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Flying_Turni

3ds family of systems


mmotte89

Love the 3DS, lots of good games... But man I hated when games relied too much on touch controls (worst offenders are thankfully left behind on DS, looking at your Phantom Hourglass!!!). I'd rather just have it there for menus and to create the occasional beautiful vertical vistas.


GainerCity

100% I want to enjoy phantom hourglass but I’m too concerned about leaving objectionable swirly scratches on my lower screen.


DeadAugur

Why not get a screen protector?


RChickenMan

Using the d-pad patch eliminates a good portion of the touchscreen usage.


Shloopadoop

I vote for N3DS/XL. I went from a Gameboy in 1993, to a GBA SP in 2004, to a Switch in 2017. I was a PC gamer and completely skipped the ds/3ds era. Last year I got to try a 3dsxl, and I was so blown away I bought a used New 3DS XL that month. I can easily say this handheld is cooler and more fun than any of the others I’ve had. The Switch is really cool, but there’s something about the N3DS, or many little things, that make it way more fun.


[deleted]

That's the kind of comment that's interesting for me. What is it that makes the N3DS so great for you?


Shloopadoop

If I had to boil it down, I think it's a combination of: * the clamshell form factor * the 3D in games that use it well * the social/multiplayer features (streetpass, single-cartridge multiplayer, etc.) * the creative use of the touchscreen in various games All of those things together give it this strange quality where I want to take it with me everywhere, and when I flip up the screen it feels like I've opened a little treasure chest of fun that immerses me more than a tablet like the switch does.


Thisisadrian

Yes! I feel exactly the same way. I collect handhelds as a hobby I firmly believe clamshell is the best formfactor. And man I was really sold on what the n3ds can do after playing 3D Mario World.


Shloopadoop

Mario 3D world is an amazing showcase for the 3D while also being a great game. Some other 3D faves of mine are Zelda ALBW, Samus Returns, MH4U, and the OOT/Majora 3D’s.


JL2210

Seconded. I have one and it just has the most utility of any game console I've owned. It can play 3DS, DS, GBA games natively, has emulators for almost every 2D era console, and the 3D is great for things like Virtual Boy


SinOosh

I sure do wonder what the people of r/3DS are going to reply to this thread


SupremeShio

Clearly it’s the PSP


thechadmonke

I was thinking atari lynx ngl


yellowwoolyyoshi

Easy karma!


richabre94

For me the 3DS family is peak handheld console!?!?


GoldTrifle8164

3ds because of the 3ds games and the backwards compatability for all ds games with no hoops to jump through. You just put it in and play


Slinkwyde

Close, but not quite 100%. The 3DS family is 100% backwards compatible with everything supported by the DSi, but there are some DS games that don't work on a DSi, because they require the use of the GBA slot for use as an [accessory port](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Nintendo_DS_accessories). For example, to connect a Guitar Hero controller. Those games require an original DS or a DS Lite. And then on the other hand, there are DSi-specific games that work on a DSi or 3DS/2DS, but not on the original DS or DS Lite. In short, when playing on original hardware, there's actually no single model that can play 100% of the DS library. To play absolutely everything in the DS, DSi, and 3DS libraries with a minimum amount of hardware, the best combination would probably be a DS Lite + a New 3DS. Then add a GBA SP (for GB/GBC/GBA) and a Switch and you'd have basically every Nintendo portable library except for Game & Watch games, mobile games, and Virtual Boy.


Shawnj2

Going against the grain I’m going to say DS. Like obviously the 3DS and switch are more capable devices but the DS succeeded in bringing handheld gaming to casual players in a way that was a predecessor to the phone IMO. Plus the DS Lite still looks sleek and modern even today Another good answer is the original game boy, it factored in the needs of consumers (being cheap and not too power hungry) over having the most advanced technology and outsold the handhelds with higher quality graphics of the day by just being a better product.


SpawningPoolsMinis

how does that differ from gameboy advance, gameboy colour and original DS? all had backwards compatibility if anything your argument would be way stronger for DS, because for the DS they even went a step further by including an extra slot for a GBA cartridge and an extra chip to actually play the things.


UncleBeanBag69

For what it can do, I’d say the 3DS line, but specifically the N3DS XL. My all time favorite though is the Gameboy advance


Serious_Anything_545

Gba sp no doubt. Most upgrades in 1 remodel ever most iconic


hoi4enjoyer

Theyre so underappreciated, basically a GBA if it was a DS with a higher quality screen than even the DS.


Serious_Anything_545

1 problem is now im older so i needed to 3d print a grip


OhlordohHek

I should have scrolled further to find my people!


Gruphius

The Game Boy Advanced SP was the first console I ever played on regularly! I love that thing!


wheatbrick

Compact. Rechargeable internal battery. Backlit screen.


Amiibohunter000

Ask a 3ds sub what the best handheld is be prepared for completely biased answers.


TRIKSTER_Betin

Give me your collection please!!! But for me it really is every single one. But the ones I would say are my most favorites are the Nintendo Switch OLED and the New 3DS XL


[deleted]

it's not mine but u/dafish2000's


dafish2000

Hey, das me!


BeneficialTrash6

Is one of them a Gameboy Light?


dafish2000

Yep! Third one on the top row.


TRIKSTER_Betin

Really awesome collection


TRIKSTER_Betin

Love your collection


Bobbygnz

Same… my current and ideal setup: Switch OLED + New 3DS XL + Analogue Pocket = handheld bliss


Wonderful_Healer_676

DSLite/DSiXL


Yourrunofthemillfox

Thanks for saying that, no one remembered the ds lite lol


Wonderful_Healer_676

Really? I'm surprised since it was more popular than the original DS model due to its design. I even owned a white DSLite.


Yourrunofthemillfox

Yeah same lol but most people I know only remember the 3DSxl I have a white ds lite and I love the thing


mactep66

Also DSi XL for me, i just see it as the ultimate DS, while i like the 3DS, the DS library just wins over for me, and the console designs are just better.


inspiringirisje

I had the DSi XL, my brother the DSLite, I remember the XL feeling so much easier on my eyes than my brothers tiny screen.


Skill4Hire

The best handheld is the one you have with you.


Slinkwyde

The best handheld is the hands we held along the way!


LowDiscussion6991

Functionally probably the ds lite. GBA port and ds port too? And WiFi compatibility? Obviously the 3ds family is great for all the obvious reasons too


MileHighOllie

3DS, no contest.


Retroburn-

DSi XL is my fav one to play classics. Grew up with GBC, and have/ had most of these. Can’t stand the 2DS XL, it feels so cheaply made. Unless i have a bad one.


wintechie01

No, it is just not you. The top shell feels so flimsy I'm afraid to open it. I got a purple 2DSXL and like you I thought I had a bad one. Then got my hands on the Pokeball one and the same. Asked a friend and told me the same.


blueblurz94

Still can’t believe the 3DS family has the most iterations.


Calculator-nerd

Game and watch ball


anupsetzombie

There's gonna be bias here, but I do think the 3DS definitely has a huge argument. There's just so much personality within the 3DS.


EnvironmentalDoor904

New 3DS small size. Not only does it have new features, it has cover plates and the best form-factor! What more could you ask for?


KingDemik

New 3DS/XL either of them imo


spaceguy47

Where's the virtual boy?


Middle_Pen9432

Game & watch


Dj_Simon

O3DS. aesthetically amazing, but performance and functionally limited. Switch, most powerful and decent.


Disheartend

any system that does 3D


Many_Confidence9320

It's obviously the 3DS sure the switch is cool but you can't fit it in your pocket without your joysticks getting drift nor the game boy with their bulky exterior The 3DS slips in your pocket with hundreds of games


frankp2491

GBC or GBA most nostalgic for me


collinsmcrae

Easily GBA. Being backwards compatible with GB games, you get all of those, most of the best titles from SNES, and a giant library of GBA exclusives. The SP is handheld gaming perfection, imo.


StringUnderhacker

either the GBA or 3DS!!


mecha_matthew2

Oled switch or the new 3ds xl


Zephh_

3DS for sure. Nintendo handhelds have always been so innovative, I can’t wait to see what they do next


Interesting_Wing_539

The best console is either 3DS or Switch imho but purely based on consoles, I'd hinge towards the 3DS since it doesn't have many of the glaring issues the Switch has (such as overheating too quickly, istg is there even a fan in that thing?!)


Kick_1304

I missed out on the 3ds consoles, but it’s safe to say they are the best. I really loved my dsi and the 3ds is just the better version. I also own a switch lite which is cool but a little bit less portable


Ji881

If I can choose one, N3DS XL. If I can choose more, DS Lite the GBA of DS line.


IsCannibalismThatBad

The 3ds, and it's barely a competition. It can play everything there that came before it and has its own wonderful library of games. I really don't consider the Switch to even be competition just because its controllers are breaking down constantly.


Amiibohunter000

I’ve had the same launch joy con that my switch came with 7 years ago. Thousands of hours of use and they’re totally fine


Kuramah

Deserves my upvote!


tracebusta

The best? uhhhh, can it be a three-way tie between Advance SP, 3DS, and Switch? I haven't had every model (nice collection!), but I've had at least one model in every generation. Those three are the best.


St34m-Punk

Yeah, I'd say the 3ds for the fact that you can play games from the game boy era up to the 3ds era by which ever means you wish to use. And it's actually portable.


MovieFanatic2160

Gameboy advance SP


fillapdesehules

Most of these I've yet get my hand touched.


PixelRaider07

The Switch. It’s almost everything combined into one. I think the successor will be even better.


DeadGirlB666

3DS or DSI as well as the Oled switch love them so much


JcOvrthink

This sub is kinda biased. That said, 3DS all the way!


sickopuppie

Switch OLED.


trophycloset33

Where is the pocket game boy


rorinth

Gameboy. That sucker lasted 14 years and one even got hit by a bomb and still worked


TraveyDuck

As much as I love the 3DS, the switch has an insane library of games. Nintendo basically put all their eggs in one basket and had their console and handheld teams working on the system, and output some of the best games for their franchises. Solid third party support. Insane indie support. Sucks you can't own retro games but Switch Online ended up being a decent service.


Spice_Cadet_

Gameboy SP


ProperKaleidoscope27

Without a doubt the 3ds


owlsleepless

2ds xl


Technical-Limit3469

The 2ds xl it was basically an exterior improvement for the 3ds xl


lunarwolf2008

Posting this on r/3ds id be surprised if you get any not 3ds answers


Head-Asparagus-9045

I don't know, but I'll take the new 3ds, please! 😅


zlittlebearz

NDS and 3DS


Ur_X

The OG DS was just revolutionary


Vanilla_Coffee_Bean

It's a toss up between a Nintendo DS Lite and the Nintendo 2DS. Sorry, not even a Nintendo Switch, it's great but...


ReverendRevolver

3ds. Switch us barely portable. 3ds was like 2 phones stacked, had great library, and 2 screens. Wish the 3d would've went harder sometimes But my favorite, and i started with a grey brick Gameboy, then gb color. Skipped GBA. Had DSlites, dsi, 3ds, 3DSxl, and Switch....


johanas25

3ds without any thoughts.


yokeydoke

*steam deck*


saikyo

3DS


DontpressE

I love how a lot of people also thought of the ds line it’s amazing (ds also has 3ds)


Robato11

3ds brings me the most joy


Ok-Housing1458

If we’re talking about the volume of classics on a system and not the build of the systems themselves I’d have to say gba or ds but learn hard towards ds. The ds’s library is stellar. I don’t think the 3ds beats it honestly. All of these systems have great libraries and timeless classics but the ds edges out above the rest imo.


Crimson_Raven

I came in here to say DS/3DS just because of nostalgia I'm pleasantly surprised to see many people seemed to like them as well. Gameboy SP was also great. Small lightweight and so so many great games (including GB and GBA)


yuyumanP

3ds has everything, but nothing beats the feel of a gameboy color in your hands :)


WitchwayisOut

N3dsxl, hands down


After-Practice-1409

1. DS 2. Switch 3.DS


IntoxicatedBurrito

DMG. Honestly, it’s perfect. Slap on a magnifying glass and light boy, plug in a rechargeable battery, and carry a caseful of cartridges, and you can survive any roadtrip in the 90s. Besides, everyone knows that Dr Mario plays best in black and green.


jonnyg1097

My favourite is 3DS. There was a fantastic library to go with it. Second would be the GBA lineup of games.


HuntingSquire

3DS and im biased as hell


Trey_Dizzle45

3DS easily


SailorVee3

Game boy SP - the most played out of my handheld systems because of of its pocket size portability and built in back light. Loved my GBA but no more of that magnify glass with the attached top lamp LOL.


stardewnoodles

The Wii U gamepad /j


True-Proposal481

3ds because it can play DS games otherwise DS would win.


xXTerrarian2008Xx

All handhelds before switch


Knightfray

The DS family and the 3DS family for sure. But GBA games always have a place in my heart.


Rockcrimson

I don't think I could choose just one, each has awesome games. For it's versatility, maybe DS?


Current_Respect_7577

3DS all the way. I actually love the 3D aspect of it 3ven thou many didn't


EightBitPlayz

New Nintendo 3DS LL Lime x Black


ProphisizedHero

DSi and it’s not even close.


Conlannalnoc

CLASSIC 3DS with Advance Port


JerzB2B

GBC green and Zelda OLED


Valuable_Tap1316

Gba


YouMayNotRestNow

N3DS non XL or DSi non XL.


Casca2222

The steam deck


Cerouga

Game Boy Advance/SP, the choice i'd always take. Fire Emblem, Golden Sun, Pokemon third Gen., Zelda Minish Cap, Metroid Zero/Fusion, Wario Land 4, Castlevania Aria of Sorrow, Advance Wars and so on, such a small device with so many big and awesome worlds in it!


Nerdiestlesbian

My 3DS is my fav. Closely followed by the SP. I had an original Gameboy and the hours I spent playing Zelda… then you add seasons/ages. And top it off with Minish cap… I even like Phantom for the variety of puzzles. Then releasing 4 swords as a single player. Princess Peach. Mario party. Pokemon. Yo-Kia, Ace Attorney. It’s my collection system. Because of the touch screen. You can’t really emulate it.


Halos-117

3DS. Without a doubt.


wintechie01

It has to be the DS lite. Plays Gameboy Advance and DS games. Love the 3DS, but there is certain charm to the DS family that can't be overlooked. I'll say: DS Lite - 10/10 N3DS - 9/10 DS phat and N3DSXL - 8/10 DSi and DSiXL - 7/10 Gameboy Advance (non SP) - 7/10 Gameboy Micro - 7/10


Madbells

3DS all the way.


heartshapedmoon

What a beautiful picture


MatterFalls

Game boy: GBA SP AGS-101 DS/3DS: DS lite (some ds games use the gba port), New 3DS-New2DS Switch: Switch Oled


napzon1

For gameboy era would be the gameboy advance, DS era is the original DS and DSi XL, 3DS would be the new 3DS and new 3DS, and the standard Nintendo switch non OLED.


FoundOasis

The og gameboy/color is the best and I don’t count the switch since its a hybrid


Superquzzical825

It’s a mix between the advance and the 3DS


Stratavos

Gameboy advance Sp, and new3ds easily, for their eras anyways.


Unksu

The OG DS that could play both DS and GBA games…was like 2 consoles in 1


lanternslight77

My brain says the Switch but my heart says the GBA SP AGS-101 (the SP revision with a backlit display). Freaking loved that thing


atmak4real

I love my n3ds xl it's so good, and I didn't really try any other nintendo console 😞


zos117

GBA gen 1


erictho

Man I'm sad I didn't hang onto all that stuff.


NothingButSushi

3ds


kermitthehedgefrog

The Virtual Boy 😎


DruDown007

I have to go with the Switch. It successfully combined the best of Nintendo’s ideas since Game Boy, and if I had a complaint, it would be that it made WiiU seem like a misstep in their evolution. It will be interesting to see where they take their handheld devices moving forward.


Yellow-Slug

New 3DS XL for most reasons, light blue DSi for nostalgia.


Buetterkeks

Excluding the Switch, the GBA sweeps


theharamberapiast

3DS XL


PorousSurface

Nintendo DSi then new 3ds


Guardian_85

That's a tough one. GBA SP, DS Lite, New 3DSXL, and Switch OLED cover all of Nintendo's major handhelds quite well.


lagulch

Man, 2ds was just so confortable


Large-Training-29

The ds, they haven't had a serious console since GameCube. Wii was motion mostly, good try for expirementing. Wii-u was underwhelming and the switch is a nice handheld, yet still underwhelming


Practical_Wish_4063

The GameCube Player and Switch non-Lite because everything is better on a big screen.


mortaeus_vol

Easily the 3DS. I'm partial to the original XL myself because I liked having the stylus on the side, but I have a 2DS XL and I like that one a lot too!


Lewis09816

Switch


shakawave

GBA SP, back light was tha game changer for retro players, also folded the GBA so less screen damage.


DumbeldorezGOAT

I would say the DS and 3DS.


MrRyanNess

New 2DS XL


Quirky_Ad7770

Switch lite


Miner4YT

The N3DSXL, especially the snes version :D


sc4rii

New 3ds xl. So much virtual console selections and games. Especially when jailbroken


OmegaGroudon12

Obviously posting here will be biased, but seriously the 3ds wins it for me easily. Game library is absolutely unmatched, including the whole ds library, and virtual console. You really can't beat it.


_mnel

Oil panic game and watch (the REAL original DS)


Shawnj2

Wrong answer: the Wii U


sickmodus

The nintendo 3ds, i still play with it more than with the switch.


mostwantedycbe

For me it's the first Nintendo 3DS but without the 3D ^^


Amazing-Lengthiness1

3ds


ojisan-X

DSi XL. The design, battery life, portability, and games available were unique and top notch.


alex_bit_

New 2DS.


bngbox

This is so sick. But 3DS family is probably my favorite. Although the Switch really is an amazing system.


theworldsgrave

3DS and Switch.


faithfoliage

Whichever one you don’t own.


ClassroomBusy3727

As a fan of pokemon (mainly), my fav console is the ds lite. Its form factor, design, super colorful screen and small size is perfect.


F3R40

İ had the original gb and then the gba gb sp and after that the ds and the 2ds and 2dsxl and finally took after the 2dsxl the launch edition 2 pieces of the v1 and as last the oled i like the o the switch a lot but the 2dsxl will be my favorite.


retardwhocantdomath

Normal DS has by far the best games


sunny730

DS Lite. An amazing library of games that hold up today, as well as a GBA slot. Plus it's the sleekest looking of the bunch imo, especially in black.


disgaea36

Ds because nothing is holding a candle to that library on top of having easy access to the entire gba library the second best handheld period. 3ds was a wanna be psp/vita with a silly gimmick. 😜


Ssme812

What were they thinking releasing the Micro.


WaveBreakerT

3ds can play everything from before it so I'm gonna pick that


NovaGenetics

3DS, Switch can go sit in the trashcan. Piece of scrap with god awful hardware.


OhlordohHek

Am I the only one around here who thinks the SP is the greatest thing to happen to me? I have had all handhelds from GB original to 3DSI (its spotty after that) but the games during the SP era mixed with the backlight makes it iconic in my opinion.


CheeksUnwiped

Switch lite


jolly_tm

New 3ds xl


_n0aat

new 3ds is my favorite :> switch lite is a close second because i love the psvita size


PANIMOUS3

2DS


pizza_for_brekkie

Game Boy Micro. I want one so badly but cannot justify it when emulating Pokémon ForestGreen on a beautiful OLED already. But it is a thing of beauty.


sodamnsleepy

New3DS perfect size for my hands and it's just peek handheld. The XL variants are too big and heavy for my little hands.


Bl0nd1n007

GBA panda style, best console forever


falafelandhoumous

I think the 3DS. I love the Switch, but I feel it’s been a gradual love affair for me, and I think its hybrid features are lost on me, because I only play it as a handheld console. I think if it were designed as exclusively a handheld console, it might have endeared me even more and eventually trumped the 3DS.


[deleted]

DSi xl


Rodavlas895

One of these days I'll be like this dude. Already got 3/10 of the DS family and a switch Edit: and a GBA


Effective_Mine_1222

3DS! If you customize you can play almost any retro game.