t have the updated processor at all, it’s running OG 3DS hardware
Yep the non clamshell 2DS is just a 2DS, hence missing the second should button set, the nib, and the faster r processor
In late 2017 Nintendo did later sell refurbished New 3DS systems on their online store with different cover plates, that's how I got my black one. The black one is more rare as it was officially sold only once on Black Friday while the white one was sold a few different times.
Yeah, I think the small New 3DS was release only in Europe
The new 3ds xl is my one and it's goated, gets the best of all except of the size thing
wow thank you so much this helps sooo much! wow i forgot just how many DS devices came out throughout the years, great video
Such beautifully and thoroughly explained video.thank you so much.
Dude, you did such a wonderful job with this video.
The timing in which I found your video was also perfect, as one of my friends is considering getting himself a Nintendo 3DS, and a video structured like this is exactly what I planned to show him.
But no, seriously, absolutely fantastic video, amazing job.
If you don’t mind me chiming in, here are a few things I thought I’d point out:
Yes, the Nintendo DSi Shop was closed down, in 2014, if memory serves.
The reason why the standard New Nintendo 3DS is so hard to find, at least over here in the United States, is because it saw a very limited release, whereas it had a more widespread release in Japan.
While not as important, but still a footnote nonetheless, you can dump music files to SD Cards/microSD Cards that are used for Nintendo DSi/Nintendo 3DS systems, for anyone who wants to listen to music via their Nintendo DSi/Nintendo 3DS systems.
This is like super detail review 💪
Thanks man!
Thorough video. Will look out for a dsi xl if any pops up.
very good video man, i was thinking on buying a 3ds capable device, and had doubts about differences
Hope it helped :)
I live in a country that's doesn't have a a lot of stories with a nintendo, outside of NES/SNES, but i fell in love with GBAsp in my childhood, when i saw my fried playing one.
Cause i was still a smol, i didn't follow any news, and didn't knew that there were already a DS on a market (i highly doubt that there were many in my country, i didn't see a one).
But when i found out, oh boy, i fell in love with a DS and their library (it was in time when i already had an PSP, but thanks to older brother i am a big fan of an older classic games from NEs/SNES/Sega/Gba and etc). And luckely my brother gifted me an used DS Lite. How much fun did i get from her)
After several years, brother again gifted me a console, but now it was a brand new 3DS (standard one). Boi did a have fun with it. I have even a nice collection of games for it (Again, for a country where the were the same few 3ds games in several stores around the second biggest city). But when i finallly modded it, i started to play even more.
I even bought a new 2DS XL, only like 1 or 2 month after it release, on my first ever salary.
I still play my 2DS even nowdays, while even having psp/Vita/switch and etc right beside me, and don't think will stop any time soon.
Whole lineup is just masterpiece, and after this video i really want to get an DSi XL and New 3DS xl, but doubt that will get any of them in a near future/
Big thanks for a video)
Nintendo sure do know how to make their consoles and their game libraries in such a way that even if decades pass, the players will always remember those for lifetime, which can be rarely said about Sony and Microsoft with their consoles. Like you I also fell in love with the DS game library and they will forever hold a special place in my heart.
thanx man i like your video ❤ keep it up
I appreciate the guide, I learned from this that not all new 3DS have IPS screens.
I just checked my New 3DSXL (galaxy design) system and it has dual IPS screens! I bought it randomly for about 200, did not know what I had and I guess the seller didn't either. I'm very pleased with it, such a nice looking system.
Something I found out is some 3DS XLs (not 'new" version) have yellow tinted screens, mine is one of those.
also New 3DS XL has a high chance of not working pixels about 3-5 on average.
Won the lottery
Thats awesome! I found a New 3DS XL with the Galaxy plate for $50 (USD), and am waiting for it to ship. How do I check what type of screen it has when I get it?
@@Kalphalusjust tilt it, treat it like one of those privacy screen protectors on a phone and if you can see just fine then its IPS
awesome video with a lot of information, this definitely helped me out a ton.
Im glad it was useful !
@Tech Guy Beau Also can run dsiware ds lite need twimenu++ on the flash cart. Only some dsiware playable by flash cart but it is possible.
awesome informative video, Just bought myself a original 3ds but felt too small, going for 3ds XL or new 3ds Xl next
this video was so freakin useful I cannot thank you enough. AMAZING.
Awesome, I’m glad it was helpful
Everytime I watch a video like this, I always feel bad because I never bought and upgraded to a "New 3DS XL"...I just have a 3DS XL...👌🏼💯✔️
Still good tho.
You shouldn’t feel bad! The og 3DS XL is still good and holds up to this day. It’s still got good resolution, it’s comfortable to hold due to its size, and it’s backwards compatible. Sure the 3D can still be wonky, but it’s still not a terrible device. And when you mod that thing, you’re gonna see all the capabilities of the 3DS playing any kind of game you want.
I still have the original original 3ds. Looking to get an upgrade to new 3ds or 2ds xl cuz I love the console so much
great review ♡ i went for the dsi xl x
Nice! A great choice
This is still an awesome video and definitely interesting and detailed in 2024! It's great that the DS lineup was included and you went through a bunch of comparisons. This video helped me to decide on a New 3DS which would be a very nice upgrade from a 2DS, I believe! 😁
XL or standard?
@@TechGuyBeau Standard, yes! 😄
very great and informative video! thank you ^_^
I really am glad to have found a video explaining all of the consoles. My sister and I have NDSL's and I think that is what I will stick with, at least. The 2DS XL is tempting, though. lol
Got a fairly beaten-up DSi XL the other day for about $30. Hinges are snappy but flop slightly, and the screen has intense vignetting. The D-pad membrane ought to be replaced as well. But for that much, I'm very motivated to get this thing refreshed and looking great again.
Nice video. I love my 2DS XL however, I read that changing out the battery isn't that easy as it's glued in. It's much easier to change in the New 3DS XL. That's the only thing I worry about with my modded 2DS XL. Any thoughts ?
You actually can use CFW on the OG DS/Lite (FlashMe) but its only to run GBA flash cards in DS mode, which isn't useful these days since slot-1 DS flash cards cheap. It can also skip the DS logo on bootup. Theres also tons of homebrew and emulators made for slot 1 cards, although they aren't as good as DSi or 3DS emulators obviously. Good vid though.
19:30 'Final Fantasy' ... is this the very first entry of the series? How'd you put this on the system? Is it NES virtual console?
Oh wow, thanks man, great video, very helpful
"new buyer could easily be overwhelmed by choices"
yep haha! :)
🫡
have the 2DSXL same color as your but mine is fully modded. amazing
Hey man, amazing video. Could you link down the game you had in the ds? The one filled with games already. I could buy an r4 and do it myself but im lazy hahah
Personally the DSi XL had the best design of all the DS models imo. The stylus was easy to grab, you didn’t have to move your hand to a ridiculous spot, lights was in a good place, not at the bottom with tiny little lights that can easily be blocked by something like your hands, and the charger was also positioned to the left side, so if you were charging while playing, you could at least go farther from your charger. Button placement and speakers as well as sturdy design was also amazing. If the New 3DS Models kept that, they’d be easily the best. Best hardware and design. But you can’t have it all I guess
Also one last thing that bothers me is the Game Card placement. The same can happen when it’s placed on top sure, but it seems more exposed when inserted at the bottom if you drop it a certain way, and at least if you drop it at the top, the back of the screen might hit the ground first so the game card is spared. And that part of the console is strong as hell. I’ve had my DSi XL since 2011, my uncle owned it, then gave it to me, and despite any times it’s been dropped, it only has this one little dent in the side, besides that there’s no noticeable damage that interferes with performance or look. Speaking of which that’s the only area I’d say the DSi XL falters, is style. But I’m not a nitpicker complaining about look. People talk about PS5 looking like a router, or Xbox looking like a Mini Fridge but who cares? When you’re actually playing the games, nobody is going to be staring at your console the whole time like a Picasso painting or some shit. But it’s defendable since it was old. I guess the lack of buttons is my issue, it looks bland with only a d pad and 4 lettered buttons.
The big stylus is the best thing ever. Well guaranteed IPS screens too
you can run emulators on ds fat & ds lite using R4 flashcard with modded kernel
Im currently trying to pick one up for as cheap as possible, managed to negotiate a nice yellow screen discount already but if I can get the original 3ds for even cheaper.. say $50. It could be awful tempting lol. PS nice to use your vids and chan for something other than Arc 🤣
Gotta keep the channel nice and diverse lol. How are you liking the device?
Clean video! 🤘🏻😎
Hi, love your video, but here's a small error that has bugged me through the video: the standard 2DS doesn't have the same capabilities as the new 3DS line, just as the standard 3DS line, since it was released before the New 3DS.
yeah i notice after i filmed that i mentioned the non-clamshell as a new 3ds by accident.
its definitely a non-3d original spec'd model
I have the smaller new-3ds but have been tempted to get a DSi XL to play the DS library on a properly scaled, IPS screen. The gloss finish is a a bit annoying though... and if it weren't for the charger I might go for the DS Lite. Nice collection though, I miss Nintendo's dedicated portable line.
The DSi XL is really nice. I primarily use my new 3DS standard (like you) and the DSi XL.
amazing video thx
There weren't any gba games available for purchase on the 3ds, only gba games that made it to virtual console on it were the ambassador games for early 3ds adopters. But cfw saves the day.
Also worth noting that the 3D in the new 3ds is better since they use some camera magic to keep the 3d effect from getting out of focus.
New 3DS XLs are crazy expensive in UK atm so I wouldnt get one if a new 2DS XL is available. Trust me, even for the new consoles, youre more likely to not like the 3D effect rather than like it.
The New 3DS XL definitely has better build quality and its easier to change the battery and such. The 2DS XLs top screen is a little flimsy and it is better to have it in a case. The 2DS XL has the benefit of being imo really comfortable to hold and a little more portable. Also the design variations are the best of any nintendo console, as you often had custom molded cases, with things like the pokeball 2DS XL actually making a noise (i think) if you pressed the button on the top, the japanese Dragon Quest metal slime 2DS XL looks amazing too.
If you really value the better build quality and 3D that much, then maybe get the new 3DS xl. But they are super expensive, while the 2DS XLs can be bought for a reasonable price.
I have an original new 3DS ..with a super Mario design looks exactly the same like that white one ..but I doesn't use it anymore it's just in my room sitting there
I am definitely getting a dsi xl if I have the bugdet. I was gonna go buy the dsi but figured that dsi xl is better
The dual ips screen or one ips screen on the new 3ds xl is rare so actually its not guaranteed you have one but still if you have its rare
Gosh, I didn't even remember the DSi XL existed 😂. If you know about the DSi you're already well informed but this one might be the most obscure one. I think the only missing model that doesn't exist is the normal New 2DS, there is only the XL one, the last one.
Here in Colombia, it´s very hard to find New 3DS Models, it's easier to find OLD 3DS Models, DS, DS Lite and DSi XL
Great video
Thanks. It might be kinda boring but I want to make it as helpful as possible for people wanting to get into the platforms
very nice video
I honestly like the original DS. I only got to try it after having tried every other DS iteration. So to me it didn't feel like an old console, but rather like a redesign with intentional retro look.
If you find one in good condition it’s actually quite nice I agree
Can you add a follow up with the stylus sizes?
damn i remember owning the first ds and thinking it was LIGHT AND PORTABLE my how the times have changed
my main worry for the 2ds xl is the screen/hinge being floppy. i'd rather not be minding my business and then the hinge breaks
i know as long as you're careful it shouldn't happen, but even so
2:28 the name of it is flash carts
Modding your 3ds? You good boy!
GameStop in Canada don’t sale ds games and system, cause it’s switch, only I found them in comic con and pawnshop
Used local market is the best
I used to have the original 3DS as a kid, but then threw it our for some reason. I really wanna buy one again, but I'm not sure which one to get. The XL is a little bit too big and I think might feel less nostalgic. I really love the look of the OG 3DS due to the glossyness, but as you've said, it might mess with the gameplay.
Should I get the OG 3DS or the New 3DS?
you really should get a "New" Model atleast. they are the strongest ones.
@@xt3100 I decided to get a Switch instead, but thank you for the recommendation either way
@@niso8k799you can still get a 3ds. A switch is fine but not as great if you’re comparing it to this
Would 134 Canadian dollars be good for a Nintendo 2ds in good condition? Does the screen look good? Also great video
2DS or new 2DS xl?
@@TechGuyBeau 2ds OG
Too much in my opinion. I’d aim for a 3ds OG or XL for that price
I got one for $50
Perfect condition aswell
9:50 I actually prefer the regular DS over DS Lite to play GBA games because of the buttons, you'll see that over time the Lite buttons will lose their "clickiness" and you'll have to press really hard for it to detect a press, happened with 3 DS Lites over here.
Or just get a modded GBA with bigger battery and IPS screen
The DS lite is certainly more susceptible to wear as you say. I’ve seen lots of them beat up over the years, part of that could just be the kids are using them, but they definitely don’t seem super resilient
Can the DS lite play games from RF card?
Ds games can run directly off the modded 3ds using nds forwarder to 'inject' them, GBA by using NSUI...
There are cards for the 3ds called gateway but they are not good
What would you recommend for someone that has a new 3DS XL, but finds it too be too big and also finds the original-sized new 3DS like impossible to afford?
The standard sized primal 3ds is really nice too. The teal one. It might be the original but it’s still quite nice
@TechGuyBeau Is it worth buying or should I keep searching for a new 3ds?
the new 2ds xl is slightly smaller, thinner, and lighter than the new 3ds xl which i find nice, but it seems like you want a regular sized one in which case you should just either save for the new 3ds or buy an original 3ds
@@eliserssthe 2ds xl is also the easiest to break out of all them.
I found a seller selling n3ds xl for $180 US I currently have a Old 3ds xl and I bought it for $190 should I buy A n3dsxl and also my 3ds xl is modded
There are only a few games you are missing out on the old 3ds XL
Alright so, I had a blue DSi as a child, it's my most favorite birthday gift to this day. But it needed to be sent to servicing a lot mainly because for odd reasons, for example the DSi would shut down after white screen flickering after turning it On. Eventually I stopped trying to fix it.
Now recently i bought a DS Lite from Facebook Marketplace for a great deal ($38) and it's in great condition with the issue not occurring anymore like my previous hardware. I'm very happy with it, finished modding it and I'm reliving my childhood.
However, I'm trying to buy a 3DS, here the 3DS XL is $160 and I'm not sure whether it's worth it.
A normal 3DS here costs $80 but a DSi XL also fascinates me because of the larger form factor and that comes at around $60-$70.
Also a normal 2DS is going for $90. But regardless of how many videos I watch I cannot decide between the DSi XL, the 3DS or the 2DS.
Could you help me out?
Also does the DSi XL have the same issue as my previous DSi? The hinge wasn't broken or loose (it is now but it wasn't then).
Are we talking about the new 3DS ?
Hi Haley do not recommend the standard 2DS, the new 2DS superior.
In my opinion if you want a large screen decide between a 3DS XL/new 3DS XL .. or get a new 2DS
@@TechGuyBeau The new 2ds is extremely rare and anyone who has it in my country wouldn't sell it else i would've pounced at the opportunity. The only choices sitting in front of me now is the old original 3ds (not the new one with slightly bigger screen), and a new 3DS XL but is 160 dollars really worth it? Screen size doesn't matter much to me, rather how long a time the console will last, because I'm all about preserving these things whilst also enjoying them.
So since you do not recommend the standard 2ds and I have to go between a 3DS normal vs a 3DS XL and a DSi XL what is the definitive answer in your opinion? I'm not really good at making such decisions so some guidance will help.
How much is the normal 3ds
@@TechGuyBeau around $90-$120 and the seller said the price will vary upon the condition on this scale...
It depends on you then. If screen size doesn’t matter at all just get the normal one. If you think you’d like a bit more screen go larger.
I actually prefer in between. The new 3ds standard size (white model in my video) is my personal favourite size. But they might be expensive.
I would go New 3DS XL for 3DS games and DSi XL for DS games. DS Lite is mostly superfluous because I'd rather have a GBA SP that runs original GB(C) games.
A real shame that no DS will play GB games due to voltage restriction.
18:43 "The games that it has runs better, period" truly the quote of all time
Half the time the things I say don’t make sense
I got a DSi XL a year or 2 ago and tbh the IPS screens and quality control are pretty overhyped imo. Maybe I got a dud console but the screens are slightly dim and washed out vs the ds lite
Might be a fading screen
@@TechGuyBeau 😢
The 2DS does not have the improved processor of the "new" models, it is not a "new" system (these names...)
For some reason I always get DSi 2 vibes when people start talking about the original 3DS
The og 2ds is my favorite confort wise
I think my New 3DS XL somehow has an IPS top screen!
Score
So that’s where all the copies of NSMB ds went
Can I play a DS cartridge on a DS2 console???
Yes
Not sure Ive seen the original ds before. Now i understand why the lite was a big deal. 😂
I found a 2ds xl on amazon and the cheapest was 250 and the most money one is 500 im like dude
In my opinion, owning a dsi and ds lite, the DSI is SUPERIOR.
Better in every way (except retro compatability)
based
i got my 3ds xl for £40 🤭
i had a 3ds or xl wheni was four years old same for my mom when i was 6 mine and my moms got stolen when left in the car and i think the nintindo 3ds is the best nintido console still
I researched it and the old 2ds is not as powerful as the new 3ds lineup. He says its the more powerful one but I found that that us not true.
The new 3DS has higher clock speeds than the original, so it’s faster. In most games it won’t matter but there are a few games that actually require it (eg xenoblade)
I was excited on getting myself a 3DS system but then I realised the game that I wanted to play doesn't have global version
If you kid your system it won’t matter
Yea you get the most out of the system by modding it. I'm surprised people still are looking to buy them without the intention of modding. It's just that good of a system I guess lol
I am getting a dsi for 50€ to mod it
Nice. Worth
@@TechGuyBeau i got it with 4 pokemon games and a case for it
Update 2ds xl have sky rocketed in price $220 U.S
RIP…..
I still have my DS Lite and my original 3DS
if only the new 3ds wasnt 3x the price of the old
You missed the part where one can not fully enjoy GBA games by not being able to trade.
You can still mod the system to play gba games tho
Dsi xl > everything else
I’m so tempted to buy one
@@Ghostmanetx they're A LOT cheaper than a 3ds/new 3ds
I can see your face reveal
If you own a nintendo 3DS - specifically a 'new' 3DS and you don't play in 3D and or say things like "I don't really like 3D" - to me that's like saying "I don't really like luxurious bath bombs that make my skin smell good and feel good and make my man or woman want to put their hands all over me. I prefer dish soap."
Every info is spot on, except for the 2DS.
The 2DS doesn’t have the updated processor the new 3DS has.
It has the OG 3DS processor.
Altho iagree with some stuff you say I disagree with some stuff also just get a 2ds you get all the library and play the new 3ds games nintendo are liars
? The new 2DS can play any game the other devices here can play. Just doesn’t support the 3d aspects