I'm gonna get a 3DS... tell me just about games.

[brunoafh]

There is also, you know, playing a handheld because it has good games, and not because it's a handheld.

[Jagosaurus]

get a 3DS XL, your eyes will thank you.

I agree.

Its only $30 more for the XL. Considering the 100s hours you'll put into it. Worth it.

DS games will look better on XL also:

DS game on 3DS XL in "full screen" (with the small black bars): 4.2 inches
- This is the same size as the DSi XL screen
- "purists" will say the image is a tad fuzzy due to a diff pixel count
- same size on top & bottom screens

DS games on 3DS XL in 1:1 native mode (same ratio as DS): 3.25 inches
- This is the same size as the DSi screen
- DS "purists" say this is much better image
- same size on top & bottom screens

[noiseredux]

You guys urging XL may have missed the store credit thing...

[Jmustang1968]

You guys urging XL may have missed the store credit thing...

What store do you have credit with?

[dsheinem]

You guys urging XL may have missed the store credit thing...

what store?

have them order one or wait.

[noiseredux]

eStarland. My credit won't hit for a week or so. I contacted about seeing if they have an XL's on order. But honestly, if they don't then I don't plan to just wait around with fingers crossed.

[casterofdreams]

I completely recommend the XL for better built quality, better stylus and placement, not so cheap START and SELECT buttons, the lower half of the unit is rubbery/grippy, and the elimination of the issue that plagued the original regarding some surface areas scratching the top screen while closed.

Whew.

I started with the original 3DS and its still a fine system to play on. Just get what you really want and just upgrade later. You get to play some fantastic games now without much delay and are ready for some new ones later on down the line.

As for recommendations on games:

Luigi's Mansion is a great game done very well in terms of design. It's fun looking for every little area for gold and jewels.

Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivor: Overclocked if you haven't played the original on the DS. Great Strategy / Turn Based RPG hybrid. A remake of the second DS games should be coming early next year but I could be wrong on the release window.

Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon: Shadow Wars if you ever played Advance Wars. Pretty well done Strategy game and it was a launch title.

For an odd one you should get Bit.Trip Saga. Has all 6 Bit.Trip games with 3D enhancements.

For eShop games you should download Pushmo, Liberation Maiden and Crimson Shroud. Pushmo is a puzzle game where you need to reach the top by pushing and pulling shaped blocks to create stairs to get there. Liberation Maiden is a SHUMP-esque game with great touch game play and Crimson Shroud is an SRPG.

[Fragems]

I was thinking about getting an XL myself. According to the sticker in the window my favorite pawnshop has them for only $100. Might pick one up next time I go in just hoping they don't have the 3ds mixed up with the standard DS.

[Jagosaurus]

For all new 3DS owners, I also recommend putting a microfiber cloth in between the screens when closing. The bottom screen border can cause scratches on the top screen if any pressure is applied (in bags, pockets, etc).

I've done this since day 1, scratch free.

I recommend:
Dragon Quest V (DS - remake)
Mario Kart DS (possibly my favorite in the series)
Shinobi (3DS - if you like Shinobi III)
OoT (3DS - looks great, same awesome game)

I'm about to get into Tales of the Abyss (3DS port) & look forward to other RPGs (Etrian Odyssey, SMT). Lots of great 3DS games on the way - Zelda, Batman, Bravely Default.

[Gamerforlife]

I've never seen a scratch on my 3DS. The Hori screen protector protects the entire top screen