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The new size is an improvement in so many ways, including ergonomics and playability. The bigger screen makes 3D gaming less tiring, and offers a larger sweet spot for Nintendo's all-important gaming effect, while the curved edges simply fit your hands better.

The anemic content library slated for the rest of the year shows that 3DS still has a ways to go before it’s where it should be. More comfortable and convenient to play in the home, 3DS XL is a big step along that journey.

The 3DS XL is a good update of the original design. It seems to have been created with a few cost cutting measures in mind, but this doesn’t detract from the benefit of those beautiful bigger screens and extended battery life.

The Nintendo 3DS XL is a large, fun handheld with a big backwards-compatible game library and a bigger screen, but if you're upgrading from an original 3DS, you'll have to leave your downloaded games behind.

As far as we're concerned, the 3DS XL should now be considered the definitive version of the system. It vastly improves on the aesthetics and ergonomics of the original while providing a much larger viewing and touchscreen area without sacrificing too much portability.

If you’re looking to level up your game play beyond what’s offered by your smartphone, the Nintendo 3DS XL makes a fun companion.

This enlarged system is the clear choice if you've yet to dip your toe into the waters of glasses-free 3D gaming, but we're not entirely sure it offers enough benefits over the previous hardware model to justify the making the transition.

While the 3DS XL is the better of the two, the omission of a right circle pad is really a missed opportunity. ALthough game selection is still relatively scarce, the 3DS is a solid portable gaming device but is probably not worth upgrading if you own the original.

Should You Buy This? It depends. If you've already got a 3DS, maybe not. But if you're looking at the current generation of handhelds, the 3DS XL is definitely the Nintendo device to get.

The 3DS XL is a good size. It plays great games. Its battery lasts a cross-country flight. What's not to like? Avoid the system only if you can't deal with graphics meant for a 90% smaller screen being blown up, though, in my experience, that's an issue you forget as the games suck you in.

It's a straightforward upgrade, one that doesn't provide enough of a leap in form and function for the average 3DS player ... For newcomers ... it's the system to go for, adding battery life, screen size and a seasoning of style to a handheld that is arguably still yet to truly find its identity.

It’s the spate of new games that really makes the 3DS XL a fun handheld console. It may not have the charm or iconic design of the original Gameboy from all those years ago, but the 3DS XL makes more sense than the original 3DS ever did thanks to the available content.

If you own a 3DS that’s starting to look a little old, then it’s worth jumping up to the 3DS XL for the better screens and battery life. If you’re on one of Nintendo’s older handhelds and have been hesitant ... the 3DS XL proves that the water is fine and that it’s time to jump in.

For first-time buyers of Nintendo's 3D experiment, the XL is definitely the way to go. For owners of the current model ... ask yourself this: how often do you actually use your 3DS? ... If you answered "quite often" and "a reasonable amount", then it's worth considering the upgrade for sure.

If you have $200 to burn, don’t already own a 3DS or have yet to play the platform’s better-than-average fare like Mario Kart 7, Super Mario 3D Land, Kid Icarus: Uprising or Resident Evil: Revelations, then spring for the 3DS XL. It’s officially the 3DS to beat.

The larger screen is very welcome but can show up graphical flaws, while the increased weight could become a burden. More expensive than the original but with no charger in the box, potential buyers should still consider opting for the regular 3DS.

Despite ... minor concerns -- and the lack of a second stick, of course! -- we're impressed by the XL. You could argue that the XL is coming about a year and a half later than it should have, but we're happy to have it, late or not.

This is a better version of an already fine handheld with a good and growing line-up of software, but in some respects it’s still something of a missed opportunity. It’s the best 3DS so far, but maybe not the definitive version.

A portable gaming professional with much to recommend about it, a whopping great screen and a decent raft of games being high among them. While smartphones reign the masses, the 3DS has proven there is still a market for dedicated gaming handhelds for at least the near future.

For existing 3DS owners looking for an upgrade there are plenty of reasons to trade in for the XL; it's more comfortable over long periods and increased battery life means it lasts for hours or even days in Street Pass sleep mode.

The 3DS XL is more comfortable, sturdier and classier than its older brother. As such, while it's difficult to recommend unconditionally for 3DS owners looking to upgrade, if you are looking at buying a 3DS in the near-future, the XL should be your preferred choice.

Those with money to burn and a willingness to purchase multiple iterations of the same system will likely be rewarded for doubling their 3DS purchases here. It really is a neat little improvement.

For those of you on the fence about a 3DS, the larger display of the 3DS XL should be enough to convince you to take the plunge.

For those who already own a 3DS, though, the lack of an extra stick does make the XL a tough sell. For those wondering whether to take the plunge with Nintendo's 3D handheld, the XL may just be enough to persuade you.