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Nintendo New 3DS vs Nintendo New 3DS XL

Every spec side by side, from each maker's published figures.

Better figure, where one is clearly better

NintendoNew 3DSNintendoNew 3DS XL
Overview
ReleasedOctober 2014October 2014
Performance
TypeHandheldHandheld
CPU–ARM11 MPCore, 4 cores, 804 MHz
GPU–DMP PICA200, 268 MHz
Memory–262 MB
Disc driveNoNo
CPU–Quad-core ARM11 MPCore at up to 804 MHz (original 3DS security research)
GPU–DMP PICA200 at 268 MHz (Copetti)
Memory detail–256 MB FCRAM plus 6 MB VRAM (original 3DS security research)
Storage detailA removable microSDHC card is included; the Japanese standard bundle includes 4 GB, while the UK manual says to check the box for its capacity. Nintendo's public specification does not state the internal capacityGames on Nintendo 3DS game cards; a microSDHC card is included, with capacity stated on the box (Nintendo UK manual)
Storage expansionmicroSD card slot beneath the rear cover platemicroSD cards up to 2 GB and microSDHC cards from 4 to 32 GB
Display and video
Built-in screen3.88″ LCD, 800 × 2404.88″ LCD, 800 × 240
Built-in screenUpper 3.88-inch glasses-free 3D LCD, 800 × 240 (400 pixels per eye in 3D), with face-tracking Super-Stable 3D; lower 3.33-inch touch LCD, 320 × 240. Both display approximately 16.7 million colours; automatic brightness adjustmentUpper 4.88-inch 3D LCD (106.2 × 63.72 mm) with Super-Stable 3D, 800 × 240 (400 pixels per eye in 3D), 16.7 million colours; lower 4.18-inch LCD touch screen, 320 × 240
AudioStereo speakers with pseudo-surround support, built-in microphone and stereo headphone outputStereo speakers; headphone jack
Design and power
Battery life (maker's claim)Up to 10.5 hoursUp to 7 hours
Weight253 g329 g
Battery life detailReplaceable KTR-003 lithium-ion battery, 5.2 Wh. Nintendo rates approximately 3.5–6 hours with 3DS software and 6.5–10.5 hours with DS software; runtime depends on brightness, wireless activity, software and temperature. Full charge approximately 3.5 hoursNintendo 3DS XL battery (SPR-003); about 3.5–7 hours with 3DS software and 7–12 hours with DS software; charges in about 3 hours 30 minutes
Power useApproximately 4.1 W maximum while charging (Nintendo UK manual)–
Size142 × 80.6 × 21.6 mm when folded (width × depth × thickness); approximately 253 g includes battery, stylus and microSD card–
ColoursBlack and white at the Japanese and European launches; interchangeable cover plates sold separatelyMetallic Black, Metallic Blue at the European launch (Nintendo UK)
In the boxNew 3DS, stylus, microSDHC card, six AR cards, front and back cover plates, quick start guide and operations manual (UK); Nintendo 3DS AC adapter sold separatelyConsole, stylus, microSDHC card, AR cards; the Nintendo 3DS AC adapter (WAP-002(EUR)) is sold separately
Connections
PortsGame card slot, microSD card slot, charging-cradle connectors, AC adapter connector and headphone connector; infrared transceiver with recommended distance within 20 cm–
Wi-Fi and BluetoothWi-Fi IEEE 802.11b/g, 2.4 GHz; NFC at 13.56 MHz; recommended wireless communication distance within 30 m (Nintendo UK manual)Wi-Fi 802.11b/g (2.4 GHz); NFC; infrared (Nintendo UK manual)
ControllerCircle Pad, C Stick, D-pad, A/B/X/Y, L/R, ZL/ZR, Start/Select, HOME and touch screen; motion and gyro sensors. One inner and two outer fixed-focus CMOS cameras, 640 × 480 (0.3 megapixels) each; KTR-004 stylus approximately 76.5 mm longBuilt-in Circle Pad, C-Stick, D-pad, A/B/X/Y, L/R and ZL/ZR buttons; motion and gyro sensors; stylus
Backward compatibilityNintendo 3DS, DS and DSi game cards, including New Nintendo 3DS-exclusive games; built-in NFC supports amiibo. eShop purchases and new free downloads ended on 27 March 2023; most internet services ended on 8 April 2024, while redownloads and updates remain available (Nintendo)Nintendo 3DS, DS and DSi games

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