I'll offer an opposing opinion. Most people prefer the XL, but I really don't. It has a few advantages, like battery, screen-reflectiveness, and comfort, but I absolutely hate it. For one thing, the system is really ugly. The plastic looks like the sort you'd find on a cheap toy, and the colors are all incredibly ugly. But my main problem is the screen. The 3DS already has a preposterously low-res screen, and blowing it up just makes it look like a jaggy, disgusting mess. The 3D effect might be "deeper," but the resolution makes me feel like I'm playing on some ancient device used for math games or something.

If I were you I'd try to get your hands on both and see which you like. If you can't I would probably just go with the XL because most people seem to prefer it, so you've got a better chance of being happy with it.

I wish for another fantastic Nintendo revision ala DS Lite and GBA SP

XL is better but seems kind of rushed (Used DS speakers) and I'm not too keen on the plastic. They gotta have one more in there, possibly even a dual circle pad version.

3DS Pro due in 2014.

I completely agree, except I actually found the 3D worked better on the smaller screen. Might be a quirk of my vision, though.

Ergonomics is my main reason for upgrading to the XL.

I really dislike the plastic-y look of the XL but it does feel better in the hands. In the end, I went for an original 3DS that was on sale for $130 new. If you can find a deal like I did, I would consider it.

As a non-XL owner, I suggest the XL.