Wonder if the new Nintendo 3DS XL screen makes a difference? Have a look at New Super Mario Bros 2 on both systems.
The folk over at Kotaku recently put the new hardware to the test against the original Nintendo 3DS by playing the latest Mario platforming epic side by side. The XL's screens are around 90% bigger thanks to the enlarged 3DS shell, and there's a fair leap in impact and the immersive 3D effect.
In our own hands on session we praised the console's "clearer, larger output image", noting how reports of pixelation issues by some were simple over-reactions. On an overall scale, it seems bigger is better in this situation.
Have you tried/purchased a Nintendo 3DS XL console? Do you prefer the screen size and quality compared to the original?