Nintendo 3DS

1560 reviews

May, 2013

Positive
Usability (62)
Size (26)
Game selection (19)
Family (14)
Portability (1)

Negative
Reliability (2)

General overview
Price comparison
Product Specifications

alaTest has collected and analyzed 1562 reviews from magazines and websites. Opinions about the connectivity and game selection are generally positive. The size and usability are also mentioned favorably, but views are divided on the value for money. There are some negative views about the reliability.

usability, size, game selection, family , connectivity

reliability

We analyzed user and expert ratings, product age and more factors. Compared to other Game Consoles the Nintendo 3DS is awarded an overall alaScore™ of 100/100 = Excellent quality.

Review analysis

(Based on 1560 reviews)

Expert Reviews

User Reviews

Review Ratings

(47% of reviews)
Show all 5 star reviews (28% of reviews)
Show all 4 star reviews (12% of reviews)
Show all 3 star reviews (8% of reviews)
Show all 2 star reviews (5% of reviews)
Show all 1 star reviews

Features

Usability
Show positive (63%)Show negative (2%)(Show all)

Size
Show positive (42%)Show negative (4%)(Show all)

Game selection
Show positive (60%)Show negative (16%)(Show all)

Family
Show positive (23%)None yet(Show all)

Connectivity
Show positive (42%)Show negative (33%)(Show all)

More features

Showing 1074 review(s)

Expert Reviews User Reviews

Showing 1 - 10 of 1074 Show Reviews: in English | in other languages (491)

Expert review by: Raymond Wong (ubergizmo.com)

Nintendo 3DS Review

Nintendo 3DS Review - This in-depth review of the Nintendo 3DS covers its design, select games and the effects of stereo 3D on games and the user experience.

Apr, 2011

Partner Source

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Expert review by: Sam Byford (theverge.com)

Nintendo 3DS XL review

It shouldn't come as a surprise to see Nintendo launch a new 3DS revision less than 18 months after the original console - after all, the company waited almost exactly the same length of time before following up the DS with the DS Lite. Where that...

CONSIDERABLY BETTER WITHOUT BEING ALL THAT DIFFERENT

Aug, 2012

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Expert review by: Ben Kersey (slashgear.com)

Nintendo 3DS XL Review

Reviewing a product like the Nintendo 3DS XL is a strange affair. The mobile gaming market has changed dramatically over the last several years thanks to the advent of iOS and Android, both offering games that approach the quality of what you would...

The flipside of the argument is that iOS and Android games don’t have the immersive stories or strong characters and franchises that a company like Nintendo can offer. There is no Zelda or Mario equivalent on mobile devices, sure, but the company can’t...

Aug, 2012

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Expert review by: Mat Smith (engadget.com)

Nintendo 3DS XL

More Info Nintendo 3DS XL announced Nintendo 3DS review Nintendo's gunning for retailers, expanding eShop offerings for Wii U, 3DS If you like your portable gaming three-dimensional, clam-shelled and big, then Nintendo's 3DS XL fulfills those broad,...

Bigger screen improves the 3D effect significantly ; Improved battery life under some conditions ; More comfortable to hold and use

Digital content still lacking ; No secondary analog stick ; Not the most powerful of handheld hardware

If you've been holding off from buying a 3DS, the improvements to the screens and battery are enough to warrant a purchase, but some issues still remain.

Jul, 2012

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Expert review by: Sam Byford (theverge.com)

Nintendo 3DS Circle Pad Pro review

After a shaky start, Nintendo is doing all it can to turn its 3DS into a success. The Kyoto-based company has reduced the price of the system and improved the software lineup, but you'd think that the controls at least would have to stay the same for a...

Comfortable in the hand ; Reasonably priced ; Good compatibility with Monster Hunter

Incredibly bulky ; Lack of software support ; Doesn't add much functionality yet

The Circle Pad Pro works well enough, but it needs more games to work with

Dec, 2011

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Expert review by: Chris Davies (slashgear.com)

Nintendo 3DS Review

Nintendo has a reputation for kooky, eccentric products, and on that front the 3DS is no different. Upgrading the now-familiar clamshell console with a glasses-free 3D display, it promises a new breed of games, impromptu social gaming with StreetPass,...

One thing is for sure, mobile gaming is heating up, and simply being a good distraction for when you’re on the bus is no longer sufficient. Today’s gamers want not only compelling titles but a functionality long-tail that demands apps, internet support...

Mar, 2011

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Expert review by: Chris Kohler (wired.com)

Nintendo 3DS Review: It's Totally in Your Face

The user experience is polished in a variety of ways, and its forward-thinking 3-D tech really does make gaming better.

3-D visuals are true game-changer. Variety of fun, preloaded apps. Lots of reasons to carry it around in sleep mode

Camera images are low-quality. Chews through battery in the blink of an eye. Games start at $40

Mar, 2011

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Nintendo 3DS

Whether you love the company or hate it, it is hard to deny that Nintendo is currently the king of gaming systems. Arguments can be made against them, especially when it comes to pushing the boundaries of the industry, but it is hard to overlook the...

3D works well ; Much more powerful than the DS ; Incredible amount of potential

Very short battery life ; Low-resolution camera ; Missing a lot of software

The Nintendo 3DS is a powerful and unique gaming device that will enthrall gamers, despite its poor battery life and weak camera.

Mar, 2011

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Expert review by: Tim Stevens (engadget.com)

3DS

See that greenish blue thing up there? That might look like this greenish blue thing over here that we reviewed a few weeks back, but actually they're not the same. No, sir. This thing up there is the genuine, guaranteed, red-blooded American version,...

Compelling 3D screen ; Interesting AR game demos ; Analog controls

Costly ; Poor battery life ; Screen requires exacting precision

Mar, 2011

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Expert review by: (cnet.com)

Nintendo 3DS (Flame Red)

Editors' note: As of August 12, 2011, Nintendo is lowering the price of the 3DS from $249.99 to $169.99. Meanwhile, those who have already purchased the 3DS at the higher price will be eligible to receive 20 free downloadable eShop games. We've updated...

The Nintendo 3DS provides an impressive 3D gaming experience without the need for special glasses. There's a 3D effect slider, it shoots and displays 3D photographs with its dual back-facing cameras, and it has a single front-facing camera. The 3DS...

The launch lineup is and remains lackluster, and the disappointing low-resolution lenses provide grainy photos. The 3D effect can cause headaches for some, and it can "snap out" because of sensitive viewing angles and games that encourage movement. The...

The Nintendo 3DS successfully offers a glasses-free 3D experience that needs to be seen to be believed. A weaker-than-usual launch lineup and some previously inactivated online features dampened its launch, but a recent price drop and a promising...

Mar, 2011