Nintendo of America provided me with a New Nintendo 3DS XL system and games for review. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
Ryan & I both grew up as Nintendo fans. He’s about 5.5 years older than I am, but we had the same game systems – the SNES (Super Nintendo Entertainment System) and the original Gameboy. His family purchased new systems right away, while my family was slower to adapt. It’s neat that despite our age difference we have nostalgia for a lot of the same video games. For the SNES we both had Donkey Kong Country, Super Mario Kart, and Super Mario World. For the GameBoy we both had Tetris, Super Mario Land, and Paperboy.
We both find it exciting that Nintendo is still around with new systems, and they are still making games from some of our favorites such as Mario and Donkey Kong. We were sent the NEW Nintedo 3DS XL to review. I’ve been so busy with working on the gift guide here for the blog that I haven’t had much time to play with it myself, but Ryan has been loving it. The top screen gives a 3D effect that is unique from anything I have experienced before, it really makes the game appear to have physical depth, and there is no need for special glasses! Ryan feels like it helps him get more engaged in the game with the 3D effect. However, if you prefer to play without the 3D effect you can turn it off (or just turn it down so the effect is less dramatic!)
The new 3DS XL is a great option for kids who enjoy video games or tablet games. However, it’s also a clever gift for adults who grew up with other Nintendo systems as they will likely enjoy the new versions of their favorite childhood games as well.
The system comes with 6 AR cards which provide 3 augmented reality games. For example, one uses the camera in the 3DS to show the room you’re standing in but with flying targets that you have to find and “shoot”.
If you have had a DS in the past you can use many of the same games on the new 3DS XL as well. Ryan is excited about Mario Maker which is scheduled to come out for the 3DS next month. He watches YouTube channels that have talked about Mario Maker for the Wii U and it’s been an extremely well received game. If you know someone who grew up with Gameboy, SNES or other Nintendo products I would recommend the 3DS XL and Mario Maker (on shelves Dec 2nd!) as a gift this holiday season.
Hi there! I am Emily Evert, the owner of Emily Reviews. I am 28 and live in a small town in Michigan with my boyfriend Ryan and our two pugs. I have a large family and I adore my nieces and nephews. I love reading memoirs, and learning about child development and psychology. I love watching The Game of Thrones, Teen Mom, Sister Wives and Veep. I like listening to Jason Isbell, John Prine, and other alt-country or Americana music. I created Emily Reviews as a creative outlet to share my life and the products that I love with others.
IM so glad IM not the only adult that LOOOOVED the DS!!! I loved the nostalgia and sometimes playing around with something so carefree is such a stress reliever!!
Maryann D.
Jeanine Carlson
Amber Ludwig
I don’t remember a holiday that didn’t include Nintendo! I remember getting the very first game boy. And then getting the first DS for my boy!