Nintendo 3DS XL Gold/Black - Limited Edition Bundle with The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds

I got a DS Lite yeeeeaaars ago, and loved it. But I have since grown more fond of traditional gaming consoles where I can connect them to my 55" LED HDTV. Being a pretty big Zelda fan, I finally decided to try out the newest line in the DS family where it came with the free Zelda game and awesome Triforce-themed shell. First of all, it's beautiful. I love how even the bottom of the DS has a glossy black Triforce design to mirror the gold one on the top. The paint seems very high quality and can withstand a lot more wear and tear without leaving visible scratches compared to most consumer electronics. I only wish the Zelda game included was the actual game cartridge instead of the download code (I will always prefer a hard copy of something where ownership rights are vastly better, but another topic for another day). I love the 3D effect, and use it more often than not, but I also like that they give you control over it so you can turn it down or off when necessary. You have to be looking directly at the screen from a perfect centered angle to get the 3D effect, so sometimes when you're playing somewhere that you don't have as much mobility or a good lighting environment (like outside in direct sunlight), games are better enjoyed with 3D off. Whenever possible though, I have it turned on max because it really is cool and adds to the immersion. Before buying it, I've played around with 3DS demo units in stores briefly, but never knew about cool features like StreetPass and SpotPass. Now, after having bought one, StreetPass is by far my favorite feature. It allows you to connect with other nearby 3DS consoles, and depending on the game, will reward you or present new challenges depending on your StreetPass activity. The included StreetPass Mii Plaza game is quite addictive once you get started. I have purchased a few games solely based on their integrated StreetPass integration because it is just that fun. I still prefer watching things on a huge screen in 1080p, but they pack a lot of fun into this small thing. The only real negatives I have for it are the low resolution (after being used to even my 5" phone screen being 1080p, the lower 3DS resolution is quite noticeable), and I wish the battery life was a little better. But I'm never too far from somewhere I can charge, so not a big deal. I am also completely sold on the XL version being a must. It doesn't even seem that big to me, honestly. So after becoming accustomed to the XL, I can't even imagine using the non-XL units with about 40% less screen area. Definitely get the XL. And definitely don't get the 2DS! No 3D, smaller screens, no flip screen (for better portability and screen protection), and it just plain looks ugly. The 3DS XL is the most fun gadget I've bought in a long time. I even was able to get my wife to enjoy it enough to get her one as well (the Disney-themed Mickey ears version). It's a lot of fun closing out the day with some Download Play-compatible (wireless multi-console multiplayer using only one cartridge) games like Mario Kart, Mario Party, and Star Fox. Super easy 5 stars here.

The Aesthetics/3DS In General: As someone who never gets limited editions of consoles, I was skeptical at first. Black only, if possible. The color design is great, and the off-center Triforce gives it a nice finishing touch. Other than that, it's a normal 3DS XL. There are some really amazing games for that platform out right now, so much so that it's my new favorite system. The 3D, while usually additive, can be a little taxing at times, but the sliding switch on the side allows for adjustments or turning it off altogether. The Game: As far as the included game (FYI, it also includes a download code for whatever the 3DS Pokemon game is), A Link Between Worlds is such a great game. It takes the bones of Link To The Past and spruces it up quite a bit. The new dynamic of merging into walls adds a whole new dimension to the game, one that becomes immediate second nature. The addition of the item shop also allows for a completely customized experience in the back half of the game, allowing you to play the dungeons in any order, depending on which items you purchase. Rupees now technically have story-line purpose! Most of the dungeons are completely re-imagined, with completely different puzzles that make use of the new game mechanics. Essentially, it feels like a brand new LTTP-style game. Great job, Nintendo. Overall Thoughts: Fortunately, I was able to get it before the price climbed too high (230, the same as 3DS XL plus the included game at full retail price). I would recommend that you buy this bundle only if the price is reasonable. While it looks nice, I wouldn't consider it worth any extra expense. Either way, I'm incredibly satisfied.

Falsly advertised. All I received was the console and a charger. No packaging. The condition is good but tye device was never formatted and still had parental controls activated. I got really lucky because I noticed the regional settings were set to Florida so when I went to reset the pin the secret question was “what is your favorite sports team?” And so I guessed “Gators” and got it right on the first try. Kind of comical but if it wasn’t such an easy question and I wasn’t able to deactivate the parental controls I’d be pretty upset. Also, it claims that it comes with a download code for Zelda: A Link Between Worlds but it doesn’t and even if it did, it’s 2025 and the 3DS store is no longer active

I purchased this system and paid for overnight shipping. I get home from a long day at work to see my package waiting for me. I get the system set up and eagerly download the Zelda game that came with it, before I know it... the screen flickers on and off and I am greeted by a non working 3D display that does nothing but show double images no matter what I set the slider to. I try to get the system replaced only to find out that the option isn't available and my only option is to be refunded. Now I have to wait DAYS to get my money back and by then the product will be out of stock because the price is now more than what I had paid to begin with. I am so upset about this transaction, I am a loyal Amazon customer and they definitely will hear about this situation.

3DS works great and looks brand new! Came with charging cable and stylus

I wanted a 3ds XL but was looking for a limited edition console. I narrowed it down to this one or the blue pokemon x/y console. Overall I feel this is worth the extra money cuz I personally find the shiny yet matte gold finish to be more eye catching and sleek. And the game included is obviously a great deal and awesome edition to anyone's collection for the 3ds. Worth the extra $$$.

This is falsely advertised as being both the console and the game together, when in reality it is just the game. When I had wrote about this to a representative, hoping to return it for a refund, they just said that amazon must have made a mistake with the posting. And yet, it is still up, saying the same thing.

Purchased a 3DS XL special edition second hand. Condition was mostly as described, but upon starting up the DS there was no sound or volume from the DS speakers but sound worked with headphones only. I don’t believe this faulty detail was included in the description, so I give this purchase 4/5 stars. We can get the DS repaired so the speakers work but again, don’t believe that was included in the description.

Its a very nice model, comparing to the original 3ds it has less of a glossy feel. Its more smooth and the paint job is well done. the size difference is easily noticable and the games play nicly id recomend this to anyone....a bit pricy though^^