It's just like the old 3DS, but better. In nearly every way
I can honestly say that I've not turned the 3D slider off since getting the New 3DS. I never used it on my old 3DS. It's not 100% perfect, but it is much, much better.
I agree, the 3D is way better this go around. This is how this should have been out of the gate. I'm also enjoying the faster processor, as the 3DS was way slow before. It's still not as fast as the Vita, but it's much improved. It's not lightning quick, but it's no longer super slow either.
Sadly, it's not all peaches and cream. I have very small hands, and where I have always enjoyed the bigger screens of the XL, the added shoulder buttons are next to useless for me to use due to there placement, and the overall large size of the system. Trying to use all of the new buttons with the new nub in Ironfall is next to impossible for me.
The smaller unit would have been much better for this. I really wanted the standard N3DS, but NoA sucks ass, so I'm stuck until a solid region free work around is found. I swear, the management at NoA can't possible be game players, as there is no way someone with small hands would find the XL comfortable(at least in it's new form factor). I guess if your a child, and want a 3D capable unit, your screwed.
The new cart slot isn't ideal, but considering I don't swap games often, it's OK. The stylus placement is terrible. I thought the placement on top of the OG was bad, but I would prefer that to the new placement at the bottom. I do like how they moved the power button below, and moved the start and select back to there rightful placing. Home should always be alone front and center, so those features are cool.
The new c-stick is great for camera usage, but not really ideal as a true second analog stick. I understand why "N" went this route, as it's not like they have tons of shooters lining up to be released. I also understand the limited real estate of the units, so something small had to be chosen. I wish they would have offered the full size nub on the XL, and then the smaller nub on the standard one, as it would have made for more choices. But considering we only got 1 unit here in the states, it's a non issue either way.
So overall, I find the N3DS an improvement, but only in certain areas. I was already using the XL, and over time I came to realize I wanted something smaller. Not the OG, as that was to small, and was poorly designed, and that unit made my hands hurt for different reasons than the XL does. So where I like the new 3D feature and the faster processor, the new shoulder buttons and the c-stick probably won't get much use.
So like all things "N", this is another love/hate relationship. I think most of my issues would be greatly improved by the "medium" size of the standard N3DS, but until that happens, I'll give this new unit an 8/10. If 3D isn't your cup of tea, or your not dying to have the c-stick, your better off waiting for the 4DS or whatever else "N" has coming a few years from now. If you live anywhere else that isn't Canada or USA, you at least have 2 new options, so you may find more to like.
Chris