I am trying to decide which one to get for my son for Christmas. He has played the new one on display in stores and loves it. He also loves his older brother's. He's almost 4 though.. so i'm not sure what to do. Whether to spend less money and get the older 3DS XL or spend more and get the new one which may or may not have new games eventually that he wouldn't be able to play on the old 3DS XL. I would already turn 3D off for him in parental controls since he is too young for that. I know we want to go with the 3DS XL.. just not sure which model. He obviously is not a hard core gamer or anything.. and he doesn't care about some of the things that someone who plays the games hardcore would. I'm just trying to decide which way is the best to go. I want something that will last him awhile, which has me leaning towards the new one. But I don't really know much about it.. or if he would really be missing much if we get the older one? Will games continue to be made that work on the old one? Any advice?? Thank you all so much!

Getting the ""NEW"" 3DS XL isn't necessary but it is the best model out there. Unless you get a really nice deal on the regular 3DSXL, I would try to get the ""NEW"" one.

That being said- most games being released will be compatible with all 3DS models. Only a handful are ""NEW"" 3DS exclusive so I don't think your son would miss out on any of the games that he would want.

Regardless of what model you choose, I highly recommend buying some "armor" for the 3DS and screen protectors. (Here is an example.) It will protect the device from damage. : )

Thank you for that advice. I will definitely buy a case and everything anyway.

As a parent who started gaming at 7 or so, I vote for the cheaper model. Especially at 4 he should learn to respect and care for his games and 3ds before anything else and once he does that he should always love it even if it's outdated just because of the memories and laughs. I still have my Nintendo SP that's what I'd do for my kids. Just my take tho

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Thanks for your input! I appreciate it! He already has an ipad so he is pretty good at taking care of things. I'd definitely put a good case on it if I got it.. either one..

Normally, I would say go for the New 3DS XL, because it is better than the old 3DS XL in every regard. However, since he is only 4, he won't be able to enjoy the 3D effect, the main highlight of the New 3DS XL.

You can transfer saved games from one unit to another should he want to ever upgrade in the future, so for now, I'd say you should go for the old 3DS XL model. Alternatively, you could consider the much cheaper Nintendo 2DS, because that unit is designed for younger players who are too young to see the 3D effect. The downside to the 2DS is that it doesn't fold in half, but you should also consider it.

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It'd a big difference in 3d

I just got the "NEW" red 3DS XL and it's a great handheld system.