This came out in Japan last weekend, but unless I missed something, none of the J-Bore crew posted anything about getting one. I received mine today and wrote some initial impressions. The only thing I can't comment on yet is battery life.
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Received my New 3DS today. The box contains the system, manuals, AR cards, and has the top cover removed, perhaps to show how easy it is to remove or to be ready for additional covers. No AC adapter is included, which is unfortunately typical of Nintendo's Japanese handheld releases. The N3DS comes with a 4GB micro SD card already installed. If you want to replace this, you'll need a micro philips head screwdriver to remove the bottom cover, which also is necessary to change to a different cover and for access to the battery.
Although the N3DS is not that much smaller than the 3DS LL, it feels much smaller and is noticeably lighter in comparison.
All the previous 3DS models I've owned always had slightly loose hinges. The N3DS does not have this issue, which further helps the improved 3D viewing angle. The head tracking feature finally makes it possible to play games in 3D without needing to keep the 3DS as steady as possible. I usually play games with 3D off, but since this feature has seen a massive improvement, it finally feels like a viable feature, even when playing where it would be harder to keep the system steady, such as Smash Bros. Smash also loads noticeably faster on this model.
All of the buttons and ports around the system frame have been moved on the 3DS, leaving the bottom sides completely smooth. The volume slider has now been moved to the top screen, and the cartridge, stylus, and power button are the bottom part of the frame. The shoulder buttons have been made smaller, to make room for the added ZR and ZL buttons. The only change I dislike is the stylus location; it just feels awkward removing it from the bottom.
The bottom screen now only houses the Home button, which has been made much easier to press. Start and Select have been changed into smaller buttons, found under the face buttons. The nub that acts as the second analog stick initially feels odd, but is extremely responsive and worked perfectly with Super Smash Bros. when I tested it. I did have some issues with using it for the camera in Senran Kagura 2, however.
In comparison to the 3DS LL screen, the N3DS screen produces a sharper, slightly more colorful image and the speakers also sound noticeably louder. One issue I had with both previous 3DS models was ergonomics. My hands tended to cramp up with use, particularly on games where the triggers were needed. The N3DS feels more comfortable and it's easier to hit both sets of trigger buttons, however I still felt some discomfort when playing Super Street Fighter IV 3D Edition- Using the shoulder buttons and d-pad together is still somewhat awkward.
I have mixed opinions about the system's revamped aesthetic. There's something about the N3DS that almost makes me think of an older game system -and I don't mean the Super Famicom style facebuttons- perhaps because the form factor isn't quite as sleek, with noticeable lines and all the visible ports/buttons on the frame. The system appears more "toy-like" than previous models as well, although not as much as the 2DS.
Although this now the fourth iteration of the 3DS, the system is worth a purchase for its improved ergomics, vastly-better 3D screen, added controls, and boost in power, which will be used later on for N3DS-only title.
