lmao yeah, I'd forgotten about that guy.
Can't say I've really thought about that second part, though. I've had an XL the whole time and, well, potentially because of that, I've never had any issues with that.
Speaking of XL, as someone who started with the DS Lite (well, as far as the DS line goes at least), I was a fan of the smaller form factor. Never had a DSi until a few months ago so I never had to make the choice between regular and XL, but I picked a regular-sized one 'cause I couldn't find black XLs. Would rather have had the XL now but the regular one is fine.
Got the original 3DS at the time, I was apprehensive of the N3DS because for some reason they decided to only release the XL version in NA. I insisted on having the smaller, original form factor I'd had since the Lite, because being much smaller = much more portable, lol. Fits into pockets better, etc., and also I had this carry pouch for the PSP and the Lite/3DS fit perfectly in it. Can't do that with the XL though... unless I found a bigger pouch, lol.
I got an XL a year and a half back looking for a secondhand new one, for various reasons. I could only find XLs so I was like, eh I'll just go for it. Never regretted it. The system fits my hands so much better, and I don't even have big hands. The bottom corners don't dig into my palms anymore, my index fingers rest perfectly on the shoulder buttons, thumbs perfectly on the circle pad/ABXY buttons, and the joint of my thumb is positioned perfectly for using the d-pad if I need/prefer to use it (though re-positioning my thumb to use the tip of it for the d-pad isn't too uncomfortable either.) L/R buttons sound so much quieter, and the Start+Select buttons are SO much better quality, it's insane. Also I like the 3D slider that clicks into the Off position, and the lack of "3D" green light that was always only distracting. Also a fan of the way top screen can lock into two different positions, to accommodate for having the 3DS sitting on my desk in front of me while i play something non-intensive.
Not as portable, but... nowadays I don't really have opportunities nor incentive to bring my 3DS outside, so that aspect doesn't bother me as much. It just sits on my desk and I use it while sitting at my computer haha.
Lately I've started a new game on Pokémon Y. I didn't like the team I had in my save file anymore, so I took some time to make a better one that I'd stick with and I've started over to use that team instead lol. I'm a little bit ocd about the details so I couldn't just change teams, I have to start a new file entirely (bunch of data gets saved in the save file about the Pokémon you've been using during your playthrough and I can't change it unless i start a new save, so yeah.)
Might take me some time to finish it because nowadays I have a hard time finding the motivation to play through games, especially turn-based RPGs, I tend to do a little bit at a time and then leave it until t he next time lol. But I'll get through it, and sometimes I just go on a binge and do a lot of it at once. Got 6 badges and I'm currently sitting at the ice cavern until I decide I want to continue, haha.