I got mine just an hour after Gamespot opened. I've been playing it for two days now and these screens are definitely what I felt the original 3DS should've had. The top screen just gives the action so much more room to breath and you're not confide to this tiny space anymore. The only thing is that the screens feel like they need to be slightly higher-res with the bigger size. It's only a small compliant, and doesn't impact my enjoyment that much. The upside is that it really is true that the screens are less reflective than the previous 3DS screens. I noticed it as soon as I started playing Resident Evil because there isn't as annoying glare when looking at the screens. One thing I'd like to mention is that it's painfully obvious that the 3DS cameras are terrible now since looking at the pictures and videos it takes with bigger screens. The next revision will for sure include upgraded cameras (and not sure why it wasn't included on this one).

Also, dem shoulder buttons. Seriously, these are a big improvment. They feel a crap-ton better and holding the system is much more comfortable. You don't have sharp edges digging into your palms anymore.

Note: About the speakers...yes they are a little less loud but the upside is that they now offer a larger stereo field. I did a quck comparison and it's actually fairly noticable. So, personally I'm fine with the trade-off. 

So overall impression are fairly positive. I'd highly recommend that non-3DS owners looking to buy a 3DS to get this version. For currnet 3DS owners I'd say to only upgrade if you feel like I did about feeling like the screens are too small. If you don't, then I really wouldn't find it worth upgrading since the bigger screens are really the only solid tangable benifit (batter life is a little better, but it's not really worth getting an XL for that point).

I'm going to get one at Xmas. I had no interest initially but everyone keeps saying games look gorgeous on it and it'll be nice to play at home on a bigger screen.

How long does it take to do a transfer?

It took my brother about 15 minutes to do his, but that doesn't include having to re-download all the ambassador games.

Did you try swaping the sd card from the OG3ds into the new one?

I did!!!!! (actually posting from it) =) I got it Sunday afternoon and I was told it was a good thing I preordered mine cause they were sold out! It is amazing, I really like it!

I really want to trade in my old 3ds for a XL, but the Wii U is coming out very soon, maybe less than 3 months. I must resist!

I got mine just an hour ago, It is amazing

Took me somewhere around 30 minutes, maybe a little more.  

not released yet in AUS.

however EB gave me a coupon that when presented I get $40 off a new 3DS XL or for $99 when I trade a 3DS in.

3DS XL will launch at $248 AUD here, so be interesting to see wha tother retailers do.

I got a blue one