Nintendo 3DS XL unboxing and first impressions

Remember when I said I most likely would not get a Nintendo 3DS XL system? Well, I kinda did. See for yourself:

Strangely, the box is about half as big as the one the original 3DS came in.

The smaller box is a hint that the Nintendo 3DS XL doesn't include a charging cradle.

I was frankly shocked at how big the system actually was. It's massive!

Having owned both models of the Nintendo 3DS system now, what do I think of the upgraded XL version? In short, I love it. It solved all of the problems the original had that bugged me. The original had a strange reflective quality in the surface area surrounding the top screen. Problem solved. The stylus fit into a slot on the back of the original system. Problem solved: the stylus fits into a more convenient side slot on the XL. The top flap of the original stuck out over the bottom slightly, earning it the embarrassing nickname "muffin top". Problem solved. The boxy shape of the original dug into one's palms terribly. Problem solved...mostly. The XL is definitely more comfortable to hold than the original, but I still get the hand cramps at times.

I know many are disappointed that the Nintendo 3DS XL system doesn't have a built-in second analogue. If that bugs you, then go ahead and do your thing. I don't find it bothersome at all. I could complain about one or two things, though. These are minor issues, though, so keep that in mind. The XL is fairly heavy. I didn't expect much else, but it does feel a little out of balance that way. Also, I think the 3-D effect takes a hit because of the XL's low resolution. Turning the 3-D on makes a notable difference in the graphics...to me anyway. Fortunately I prefer to play in 2-D anyway, so no big deal.

Overall I think the Nintendo 3DS XL is superior to its smaller counterpart. I can honestly say I'm glad I made the upgrade.

The beauty of Summer is gone

(obviously a school building)

School is in session, so it is time to say goodbye to all-night marathon video game tournaments! The beauty of Summer is gone; I can no longer play The Legend of Dragoon into the long hours of the night. Now I only have time for games after 8:00 at night! I have no time to enjoy the beauty of the games; I can now only play through them with assignments (that I should rather be doing) running through my mind!

I do have a question for you, do you notice that when school is in session for me I blog more often? To add to that, my grammar and punctuation is a little more accurate. So perhaps being in school is better; after all I actually exercise, read, spend less time in front of a computer, and other miscellaneous things! Another bad thing about school is that I can't get a job because of sports! With no money, I can't buy video games!!

What I think is also funny is that usually adults with kids love it when school starts! What do you think? Does school equal paradise or death? I'm leaning towards death, but, hey, I like the middle of the fence too! I really wish I could spend more time on video games though...

Gaming deals, good and bad

Let's face it: gaming is an expensive habit.

When it comes to the prices of things, I use a comparison method. For example: I got a decent bike for around $160. A Nintendo 3DS XL system will go for a suggested retail price of $199.99 when it hits this Sunday. Which is the better deal? To me, the answer is clear: the bike!

As you may have already guessed, today's topic is gaming gear and the money we spend on it. Maybe you spent $20 on a $50 Wii game. Or perhaps you spent the full $50 for a game, but it entirely worth that and then some. Allow me to share some of my own gaming deals, good and bad:

The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword + Gold Wii Remote + Orchestra CD
For a huge Zelda fan like me, the $70 for this package was more than worth it. Normally, Wii remotes go for about $40, so I essentially payed half of that for a special edition Wii remote and a CD of some of the best music I've ever heard. Ka-ching!

Metroid Prime Trilogy
I got this game Used-Like New for $60. Back when it was first released, one could get it brand new for $50. Even with the added $10, this Wii collection turned out to be a great deal.

Rune Factory Frontier
I include this on the list because of the sheer amount of time I've invested in it. I've played Rune Factory Frontier for well over 100 hours, and it was a paltry $20 to buy.

Steel Diver
Now we get to the bad deals. Steel Diver is a first party Nintendo 3DS title for $40. I wouldn't call the game horrendous or anything, but I would say the price should be in the neighborhood of $5 or so. Just sayin'!

Now I would love to hear from you guys! What do you consider to be the best and worst in gaming deals?   

Club Nintendo offers gold-colored nunchuk to North American members

There have been many causes to be jealous of Club Nintendo members in Japan. One of those cases involved a gold-colored nunchuk to match a certain gold Wii remote that came with special copies of The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword. Well, we can all check that off the long list of North America have-nots, because the gold nunchuk has arrived. Click here to check it out. You'll have to drop 900 coins for this bad boy, but hurry: there's only a limited quantity available!

My Top 5 most anticipated Wii U games

5. Nintendo Land
I think the Wii U game pad presents a lot of challenges and opportunities for developers. The thing is just so versatile, I'm afraid gameplay might get stretched pretty thin if creators feel like they have to use every function. On the other hand, I can see some great uses coming out of the game pad. On that note, I have high hopes for the first party Wii U launch title Nintendo Land. I think by now we can trust Nintendo to deliver a console-defining experience on their own, well, console.

4. Scribblenauts Unlimited
I've never played a Scribblenauts game in my life. Are they any good? Must be. There's a fair amount of hype surrounding this upcoming Wii U/3DS title. I'm always willing to try something new, even though when I actually get that chance, it's questionable at best whether I'll like it. I'll definitely keep Scribblenauts Unlimited on my radar.

3. Trine 2: Director's Cut
Here we have another series I didn't know existed until an expanded version of the second installment was announced for Wii U. From what I've read in the most recent issue of Nintendo Power magazine, Trine 2: Director's Cut features a lot of elements that I find appealing. Namely, the fantasy setting, the open-ended puzzle solving, and the promise of an engaging local multiplayer. Give this game a look if you haven't already!

2. New Super Mario Bros. U
And why shouldn't the newest Super Mario game make this list? Though both of Mario's intergalactic adventures are undoubtedly phenomenal, nothing can replace the classic feel of a side-scrolling Mario platformer. I am forever grateful for the New Super Mario Bros. series!

1. Rayman Legends
It was a tough choice to put one of these superb-looking platformers above the other, but I ultimately decided to give Rayman Legends the top honor. It's predecessor, Rayman Origins, was one beautiful-looking Wii game with top notch gameplay and a stellar soundtrack to match. If that's any indication of what's to come, Rayman Legends will surely be one to keep an eye on! Plus there's this trailer for it that you just gotta watch!