Nintendo Switch vs 3DS - Is One Better?

[@bobfranklin2572]

I think what i love most about the 3ds is the (unofficial) modding support. Having all my 3ds, ds and gba games and their saves back up safely and with me on the go is fantastic. Ill be moving abroad soon and the portability is invaluable

[@johnrickard8512]

A modded 3DS is a mighty emulation console indeed, if only for the fact that it is a mostly authentic way to experience every Nintendo Handheld up to that point.

[@bluefox9er]

Mine is modded. Insane to think I have every GB, GBC, GBA, NES, SNES, Megadrive/Genisis, 32x/ master system complete library with me. I have a complete rom set for the DS but twilight is fiddly about how many roms you can load up. It’s negated my need for Nintendo online service

[@mbs4167]

@@bluefox9ermine is modded as well but for some reason when I move it even a little sometimes it turns off

[@shawndasilva]

@@mbs4167you can try checking your battery, it could be a little swollen causing the contacts to not connect fully.

[@SocietyOfDecency]

Iwata was a legend and will forever be missed. His story is several documentaries worth in one. Truly an icon.

[@NeanderMeander]

I agree 100%.

[@franciscobutte]

Both are great but the 3DS (and DS) is more unique and hardly we will ever see something like that again.

[@NeanderMeander]

You're probably right. We most likely won't see anything like it every again. That's a sad thought.

[@marciocintra2988]

I think Nintendo will continue investing in innovation in portable gaming. I'm just not sure if there will be another "clamshell" console...

[@Mintcar923]

Seems like a conspiracy 3d always comes and goes every couple decades.. It boggles the mind.. I mean I’m all for it as it’s the next logical step up from photo realism..

[@Polmo1997]

Unique doesn't mean better

[@saricubra2867]

@@NeanderMeander Pokémon on the Switch has been a dumpster fire for the most part. The UI falls apart without 2 screens.

[@ShadyPlatinum777]

I love the Switch but the DS line of systems are so unique. We’ll never see anything like them again. As a JRPG fan the DS era was unforgettable and for me the golden age.

[@NeanderMeander]

The DS line was so bizarre to me at first. I didn't ever own a DS because I didn't think I would be into the dual screens. Come to find out, I love it!

[@ShadyPlatinum777]

⁠​⁠​⁠@@NeanderMeanderIt was the same for me at first. Then Square started releasing games for it and I had to buy one.

[@Whatsup_Abroad]

I mean, several handheld PC makers are working on DS style handheld PCs right now

[@isaachanninen2020]

@@Whatsup_Abroad i would like to try one of those. i saw one that looks like a straight up DS and one that replaced the bottom screen with a full keyboard. looks interesting.

[@Sammy-34079]

The DS was an absolutely legendary handheld system. It had such an amazing library of games and the unique dual screen was really cool. And as you said, so many classic JRPGs made their first appearances there. Games like Final Fantasy 3 and 4 remakes, Chrono Trigger, Dragon Quest IV, 5, 6 and 9, Pokémon Heart Gold and Soul Silver, Fire Emblem Shadow Dragon, et cetera. As you said, we'll never see anything like that era again. It was truly the golden age of Nintendo handhelds.

[@MajinReo]

I absolutely love both. I usually bring the 3DS when traveling in case of a lucky streetpass. Keep up the great work! Cheers

[@NeanderMeander]

I used to love getting Streetpasses. They were so fun. I haven't seen one in a long while.

[@marciocintra2988]

Pokémon is my favorite game franchise, and 3DS is a more adequate console for playing Pokémon in my opinion. That's why I play more on the 3DS, but I think the Switch is much better overall, just not as portable

[@NeanderMeander]

This is a great perspective. I need to dedicate more time to playing Pokemon games.

[@marciocintra2988]

@@NeanderMeander I appreciate your interest. Unfortunately there are many flaws in these games that make many people give up on them.

[@BlakeTheSnake98]

I just got a New 3ds and a copy of Omega Ruby. I love it so far. This is my first time usind a 3ds. I've had a Switch for years and it's really great too.

[@TatsuyaWow]

@@BlakeTheSnake98 mod it

[@Travisgaminglol]

Imagine how Good the Nintendo Switch would be if it was Compatible with 3DS/DS games

[@SocietyOfDecency]

It's kind of crazy how remakes are some of the best content on these consoles. DK or Zelda OoT/MM are arguably some of the most immersive and captivating content on the 3DS. Making them portable is part of the charm but the games themselves just deserved the spotlight one more time. The same is kind of true for the Switch with things like Skyrim or The Witcher 3. From a handheld perspective it's insane being able to play those on the go. They are subpar to all other consoles when looked at through the lens of a home console but still brought those games to an audience that maybe wouldn't of had access to or chosen to play had they not been on a Nintendo console.

[@NeanderMeander]

Remakes are some of my favorite games of all time. I think it's because of what your wrote. Having them on a portable makes them more fun. It's crazy to think that you're playing home console games on the go. Sometimes it's even during the same generation, which is the case for Donkey Kong Country Returns. Playing that game on the 3DS blew my mind. It was fun on the Wii, but was a million times better on the 3DS. Thanks for sharing this perspective.

[@SkakinBaconMedia]

Also to add, well said about the subscription services. I actually stopped using Nintendo Switch online as I have Everdrives which aren't dependent on a online service to keep it going. I'm greatly concerned about this all digital world that we're barreling towards.

[@NeanderMeander]

The Online Service is so dumb. It bothers me that these games are now behind a subscription paywall. I also fear the outcome of the all digital world. It's coming faster than we think.

[@Noblemumin]

There’s just something special and almost toy-like feeling from the 3DS’ clamshell design. It just feels more fun to me. It would be great is Nintendo go back to the clamshell design for the Switch 2.

[@NeanderMeander]

It would be awesome if they made something in the same style!

[@KevIn-tu4fv]

The quality of your videos are amazing.

[@NeanderMeander]

Thank you so much for writing this! I'm glad you like them

[@OklahomaRailfan_Productions]

3DS and 2DS are the best gaming devices ever made.

[@NeanderMeander]

I really like both of them. They are so easy to take around and play where ever I am.

[@RetroRivals]

This is a tough choice because on one hand I do like that the switch library is still evolving, but even though it technically is portable, it doesn't feel truly portable. I don't travel very often but the last few times I did I grabbed my 2DS XL without any hesitation. If I compare games I played on both systems this year I definitely have to go with the 2DS XL. The fact that it has dual screen and I can constantly keep a map up and open in one of those screens makes gaming so much easier for me. I guess newer is not always better.

[@NeanderMeander]

I love reading this! The Switch really doesn’t feel like any of the other Nintendo handheld. It feels more suited for home play. The 3DS feels great to play on the go. I like that you take the 2DS XL with you on occasion. What games have to played on it?

[@RetroRivals]

@@NeanderMeander This year I've played Henry Hatsworth, Castlevania Portrait of Ruin, Order of Ecclesia, Lord of Shadows Mirror of fate, and Corpse Party

[@joakimnilsson261]

Such a gorgeous video, as always from you.

[@NeanderMeander]

Thank you so much for watching it! I appreciate the kind words

[@TynologyGaming]

I bought my first 3DS in September of 2016 (great timing, right?) but I didn't use it much. I spent more time just modding it and tinkering with it than actually playing games oddly enough. Maybe it was just my life at that time. I started getting an itch for a Switch in 2018, and told myself if I could put time into my 3DS then I would buy a Switch. A year later and only about 2 hours into Ocarina of Time 3D, I broke and bought myself a Switch. It reignited my love of gaming unlike any console in the past 10 years. I think the 3DS is great, it just never clicked more than a novelty for me at the time. Great video as always my dude, love all the attention to detail covering both consoles!

[@NeanderMeander]

I remember you saying you bought the Switch along with Links Awakening. Have you finished Links Awakening? We should do it for the book club. There would be some really good discussions about it. We could even do multiple episodes where we play to a certain point and talk about it. I think that would be really fun.

[@TynologyGaming]

@@NeanderMeander Yes! I did end up playing through it all last year finally haha. I think it would be a fantastic VGBC game. So many people love it and have specific feelings over different parts. Sally has convinced me to finally get through the rest of ALTTP also! I want to fire back up the book club starting in January, I really miss it

[@Kniffel101]

The fact that you can play every Nintendo handheld on a 3DS (officially as well as unofficially), as well as many older consoles, is insane. It can even play GBA games natively without emulation, using homebrew. Don't know whether you used an emulator for your Zero Mission playthrough, but those appear to not run very well on the OG 3DS - unlike the native option with runs perfectly! ^^

[@revolv8379]

can't see the bottom screen too well but it looks like he has it injected as a virtual console game, which are running natively with GBA, if im correct right?

[@NeanderMeander]

You are correct.

[@90shandheldgamer]

For a truly portable experience 3DS. For Console quality games on the go Switch.

[@NeanderMeander]

Well said

[@maverickhuntermeta4954]

They're both subjective (I love them both). You pick the game of your choice that's available on that platform that you find suitable to play on.

[@maverickhuntermeta4954]

And also... Cool Blade Runner font.

[@dosneygaming]

Have you ever played the Splatoon games

[@NeanderMeander]

I haven’t. I picked up Splatoon 1 on the a Wii U and Splatoon 2 a few years ago. I just haven’t gotten around to playing them yet.

[@dosneygaming]

@@NeanderMeander they are really great games but Splatoon 1 soon won't be playable online because the Wii U servers are shutting down so if you ever wanna play it online ya better do it better April. Also the Splatoon games have great platform story modes that I think you would enjoy

[@graymatter9431]

Another amazing quality video from you. I love both 3DS and switch. 3DS has some of the greatest games of all time, but switch has a big variety of great games and great ways to play them. Was curious do you use any grips or alternatives to you your joycons? My switch lite is my favorite portable to bring with me because it’s almost like a 3ds and it’s comfortable compared to the normal switch.

[@JoeFpoc]

I still love my 3ds xl and always find myself going back to it, replaying dragon quest 8 on it right now. It does seems like a lot of switch games feel like they are made for the big screen so when it gets shrunk down to a 6 inch screen its really hard to see on some games.

[@matthewb840]

This is extremely good filming, great work!

[@NeanderMeander]

Thank you very much!

[@amrok2002]

Awesome Video as always. Really appreciate the time you put into making these epic videos. I love my switch but find myself returning to the 3DS more and more these days. It offers an experience that no other console does. Cranking the 3d up, and putting on a good pair of headphones makes the experience so immersive.

[@NeanderMeander]

Thank you so much for watching my videos. They take quite a lot of planning and work to put together. It's good to hear from people who appreciate them. The 3DS is so great. I love the 3D effect. You're right, no other console can do what it does. It's amazing.

[@traviscunningham7062]

I feel like the Wii and 3DS are the most immersive Nintendo consoles imo. The Wii had motion controls allowing you to feel like the characters in the game, and the 3DS had the 3D effect which makes the game graphics pop out more.

[@buffgarfield3231]

I like the form factor of the 3ds. Having the screen position well above the hand position is much easier on my neck. Wish they would release a 3DSwitch that is more like a gameboy advance sp.

[@tipsy634]

The simple answer is: Do you count the DS Library as part of the 3DS Library? If so: The 3DS can play a lot of classic games that will never be ported to Switch. Pokemon, Ghost Trick, Mario and Luigi saga, so on. Having a 3DS is very useful if you are interested in those games or in any sort of touch screen puzzle platform. The dual screen style of game is very unique and allows for things that haven't been done since it ended. If not: The 3DS library focuses too much on the "3d" and not enough on the "DS". Most 3DS exclusives can be ported over to Switch and will run much better for it. The screen's resolution is big enough that you won't need the barely used touch screen in order to get all the UI visible. Additionally the 3D screen was only used in the earliest releases. More heavy performance games later on abandoned the feature entirely, and Nintendo removed it from their end of lifecycle 2DS XL due to how unnecessary it turned out to be. In conclusion there are no 3DS exclusives that would ever put it above the Switch, but if we include DS exclusives then we are having a genuine conversation as there are a lot of fantastic games that have never been competently ported over to home console due to how they use the touch screen. I would call the switch a better console overall but it loses some key features from the DS, same way as how it lost features from the Wii and Wii U. So it is good to have both units if you want to mess with Nintendo's full library.

[@derqebel]

A nice sunday morning, fresh Coffee and on top a new vid from yours, what a start in a sunday....magic

[@NeanderMeander]

Comments like this are so great! These take so much time to write and put together. It's good to hear from people who appreciate them.

[@derqebel]

@@NeanderMeander keep up this great Work, i do enjoy every second of it

[@rodneybrown2059]

I liked the 3DS backwards compatibility, I wished that Nintendo used that same format on the switch. But I guess the decided to forget that idea. I just hope they bring backwards compatibility back to their next console. That is unless they used a sd cartridge for the switch that's completely different from the 3DS/DS games. And that's the case, they should at least make a remastered version of some of their games. Like kid icarus is still stuck on the 3DS, and Nintendo just decided to forget about it. And while they're doing that, Sega decided to revive some of their classic ips such as Jet Set Radio and Golden Axe. Which is good because I never played any of these games. I did play a bit of Golden Axe as a kid through the classic genesis collection on the Xbox 360. And my only know of jet set radio was from playing as Beat in Sega Superstar Tennis and Sonic & Sega All-Star Racing.

[@tr1bes]

DS and 3DS games are on dual screen. It's going to be difficult to port it to a singular screen.

[@Now_Roxas]

Battery Life. 3ds Eshop. 3ds Animal Crossing. 3ds Mario. Switch Backwards compatibilaty. 3ds Gaming on the go. 3ds (You can't even start downloaded games without internet) Less Drift. 3ds Free Online (Except owning WIFI). 3ds Pokemon. 3ds Has Lego Batman 2. 3ds

[@Digidragon55]

You missed the Amiibo support of both consoles!

[@NeanderMeander]

Yeah, you're right. I didn't even mention Amiibo. Maybe I should do a video about them.

[@Digidragon55]

@@NeanderMeander You should; also the 3DS has a camera, AR cards and an activity record log!

[@yashbutno]

1:32 GBA is the best console of all time. It's the sweet spot for 2D graphics and has the best game library. I bought my 3DS so I could play GBA without software emulation.

[@GoonieLord]

I have 3 3DS models all have Pokémon gen 1-2 for trading. Nintendo Switch doesn't have the original gen Pokémon unless you have it modded

[@hammaheadgaming]

Thank you for the video! I love both systems. I want to spend more time with the 3DS because it came out when I was in college, so I didn’t play it as much as I would have liked haha. Played pretty much all the mainline Pokémon games on it.

[@kakexhyr]

Amazing content Im suscribed bro. Greetings from Costa Rica. Pura vida!

[@NeanderMeander]

Thanks for subscribing! I've never been to Costa Rica, but I've always wanted to

[@nomadlonestar8004]

Great video matey. As much as I like the switch. Especially from 2017 till 2020 and despite the Insane amount of 3rd party support. It just lacks personality when compared to the 3DS. When it comes to the 1st party offerings. I definitely prefer the 3DS selection. I've noticed that whenever Nintendo has tremendous success and overwhelming 3rd party support Thet seen to try less and put less effort in there product from a software perspective. I find it hard to find the urge to play my switch lately despite loving the console. The 3DS however I've been playing it almost daily since September last year. It's easily my favourite handheld of all time. Definitely one of my largest collection of games with over 376 physical games. And I'm still finding new games since I purchased it on launch day of 2011.

[@nomadlonestar8004]

PS. I'm truly going to miss the era of Nintendo when they had a dedicated console alongside a dedicated handheld. To me that's when Nintendo was at its absolute best and most creative. Getting gaming experiences exclusive to it's home console or hand-held. Seeing a main series Installment on one platform followed by a spinoff on the other. The whole hybrid thing is fantastic and convenient but having both experiences only on one platform ironically takes away it's creativety to a certain extent.

[@Roaringbearkitties]

What is the soundtrack in the background 14 minutes in? Making me feel inspired listening to you talk about playing retro games hahahaha

[@phillipcarbin7394]

Ok but what was that game at the 2100. Was that mario? And is that on the switch?

[@NeanderMeander]

That is Captain Toad Treasure Tracker. The footage is from the Switch, but the game is also on the 3DS and Wii U.

[@braydenrakes]

Your content is always great thanks man

[@NeanderMeander]

Thank you so much for watching! It’s great reading comments like this

[@artyboy1377]

Surprising that you posted this video in 2023 when the 3DS has faded into gaming history and the Switch's successor is on the horizon. I'm primarily a PC gamer having lost interest in consoles as I play mainly FPS games but the Switch and the 3DS has a special place in gaming - portable gaming + 3D graphics without the need for glasses + Nintendo in-house games which are not available anywhere else. Both my Switch OLED and 3DS are immaculate gaming machines to complement my PC gaming hobby.

[@NeanderMeander]

I still think they are interesting topics. I too have a gaming PC, but I don't play much on it currently. My main systems are the Switch and 3DS, which is why I love talking about them.

[@danielvillanueva3792]

I love both, but I miss how unique 3DS games were.

[@NeanderMeander]

I miss that too.

[@andrewwilliams2115]

Complaining about the subscription service and that you would have to sign up for a new one with the new system doesn’t seem to to follow precedent. I’ve been able to integrate my 3DS account into the Switch subscription and with the subscription you can play many legacy games there’s no reason to believe the Switch games won’t become legacy games available on the new system

[@NeanderMeander]

Nobody can see the future. Based on what’s going on right now, I believe the subscription service will continue on the new system. I know some people like it and that’s perfectly fine. I don’t and that’s also fine.

[@jasona8396]

Audio is really biting, a band pass filter would work wonders to get rid of the sibilance

[@NeanderMeander]

Thank you for pointing this out and giving me a solution. I'll make sure to clean it up for the next video.

[@louvella-sama]

Would highly recommend using a skull & co neogrip on your switch. Playing handheld with a grip is a huge game changer. I prefer using the official joycons over any other third party controller/joycon (like hori) because of the grip

[@AlbertoJMarcano]

Also, this has to be the most under rated Nintendo channel on YT!

[@NeanderMeander]

Thank you for saying this. It's much appreciated.

[@AlbertoJMarcano]

@@NeanderMeander Can I email you a question?

[@NeanderMeander]

@@AlbertoJMarcano Sure!

[@roninstormYT]

wait till you change you mind when you get the ally rog when you can emulate and play ds 3ds gameboy and davance and color and n64 and gamecube and 3ds and switch and wii u and wii games on steam deck or legion go or ally rog i dont use these since i got my ally rog

[@NeanderMeander]

Those devices are fantastic! I've held off buying them because I just don't need them right now. I know one day I will get one, but I can't justify it at this time. I have a decent gaming laptop that goes with me everywhere. If I want to play a game on Steam, all I need to do is connect a controller and I'm good to go. I also use that same computer for work, so it seem a little redundant to have a gaming laptop and a Steam Deck with me. I don't know. Maybe I'm wrong and I should I pick one up a while ago.

[@kryzethx]

I think it's a pretty simple solution; it depends. Specifically, it depends on where you're going, and what games you are interested in. If you're just going somewhere local, you might not want to bring too much stuff, like a backpack; so it would be more appealing to bring a 3DS. But if you're going on a plane ride, or somewhere long-distance with lots of downtime, then you will likely be packing a bag, so you might as well bring a Switch in its case. If you want to play something more classic and simple, then the 3DS is the better choice; but if you are are invested in, or just prefer more big-budget titles, then the Switch is the better option. They both have their strong points, and they are both better in certain situations.

[@famosoworld1643]

Personally I have more fun with my 3ds then my switch coming from that own the regular switch and switch lite

[@Jjjjsi]

10:23 Try CitraVR on the Quest 3

[@NeanderMeander]

This sounds awesome!

[@magnawaves]

I felt that way about the battery going from the DS to the 3DS. The DS just WENT nonstop. The Switch OLED did make the battery life far, far better than my launch day Switch, which I'm very happy about.

[@XboxCODrocks]

Your content formula is genuinely amazing. Unlike most creators, you shift the focus off yourself and onto the games and systems. Yet your commentary still adds so much detail and depth about whatever you're talking about. I love watching any of your videos because the passion behind your voice is truly there. The camerawork and displays you set up show so much care and thought being put into the shots. You really deserve more subscribers.

[@kaneki415]

an important question . Should I buy the 3DS or modify the Nintendo Switch? Because I will pay the same amount for both options

[@AceUndergeekBunny]

It is very difficult to compare handheld device, both have their own philosophy. It's the same for the 3DS familly and the Switch Familly, both are unique and even they're made by Nintendo, they aren't share the same lineage. One is for a time the last pure handheld made and the other make the decision to evolve and let the player choice if he want to play on the TV or on the go ! I already say it, I don't have a strong feeling with the 3DS so de facto I prefer the Switch. BUT I enjoy a lot to listen people talk about their passion for the 3DS. It remain me than video game is rich, with a lot of profil and that's great !

[@NeanderMeander]

They are very difficult to compare. But, they will always be compared to each other as they overlapped during their lifetimes. I think it's fun to talk about. I like your perspective too. I also like to hear people talk about consoles I don't really have strong feeling for.

[@LuisKnight]

I love these consoles I have multiple of both as well. Great vid!

[@NeanderMeander]

Nice! They are so fun to collect. I have to be careful. I can really get carried away with buying them.

[@LuisKnight]

@@NeanderMeander yeah man same situation. Right now I've been thinking of buying special addition switch consoles.

[@Transientimage]

There is no doubt that both the Switch and 3DS are great consoles, with amazing unique experiences. I'd say that the Switch's first party library far exceeds any other Nintendo Console in history. That being said, whenever I play the 3DS the feeling I get from playing those games is just unmatched. Nothing puts me in a gaming zone like the 3DS does. I actively collect for DS, Vita, and Switch in addition to the 3DS. But the 3DS will always be my favorite. Getting a new game or console for it, will always feel better than getting stuff for the other consoles. It's sad to see the barrier for entry is cost prohibitive these days as like mentioned the costs for consoles is often times more than MSRP. But I'm still gonna hunt for games and consoles when I can. I always love that you continue to show the 3DS some love. Your attention to detail, the cinematography is truly unmatched. As long you keep pumping out 3DS content, I will continue to keep watching. 🫡

[@NeanderMeander]

It is different collecting for the 3DS. I don't know why, but it's just a more fun experience every time I pick up something new for it. I will no doubt continue to make 3DS content. It was been so important to me throughout the years, I want to let more people know how great it is. Thank you so much for always watching. it really means a lot.

[@Adamtendo_player_1]

I never had the 3DS but I have a Switch OLED and I’m really happy with it, I do want a 3DS though. Overall nobody makes consoles like Nintendo does, great comparison, you can’t go wrong with either console.

[@NeanderMeander]

I agree with you. You can't go wrong with either of them. The OLED model is fantastic. It makes games look incredible on that screen.

[@Onb3k3nd3]

glad i kept my DS and 3DS XL

[@NeanderMeander]

Me too!

[@tommymaxey2665]

Right now because i dont have to many 3ds games to go through now, i bring my Switch and DS Lite. Switch for all the new stuff and NSO covers most old stuff. And DS Lite for the backwards compatibility. Both have good battery life and great games

[@protoretro1290]

I pretty much always try to bring both, but when in doubt, I take my 3DS, it is still the default option for me. The Switch just doesn't draw me in as efficiently and effectively as the 3DS. The Switch is still great, but I think one thing that the 3DS has over the Switch is 11 years of Games. My switch library is still tiny in comparison. The ease of modding the system software just makes it even sweeter

[@saiyan981]

Ive always been a console guy myself i would buy portable stuff , but never got into it . I have a ps5 xbox series x and a Nintendo switch. Its been really hard for me to game lately i have a daughter now so time is very precious to me . Ive been playing alot of my backlog games on my switch during my lunch breaks . I have invested in a asus rog ally and all i can say is i cant seem to have in regrets . Handheld for me as a dad is super convenient.

[@TraitorPotater]

The 3DS is better as a handheld and if I’m going out it’s the one I’ll take with me. But if I’m at home and have to choose between the two that’s a lot harder of a choice. They both have a really great library of games to choose from.

[@NeanderMeander]

Very well said. I think the 3DS is a better portable. But at home, it’s a tough choice.

[@VanJR.]

I just won a bid on eBay for the new 2ds xl I’m so excited to jump into this console. I did have the regular 3Ds size but I’ve always wanted the bigger one.

[@NeanderMeander]

That is awesome! You'll have to let me know what you think of it

[@realparad0x]

I haven't even started the video but i know its going to be a banger

[@NeanderMeander]

I hope it lives up to this

[@Deniki666]

I love both. Lately I do find myself playing on my Switch more. I've had every iteration, I rocked my life for years but my OLED is just so lovely. The screen is gorgeous, the console itself is built better with a premium feel to it. I love all the controller options and ergonomic grips.

[@NeanderMeander]

I agree with you about the OLED. That’s the version I play regularly too. It feels very premium

[@Deniki666]

@@NeanderMeander Yes, the back plate feels sturdier for one and I've taken mine apart the give it a thorough cleaning and replace the thermal paste. It's built better on the inside too

[@NeanderMeander]

@@Deniki666 Awesome! That's really good to know. You can really feel the difference when you use them.

[@mimodelorean]

Another great, well crafted vid. Recently I was thinking which console I'd take with me if I'd be sent to Mars for 3 years straight and I'd be allowed to only take one. I sincerely love both. I consider the Switch being an outstanding progression of the handheld concept and coming from the amazing machines that DS and 3DS were it was hard. But they did. My answer, in the end, was the 3DS. Its portability, library and the 3D (which, same as you, still amazes me) are just so damn fascinating. But I've always been attracted by small, handheld consoles and their quiet power to suck you into such small screens and into amazingly deep worlds. Sometimes I just take my motorbike, ride to some remote forest, find a comfy spot, open that lil portal and dive into one of those wonderful worlds. My latest add is an even smaller portal: a custom built GBA SP NES Edition, which was my very first Nintendo console ever I got in back in 2005 (I still remember that cold late winter day) with the goal to play what would have been my fav RPG if I had the chance to play it when it came out (I'd have been 12 in 1989): The Mother series. In an impossible past, where the GBA SP was available in 1989 and Mother was released in the west, imagining myself as a kid playing those weird & wonderful games on the go, would have been absolutely amazing and impactful for my future memories. Which brings me to a question: will you ever make a retrospective of the GBA?

[@NeanderMeander]

Thank you so much for watching. This is a great comment and a great perspective. I like how you broke down how you would decide between the two. I also think it's neat that you take the 3DS with you and play it in nature. I like that because I do the same thing. It's a little different in my case. I ride my mountain bike way out into the desert, or forest, whichever trail I decide to ride that day and get a little play session in while I rest. It's great being outside instead of being boxed in by four walls. The GBA is one of my all time favorite consoles. I have made a few videos on them in the past, but maybe it's a good time to revisit the original, SP, and Micro. Thank you for sharing this. I'm glad you wrote it.

[@mimodelorean]

@@NeanderMeander correct! just checked and indeed you already made some GBA vids in the past. Gotta view them again. There's another topic I'd be curious to hear your thoughts: how you play games and what you think is the most meaningful way to do so. Might sound like a redundancy since it's such a personal experience but, same for music where you can "play" in all sorts of ways to get to the same end goal, there are some objective everlasting pillars that musicians use in a form or another such as dynamics, silence, timbre etc... This is valid both for grindcore and classical and everything in between. My take is that the same applies to gaming. And here, the end goal is fun (with the added bonus of crafting beautiful memories) Nowadays we have so many options (and having too many options is not ideal for many reasons) and a lot of those options are amazing: I sometimes wonder if, myself first, I lost my bearings to that end goal. I surely enjoy diggin deep into my most beloved games but sometimes I wonder if I could also enjoy a game I've never heard of and from time to time I keep wondering if there's a better, more meaningful way to play and enjoy a videogame. I actually work in the game industry since 2009 so most of my time is spent working on games and from both my game dev and player's perspective it's a topic that keeps bugging me regularly. Being the host, creator of one of my currently fav gaming channels, I'd be def curious to hear your thoughts. Seems obvious (play whatever, whenever, however you want pal) but, to me, it's far from being obvious.

[@ghost_tom_joad8530]

The Switch is a tablet with joysticks connected at the ends. The 3DS wasn't pretending to be something it isn't.

[@SocietyOfDecency]

The wedge style of the 2ds feels SO NATURAL to hold in comparison to the clamshell of the 3ds. I traded for one immediately upon release and I'm still on it today.

[@traviscunningham7062]

I’m planning to get a 2DS soon. Is it worth it?

[@Pikmin3388]

@@traviscunningham7062the fact that the 2ds is the cheapest console that can play 3ds games… yeah it’s worth it

[@grego2165]

@@traviscunningham7062 It is imo. I've had all the 3DS and DS model, except for the regular new 3ds, and I find the original 2DS to be the most confortable of all of them by a huge margin. I still prefer my new 3ds xl for all the extra features and premium feeling, but I would definitely recommend choosing a 2ds over the original 3ds or maybe the original 3ds xl if you don't mind the lack of 3D

[@SocietyOfDecency]

@@traviscunningham7062 I believe it is. Either the wedge style or the new XL variant, both are something I would not miss

[@CalebHorowitz]

This captures my thoughts almost perfectly. The 3DS is my favorite console of all time. The Switch is almost perfect, but it's missing a few things that irritate me to no end. The main one is what you articulate here: not being able to permanently own digital games. As someone who still plugs in my Gamecube or takes out the old GBA or turns on my wii to play my downloaded copy of Chrono Trigger...it saddens me to think that I have to pay a dumb subscription fee to access the games I love. And the Switch has the best versions of a lot classic games!! I'm a huge Kirby fan, and Kirby Tilt n Tumble is best played on Switch. Kirby and the Amazing Mirror has multiplayer on Switch! But these games are all paywalled and won't be available to play at all in who knows how many years. It drives me crazy. The one thing I don't love about the 3DS is as much as I love it, I struggle with finding the perfect model. I find the New 3DS XL to be the most comfortable model, but mine keeps peeling :/ Apparently only the SNES model doesn't have a sticker for the design on the top and bottom. But the SNES model can't be Dual IPS, and I prefer the art of my Majora's Mask edition.

[@guerrierim15]

One thing that I think gives the 3DS an edge over the Switch is how it strike this in between between a “dumb” electronic device that just does what it’s told to and a “smart” electronic that, while super functional, can be overly cumbersome. The best comparison I can give to exemplify this spectrum that applies to most all consumer electronics are TVs. Just yesterday I turned on my LG C2, a 2022 TV, to find yet another notice that LG had updated their terms of service with an arbitration agreement that I’d need to manually opt out of via sending an email within the next 30 days in order to be able to ever sue them either in an individual case or law suit. There were three other agreements that popped up as well each one essentially asking to forfeit my right to my data. This happens about once every 6 months on average and it’s tiresome. I keep forgetting which checkboxes to not check in order to ensure that no ads and minimal bloat in general shows up on the TV’s homescreen. At the same time, I do love the TV and it does everything I could want it to do. I use it for my gaming pc and as a work display that my laptop is hooked up to. But times like these are when I think back to the CRT I grew up with at my nana’s house. The image on that thing would sorta crackle both audibly and visually depending on where your weight was placed in the room. It had its quirks, was very old, and most likely partially broken. But at least it just did what it was supposed to do. The Switch is one of the best at this out of all modern game platforms. But it still does dumb “smart” stuff that the 3DS doesn’t do like spend a few seconds checking for whether your account has the rights to play a certain game before actually opening it even though you already pressed the A button. Such a delay is a pet peeve of mine and one that I don’t remember being a thing during the first few years of the console’s life. I feel that the 3DS by contrast is benefiting slightly from its further removal from online services. Now more than ever is it all about the games. And whatever online functionality being added back in or added onto existing (or pre-existing) capabilities are done by modders, which means its features that people want and actively select to implement on their own systems by their own choice. Not only does the 3DS *represent* a balance between nostalgic, trusted “dumb” tech and new,feature-rich albeit overbearing and uncontrolled “smart tech. It actively is-and always has been-that balance given its feature set. It had basic online functions (has with Pretendo if desired) and the true innovation of both dual screens and 3D while also carrying the same tried and trusted portable form factor and controls pioneered by the Gameboy line. And whatever added software features added to it were minimally encroaching to users. And nowadays with servers gone but the custom firmware community seemingly booming, those added features are only set to get better for the time being. That choice in having a gaming device that has great games, is a great way to play them, and is *selectively “smart” is quite desirable. All that said, I am certain the Switch will encounter similar benefits to what we now are seeing with the 3DS as it retires. When the time comes, it too will see a renaissance in its own custom firmware and the same nostalgia that people now have for the 3DS will be found in the Switch. Yet I do think that the Switch will never be able to draw itself away in our collective memory as fans from what looks will be a long line of modern Nintendo home consoles to come. Not what with rumors concerning things such as backwards compatibility and your Nintendo account carrying over. Such things are ones I absolutely want 100%. But I know full well that with them will come certain sacrifices in liberties-like complicated terms of services and DRM checks. Things that simply never were thought about by a 3DS user, or at least were minimally.

[@carlos-iv4my]

I'm surprised at how little flack Nintendo gets on their subscription service. They're obviously trying to imitate things like Netflix or Games Pass, that relies on periodically updates on the contents to keep the service relevant. With upcoming games and new shows, sure. But what sense does it even make with +20-year-old games!? Seriously, what is stopping them to just upload the rom of Smash Bros 64, or half of the 1st party library of the GBA already? And as you have said, you can't even buy them, only play them as long as you pay the monthly fee. Nintendo's management with this just feels greedy and anticonsumer.

[@NeanderMeander]

I dislike it so much! It's such a waste of money. Have to keep paying for access to these old games is ridiculous. It's crazy to hear people defend it. I'm glad there are other people that think the way I do. I also find it very anti consumer.

[@BardOfSpoons]

Donkey Kong Country 3 is on NSO, though?

[@carlos-iv4my]

Oh welp my bad, but it wasn't on release is my point. They batch the release of basically dumped roms to which they own the full rights. It think Smash Bros 64 isn't either, and that's enterely their IP.@@BardOfSpoons

[@KetanGogate]

Awesome video Because of one of your videos u had. I made the decision to buy a 3ds but I do regret the purchase a bit and feel the switch lite would have been a better choice for me It's cool to the the comparison beetween two systems I was thinking of buying Keep up the awesome work!

[@NeanderMeander]

Thanks for watching. Sorry I helped you make that decision. Have you been able to get a Switch?

[@KetanGogate]

@@NeanderMeander no problem the decision was my fault 😅 but no i dont have a switch

[@bluefox9er]

Mod that 3ds ASAP!

[@guilhermegoldman]

​@@KetanGogateyou'ld probably have regrets either way but keep in mind that the only thing keeping mobile emulation from making the switch obsolete is Nintendo's copyright team and that the 3ds is also hands down the best way to pick up and play anything NES, SNES, Master System, Game Gear, Gameboy, GBC, GBA, DS and more!

[@DEEP-WEB]

The 3D and touch screen give an edge to the 3DS imo (not to mention street pass which I miss so much). Who knows when we’ll get anything like it again.

[@NeanderMeander]

I love the 3D and the two screens, with the bottom screen being touch. It's an amazing design I'm sad is gone. I hope Nintendo does something like it in the future.

[@DEEP-WEB]

@@NeanderMeander same bro, same. the best we can do now is our best to preserve the it and its game library.

[@slowbrodragon6951]

Very nice video!

[@NeanderMeander]

Thank you! I'm glad you liked it

[@houstonfob2FOREVER]

i really enjoy the form factor of the 3ds xl more than the switch. i feel the switch is just a bit too wide

[@NeanderMeander]

I also feel like it's just a little too big.

[@GalaxyBoyXD]

I love the original 3ds and the timeline of the systems. We will never see anything like this outstanding portable console ever again, and that is sad. As we play on the new consoles we have the flashbacks of the amazing times on the ds, 3ds and 2ds consoles and this is just so good thinking about and that is why the 3ds remains one of my favourite game systems of all time. Ds games like mario kart ds and super mario 64 ds were both great games that could be played on the 3ds and this is another reason why i visit CEX to by these amazing games for me to play.😊

[@Laz3rCat95]

You have some of the same consoles as I do, the clear glacier blue GBA, the red 3DS, the turquoise Switch lite, and the white DS lite

[@NeanderMeander]

Nice! They are all great consoles

[@dablindscooter1973]

for me depends on if i want to play mario kart 8 or mario wonder or not

[@NeanderMeander]

Both are great games

[@NekoLovely607]

I definitely prefer the 3ds. I have 2 switches. A lite and regular. I play the lite the most but the battery life sucks on both. My og midnight purple lasts longer.

[@NeanderMeander]

That Midnight purple is so good looking! I've always wanted one. I'm actually going to be on the lookout for one now.

[@NekoLovely607]

@NeanderMeander Awesome! I hope you find one! I pre-ordered mine from toy's r us years ago and it has been through alot. Og 3ds is wayy durable!

[@Fattydeposit]

Default Switch controllers lack a d-pad which is a *huge* L, and the console itself has all the charm and class of a $35 Android tablet.

[@NeanderMeander]

It's definitely dull. All of our tech these days is "sleek" which to me means it's a little boring.

[@MikeToob]

Aside from the Switch of course, the 3ds may honestly be the best Nintendo console to have. Every handheld game, and a lot of the retro console games from the past generations, are playable on it. It’s also just generally a super charming and endlessly customizable on-of-a-kind device.

[@GlassICE]

Both have value for me and i love em both, i never prefer one to another and i still play with both till this day

[@NeanderMeander]

I agree with you. I also play both all the time and don't prefer one over the other. In certain situations I lean one way or the other.

[@cubingandclock8007]

I think the 3ds is still better, I do not have a switch but I have friends who do and I play on their systems sometimes, although I own a DSi from 2010 and that is probably what makes me lean more towards the 3ds. I bought my little brother a new 2ds xl for his 8th Birthday this year so he can play Minecraft on the go, and seeing how good it is makes me really want to get one myself. I was kind of torn between getting the 3ds and switch and seeing how cool it is with 3d effect and other games than just Minecraft really helped.

[@TTSClips]

I bought a 3ds xl from a game store and I got the Zelda a link between worlds special edition for the normal price at that store

[@NeanderMeander]

Whoa! That is awesome! That's a great find

[@LouisLuzuka]

Been waiting on this for a while 🎉😮❤😊

[@NeanderMeander]

I hope you like it

[@LouisLuzuka]

@@NeanderMeander I recently traveled bringing both my 3ds and switch on my trip to Singapore and I played both but I’m not sure how to choose but I really enjoy having the opportunity to choose, had I done it differently I’d pick whichever game I would want to play instead of bringing all my games because it’s overwhelming

[@AlbertoJMarcano]

The way I think when traveling or leaving the house for a day is, if I'm definitely going to want to play games, I'll take my Switch. If I'm not sure I'll have time to play games, I'll take my N3DS as it's smaller and won't matter. And for any plane rides, it's always the Switch as the games are much bigger and the console is more comfy to hold long term. But it's always hard if you have to pick one.

[@NeanderMeander]

I like the way you put this. I think I might have to use this in the future. I usually just decided when I'm leaving. Thanks for sharing.

[@VashVenus]

3DS -is way more portable (can actually fit in pocket) -has way better games -better battery life -3d -folding for screen protection -no drift -STREETPASS -has personality and reason to come back -you don’t have to pay to play online -backwards compatibility with ds games SWITCH -more power -bigger games -you can replace controllers

[@Timic83tc]

Nothing better than a console that can protect its own screen!

[@Ghost_Boardy]

I use both my 3ds and my switch lite since the 3ds has all my old games and saves but the switch is good since I can play a load of games I enjoy. Although I am playing my switch lite more currently I just hope it doesnt get stick drift. Great video! Love all your content.

[@NeanderMeander]

Thanks for watching! I've been playing my Switch more lately too. But I'll always have a soft spot for the 3DS. It's just an awesome console.

[@markusmitchell8585]

They both are equally fun it all depens on what games im in the mood to play

[@NeanderMeander]

I feel the same way you do. Both are great. It all depends on what you want to play at that moment

[@RetroStylz]

Oohhh! So hard to choose from. But the Nintendo Swtich is an easy go-to console.

[@NeanderMeander]

Nice! What have you been playing lately?

[@RetroStylz]

@@NeanderMeander Super Mario Wonder and Kirby!

[@NeanderMeander]

@@RetroStylz I beat Wonder a few weeks ago. It's a great game. I haven't played Forgotten Land yet. I really need to set some time aside to play it.

[@RetroStylz]

@@NeanderMeander so cool! I'll beat Wonder eventually. I work too much to complete it, lol.

[@voteDC]

For me I'd take my 2DS on a trip. Both are great but for me the Switch is a console you can hold in your hands, whereas the 3DS is a handheld console. The 3DS and its games were built with portability in mind, the Switch is a jack of all trades but a master of none.

[@j7sportvideo24]

I criticized the switch for lack of personality but I recently took it on my flight trip. My 3ds died on me and forgot the charger so I had no choice but to play the switch the whole time I was away. I played skyward sword for the first time on the switch and it looks great. I also watched KZbin while my phone was charging and it runs great on the switch in comparison to the 3ds KZbin app. Really hope in the future we're able to watch Netflix on the switch like we got on the 3ds. But the switch is a great gaming system that can adapt in all situations but, it's still missing that classic Nintendo charm. This can all change in future updates I hope. But the 3ds and Wii u will always be my favorite era and console of all time

[@eaku7]

No one of them is better than the other, both of them will give you an entertaining time with different experiences.

[@NeanderMeander]

You are exactly right.

[@chocolatewheelchair]

I had both. 3DS is better because You can have great themes, stickers on Home Screen, the little pen made the touch pad very accurate, it folded, the battery lasted for a long time, solid clamshell design protects screen, it was’t 3 individual pieces, many colorful cool hardware versions released, 3/ d effect for a laugh, had a camera, 2 screens, led status lights! Shouldn’t go on? Reason switch is better: bigger screen, high res, usb-c, output to tv at 1080p, rumble

[@AnotherWatchChannel]

I love both to death….but the switch is just more accessible with games. Like hogwarts legacy.…however the 3DS is still soo good i think it’s still very relevant today and is a great companion to the switch. 3Ds will never be made again. Yet I find its technology fascinating. Love playing anything on it…. And you own it. No online BS. I also agree, hate the forced online switch business which I don’t both subscribing to. Whenever I travel, I take both my switch, 3Ds, and steam deck. Covers everything gaming.

[@SkakinBaconMedia]

So basically.... It's about the games and portability as well battery life. Sounds about right. Oh, and great video. 😊🎮 Marcus

[@NeanderMeander]

You nailed it Marcus! Thank you so much for watching this video. It's great seeing you show up in the comments.

[@xervantezxvi5022]

We Need Nintendo Switch in 3d without 2 screen it will be so cool playing all the games in 3D specially Zelda TOTK in 3D and BOTW 3D

[@neptunemacaw3354]

I really need to work on my 3ds library. Adding to it that is.

[@NeanderMeander]

Me too. There are so many great games. It's hard to decide which ones to allocate money toward.

[@ajgames6995]

Reupload?

[@NeanderMeander]

Yeah, there other one had about a minute of blank video around the end. It went live, then I deleted it to fix the issue.

[@DarkJ1425]

I won’t lie, I enjoyed what Switch had offered all things considered. However I slowly started to resent it lately due to several reasons: the lack of personality as a console, the whole NSO debacle, the joycon drift that everyone and their mums cried about and the outdated specs even back in 2018 I lived through these no problem though until the dealbreaker happened: the wifi chip malfunction. This malfunction became more apparent as time passes, it just happens by just playing the console until the soldering inside fails due to the heat - looks like it happened with OLeD mostly -. You may think it should be as easy as replacing the joycons but you’re sadly mistaken. You need several tools especially if you had to “reball” the wifi chip itself, you may end up searching around for a technician nearby and pray he can fix it for you. This wouldn’t be a problem had Nintendo chose a better wifi chip instead of the current garbage that they chose. Sorry for the rant, I am currently repairing my Oled for this reason. What I was trying to say: the 3DS rules.

[@Thundervolt888]

The best way is both for different reasons until we get a way to emulate 3ds games better I say the switch until we can emulate the servers so vanilla switch is nice and take a handheld pc to emulate whatever you want even switch games and a vanilla 3ds modded or not until it gets easier to emulate it

[@leonardohernandezcabrera7541]

I just hope that the successor to the Nintendo Switch has a dual screen or an accessory that allows you to play DS and 3DS games on a virtual console. There are too many good games trapped there by the two-screen concept.

[@NeanderMeander]

There really are too many good games stuck because of the two screen setup. I would love a dual screen Switch-like console.