I imported a 2DS XL from New Zealand and of course the first thing I did was to take it apart, take some pics and offer a few of my thoughts on the console.
Pros:
- Fewest screws in any 3DS I've seen - total of 13 screws to remove the motherboard
- A single motherboard, with almost everything accessible from one side
- Micro SD slot accessible
Cons:
- Hardest 3DS to open, only 4 triwing screws, but lots of clips around the whole frame
- Poor board layout, with loads of cables poking through holes all over the board and uneven edges - miles apart from the original XL board
- TN panels. I was hoping the screens would be cross-compatible with 3DS XL screens, so that an IPS 2DS XL would be a possibility, but even if they were, the LCD connector positioning doesn't allow for it
- Feels cheaper to me. I know a lot of people have been saying they like it, but it definitely feels a lot more like a cheap plastic toy than the New 3DS XL
- Battery held down with adhesive, even though there's no need for it. Smaller capacity than other models at only 1300mAh (vs 1750mAh).
- No test points for the NAND
Pros:
- Fewest screws in any 3DS I've seen - total of 13 screws to remove the motherboard
- A single motherboard, with almost everything accessible from one side
- Micro SD slot accessible
Cons:
- Hardest 3DS to open, only 4 triwing screws, but lots of clips around the whole frame
- Poor board layout, with loads of cables poking through holes all over the board and uneven edges - miles apart from the original XL board
- TN panels. I was hoping the screens would be cross-compatible with 3DS XL screens, so that an IPS 2DS XL would be a possibility, but even if they were, the LCD connector positioning doesn't allow for it
- Feels cheaper to me. I know a lot of people have been saying they like it, but it definitely feels a lot more like a cheap plastic toy than the New 3DS XL
- Battery held down with adhesive, even though there's no need for it. Smaller capacity than other models at only 1300mAh (vs 1750mAh).
- No test points for the NAND