Okay, so I've had a New 3DS XL, my first ever handheld, for more than 3 months now.

I've played Monster Hunter 4, Ocarina 3D, Starfox 64 3D, Mario 3D Land, Resident Evil Revelations, Kid Icarus, and Ironfall.

But whenever I play, I just can't stop thinking "this would be so much better on a proper screen, with a proper controller". The tiny screen and the tightly clustered buttons and sticks just gnaw at me.

No matter how good the games are, I just don't think the handheld experience itself will ever be my cup of tea.

I prefer handhelds over consoles v.v home consoles feel inferior :S but because of that I cant understand your situation. Not everything is for everyone. Played any of the Pokemon games? ORAS is nice, also Tomodatchi Life is amazing XD not a fan of touch screens in the DS line though

Mostly at home. I read books on the train to/from work.

Thats because all of them would be better on a home console

No wonder you came to that conclusion, you haven't played the best games on the system!

Aka The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds and Fire Emblem: Awakening.

Skullwaker said: No wonder you came to that conclusion, you haven't played the best games on the system! Aka The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds and Fire Emblem: Awakening.

I still need to get ALBW is it shorter or longer than ALttP? 

I like both but it is true that handhelds aren't for everyone

Worse? How so?

Skullwaker said: No wonder you came to that conclusion, you haven't played the best games on the system! Aka The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds and Fire Emblem: Awakening.

If you own a 3DS, and haven't played either of these games, you should be ashamed of yourself.

I agree with this, simply because the poor quality of the controls with most handhelds, it's rather difficult to play certain games.  With Smash Bros I feel like I'm going to break the stick if I try to really play and the buttons don't feel as good, so it's more difficult to play and I'm better playing on a console(when I did play it on a console.) 

I got Monster Hunter 4 though still sealed, I'd rather play with someone who isn't completely overpowered when I do start to play, so wouldn't mind starting a game along with someone else or a few other people.  Although with you living in Australia wouldn't work out so well.

Honestly the best controlling handhelds are the PSP(as long as you don't play a fighter,) and a GBA.  Most comfortable to hold and play.  3DS XL is better than the Vita, Vita is better than the original 3DS(you should be glad you didn't get this one.) for current gen.  The original 3DS is the least comfortable handheld I've ever used, you'll have hand cramps within seconds of playing.