As far as I understand it the 3DS and Wii games are basically identical with the only difference being some texture difference. But you may not notice at all with the small screen size anyway.
Here's a comparison video of the start of the game on the 3DS and Wii versions. The Wii version is clearly superior to the 3DS version (which is slightly more blurred) but the view distance is the same (they just lowered the texture quality and some of the polygon count). The differences are so minor though that I don't actually think playing the 3DS version first would be to much of a detriment. To be honest, even when the original came out in 2011, it was on the low texture/polygon count (being on the Wii long into the lives of the 360 and PS3) so it was never a marvel from a technical aspect. It's impressive from a thematic and artistic perspective, which seems to make the jump to the 3DS version.
And if you're worried about controls, the wii one is actually very simple from that regard (like an MMO) so it should easily make the jump to the 3DS (and thinking on it, it would probably suit a handheld better anyway).
Here's a great video review specifically about the difference to the 3DS version where, TL;DR, he recommends newcomers to start with the 3DS version.
FYI, I think the advice to wait for Xenoblade Chronicles X at this point is horrible advice. The upcoming one is actually very difference (with a focus on making your own player character over following the journey of pre-designed characters - what I personally think is the biggest selling point of the original). It's like saying to people interested in playing the original Legend of Zelda, to just play Zelda II as it's the sequel. Xenoblade on the Wii and New 3DS is a fantastic game that you should play if you like JRPG's or just fantasy story-telling in general (or if you just want to hear what Jenna Coleman was doing before Doctor Who).
Log in to comment