I'm seriously toying with the idea of getting a 3DS XL tomorrow...

Here's the thing: 3DS XL's cost £170 and 3DS's cost £120. Is a 3DS XL really worth an extra £50 or should I just get a 3DS? Also, would it be possible to play Age of Empires 2 (DS) on a 3DS XL? (sorry if this is a newbish question)

If portability is a priority, than I'd get the regular 3DS. On the other hand, if presentation and battery life are higher priority, I'd get the XL. The XL uses newer screen technology to reduce glare and such and has an extra 1/2 to 2 hours of battery life in addition to the bigger screens.

As for DS games, they should all be playable on the 3DS. The only exception is the Guitar Hero games, which needed a special peripheral that simply doesn't fit on the 3DS.

Cons of the 3DS:

- Bottom screen-frame scratching the upper screen
- Shorter battery life
- Smaller screens

Cons of the XL version:

- Worse loudspeaker quality
- Yellowish screens
- Might not fit in your pocket

Also, I'm pretty sure that the XL feels more comfortable to hold for longer periods.

To me it is worth every penny and really what the 3DS should have been. The screens make a huge difference to me and little things like the stylus being solid piece, hinges being sturdier and matte finish are all improvements.

On size, I have no issue fitting it in my pocket, but nothing else goes in said pocket.

The 3DS XL seems a much better system. Sure its a little bigger but it is pretty thin and it doesn't take up much more space then the screen, very nicely made. The 3D effect is better and is probably more sturdy than the regular 3DS as there has been a lot of talk about that. It does play DS games. I just played with one and it left a much better impression on me than the original. I wouldn't worry about it fitting in your pocket, it's not that big and it is a clamshell design. Even Vita can fit in a pocket, but I'd recommend a sleeve for that. The XL has a better battery life and it might even be thinner than the original.

EDIT: left out the XL in the first line

The speakers are really, really quiet, even on full volume. The screen resolution is low. Other than that, it's very comfortable and a much better handheld than the original 3DS.

The 3DS XL is an improvement over the original in almost every field. Where it only seems lacking is on the speaker's volume field, but it's only noticeable on certain games (then again, that's rarely an issue for me since I play most of the time with headphones on).

It's much more ergonomical, especially if you have big hands, the screen being bigger also enhances the 3D effect, DS games look good even with the bigger screens (love playing DQIX and Pokemon White on it) and overall, it's worth it.

If you have big hands you probably should go with the XL. I haven't even touched one but I assume it has to feel a lot better. The regular 3DS can cramp your hand if you play for a few hours on certain games (Mario Kart 3DS for me sometimes). Usually, I just need to readjust my hands to make it feel better but sometimes I just need a break. Another way Nintendo gets me to take a break from video games (since they always remind me during their games that I should take a break).

You can get a 3DS for less than £100 if you look around.

You can get an XL for less than £140 if you look around.

So tempting......but all of my accessories go with the original 3DS. If not for that, I'd grab one today!