New Nintendo 3DS XL Prices Surge, Rivaling Modern Consoles Amid High Demand

The New Nintendo 3DS XL, one of Nintendo’s most beloved handheld consoles, is experiencing an unprecedented surge in value.

Despite the gaming world’s attention pivoting to the highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2, the New Nintendo 3DS XL commands prices that nearly rival the latest hardware.

This reflects both the enduring legacy of Nintendo's portable design and the ongoing demand among collectors and enthusiasts. In a striking example reported by Pure Xbox’s Ben Kerry, the popular UK retailer CEX currently lists pre-owned New Nintendo 3DS XL models for £390.

To put this figure in perspective, it is only £6 less than CEX’s listed price for the forthcoming Switch 2, a state-of-the-art console.

The New Nintendo 3DS XL originally launched in the UK in 2015 at £179.99, making its current secondhand price more than double the original RRP.

For those seeking new, unused units, prices on platforms like Amazon have soared beyond £450, indicating a broader trend across retailers. The persistent high value of the New Nintendo 3DS XL can be attributed to several factors.

Firstly, the system’s innovative autostereoscopic, glasses-free 3D display remains a unique technological achievement—no modern mass-market device currently replicates this feature, making the 3DS family particularly desirable.

Among these, the 'New' 3DS models, and especially the XL variant, are considered the pinnacle for enthusiasts due to refined hardware, improved performance, and expanded software compatibility. Moreover, the console boasts an exceptional game library, with acclaimed titles from beloved Nintendo franchises and third-party developers that continue to stand the test of time.

Its robust gaming catalog and backward compatibility have helped fuel ongoing appreciation for the platform.

Additionally, advancements in homebrew and system modification have added another layer of appeal for some users, although the hardware’s legitimate strengths are often cited as the primary driver for resale demand. Damien McFerran of Time Extension remarked that the New 3DS XL’s value retention surpasses most other gaming hardware from its era.

As manufacturing for unique display technology like the 3DS’s is no longer in operation, remaining systems become increasingly scarce, further elevating their market value. The New Nintendo 3DS XL is now firmly established as both a collector’s item and a sought-after retro console, evidenced by sustained high prices years after the end of its production and the closure of the 3DS eShop.

Whether considering selling your own New 3DS XL, holding onto a prized possession, or seeking to acquire one, this enduring Nintendo handheld clearly remains a heavyweight in the secondhand console market.

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