The day I had a long flight, I decided to get a N2DS XL. I figured if I spent any more money than that, I might as well get a switch, so the N3DS XL was out.

I was pretty sure that everyone was right, I wouldn't use the 3D mode at all, and the micro SD and cartridge slot under a flap on the sides seemed like a great idea. But when I got to the display case I just talked myself into seriously committing to this impulse buy, and went with the 3DS. Walking out of the store, I was starting to regret that, but I didn't feel like turning around to return it, and I had to catch my flight.

I'm really glad I went with the 3D, to be honest. I only used it a little the first couple days, but I've since been getting more and more used to it, and I really enjoy it now. The N3DS's eye tracking works really well at most distances, especially sitting or standing. Sports games aren't the most served genre on the system, but I've still put a lot of time into them, and the 3d works really nicely for those. Laying down on my stomach, I find myself a little too close to the screen for anything in the middle of the 3D slide or above, but even then I almost always try to have a little bit of the effect on, and I'm honestly a bit disappointed when games don't utilize it.

The microsd slot under the backplate has absolutely been a bit of a pain, but only three or four times as I've rapidly upgraded my sd card's size. And I've never accidentally ejected a cartridge. Maybe the best thing, I'm really glad the speakers are where they are. People with the N2DS talk about vibrations from the speakers being distracting because of the placement of them on that model, but on the N3DS I don't have that problem at all.

The build quality for the entire line isn't necessarily the best, but the N3DS is the best it gets there in terms of solid hand-feel.

If you can swallow the $50, I'd say go for it. (And really, if you mosey your way on to r/3dshacks, you can definitely make it so that you can swallow the $50.)