A Guide to Buying a 3DS in 2023

The Nintendo 3DS has been skyrocketing in price the last few years, but you can still find one at a good price. Whether you have never owned one or want to upgrade there's a 3ds out there for you. Don't forget to like, comment and subscribe to feed my 3DS addiction.
Here is a channel I follow when it comes to 3DS mods, I'm not affiliated or know this person, just thought I would leave a link.
Old 3DS mod:
• Jailbreak Your OLD 2DS...
New 3DS MOD:
• This Jailbreak For The...
New 3ds exclusive games:
www.nintendoli...
Here is an example of the region unlocked 3DS mentioned in the video, again I have no affiliation, nor do I endorse this seller, just want to provide an example what they look like and make sure to read the descriptions.
www.ebay.com/i...
Follow us on Instagram : www.instagram....
#gameboy101_ #nintendo

[@robertthekingful]

Bro, i just worked alot of overtime just so i can buy a new 3ds xl. Im gonna get it modded or do it myself. I cant stop watching videos on it, this was a good one!!!!

[@GameBoy10115]

Awesome, you're gonna like it, thank you👍

[@GojoStiglitz]

Handheld gaming will always be a sweet spot for me. Playing rpg’s on my gba while in bed late at night with the lights off will always bring me back to childhood-especially during the fall seasons. I’m so glad i managed to get my hands on one of these. Radiant Historia has been my go to game so far❤

[@GameBoy10115]

Same here. Playing those games felt like I was part of it. I put so many hours in Pokemon Emerald and other RPG's on the GBA👍

[@GojoStiglitz]

@@GameBoy10115 Advance Wars, FF tactics and DBZ Legacy of Goku on GBA got me through my first year in the military 🥹

[@Kalphalus]

I was gonna get a Japan Import, but then I found a used Galaxy New 3DS XL for $50

[@GameBoy10115]

Nice, that's a steal. Time to play some 3DS games 👍

[@Alanis1337]

50$? Where? In person?

[@Kalphalus]

​@@Alanis1337 I found it online, but when it comes to cheaper devices, it can be a game of Chance

[@Mic_N_Lyric]

I have a used galaxy new 3ds xl I want to sale in great condition. Will come Pokémon ultra sun(hard copy no case), Pokémon omega ruby (digital), Pokémon yellow (digital), and Pokémon crystal (digital), and I have permanent use of Pokémon bank due to something I did before the eshop closed lol. Any honest answers/recommendations on how much it’s worth and how to sell?

[@Kalphalus]

@@Mic_N_Lyric Those normally go from $300 to $600

[@bhj3190]

This was a great video, and it made me very aware of the pricing differences from US to Canada. The *New* 3DSs are FAR more expensive here, but the old ones are a dime a dozen, especially the 2DS. I see them regularly for ~$20! Thanks for the overview!

[@GameBoy10115]

Really, I didn't even check the prices in Canada. Road trip time👍

[@Salamenace]

Damn where in Canada can you buy a 2ds for only 20 bucks?

[@F-00]

if y'all planning to get a New 3DS thinking that the XL might be too big DON'T GET A NORMAL SIZED ONE, i was used to a reglar DSi and DS Lite's size but when i got a New 3DS i was disappointed at how SMALL everything was on the screen, the 3DS's screen's resolution is too big for how small of a screen you're given, ESPECIALLY if you're used to the regular sized DS, i ended up reselling the one i bought and never looked back, definetely get a 3DS XL, don't listen to people who say that the XL might be too big, it's the right size trust me.

[@GameBoy10115]

The bigger screen are a big plus, and now that I've had the new 3DS regular size for a while, they are very tempting, especially since I got used to the screen size on the switch.

[@Zeus-yw1fbz]

First time ive heard someone complaining about too high a resolution.

[@markhovscrch4050]

Watching this while waiting to upgrade my Regular 3DS to New 3DS XL just to play stable Frames game, kind of focusing first on SMT IV because I love the plot of Casualry and Luxors to Religion and Science.

[@GameBoy10115]

I've never played a Shin Megami Tensei game, I'll have to check them out👍

[@markhovscrch4050]

Its a series also known that has brutal prologue/training sequences@@GameBoy10115

[@RebeDrawsStuff]

I recently bought an old 3DS for the equivalent of $30 in my country. The only two details are that the pen is missing and the charging port doesn't work but I only bought it to homebrew it rather that risking my retro style 3DS XL.

[@GameBoy10115]

30 bucks for a homebrew machine is a good deal👍

[@jonathanmarin7024]

A good tip to know that you missed is buying the pokemon red and blue new 3DS isn’t just the face plates that makes it different. The mother board still allows you to go to the Nintendo store and download red and blue even if you never purchased it before. A friend of mine gave me a broken one and I repaired it and confirmed this as of today. Because I have never bought red and blue version before from the Nintendo shop, and was able to download them both.

[@GameBoy10115]

Really, I didn't know that, thanks for the info👍

[@epickitsuneluigi]

I bought my own o3ds a few weeks ago and i gotta say, i only didn't get a n3ds because gosh darn the prices here in Brazil are HIGH! You could get 2 o3dses for the price of 1 n3ds over here, or even a Switch Lite if you get a good deal! I've even seen n3dses pop up for MORE than the price of a Switch Lite! So here most people are getting o3dses because they're just WAAAY more affordable (o3dses are 100~160 bucks, and n3dses are 250~370) Also, great video!

[@GameBoy10115]

It sounds just like here. The old 3ds' are still great, especially like you mentioned that you can buy a switch for the price of a new 3ds.

[@williamwilliam6500]

Eae mano, como ta seu 3ds hj em dia??

[@epickitsuneluigi]

​@@williamwilliam6500 Tá uma beleza, já zerei mario 3d land e tô zerando de novo pq corrompeu o cartão SD (descuido meu KKKKKKK 🥲) e foi um dos da ALIEXPRESS, paguei só 500 conto e veio com tudo (carregador, película, 2 cabos de carregador), única coisa que comprei foi a canetinha que fica maior, já que originalmente veio uma menor de plástico, mas além disso, se for comprar recomendo SIM os da Ali!

[@AceBooneG]

Great video this gonna blow up

[@GameBoy10115]

Thank you👍

[@mangosteiny]

you’re so real for the sims 3 disks at the back

[@GameBoy10115]

It's a classic👍

[@seseiSeki]

Another thing the new 3DSes do is playing n3DS enhanced 3DS games. Those are kinda like GBC or DSi enhanced games, that do work on the old consoles, but take advantage of the new hardware. Monster Hunter 4U (probably Generations too?) uses way better textures on n3DSes and has a more stable frame rate. Pokémon gen 8 absolutely dies in Battle Royale battles and probably double battles as well on old 3DS models, but n3DSes handle it just fine. You also can't use the Circle Pad Pro for Smash Bros. 4, the n3DS extra buttons and stick do work though. But I doubt anyone would care for that in 2023 :D

[@GameBoy10115]

I should've mentioned Pokemon. That was a great example of a game that runs slower on the Old 3ds. I agree that the circle pad pro doesn't do enough with the extra buttons. Someone out there probably uses the circle pad pro a lot. I have a whole circle pad pro collection, lol.

[@seseiSeki]

Oh, I wasn't talking about the Circle Pad Pro as a whole, I just meant that you can't use it in Smash Bros. 4 on o3DS, whereas the built in new controls on the n3DS can be used in that game.

[@GameBoy10115]

Oh I see, that's a great example 👍@@seseiSeki

[@ToxicRetro]

I never thought about the prices for the accessories if i got the regular instead of the new... Thanks :)

[@GameBoy10115]

Yup, gotta take in the equation too, no problem👍

[@TakisEnjoyer]

I spent the last 2 months looking for non-XL New Nintendo 3DS in my country but I feel like it's impossible task nowadays. There are some options to order from elsewhere, but the tax I'll have to pay for getting them here just ain't worth it, so I ended up getting New 3DS XL. Not as cute, not as portable the lack of accessible cover plates is disappointing, but I'm still glad I got it, especially now since it's getting pricier and harder. Plus If there's any chance I'll find non-XL in the future I can always sell this one.

[@GameBoy10115]

It can be frustrating trying to find one of those at a good price. The XL is still great, though👍

[@KevoIogy]

Me too. I thought I was the only one. Like the cheapest New 3DS XL I could find was $140 and the cheapest Non-XL New 3DS I could find was like $285.

[@xIDarkSideIx]

Jeeze no idea why these are so expensive in the US, Over here in the UK pawn shops sell 2ds for around £30/35 mark around 38$ and 3ds around £50/60 which is $60ish 😬I recently picked up a 2ds myself and modded it due to the shop closing down

[@GameBoy10115]

I didn't realize these prices were that high compared to other regions.🤙

[@HollowRick]

Not anymore.. new 3DS XLs are selling for £205 lowest I've seen is £130 and it was beat up to hell

[@caesurii_2587]

Where the fuck do u find 3dses for that cheap i keep seeing 3ds for 80 ~ 100 or even more

[@GameBoy10115]

This video is 6 months old now, so prices might have already changed. Might have to do a 2024 updated one 👍

[@caesurii_2587]

@@GameBoy10115 ahhh I see , looking forward to it !!

[@astoraan6071]

Just had to travel across London to 5 different CEX stores (The UK version of Gamestop) until I finally found a New 3DS XL that was in good condition and not at an extortionate price. I finally found one but it's the Animal Crossing edition, I hope I can change the face and back plate lmao.

[@GameBoy10115]

CEX stores, now I know where to go if I'm ever in the U.K. Those cover plates are expensive over here in the U.S.

[@HuslHusk]

Dawg I needed this video because I wanted to get one

[@GameBoy10115]

Hope it helped👍

[@iBMcFly]

I don’t think I’ve paid more than $150 for a 3ds XL in the last couple years and that was for a Galaxy edition.

[@GameBoy10115]

That's a good price, the Galaxy one is a nice design👍

[@iBMcFly]

@@GameBoy10115 for sure, marketplace and patience is the key to a good price on a vita.

[@bboy2135]

Keep up the good content

[@GameBoy10115]

Thanks for watching👍

[@sonofiver7415]

I was lucky and got mine in 2019 was the prices were the lowest. I got my new 3ds xl for just 130.

[@GameBoy10115]

Nice, that was a great price 👍

[@adamos748]

I got a new 3ds yesterday for 70 so it's just really to find a good price I had to search for 2 month to find it

[@GameBoy10115]

That's a great price for one👍@@adamos748

[@netbirth]

I did get a hyrule edition cib for 500. However i got it for $20 after trade in of a bunch of stuff i dont play, im pretty happy with it

[@GameBoy10115]

Nice 👍

[@netbirth]

@@GameBoy10115 thanks man mostly got it since my wife took my 20th anniversary pokemon system haha

[@tonysaturnino8374]

I found a “broken” 3ds xl, seller said the as card was glitching out when he put it in, put a as card and it kept saying as card couldn’t be read, so I removed and formatted to FAT32 and the 3ds worked properly, best of all it was already modded so all I had to do was redownload the files

[@GameBoy10115]

Nice👍

[@inferiorsuperior3152]

Primo, muy bien video . necesitas hacer videos de estos en espanol, hay mucho Latinos/hispanos Que Todavia juegan 3ds👍.

[@GameBoy10115]

Es buena idea, a ver si algo uno en español👍

[@elyk-233]

2:09 you forgot the shovelware.

[@elwinroyale]

I got myself a lime green new 2ds xl for €85 in box around the time this video released

[@GameBoy10115]

Nice, that's a good price 👍

[@rogue8355]

nice video!

[@GameBoy10115]

Thank you👍

[@ItzmehDxrks]

My original 3ds is coming tommorow 😃

[@GameBoy10115]

Nice 👍

[@ggaboveaveragegamer]

You can also lowball people when buying local, I once got this guy to sell me his 3ds along with a new 2ds xl with omega Ruby and alpha sapphire for 100. Doesn’t always work but with enough patience it till eventually that’s why I have so many 💀

[@GameBoy10115]

Good point, you can always find a good deal like that👍

[@Nazzybedancin]

Honestly I just want a 3ds or any ds so I can play Pokemon Black and White 2

[@GameBoy10115]

I guess a DS would be better for those games since they're expensive 👍

[@Nazzybedancin]

@@GameBoy10115 alright sounds good 👍🏼

[@JacobShropshire]

Replacing the bottom screen on the 3DS is very easy

[@GameBoy10115]

I need to replace it, maybe possiblely make a video of it👍

[@KhairulFahmi2010]

rip new nintendo 3ds you price will always be high

[@Pobbatron]

you can just hack it to have english text and play any region of games or at least us region games.

[@gullyx5181]

I'm between the old and new 3DS non-XL versions. Which would you get based on durability and build quality? I want something that'll last me as long as possible.

[@GameBoy10115]

I think the old 3DS is built a bit more durable due to its shape, but I think the upgrades on the New 3DS are worth it past the durability the devices. That being said, my old 3DS is in need of repairs and is pretty up after 10 years, so it's really up to you to take care of it.

[@isaiahteehee9121]

Good stuff I jus wanna play paper Mario and Mario Luigi saga

[@GameBoy10115]

Thank you, good game picks👍

[@JessP1]

Can you go into more detail on IPS screen? How do I know if my model has it? Is it worth it to mod it/ change it?

[@GameBoy10115]

One way to tell would be by tilting the 3DS at an angle and seeing if it looks washed out, like the colors. The IPS screens will have better viewing angles. There's a bigger price difference, so it's up to you if it's worth it, but the TN screens look great still. The one in the video is a TN screen 3DS.

[@georgearm1253]

I certainly wouldn't downplay the o3DS. I personally love my o3DS. The n3DS is ~$100 more for faster load times and improvement of a feature no-one used anyway. I also felt that the build quality had decreased a bit.

[@GameBoy10115]

I really liked my o3DS, but I wanted a New 3DS for my specific reasons, but to each their own👍

[@georgearm1253]

@@GameBoy10115 Playing n3DS exclusives and N64/PS1 emulation?

[@GameBoy10115]

@@georgearm1253 Mostly to be able to record my 3ds gameplay and to replay my games that make use of the 2nd analog/c-stick.

[@georgearm1253]

@@GameBoy10115 Apart from Monster Hunter, basically no games use the c-stick in an important way, not to mention it feels like ass to use.

[@GameBoy10115]

@georgearm1253 I agree the circle pad pro feels better, Smash Bros 4 maybe uses it well with the attacks I guess.

[@MishaLUL]

i just bought a majoras mask new 3ds ll from japan for $300 and it came with an optimize capture card installed. TN panels but i cant complain. homebrewed it and got it loaded with games now. Its time to retire my aqua blue 3ds

[@GameBoy10115]

Nice, the capture card pre-installed is great extra perk👍

[@yzx9122]

Hey I just want to play 3ds most common and exclusive games,I got few question Original 3ds is slow or laggy? Orignal 3ds got any issue? Can I enjoy most of the game as well?

[@GameBoy10115]

It's not that It's sluggish, its just compared to the New 3DS and compared to what we're are used to now, it might seem sluggish, but it's fine. There's no issue with the console itself with the ability to play games unless you want to play the few exclusive New 3DS titles. You will enjoy most of the games in the 3DS library.

[@yzx9122]

@@GameBoy10115 so there will be no performance lack? Thanks

[@GameBoy10115]

Some games will run sluggish, but that's how they run, because Nintendo capped the performance of games to match the Old 3DS , so the New 3DS will perform the same without any modifications.

[@איתןבניון-ס5נ]

Bro the best things I managed to get from my cousins ​​is the new 2ds xl pikachu edition and also the 3ds xl and all this for $50 check your uncles and cousins ​​ok

[@GameBoy10115]

Dang that's an amazing deal. Good tip👍

[@Laz3rCat95]

RIP GameBoy101's 3DS

[@GameBoy10115]

Thanks for watching👍

[@pnk...]

I can’t find a cheap 3ds they’re all like 175 😭😭😭

[@SolaRDare]

Does the OG 3ds XL play the newer games you mentioned? (Xenoblade, Fire emblem etc)

[@GameBoy10115]

Unfortunately no, the OG 3ds XL does not play those games. Xenoblade Chronocles and Fire Emblem Warriors are only for the New 3ds, but I believe there are 2 other Fire Emblem games on the 3ds and playable on the older models. I'll put the link in the description of the New 3ds exclusive games list.

[@SolaRDare]

@@GameBoy10115 oh ok thanks, was starting to get a little sad cause I just bought an og 3ds

[@GameBoy10115]

Nah, unless you like those handful of games, the old one is fine. You can still play the best 3ds games out there, like the Mario games, MGS 3, legend of Zelda's, etc. @SolaRDare

[@kosterix123]

why would I want a modded 3ds. I already have a ton of games from the (former) eshop.

[@Mic_N_Lyric]

I have a used galaxy new 3ds xl I want to sale in great condition. Will come Pokémon ultra sun(hard copy no case), Pokémon omega ruby (digital), Pokémon yellow (digital), and Pokémon crystal (digital), and I have permanent use of Pokémon bank due to something I did before the eshop closed lol. Any honest answers/recommendations on how much it’s worth and how to sell?

[@GameBoy10115]

I would say you could sell it for about 250-300 bucks. I see the Galaxy New 3ds around the 250 price, but considering you're throwing in Pokemon Ultra Sun and other titles along with having the Pokemon bank, you could probably list it higher and go from there. I would post on Mercari/Offer up and see what kind of offers come in to get a better idea👍

[@Mic_N_Lyric]

@@GameBoy10115 thank you that’s a great idea. Appreciate the advice!

[@trujay8232]

New 3DS or new 3ds xl? Having such a hard time deciding….

[@GameBoy10115]

Aww, the ultimate question, bigger screens or faceplates?

[@HanonSama]

I bought the US version of the animal crossing 3ds xl for $399 so...............

[@GameBoy10115]

399 isn't bad for a special edition one👍

[@Dogeplayingames]

got one for 70

[@GameBoy10115]

That's a great deal 👍

[@Dogeplayingames]

it is still in Japan ):@@GameBoy10115

[@ssxtier]

man dig deep enough you will find a new 3ds xl for 150 dollars used which is 50 dollars less than brand new in 2016

[@GameBoy10115]

Yup, I should've got it then 👍

[@beastymartin4254]

Got mine back in 2019 for 70 bucks

[@GameBoy10115]

Nice 👍

[@jaguar4120]

These systems are getting expensive on eBay.

[@GameBoy10115]

Yup, the prices keep going up.

[@susantuna3434]

i hate how nintendo shit goes bonkers on use market and how expensive is to play pokemon thats why i just pirate all that shit and just buy the console

[@GameBoy10115]

I understand your pain, haha. It's craz y because Pokemon sold so many copies every generation, but that's how much demand there is, I guess. I started to buy more Japanese games for this reason.

[@vexivian]

Did you know that modding your 3DS console is actually really easy?

[@GameBoy10115]

I found the New 3DS to be even easier than the old 3DS.

[@landanpizzakingTrashGang]

🤪🔨

[@alwayshere6956]

Just emulate lmao

[@GameBoy10115]

True, the 3ds is a good emulation device for games that you physically own, of course. For the 3ds emulator on PC though, I see a lot of games run really bad. I only tried a few games because I dumped the roms from the physical game I own.

[@araeden]

The 3DS is one system you CAN'T get the full (3D) experience via emulation, unless you use a 3D capable display somehow.

[@tydshiin5783]

I wish, but try emulating a 3ds game without two screens or a vertical screen, it's awful

[@tydshiin5783]

@@araeden another thing is that the 3ds has a fairly advanced 3d system that uses the camera to track for the new version which is cool

[@Avaitor_YT]

I can't. And even if I has the hardware I would have to spend hours, days just trying to get one file to work.