If you're shopping for a handheld console, you might first think of getting a Nintendo Switch. After all, what's not to like? It's a great piece of tech and incredibly popular. However, it's also worth considering the Nintendo 3DS. This is an older model so it doesn't receive the attention that the Switch now gets, but it would be a mistake to overlook it, and in fact, there are a number of reasons why it can be an even better option than the Switch.

Legacy
The Nintendo 3DS was a smash hit console that defined a moment in video game history, and which still stands up today. If you're into consoles and gaming, and Nintendo specifically, then this is a piece of tech that you would want to have in your collection. Which is not to say that it's a museum piece! It's still relevant and endlessly playable, and a must-try for any gamer who likes to experience everything on offer, whether it's cutting edge or nicely seasoned.

Cost
This is an important factor for most shoppers, and the 3DS is an absolute bargain. Considering its quality and how much fun you'll get out of it, you're getting a lot of bang for your buck. Add in that it's a definitive piece of tech from arguably the most iconic games manufacturer on the planet, and the deal looks all the better. The cheapest model of 3DS can be picked up for less than $100, but even if you go for a more expensive model, you'll still be saving money compared to a Switch. In fact, they're such good value, it would even be worth grabbing one in addition to a Switch, if you want to have a full collection.

Battery Life
In the world of portable tech, battery life can be a key factor when choosing what to buy, and this is another area in which the 3DS comes out on top. It depends exactly which model you get, but the best performance comes from the 3DS XL, which will give you about seven hours playing time. At the lowest end of the battery life charts is the 2DS, which can keep you playing for about 5.5 hours. Even this, though, has proven better than the Switch.

Portable and Robust
It sounds obvious, but an important consideration when choosing a portable console is, yes... portability. And on this metric, the 3DS beats out the Switch again. To give the Switch its due credit, it has an incredibly innovative, original design that makes it unmistakable and a lot of fun to use. However, when it comes to pure practicality, top score would have to go to the 3DS. The simple, clam-shell construction makes it feel secure and protected when closed, meaning you can throw it in a bag and not worry about damage.

Appearance
Following on from the previous point, the simple design creates a practical, clean appearance. If you're interested in console aesthetics, or if you just like your gadgets to look smooth and robust, then you can't go wrong with a 3DS. There's a variety of colors and overall it looks great, although of course, this comes down to a matter of taste. What's certain is that in appearance, it's very distinct from the Switch, and if design is your thing, then it's a classic.

Easily Available
It's no secret that people are having difficulties picking up some electronic devices recently, and this is true when it comes to the Nintendo Switch. It may be temporarily out of stock with some retailers, and it's often difficult to say for certain when devices will be available again. This is not true everywhere, but if it's the case for you, then the 3DS makes for an ideal back-up plan, as it's easily available and you should have no problems getting your hands on one. And the great thing is, if you get one simply because it was available, you might find you like it better than you would have liked your plan A purchase, and you'll save some money too.

Games
Lastly, let's consider a critical factor: the Nintendo 3DS has a mind-blowing range of games to choose from. Because it's been around for a decade and is a Nintendo product, it's built up a vast library of titles, covering every possible genre and niche. And of course, being a blockbuster product, it attracts the best developers in the world and has some of the biggest name franchises.

Additionally, as with the console itself, the prices are competitive. The most you'll pay for a 3DS game is around $40, while the standard cost for a Switch game is around $60. Pick up a 3DS and you'll have access to a decade's worth of gaming excellence, at a very attractive price point, and will own a modern gem that has a unique place in the world of video games.