Nintendo unveils 3DS XL

[Livewire]

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Along with the Smash news, tonight's Japanese Nintendo Direct has revealed a new 3DS mode. The 3DS XL (3DS LL in Japan) features a larger screen (4.88 inch top screen, 4.18 inch bottom screen – 90% increase over the original 3DS) and slightly longer battery life.

Despite the increased battery life, the new 3DS XL will not include an AC adapter. You'll have to buy the cradle and charger separately.

The 3DS XL will be available on July 28th in Japan, in white, red and black, and silver and black color schemes. The system includes a 4GB SD card. No details on a release outside Japan yet, but there's a Nintendo Direct in about 5 minutes, so expect some news then!

UPDATE – The 3DS XL will be releasing August 19th in America, for $199.99.

Do you want a new 3DS XL? (Or, why not) And what do you think about the absence of the AC adapter with the Handheld? Discuss!

 

[Livewire]

What. The eff. They said they weren't going to be releasing a revamped 3DS. I wonder how much this will cost though, I may get one when it's released here and do a system transfer.

Americans get the new one for $199.99, so about as much as the original If memory serves correct.

 

[droomph]

Meh. I'll just get a 3DS - that's good enough for me.

But what is that about the charger? Why wouldn't they include it? That's how it's always been (well, maybe except for the GB but that's a different story), why would they change it nowwwww

 

[Algo Fonix]

I'll probably get one of these... next year or something. I never buy any gaming hardware early on... and given that Nintendo tends to release new versions of their handhelds, this isn't so surprising.

I'm glad the battery life is a bit better.

 

[Oryx]

They don't include the charger or build in the second joystick? Wtf Nintendo. Not impressed.

 

[JadeSkittles]

I do not approve. I mean no charger? Really? Miyamoto even said they had no plans on a redesign. Ohhhhh Miyamoto you lie. tsk tsk

 

[Captain Fabio]

and slightly longer battery life.

Yeh, you are going to need it without that charger! I mean, seriously come on. The 3DS doesn't interest me anymore, so this is just something that can move right on by.​

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[Joshawott]

I'm actually pretty relieved about this because prior to what I had thought, I don't think I'll feel the need to upgrade to this from my current 3DS, granted more groundbreaking details aren't revealed. I won't deny the fact that I'd love to see an increased resolution to broaden the experience (especially with 3D in effect), but the fact of the matter is there isn't nearly enough that appeals to me in regard to an upgrade. The increased battery life is awesome but I always play my 3DS in my bedroom with the charger in anyways (it enhances the brightness level for those of you that don't know). Plus, I never play long enough for the batteries to die out. I've only seen the battery light red once!

What's weird is that Nintendo would promote the extended battery life and not have the AC adapter bundled with the system. My younger cousins both have a DSi XL and not only do I find them uncomfortable to hold, but they also hurt my hands and affect the way I play certain games. I'll happily cherish whatever time I have left with the original model.

 

[JadeSkittles]

Well just found out the USA version WILL come with the charger but the Japanese won't Not sure about the UK version. I guess thats lucky for US people/. Myself I don't have an issue with the battery. I play 3DS games for hours and never need to charge till like maybe 6 hours into the game. Not sure why mine is good. As for the news on the system itself I never liked the DSi XL. To hard to fit in your pocket for traveling.

 

[Sydian]

Wow, I thought there would be a Lite before an XL. Anyway. As much as I like how big and beautiful XLs make things look and would LOVE to see Ocarina of Time on a big, but still small screen, I'll pass. I love my regular 3DS. :)

 

[RedJ]

Wow, I thought there would be a Lite before an XL.

I don't think the 3DS could get any smaller...lighter...Liter o-o? than it already is, so that's probably why there isn't a Lite. At least, not yet.

ANYWAY. Yeah, I'll be sticking with the regular 3DS. I never saw the point in making a system that's supposed to be easily portable BIGGER, anyway.

 

[Fenrir Reki]

If they included another control stick below the A,B,Y,X buttons, it would be worth buying, but since it doesn't, it's just a complete waste of money. Increased battery life, a bigger screen, and less portability.

Thank you Nintendo for creating yet another useless product to milk money off your customers...

 

[NatureKeeper]

Fans: We want a slimmer model!

Nintendo: No problem, 3DS XL coming up!

Sometimes I wonder about this company.

 

[TRIFORCE89]

I am relieved. I don't feel completely ripped off about buying this a year ago.

For one thing, this redesign doesn't have the second control stick. So, I don't feel like I'm missing out.
Secondly, it doesn't look as good in terms of design.
Lastly, it's an XL. Sorry Nintendo, I'm not 90. I'm interested when you make things bigger. Give me SPs and Lites. I want smaller stuff.

 

[Ephemeral Euphoria]

It looks interesting but no charger included does raise an eyebrow from me tbh, then again I've yet to get a 3DS so far so maybe I'll consider getting one of these sometime provided I can get the charger needed and the money first. At the very least the price could be somewhat better but it could also be a lot worse if you ask me.

 

[Alex]

Evil of them not to include the charger. Capitalizing on something essential, I really don't like that about this new release. I always loved that they included a charger ever since the Gameboy SP (I'm not sure about the Micro, but let's be honest - who ever bought the gameboy micro?).

Nintendo loves the reselling idea with their handhelds don't they. 2 original Gameboys, countless Gameboy advances. How many versions of the DS original have there been, 3? They could've taken a little bit more time working on their product and simply have released the DS Lite as the original DS. The DSi would have been inevitable in either case, though.

They knew there were going to make a ton of money off the 3DS. Anyone who believes they weren't already planning the 3DS XL during the release of the 3DS is a fool. Nintendo has such a strong fanbase, they can hype something up for as long as they want and it'll sell. Why can't they just hold off and release the best at once? I would've rather seen this 3DS XL as the original 3DS. A 90% increase in screen size? Why would that be in your second model!

I love Nintendo but they really have their customers by the leash.

 

[TRIFORCE89]

They could've taken a little bit more time working on their product and simply have released the DS Lite as the original DS. The DSi would have been inevitable in either case, though.

But then they wouldn't have been able to sell oodles of units twice over. Also, time frames and marketing plans come into play too. GBA was old tech. PSP was out. Had to launch then.

They knew there were going to make a ton of money off the 3DS. Anyone who believes they weren't already planning the 3DS XL during the release of the 3DS is a fool. Why can't they just hold off and release the best at once?

Because they're a business. They're not offering you a service out of the goodness of their heart. They're able to sell something to people twice. Not their fault if you buy them both.

I would've rather seen this 3DS XL as the original 3DS. A 90% increase in screen size? Why would that be in your second model!

I wouldn't. I would not want a handheld device that large. The normal 3DS is already too large.

 

[Oryx]

Agreed with Triforce, I have less than zero interest in a larger version of the handheld. I don't feel that the 3DS is too large but I don't see the point in bigger systems and wouldn't like that to be my only option if I want a 3DS.

 

[PlatinumDude]

I'm totally out of date when it comes to video game consoles...

Anyway, while the XL does look neat, it annoys me that I have to buy the charger separately. I mean, why would Nintendo not package the charger with the handheld itself? (I think it would be because they want money)

 

[TRIFORCE89]

So, apparently the AC adapter is included in North America.

Take that Japan.