Zadzooks: New Nintendo 3DS XL review

Nintendo manages to stave off the inevitable by delivering a brilliant iteration to its popular portable system.

As the handheld gaming market shrinks by the hour, due to the proliferation of computer tablets and smart phones, the latest version of the 3DS XL, named the New Nintendo 3DS XL ($199) — I’m not kidding — offers gamers an easier-to-appreciate, glasses-free, three-dimensional dive into some stellar virtual universes.

The clamshell portable remains the size of a pocketbook (roughly 6.5 inches long) and offers a large top screen for the 3-D magic (about the size of an iPhone 6) and bottom touch screen (3.5 inches wide), perfect for small and larger hands.

The control layout also remains pretty much the same except for the addition of a second, very responsive analog stick above the main button array. The tactile grey nub now expands a developer’s playbook and gives players a very easy way to look around a game environment, for example, while using the control stick on the right side to move.

But the most impressive upgrade resides with a player’s ability to experience seamless, 3-D play with help from face-tracking software.

Simply put: A pair of cameras monitors a player’s eye position and adjusts images based on his viewing angle to keep the effect focused.

Now an extended car trip, with its bumps, or a hand occasionally twitching for exhaustion will never blur the 3-D illusion. I noticed the difference immediately and was able to easily play a game for extended periods of time without feeling much eyestrain, or worse, getting a headache.

Also, the system can now incorporate the enhancements from Amiibo figurines via the built-in NFC (near field communication) reader as they sit on the lower touch screen. Nintendo’s new line of plastic statues, equivalent to Syklanders and Disney Infinity, offers extra gameplay, bonus content and character customization download options to any supported games, i.e. Super Smash Bros.

Finally, improved processing power helps load games (often twice as fast) and software quicker while battery life remains consistent, and the system is still backwards compatible to most all previous DS, DSi and 3DS titles.

Not all is perfect with the new system. The 3DS XL does not come with a charging cord. Nintendo’s excuse is keeping the price down and assuming players are upgrading (charge cords from older version of the DS, DSi and 3DS line are compatible).

Well, that’s an odd rationalization if the company is trying to shore up and expand an already shrinking customer base by attempting to allure a new player aboard who have never used a 3DS. Let me know the last time you upgraded a cell phone or bought a new tablet and did not get a charging cord of some type?

Makes no sense to me either (speaking to parental units here), but I would definitely buy an affordable third-party USB cord or regular charger to handle these duties (starting at $5) before letting Junior open up his new gift.

Additionally, owners get a 4 gigabyte microSD card for storage, but it will practically take a human with the eyesight of a watchmaker to remove the screws on the back of the device to get to the card.

Lastly, on the down side, screen resolution is inadequate to compete against today’s high-resolution handheld products. It actually looks ancient when compared to the iPhone 6 Plus or PlayStation Vita (remember that entertainment system?).

Despite my grumbling, early sales numbers bode well for the device with over 300,000 sold in its first week of launch late last month. It remains to be seen if game developers, other than Nintendo, can support and embrace the latest technology.

Here’s a quick look at a pair of spectacular handheld adventures for the system that I guarantee will dazzle younger and older owners of the new 3DS XL.

• Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask 3D (Nintendo, rated E10+, $39.99) — A welcomed remaster of a role-playing epic, which debuted in 2000 on the Nintendo 64, offers a new generation of younger fans a glorious, time-intensive adventure starring the mighty Zelda franchise stalwart, Link.

Specifically, when the mischievous Skull Kid succumbs to the magic of a cursed mask, he leads Link into the lands of Termina. Life gets ugly quickly as our elven hero finds himself with only 72 hours to prevent an impending apocalypse.

He’ll need the help of a fairy named Tati, access to two dozen, power-infused masks (one called Fierce Deity turns him into a large warrior wielding a twisted blade) and the important Bomber’s notebook to stop the moon from ramming into the world.

A player controls Link in an astounding playground brought to 3-D life while talking to colorful characters, collecting resources, combing dungeons and battling bosses and their minions that pop out of the screen.

The use of a time mechanic constantly keeps the player on edge. He basically has three days to accomplish his mission (roughly an hour of gamer’s time) by helping other characters, completing side-missions and eventually awakening giants.

However, if Link can play a song on his Ocarina (a pear-shaped flute), he can slow down or go back in time while keeping all of his resources and accomplishments. That means, overall, about two-dozen real hours of action to consume a younger player’s life in this “Groundhog Day” style experience.

• Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate (Capcom, Rated Teen, $39.99) — The premiere creature-fighting, role-playing game returns to Nintendo’s handheld system and is nicely tweaked for the latest 3DS XL.

A player customizes both a hunter and his feisty, as well as often ferocious, feline companion as they literally go on hundreds of missions within hostile environments.

Before and after a hunt, the warrior hangs out with a traveling caravan to store supplies, take a nap, spend his acquired Zenny (game currency), replenish equipment, craft or buy a total of 14 weapons and even sit down for a hearty meal.

A welcomed expansion to the action now allows up to four friends online to hunt. They can still work together while in the same room.

Suffice to report, the gorgeous terrain (from desert dunes to forests and polar fields), endless supply of dangerous creatures (from raptors to dragons), the ability to ride some monsters during battles and kooky characters (the Felyne Chef is a riot) really come to life in three dimensions.

New 3DS XL owners not only enjoy a reduction in load times with the game, but the new controller nub allows for an easy way to scan environments and keep track of any creatures trying to sneak up or a flank a hunter.

I loved everything about “Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate,” except having to kill and occasionally carve out pieces of some truly gorgeous beasts.