Windom Earle
Member
Got my new MM XL today. Viewing angles are outstanding, so I guess I have an IPS!
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New 3DS/XL top screen displays: IPS or non-IPS?
- Thread starter m0t0k1
- Start date
Was super excited to receive the GameStop Bundle in the mail yesterday. But then discovered that my precious Majora Mask system has the inferior TN Screen. I called Nintendo Repair. Explained the situation regarding TN vs IPS. They put me on hold while they consulted and none of their technicians are aware of this being an issue.
How is it that Nintendo techs are not aware of this?
I am so bummed over the screen. Planing on packing it up to return to GameStop.
How is it that Nintendo techs are not aware of this?
I am so bummed over the screen. Planing on packing it up to return to GameStop.
The difference between the top and bottom screen is obvious. The bottom one quickly washes out when you turn the unit left/right, while the top screen holds quite more. It does start washing out eventually, but that doesn't rules out IPS, since I've seen cheaper IPS screens that do the same (iPod Touch 5).
AFAIK lots of 3DS games render at 18-bit color, SM3DL being no exception. Some games use dithering, others don't (SM3DL does not). The IPS screen isn't adding banding, it's just making it more obvious due to the increased contrast.
AFAIK lots of 3DS games render at 18-bit color, SM3DL being no exception. Some games use dithering, others don't (SM3DL does not). The IPS screen isn't adding banding, it's just making it more obvious due to the increased contrast.
Me_Marcadet
Member
It's not an issue and the screen is not inferior by nintendo standard. They can't fix what isn't broken. That's why it's important to buy the 3ds from a retailer with lenient return policy in order to get a nearly perfect one and it's very hard. There's lot of combination of flaws you can get so a TN 3ds could be superior to an IPS one. You need to find one and be satisfied with it.
When I got the IPS, I was disappointed, but now I'm more comfortable with the handheld and I don't focus on the flaws anymore and just enjoy the games.
Reallink
Member
This particular unit basically looks like an emulator scan line filter in person, it's strictly horizontal and uniformly covers the entire screen. It's honestly impossible to miss, there's no need to look for it by moving the unit around or displaying solid colors. It's immediately recognizable in the varied scenery of MH4 and MM, even as a bystander.
What I was primarily trying to point out is that the "good" and "bad" units in my example have similar if not identical viewing angle performance, but vastly different color points, and it's the unit with the scan line effect (presumed IPS) that has the muted palette.
TheGreatMightyPoo
Banned
I have a TN screen and while picky with electronics, I've been too busy having fun playing games on my New 3DS to give a shit about getting the "lesser" screen.
I care more about real issues like dead pixels and whatnot.
I don't know much about tech but it's not like the IPS screen is going to make the games look like you were playing on a Vita or anything.
It really is an issue. There's a big distinction between the two types is screens.
Me_Marcadet
Member
Differences between two units don't necessarily imply an issue.
The displays were chosen by nintendo, you can't complain and ask for a refund when your unit is perfectly functional and is not faulty.
Even between two consoles with the same display type, you can still have a big difference in quality.
You can also have a looser hinge.
The big issue is the poor quality control of nintendo, not the type of display. I would be fine with both of my n3dsxl if the qc was good.
Now I need to chose between IPS properly calibrated screen riddled with scanlines and a loose hinge, and a perfect unit with a TN screen with gamma levels set too high.
If you send it in for repair, they'll only replace the bottom screen.
Also, it's hilarious to hear people complain about scan lines. In the retro community, we pay stupid money for those things.
I don't think you understand that some people justifiably consider the TN to not be as good as the IPS screen. Just because Nintendo 'chooses' to do this bullshit doesn't mean there is no issue. I imagine variance among displays of the same type are going to be quite negligible compared to the differences between the two types overall.
This is not ok to some of us.
But seriously, you're just yelling at the rain for being wet here. At this point we know Nintendo isn't trustworthy or even remotely self aware. If you choose to do business with them on any level, you know that there is a risk of being screwed. "Fool me once" and all that.
protomouse
Member
It's not a manufacturing error and unfortunately well within Nintendo's very loose specifications. The only productive course of action is to use whatever return policy offered by the reseller and hope for better luck next time.
Me_Marcadet
Member
I love scanlines in retro games, but the scanlines on my n3dsxl are just very distracting because they appear and dissappear in a nonuniformly manner.
That's why I said to pick a retailer with a good return policy if it bothers you. Officially, there's still no issue and nintendo will do nothing for you.
At least the information is out and you can act accordingly. I got the console day one and got burned, so I'm very well aware of the issue one consumer have to deal with.
Yeah I noticed this few days ago while comparing. here's some comparison shots I took: http://imgur.com/a/8zSHU
I'm now questioning why n3ds doesn't have them. RRP's aren't that different you know.
I pulled up the exact part in the MH4 demo and mine looks just like the one in the lower right. However when i pulled up the black screen as suggested in the OP the black on the top screen washed out way faster than even the lower screen.
Is the one with the most vibrant looking image in the comparison shots an IPS?
What the heck do I have? Im totally confused.
Me_Marcadet
Member
No way, the TN screen are a huge improvement over OG.
For people with an IPS screen: If you look at a black screen at Brightness Setting 5 (max) and tilt does it wash out?
Like I said in my previous post, it looks just like the really vibrant screen out of the 5 in the photos comparing the 5 3DSes.
My screen doesn't seem to wash out on colorful screens, but on completely black screens it washes out even faster than the bottom screen. It just looks like the backlight is super bright when I tilt it. I can actually see the light from the sides of the screen.
Like I said in my previous post, it looks just like the really vibrant screen out of the 5 in the photos comparing the 5 3DSes.
My screen doesn't seem to wash out on colorful screens, but on completely black screens it washes out even faster than the bottom screen. It just looks like the backlight is super bright when I tilt it. I can actually see the light from the sides of the screen.
JetBlackPanda
Member
So I got a black IPS display yesterday by luck. Had no idea this was even a thing. I checked my buddies and his is definitely a TN the viewing angle goes completely blurry where mine is crystal clear at the side.
Wuthering_Heights
Banned
What case is that?
Me_Marcadet
Member
Yes.
HORI Duraflexi Clear Protector for Nintendo NEW 3DS XL! http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00RZ7TC6Y/?tag=neogaf0e-20
Awesome! That lucky draw
protomouse
Member
So, I picked up two units with serial number YEM10079XXX Y (regular N3DS, black, Europe), still sealed. Anyone got one of these YEM1007 and can tell me anything about them?
The difference between the two XXX numbers amounts to only 30, so I'm assuming they're identical as far as components go.
The difference between the two XXX numbers amounts to only 30, so I'm assuming they're identical as far as components go.
The Lamonster
Member
I still don't understand how to tell which screen I have.
Comparing my New and old black XLs side by side, they both look sharp from an angle and neither screen looks yellow. They both look pretty similar and just fine. What am I missing?
Comparing my New and old black XLs side by side, they both look sharp from an angle and neither screen looks yellow. They both look pretty similar and just fine. What am I missing?
this is false, the new 3ds uses at least two variants of panels and once again nothing is calibrated properly to save money. here's an example of two panels.
the easiest way to check which you have is to watch and see if the wifi indicator washes out or remains readable.
panel A seems to be more common, but it also suffers from a scanline or pwm effect as mentioned in this thread.
panel B is clearly a tn screen. it does not suffer from the scanline issue however the super stable 3D is reported to be much worse with this screen than type A. this might explain why a small number claim the 3D is still crap or worse.
Wait so the one on the right actually looks while with a black screen, when turned to the side? Wow.
Mine is definitely not that. So I must have IPS.
Yup. So I glad I have Type A. I was worried when I bought my n3DSXL the other day. Turned it on and it turned out to be Type A.
Yes!
What's not to understand?
Turn your 3D off.
Turn your n3DS XL to the side. If you can see the WiFi symbol on the status bar from the sides without it looking washed out than you have an IPS screen if you don't see the WiFi symbol from the side than you have an TN screen.
protomouse
Member
So yeah, my unit definitely has a TN panel. No dead/stuck pixels or visible color imbalances. Circle pad was busted right out of the box, so it's going in for repairs.
Maybe at some point replacement panels will surface on eBay and I can do a panel swap.
Maybe at some point replacement panels will surface on eBay and I can do a panel swap.
The Lamonster
Member
I definitely have a TN screen. Purchased from GameStop.
Nintendo can fuck off.
Nintendo can fuck off.
Reallink
Member
The screen type with the scan line filter effect is a MUCH bigger deal than TN Vs. IPS. It seems there are at least 2 IPS types in circulation, one with and one without the defect. Either that or it's a manufacturing defect related to the parallax barrier or whatever technology they use for the 3d.
As someone still in the OG 3DS club (I prefer it to the XL), I was pretty disappointed by the lack of the standard-sized New 3DS in North America. However, my local Target has an IPS New XL running Majora's Mask on display, and it changed my mind. Got a case, Japan-imported charging cradle, #0 screwdriver, 32GB microSD and a charger ready to go (make it easy on a guy, Nintendo, jeez).
Anyway, I'll be New XL shopping -- after some delay -- this week. What's the current lay of the land looking like for IPS panels? Do we know if they've become more rare or less rare since launch? Are there any store recommendations in regards to lax return policies or letting customers look before they buy?
Anyway, I'll be New XL shopping -- after some delay -- this week. What's the current lay of the land looking like for IPS panels? Do we know if they've become more rare or less rare since launch? Are there any store recommendations in regards to lax return policies or letting customers look before they buy?
Metalic Sand
who is Emo-Beas?
This had me check mine and its definitely IPS for me whew! Bought a n3DS with Xenoblade.
BorntoPlay
Member
My new 3DS XL have a TN screen and there is nothing i can do because i live in Venezuela...
I have very bad luck with Nintendo's consoles recently ... My original 3ds had bad hinges and my Wii U came "factory bricked".....lol
I have very bad luck with Nintendo's consoles recently ... My original 3ds had bad hinges and my Wii U came "factory bricked".....lol
For anybody still unsure how to tell, I imagine that comparing the top and bottom screen should be a pretty easy way to tell without knowing about IPS or having an older 3DS to compare with.
Basically, if the top screen has substantially more vivid colors than the bottom, you've got an IPS. They will look somewhat comparable if you've got a TN.
Basically, if the top screen has substantially more vivid colors than the bottom, you've got an IPS. They will look somewhat comparable if you've got a TN.
xplicitone
Member
Do we know if the regular non XL n3ds has 100% IPS?
Hey ya'll. I'm so desperate to get an IPS screen that I've turned to Craigslist and eBay rather than do the retail crapshoot. As you might expect, I'm having a hard time explaining to people what I'm looking for. Dude from Craigslist just sent me these photos, by request -- don't think he tilted the screen quite enough, but what sort of assessment do you all get from these photos, if anything?
There's really too much glow for me to be able to reliably tell, to be honest - as Mistle said, the camera needs less exposure in the second shot to be able to make a decent comparison.
For what it's worth, if I tilt my own (IPS) 3DS XL by the same amount, this is what it looks like:
For what it's worth, if I tilt my own (IPS) 3DS XL by the same amount, this is what it looks like:
Pretty sure only XL's get the IPS.
Doczu
Member
So all normal n3DS have worse 3D than the XL one?
The quality of the 3D isn't related to whether a display is IPS or TN, I don't think.
Doczu
Member
Well, that post of big_z claims that TN panels have a worse 3D effect that is easily "broken", as with the older models. I'm really on the verge of buying a newer model (my launch aqua blue has battery problems) and i would love the smaller one, but my OCD regarding quality might kill me. I was fine untill i found this thread...
protomouse
Member
Not true. Rich's non-XL 3DS didn't look like it has a TN panel. Unfortunately, most of the photos in his post are gone because pomf.se shut down. It should be noted that he imported his from Australia, so he's got one of the very earliest units.
Thanks to both of you, I appreciate it. Yrael, those pictures are actually very helpful to have, just as another source for comparison.
I'm still on the hunt; the guy ended up sending me another photo, taken at more of an angle, and it was clearly a TN.
I've got another person who is going to snap some photos on a different XL. He says he believes it to be an IPS, so I might follow up for second opinions, if you all would be so kind.
Nintendo is just poking my OCD with a stick at this point.