Hello community,


I decided to buy a New 3DS XL, primarily for N64/SNES/GB nostalgia purposes. Also I am really curious about this supposed 3D effect.

So, obviously I've heard about the two different screen versions and as you can imagine I am very keen on getting an IPS one.
In fact I've already called a few stores around my area (Switzerland/Germany) and two of them agreed to let me open the box and have a look. Actually they did it themselves right away as I mentioned it, lol, so they seem pretty chill guys. However, I don't think I am allowed to turn it on (except maybe in one Saturn) and so I wanted to ask you more experienced guys if it is somehow possible to distinguish them when turned off? I heard one is supposed to be more greyish and the other pitch-black. I'll try to find the one screenshot again and maybe will edit it in later.


Another option would be to postpone this step and first order one on Amazon and then simply return it in case it's a TN. I'm 100% sure they'll let me send it back even if I opened it and turn it on, as they made a mistake in their description, although I am not gonna write what as I don't want to lose this option. :P

So... What do you think? Was anyone in a similar situation or knows more on those points?


Oh, and just a little side-question for all wearers of glasses... Do you guys play without them? I was thinking it might be a much better experience, but I think I'd have to buy the little version then, as this would require to hold it really close (shortsightedness). Maybe I'll try it out in one of the stores.


Anyway... Thanks in advance, I'm happy about any input.

All 3ds look the same when turned off, so try and find a store that will let you turn them on, and playing with glasses is fine

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Only way to know is to turn them on and look at the screens from an angle. If the colours don't get distorted from an angle, it's an IPS screen. With a TN screen the screen gets washed out if you look at it from the side.

My n3DS XL has an IPS top screen and TN bottom screen so it's very easy to compare.

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Really no color differences when turned off at all between the two? Well, I'll see what I can do in that one store then.... Thanks guys.

Here's a comparison. Notice how the bottom (TN) screen is not readable at all but the top (IPS) is clear

Added after 6 minutes:

I looked at the screens when turned off and the bottom TN screen is a bit more grey and the top screen is all black, I suppose. But I can't make any guarantees that it's any indication that the screens are IPS/TN. o:

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Thanks, I asked in another forum as well and they said the same so far (all claim IPS top).

So, it seems that there's at least a chance that you might distinguish while turned off, now an answer from someone with a TN top would clear it up.

Added after 5 Hours 9 minutes:

Confirmed model with top IPS and at the bottom/secondary TN.

Does it look different for anyone here when turned off? Both the same for ex.? Or do you know that you have a TN top screen but it still looks like this?
Pictures would be awesome of course.

The difference is nowhere near that noticeable, in those pictures it's most the light reflecting off of the screens differently. It's only really noticeable in a dark room

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In short I have both an original 3ds xl and a new 3ds XL - I think the new 3ds xl has a top IPS screen - if looked at sideways on and compered with the original (units turned on). Didn't do the black test or whatever it is. I am in the UK and thought all our screens were TN, but my new 3ds xl looks most definitely like the IPS ones displayed on youtube videos.

With units turned off - both display a black top screen and a grey bottom screen. I can't tell the difference between them.

I really don't think there is much difference between the units when turned on - screen wise that is. The resolution is the same (jagged edges). 3d is better and I prefer the buttons on the 'new' unit - my old unit buttons creak. Both top screens have a yellow tint (as per photos earlier on in this thread).

If you have bought and got your unit, hope you are happy with it.

I wear glasses for reading and for playing - as I hold the unit at the same distance I would hold a book, I have no issues at all with wearing glasses.

While I've never had the 3DS XL, I do have the new 3DS XL and all I can say is that either when I am wearing glasses or not (I just put them when I'm infront of a screen for a long period of time) the 3D effect works great for me altho it takes a few seconds to my eyes to "adapt to it".

The games look way bigger on this screen than they do on my GameBoy Color (for example) without making them look horrid, for example if a game had the same width/height ratio they haven't made the width bigger to full the whole screen.

I can also play well without glasses at a safe distance and with plenty of daylight (as long as I turn the bright of the handheld to max), but then again I most of the time don't wear them on a daily basis if its not for long gaming/working (as mentioned before).

I would never recommend to play videogames or watch the TV without the lights turned on, in fact, from my experience, a well illuminated room is the best thing you can do to not "hurt"/tire out your eyes or just make them "go red" on the long run. It is better to have a low brightness on your screen and a good light surrounding you than vice-versa.

If you want some pictures of mine turned on/off for comparison just tell me.

Funny enough I just finally ordered a black one and it's being shipped from the UK for some reason.


Yea anyway, thanks for your answers guys, don't think any more pics are necessary, seems like you really can't tell while turned off.