The New Nintendo 3DS adds controls, features and software compatibility that the original 3DS lacks: a C-Stick, ZL/ZR buttons, built-in amiibo NFC, face-tracking Super-Stable 3D and support for games marked New Nintendo 3DS-exclusive. The standard New 3DS also has larger screens than the original standard-size 3DS. The New Nintendo 3DS XL has the same generation features with bigger screens and more weight.
Old Nintendo 3DS vs. New Nintendo 3DS: the main differences
“Old 3DS” can mean either the original standard-size system or, loosely, any 3DS released before the New models. Screen-size comparisons depend on which one a seller means. The table below uses the original standard Nintendo 3DS for the screen comparison; original 3DS XL dimensions are not interchangeable with those figures.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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Nintendo New 3DS XL, Black Premium Bundle (Renewed) | $499.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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New Nintendo 3DS White | $300.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
![Nintendo New 3DS XL Console- Galaxy Style (Renewed) [video game]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51xGZ9RDtlL._SL160_.jpg)
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Nintendo New 3DS XL Console- Galaxy Style (Renewed) [video game] | Buy on Amazon | |
| 4 |
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Nintendo 3DS - Flame Red (Renewed) | $224.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
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Nintendo New Galaxy Style New Nintendo 3DS XL Console | $409.50 | Buy on Amazon |
| Feature | Original Nintendo 3DS | New Nintendo 3DS | New Nintendo 3DS XL |
|---|---|---|---|
| C-Stick and ZL/ZR buttons | No | Yes | Yes |
| Built-in NFC for amiibo | No; Nintendo lists a separate NFC Reader/Writer | Yes | Yes |
| Glasses-free 3D | Yes | Yes, with Super-Stable 3D face tracking | Yes, with Super-Stable 3D face tracking |
| New Nintendo 3DS-exclusive software | No | Supported | Supported |
| Upper screen diagonal | Smaller than the New standard model | 3.88 inches (Nintendo, 2014) | 4.88 inches (Nintendo, 2014) |
| Lower screen diagonal | Smaller than the New standard model | 3.33 inches (Nintendo, 2014) | 4.18 inches (Nintendo, 2014) |
| Weight | Varies by original model | About 253 g (Nintendo, 2014; with battery, stylus and microSD card) | About 329 g (Nintendo, 2014; with battery, stylus and microSD card) |
| Estimated battery life with 3DS software | Varies by original model | About 3.5–6 hours (Nintendo, 2014 estimate) | About 3.5–7 hours (Nintendo, 2014 estimate) |
| Storage card | SD | microSD | microSD |
| Cover plates | Not applicable | Replaceable plates available for this model, subject to availability | Standard-model cover plates do not fit |
The figures for New-model screen size and weight are Nintendo specifications from 2014, not independent measurements. Battery estimates depend on software, brightness and settings, and an aging used system’s actual battery condition can change runtime. Nintendo UK says the 3DS family’s manufacturing has ended; used listings should be checked for condition, region and included accessories.
What the New 3DS controls add
The C-Stick is a small secondary control on the right side of the system, while ZL and ZR add shoulder buttons. Compatible games can use them for camera control or additional inputs. They do not change how every 3DS game plays: support depends on the individual game. Nintendo described these additions as enhancements to the existing controls in its 2014 announcement.
#1 Best Overall
- Bundle includes: 3DS XL, Charging Dock, Charger, Stylus, Carrying Case, Top&Bottom Screen Protectors And 4GB SD Card.
- Faster processing power than Nintendo 3DS and Face tracking 3D.
- The New Nintendo 3DS XL system plays all Nintendo DS games. Nintendo DS games will not appear in 3D.
- Item is Refurbished and has a 90-day Guarantee.
- C Stick for enhanced controls; Built-in amiibo compatibility and NFC support.
Can the original 3DS play New 3DS games?
No, not software specifically labeled as exclusive to New Nintendo 3DS. Both New Nintendo 3DS models support that software; the original 3DS does not. The New systems also play software for the 3DS family, so the compatibility distinction runs in one direction: the New models add access to New-exclusive titles rather than creating a separate library that excludes ordinary 3DS games.
Nintendo describes the New models as having enhanced processing and says downloads and application loading can be faster. The official sources cited here do not provide a general numerical performance benchmark, so the improvement should not be treated as a guaranteed speedup of a particular size in every game or task.
Rank #2
- This is Japanese console and only compatible with Japanese softwares. Instructions and system language are all Japanese and cannot changed to English. Please search "Regional lockout of 3DS"
- Improved stereoscopic 3D than previous devices
- No power cord included
- 4" screens and analog 3D stick and C-Stick, extended battery life, better Wi-Fi support , 3D Camera included
- new ZR and ZL shoulder buttons
Does the New 3DS have better 3D?
Both the original and New Nintendo 3DS display glasses-free stereoscopic 3D. The New models add Super-Stable 3D: the inner camera recognizes the viewer’s face and adjusts the display as the viewer or system shifts position. That is intended to make the 3D effect more stable from changing viewing angles; it does not mean every game looks better in 3D, or that every player will prefer the effect.
Does the New 3DS have amiibo support?
Yes. The New Nintendo 3DS and New Nintendo 3DS XL have NFC built in for compatible amiibo features. Nintendo’s comparison lists a separately sold NFC Reader/Writer as necessary for older 3DS models. Amiibo functionality still depends on the particular game and its support.
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- Item is Refurbished and has a 90 day Guarantee
New Nintendo 3DS or New Nintendo 3DS XL?
These are both New-generation systems, so the choice is mainly about screen size and portability, not a difference in the core New-model features. Nintendo lists the standard New 3DS upper and lower screens at 3.88 and 3.33 inches; the XL screens are 4.88 and 4.18 inches. Nintendo’s 2014 specifications put the standard model at about 253 g and the XL at about 329 g, each including battery, stylus and microSD card. Both have an upper-screen resolution of 800 x 240 pixels, so the XL is physically larger rather than a resolution upgrade.
- Choose the standard New 3DS if a more compact, lighter system matters or you want its model-specific replaceable cover plates.
- Choose the New 3DS XL if you prefer a larger display and do not mind the added size and weight.
What to check when buying a used system
Nintendo says manufacturing of the 3DS family has ended, so treat listings as resale unless a seller’s current new-stock claim is verified. Availability and local resale prices vary; no current price can be established from the manufacturer specifications.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- The New Nintendo 3DS XL system plays all Nintendo DS games; Nintendo DS games will not appear in 3D
- AC Adapter sold separately; New Nintendo 3DS XL uses the same AC adapter as Nintendo DSi, Nintendo 3DS and 2DS
- 3D Mode recommended for Ages 7 plus
Rank #4
- Features: 3D Depth Slider, Wi-Fi Capability, Nintendo 3DS Sound, Mii Maker, 3D Camera, Front & Rear Camera, Touch Screen
- Includes: AC Power Adapter, Stylus
- Wired Connectivity: Wireless
- Model Compatibility: Nintendo 3DS
- Confirm the exact model name. “Old 3DS” may mean the standard original system or the original 3DS XL.
- Check whether New-exclusive games and the additional controls matter to you.
- Inspect the screens, hinge, buttons, charging port and battery condition; published battery estimates are not a guarantee for a used unit.
- Verify which charger and storage card are included. Nintendo UK states that an adapter is not included with the New Nintendo 3DS and New Nintendo 3DS XL, but bundle contents can vary by region and listing.
- For amiibo use on an older system, check compatibility and availability of the separate NFC Reader/Writer before buying it.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
