Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

If you asked "What's the difference between the old version and the new version Cyber grip for the New 3DS XL?", then this is for you, because it just so happens that I bought BOTH and I'm going to review both grips side-by-side. For the purpose of this review, I'm naming the original grip as "Version 1" and the newer grip (Grip 2) as "Version 2". I also conveniently color-coded them in the picture as blue (Version 1) and green (Version 2). If you want to find out who the winner will be for YOU, you'll have to read the rest of the review, because there wasn't an actual winner for me. What system are these grips for?: Both of these grips are only for the New 3DS XL (or in Japan, it's called New 3DS LL). So if you've got the old 3DS XL, then this grip will NOT fit correctly. What is the main difference between Version 1 and Version 2? The main difference is the location of the "fake trigger" - since I have no idea what that's called, I'm just going to call it the fake trigger, so bare with me here... It's where you rest your index/middle finger (see pictures). In Version 1, the fake trigger sits higher up on the grip case. In Version 2, the fake trigger sits closer to the middle of the grip case. Both has their own benefits, and I actually find both very useful for different games. I thought I would like Version 2 better because I have small hands (girl hands here), but actually, it wasn't all that comfortable at all when I play games that utilizes the ZL and ZR buttons (especially playing with games that are real stylus-heavy because the weight is not evenly distributed - more on that later). That's right; the improvement that went into Version 2 that was supposed to specifically deal with the problem of reaching those buttons comfortably didn't work for someone like me. That's not to say that Version 1 was any easier to reach ZL and ZR, but I did find it easier on Version 1 with my small hands because I had no choice but to overreach, which then gets me so used to it that I don't even think about the slight inconvenience. On other reviews, most people say it's more comfortable to reach ZL and ZR on Version 2, and while I prefer Version 1 for these games for those buttons, it wasn't that big of a deal either. Between both versions, Version 2 was more comfortable when playing for longer hours when I didn't have to use ZL and ZR or a lot of the stylus. I also noticed that the bottom grips where your palms wrap around was slightly thinner in Version 1. It's barely noticeable to the naked eye, but since I have both versions, I definitely FEEL the difference. It's shaped a little differently there. Having a bigger grip to wrap my palms around was way more comfortable for me in Version 2. For some people, this will make a world of difference. What about the right analog c-stick/analog stick/analog nub? How does that feel with Version 1 and Version 2?: Version 1 feels more comfortable because with the fake trigger higher up, my thumb reaches the right analog stick more naturally. Version 2 is just as easy to reach, but it's not as natural. Which grip is more versatile? Versatile doesn't necessarily mean good or bad: Version 2 is more versatile. When playing regular games, I've got my index finger on the fake trigger. When playing games that utilize ZL and ZR, I place my middle finger on the fake trigger and have my index fingers reach the L, R, ZL, and ZR. That feels okay to me - uncomfortable, but I can work with it. In Version 1, my index finger is always on the fake trigger - I NEVER need to rest my middle finger on the fake trigger. If I need to reach L, R, ZL, or ZR, I take my index finger off the fake trigger and (over)reach for those buttons. That feels okay too. Annoying factor: Version 2 does not sit upright when the screen is opened. It tips over when it becomes too heavy on the top side with the screen opened. Version 1 also has this problem, but not as badly. Good thing that both of them have the flaps on the underside to prop it up. It isn't adjustable though, and I would be very careful not to break the flaps because it feels kind of flimsy. Well, I've used the flaps for over 50 hours and it's still fine. lol. In the picture, you'll see Version 1 sitting properly, whereas in Version 2, the device is tipped over. My biggest complaint: One-handed usage (ie. one hand on the console, one hand with the stylus): Version 2 is considerably more UNcomfortable when you have to take your right hand off the grip to use your stylus for games that are stylus-heavy (such as Persona Q). It cramps up your left hand. I prefer Version 1 much more for this. Since the trigger sits higher on Version 1, the balance of the device is more evenly distributed when you're holding the grip with one hand. Version 2's trigger sits lower so you'll feel the weight of it when playing for longer hours (or literally in just 30 min...). Texture, sturdiness, materials, value: Both textures are the EXACT same. It's made of plastic with a rubberish coating. Neither feels heavier nor lighter than the other. Neither feels flimsier nor sturdier than the other. If you've owned one of these Cyber grips in the past (as I did for my old 3DS XL), it's mostly the same materials and build. They may be pretty light and flimsy to some people who's got really high standards (which is fine), but I've got to say that having owned my old Cyber grip for the older 3DS XL, I will only use these grips because I love them. They're just nice to touch and hold. And plus, they hold their value since it's not widely sold in the states, so I pretty much sold my old Cyber grip for close to the same price as I bought it, which I will probably do for these two grips if I ever get tired of them. Will these grips scratch the device?: No. That's why I love the Cyber grips. I like to keep my devices looking as pretty as the first day I bought it without completely covering up the beauty of the 3DS XL (for example, the Nerf cases). However, it's not going to give your device the same protection as it would with, say, a Nerf case. This kind of grip case is only meant for gripping your 3DS comfortably, as the name suggests. Is it easy to install?: Like a breeze. Just snap it on. The device doesn't fall off the grip case, but then again, I was never rough with it. I can lie on my back and not worry about the 3DS falling on to my face. Is it easy to uninstall?: Yep. Just lightly press on the tab on the grip case and lift your device out. On the long run, do I use Version 1 more or Version 2?: Well, if you must know, I use Version 2 a lot more. It's just more comfortable to me for the games that I have, which most do not utilize ZL and ZR. If I had to nitpick though, I wear a ring on my ring finger which makes Version 2 less comfortable on my left hand. I don't have that problem with Version 1. Testing this on an unsuspecting user: I tried both grips on someone else who didn't have any idea I kept switching out the grips from time to time, and guess what? They noticed absolutely nothing at all. That should tell you something; that if you aren't biased, you won't notice any difference and will eventually get used to any grip case you decide to purchase, whether it's Version 1 or Version 2.