I have both.
I got the 3DS when it was reduced from £219.99 to £169.99 and some of the launch titles were half price. That was before Nintendo did the official price drop so will have been around May/June 2011.
Really loved it apart from the cramp it frequently induced with prolonged use until I got my Vita.
I got the Vita about 2 weeks after launch. By far the best handheld system I've ever had.
I've recently picked up a 3DS XL Zelda LE console (yesterday to be precise). The screens are much nicer than the original 3DS though the low resolution is a lot more glaringly obvious. It's just so much more comfortable to use though (no cramp! :D). I do however think it's seriously overpriced for what you get. I mean its £60 more than a Vita with memory card and Tearaway/Little Big Planet (or 10 game bundle) and they don't even include a charger, but Nintendo games are worth it. The brief time I've had with the new Zelda just reminds me why I love video games. I'm now torn between that and Tearaway for my GOTY.
I'd give the original 3DS 60/100, 3DS XL 80/100 and Vita 95/100 as consoles.








