Review: Nintendo 3DS XL

I decided to break down and buy a 3DS, I bought when I realized I was going to be house sitting for my parents while they were on vacation and I knew I would use it a lot. I decide to also pick up the Pokemon White 2 game (as well as the book) to get me back into hand held gaming. 

First off I hadn't played the DS much or the 3DS, but even so, when I first opened the 3DS XL I was shocked at how MUCH screen space there was! It's massive and the Touch Screen on the bottom half is just as big!! If you aren't into 3D you can adjust the slider to decide how "deep" you want your picture to look. I often change mine several times during each sitting. Some games, like the game I bought are not in 3D, but are still made to be played on a DS/3DS

You can also download games. I decided to invest in some Zelda games. I paid for them and downloaded them right onto my 3DS. Having had several Game Boys in the past, this was so cool. I can access all of the games I've downloaded without having to switch out cartridges. 

I can also save, which was not a feature on the original Zelda game. 

One thing that has surprised me, the street/spot pass games. A spot pass is usually sent out by Nintendo (like in the picture above) and a street pass happens when you are near someone who also has a DS and has it closed but it's still powered on (on the home menu.) A lot of games incorporate street pass functions. The mini games like Rescue Mii and collecting puzzles pieces are easy but it's still fun to do when you get a new street pass.  

Animal Crossing: New Leaf was a big reason I got the 3DS. I played Animal Crossing some in high school but the idea of having it available in handheld form was just plain exciting. 

As if the technology isn't cool enough, I preordered my game through Best Buy. I had also bought my 3DS from them and had gotten a $10 rewards certificate. I had the choice to get a physical copy or download code. 

I picked the download code. I receive my download code 15 minutes after midnight (or 15 minutes into the day it was released.) It was really exciting. 

I some how ended up with the most hipster looking Animal Crossing character. I have on a hero's hat (which is obviously a Zelda hat.) This was even cooler since I had recently started playing the games. I later found hero boots and hero pants! 

One of the best parts of my DS is how easy it is to play with friends over the internet or local wifi. Animal Crossing takes full advantage of this. Here you can see me playing with a friend of mine who lives in Hawaii. I just had to open the doors to my town and people who have my friend code can find my town and visit. 

I plan on doing an Animal Crossing review soon (with better screen shots.) I will tell you all about this game, then.