Just recently a limited edition Disney model of the ScanNCut DX was released, and I noticed a number of people on Brother’s Facebook page talking about upgrading their current machine to this new version. Because of this, I wanted to get in and talk about whether it is actually worth upgrading and if in fact this is really an upgrade at all.
Let’s start with the differences…
I’ll be comparing this new Disney model (SDX230D) with the current top-of-the-line model which is the ScanNCut (SDX225) which comes with all the bells and whistles including the roll feeder. Note that I am working with US model numbers here and they may differ in your country.
So what are the differences? Well, from what I can tell, there are no differences between the Disney SDX230 and the SDX225, at least in terms of machine functionality. They both work exactly the same way. Even Brother admits to this. When someone asked on the official Brother YouTube video about the ‘difference in the machine’s capabilities’ this was the response from Brother:
Brother Crafts USA: No, there are not any differences in the machines capabilities.
So what is in fact different between the two models?
1. The Price
The Disney version is $200 more than the SDX225. The recommended retail price of the Disney model is $1199.99(US) whereas the SDX225 is $999.99(US).
2. Included Accessories
The Disney ScanNCut has a number of accessories that you don’t get with the SDX225. These include the:
- Universal Pen Holder ($19.99)
- Rhinestone Trial Kit ($49.99)
- 6 Piece Tool Set ($54.99)
3. Cutting Files
The Disney ScanNCut SDX230 includes:
- 132 built-in Disney designs
- 20 bonus Disney designs
Conclusion
As you can probably tell, there is no reason to upgrade to the Disney ScanNCut SDX230 if you already have the SDX225. The only reason you might want to is if you really want those Disney cutting files and the extra included accessories. However, those ‘included accessories’ are available for purchase separately anyway and you can often find them at less than the recommended retail price. Also, Brother already sells Disney cutting files. Whether they are the same as what is inbuilt in this machine, I don’t honestly know, so it’s something you might want to check out.
On the other hand, if you have the SDX125 or any of the older ScanNCut machines and you were already thinking of upgrading to the SDX225, then you might decide to pay the extra $200 and go with the Disney SDX 230 version instead since you do get the Disney designs and the added extras.
Jennifer says
The difference between $1199 and $999 is $200.
Alanda Craft says
Thanks for that Jennifer. I have updated the post now.
Maureen Lupton says
I have in my cart the package for $19-99 but it’s in US dollars why is this when you are Australian ? what is the conversion price? regards Maureen….At the current exchange rate the package is approx $24.50. But this can change depending on the date of purchase.
Alanda Craft says
The reason why all of our prices are in US dollars Maureen is that the majority of our subscribers are based in the US.
We would truly love to have an Australian site but with only 5% of our followers being from Australia, we would soon be out of business if we went in that direction. Hope that helps to clarify things.
Joan Searing says
You must remember that Disney Designs are for personal use only. You cannot sell creations made from them or Disney will sue you. This is hardly if ever stressed when selling; also includes embroidery designs.
Alanda Craft says
Yes, exactly Joan.
Sandy says
Just a comment on the actual article. Thank you very much, now I know that I don’t need to upgrade, I kept checking with brothers USA with no response was getting to me.
Alanda Craft says
Glad we could help in some way Sandy.
Stephanie says
From what I was told by a Brother dealer today is that the Disney scanNcut will allow you to adjust the sizes whereas if you bought the add ons, you can’t. Is this true?
Alanda Craft says
When you say ‘add-ons’ do you mean the Disney cutting file packs? If yes, then I am pretty sure you can resize those. In the Brother Release Notes for Canvas Workspace for 16 January 2020 they state: “Disney patterns are resizeable and can be flipped/mirrored.”
Sharon says
Is there a new model coming out next month? I can’t find a SDX225 anywhere which makes me think a new model is coming out.
Alanda Craft says
Not that I know of Sharon. The reason why you may not be able to see the SDX225 for sale is that it is only usually available from a physical store. It’s a bit like their sewing machines. You can only often find a few of their sewing machines for sale online – usually, the smaller cheaper models and their expensive models are only available from a dealer with a physical store. This also applies to the ScanNCut. You will find the SDX125 online for sale but not the SDX225.
Frances says
I cant get to you site as you do not accept my e-mail why
Frances Donovan
IRELAND
Alanda Craft says
I’m not sure what you are referring to. Are you trying to subscribe to the newsletter or are you trying to login at our training academy at alandaonline.com?
Erica Kennedy says
Hi
Is there a printable pattern list for the SNC 230 DX disney
Alanda Craft says
If you go to this page, you should be able to get the list.
https://support.brother.com/g/b/manualtop.aspx?c=us&lang=en&prod=hf_sdx230deus
ColoradoKate says
Anyway to get someone to explain on paper – like real printed instructions not a youtube video clip on how in the heck to get an unlocked Disney file to my sdx230D??????
Mamalorelein says
I thought there was no real reason to upgrade either until I went to the Road to California quilt show this week. If you have a Luminaire, the Disney designs are sort of incidental. The added features for editing and transferring between the machines to make applique quicker and easier are the big reason to upgrade.
Alanda Craft says
I’d love to know exactly what those “added features” are because according to Brother, the machines are the same except for the look and additional accessories.