Nintendo 3DS--anybody have one that's willing to share your opinion?

[kfeuer]

My sons old DS's are worn out, and we're going to be surprising them with a replacement this summer. We were going to splurge and get them the 3DS, but after reading some reviews I'm not so sure.

I'm concerned about 1) the short battery life--3 to 5 hours even if you turn off the 3D. It wouldn't matter around the house, but if we're on a trip that's not very long; 2) some people complain about the 3D effect giving them headaches.

I'd love to hear from anybody who has one, are these issues a problem? My boys are 10 and 8, would you recommend it? Is it worth the extra money (times 2) over the DSi XL?

 

[mlulrich]

We purchased a 3DS for our 7yo DS's birthday at the beginning of May -- he was thrilled with it (and his older brother was super-jealous - which just means that we'll be adding another one for that birthday in July). His was also to replace a worn-out DS Lite. We haven't noticed any big problem with battery life, he just knows to plug it in if he's been playing for awhile or he's going to end up sitting on the floor connected to the wall socket As far as travelling, I don't anticipate that they'll be using them for more than 3 hours or so before we're back near a power outlet.

The 3D graphics are pretty impressive and our son hasn't complained about his eyes bothering him after playing. Also remember that all of their old games are still useable on the 3DS and they won't be experiencing any eye strain from playing those games.

As far as price, I know that our kids would have been perfectly happy getting DSis to replace their old DSs - at this point, we felt that the additional cost was within our budget and we know that they will be keeping them for awhile as they have had their original DSs for over three years and play them religiously.

Hope that's helpful and good luck with your decision! Michelle

 

[doclegler]

Each of my 3 boys got one for Easter (my mom and dad spoil them!) and they absolutely LOVE them. They travel very well, and none of them have noticed a short battery life yet. No one has mentioned a headache either.
INHO, they were a great purchase. Even for a 4 year old!

 

[my3sonsagn]

My middle son got one (wanted it for his bday but wasn't out yet, so he handed over all money to me and delayed getting his bday gift for 4 months when normally bday money burns a hole in his pocket - he wanted it BADLY lol).

He says he can get 6 or so hours of play out of a full battery and that it uses the same charger connector as his old DSi (we got a car charger when we bought the DSi years ago, so he can charge in the car if needed). He likes the 3D graphics when playing around with the photo/video editor, but we don't have any 3DS games yet. FYI - even with the 3DS games the 3D can be adjusted "down" or turned off altogether if it starts becoming an eye strain. All in all, he it.

 

[kfeuer]

Thanks for the reviews, I feel better now about getting them the 3DS. I just didn't want to make a mistake and pay extra money to get them something they wouldn't be 100% happy with (these are going to have to last a very long time). I can't wait to see their faces--they know we can't easily afford this so they won't be expecting it at all. It will make all the OT I've put in to save up the money worthwhile

 

[pigletto]

We are 100% happy with the one we got for son. There are some neat extra features, and the 3D technology really is very good. I guess I'll be the first to say that my ds does say that it can give him a headache if he plays it long enough, so he swithes off the 3D mode if it bothers him at all. The only time he complained about that was in the car, and he gets motion sick as well.. so I think it was a bit of both.
It's great new technology and we've been pleased with it

 

[cam&phoebsmom]

is the screen size the same as the DSi or is it larger like the DSi XL?
and d you now if it will fit in the same case that a typical DSi fits in?

My son owns the DSi and has been talking about the 3D one, but we were hesitant b/c of his eyes. Knowing that you can turn off the 3D option makes it more appealing. I am thinking of upgrading his DS for his birthday in September.

Does anybody know the answers? Thanks!