The new 3DS is a great upgrade. The eye tracking makes the 3D something you might actually use and the nub makes games like Monster Hunter and the Zeldas much easier to play.

It's also more powerful, which improves performance in a handful of games and lets you play the SNES games.

You're still better off with a Vita though.

I would say "it depends" but in this situation I would get the New 3DS. Not only will you be able to access a few games that aren't on the normal 3DS (including some SNES classics) but its faster processor improves load times and other issues for a few other games. The 3D is also VASTLY improved, if you like using that, AND it has native Amiibo support (most importantest thing EVAR!)

But beyond those relatively minor, but important, quality of life improvements, I think the difference between normal size and XL is pretty huge. The normal size 3DS screen just feels cramped and small in this day of massive smartphone screens, and for someone like me with good but not great eyes it can be hard to read certain text, especially in 3D mode.

Of course if you don't care about 3D mode and you care more about portability than visibility (and I don't want to overstate things; the screen on the normal 3DS is still generally quite visible) then the old 3DS is fine, but you said money isn't tight, and I think $100 is not that much to pay given the large number of differences.

Get The New 3DS (not the XL) that comes with Mario 3D Land. It's slightly bigger then the OG 3DS, has the improvements and features of the "New 3DS" model, and is $150.

Here is the unit I'm talking about: http://www.target.com/p/new-nintendo-3ds-super-mario-3d-land-edition/-/A-51327765

I can't fathom playing on a non-XL now.

I'd say the XL, but at that price, maaan, I think I would go for the 99$ one.

I think you should get that New 3DS bundle that comes with Mario 3D Land that they are selling at Target and Wal-Marts. It comes with a New 3DS (not the XL but the regular version of the New 3DS that supports cover plates) and one of the best games on the system for only $150.

Based purely on the prices/deals you posted, I think that's a tough call. Though if money isn't tight like you said, maybe just go for the new thing out of the gate. And you may be able to find some New 3DS deals too.

I voted for the regular though, as someone who has had a regular, non-XL 3DS since near launch, and I've never had a problem with it or considered upgrading. It may depend on what kind of types of games you plan to play (most of what I play would not would make use of the New 3DS features), and maybe it's a thing of if I tried the New I wouldn't want to go back. But as someone still rolling with the original model, I think it holds up totally fine. Given that, $100 less + a good game is a good deal, especially with the NX around the corner.

If money isn't an issue the the New 3DS is probably worth it.

Thanks for all the advice guys! I ended up with buying the new 3DS XL as most of you suggested. The quality of life improvements like load times and the bigger screen plus future proofing (to a certain degree) seems like it will be worth the extra money investment.

It really is personal preference but I would go with the larger screen. Lots of other little things to consider with going with other 3ds models. Just make sure you know what you're missing out on if you get an older model.

Having tried to play some games on my friends OG 3DS, I recommend the New one on the basis of it having the second small analog stick/nub alone. For certain titles it is invaluable.