I got the new 3DS LL yesterday so I wanted to share my feelings on how it plays MH4G compared to the normal 3DS LL.

First, let me start by saying that the game runs great on both.

Frame Rate

The first thing I felt right away was the increased frame rate. In MH4 if you go to the weapon training quest against a Great Jaggi, it sometimes goes into 60fps mode and things feel really smooth. For some people, maybe they don’t even like it, I don’t know.

Anyway, I would say that the majority of the hunts (not all) reach this level of silky smoothness when playing on the new 3DS. It took a little to get used to but I love it.

Loading

The loading was fast on the normal 3DS but it is faster on the newer model, which makes it feel more zippy. Stuff like opening menus, moving between areas, is all a second or so faster.

3D

I don’t use 3D because it hurts my eyes after extended use, but the 3D looks phenomenal on the new 3DS and even tilting the device quite a bit has no effect on the effect. Amazing tech.

Online Speed

I found searching and connecting to online rooms a little bit more zippy on the new 3DS. It’s all the small savings that make it feel like an iPhone 5 compared to a 4S.

Bottom Right groove

I have the MH4G edition so I don’t know if it’s specific to it, but the smooth finish actually help my right hand pinky finger from hurting. I use CB so I press X+A a lot, so the stress but on that finger when holding the device is pretty heavy. But the smoother finish and slightly wider grip (since the device is a tad wider) makes for a more comfortable experience, at least for me.

Circle Pad

I admit, I never clawed since I am late to MH so I was brought up on the target camera and can use it to manipulate the camera as good as a claw player can. There are a few instances I have touched the circle pad and it’s been nice - instant camera control, but I don’t personally need it. The shoulder buttons are a little hard to reach but act as camera as well. The num is really tough on the circle pad, almost like a PC nub for mouse movement. It controls nice, though.

Game Card Slot

I actually prefer that the game card slot is on the bottom instead of the middle of the back. I often found that taking it out of my bag or pocket, I would grip it at the center, accidentally popping out the game card. Very annoying.

Overall

The definite way to play MH4G. If you are going to suck hundreds of hours of your life into it, why not play on the best? Far from a necessity though, so play away even if you aren’t getting the device ^^

Happy Hunting!