Larger screens
Better battery life
Improved form factor
4 GB SD card included
$199 for NA

PORTABLE 3D ENTERTAINMENT GOES EXTRA-LARGE WITH NEW NINTENDO 3DS XL

Larger Version of Nintendo 3DS System Launches Alongside New Super Mario Bros. 2 on Aug. 19

REDMOND, Wash., June 22, 2012 – A big year for the Nintendo 3DS system is about to get even bigger. In a Nintendo Direct video on June 21, Nintendo revealed plans to launch Nintendo 3DS XL, a new version of Nintendo 3DS with 90 percent larger screens. When it becomes available across North America on Aug. 19 at a suggested retail price of $199.99, the new system will create even more immersive entertainment experiences for users, delivering a wealth of games and video content that can be enjoyed on the go.

Nintendo 3DS XL features an updated form factor and will be available in Red or Blue. The new system's battery life outperforms that of the original Nintendo 3DS, and it comes bundled with a 4 GB SD card, which owners can use to store content such as downloadable games and videos from the Nintendo eShop. Nintendo 3DS XL launches on Aug. 19, the same day as New Super Mario Bros. 2, a new installment in the fan-favorite Mario game series.

"No other hand-held entertainment experience compares to the fun of Nintendo 3DS," said Nintendo of America President and COO Reggie Fils-Aime. "With the launch of Nintendo 3DS XL on Aug. 19, consumers will be able to enjoy the great lineup of current and upcoming games on an even grander scale. Plus, Nintendo 3DS XL gives owners even more real estate on their screens to enjoy entertainment applications like Nintendo Video and Netflix."

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@anon_mastermind

And Europe too I heard, unless if that change again.

Posted by

VofEscaflowne

on: 06/22/12, 16:27

@VofEscaflowne

Yep and not only that but preorders are coming in at £180 too, thats $280

Posted by

warerare

on: 06/22/12, 16:34

Why...why did they not mention this at E³? Are they retarded or something? Anyway, HUGE news! I'll probably be getting this one, transferring the info to this system, and letting my son have my Zelda 3DS. Nintendo gets all my monies. Again.

EDIT- This is an edit for those that thought the second analog was going to be part of a revision. Time to admit that you were FLAT WRONG. IF the CPP was just a second analog slider, then you guys could have held out hope. But, as I (and others) have stated numerous times, they were not going to include two more trigger buttons, which are also included with the CPP. So, the CPP will always be a control option for those that have it, but it will never be included in the original design. Buck up and get one if you're going to get one, because bigger screens and a better battery life solve 90% of any problems anybody had with the original. :p

Posted by

Deerock69

on: 06/22/12, 16:35

Edited:

06/22/12, 16:40

Nintendo finally released the press announcement on their site for this (they're so slow about posting these after their Nintendo Directs are over!):

Nintendo PR said:

PORTABLE 3D ENTERTAINMENT GOES EXTRA-LARGE WITH NEW NINTENDO 3DS XL

Larger Version of Nintendo 3DS System Launches Alongside New Super Mario Bros. 2 on Aug. 19

REDMOND, Wash., June 22, 2012 – A big year for the Nintendo 3DS system is about to get even bigger. In a Nintendo Direct video on June 21, Nintendo revealed plans to launch Nintendo 3DS XL, a new version of Nintendo 3DS with 90 percent larger screens. When it becomes available across North America on Aug. 19 at a suggested retail price of $199.99, the new system will create even more immersive entertainment experiences for users, delivering a wealth of games and video content that can be enjoyed on the go.

Nintendo 3DS XL features an updated form factor and will be available in Red or Blue. The new system's battery life outperforms that of the original Nintendo 3DS, and it comes bundled with a 4 GB SD card, which owners can use to store content such as downloadable games and videos from the Nintendo eShop. Nintendo 3DS XL launches on Aug. 19, the same day as New Super Mario Bros. 2, a new installment in the fan-favorite Mario game series.

"No other hand-held entertainment experience compares to the fun of Nintendo 3DS," said Nintendo of America President and COO Reggie Fils-Aime. "With the launch of Nintendo 3DS XL on Aug. 19, consumers will be able to enjoy the great lineup of current and upcoming games on an even grander scale. Plus, Nintendo 3DS XL gives owners even more real estate on their screens to enjoy entertainment applications like Nintendo Video and Netflix."

And here's some images from the press release:







@anon_mastermind

Feel free to use any of this in your OP, I think we should make this thread a news article. Thanks!

Posted by

roykoopa64

on: 06/22/12, 16:38

Cool I guess, but...meh. I'll wait until it inevitably drops in price.

Posted by

ludist210

on: 06/22/12, 16:52

I'm stll super pumped, I just hate the launch colors, why not all black since the inside is black? I guess I will go with blue because I really dislike red anything.

Posted by

Scrawnton

on: 06/22/12, 16:55

I'm glad the launch colors suck, because it gives me more reason to hold off. (The more I see it the more I want one.)

I wish that all-white one was launching here. Hopefully it does eventually.

Posted by

rebonack

on: 06/22/12, 17:00

I think it's good business to not have a second slider, yet. Nintendo to easily sell this version of 3DS and come out with a 3DS XL Deluxe version (3DS with 2 sliders) a year from now. The sad part about it is that I will buy both with no complaints

@sirmastersephiroth

I don't understand. You listed more pro's than con's in you initial post, but you still vote "nay"? Is having a second slider really that much of a deal breaker?

Also, you forgot to mention that there will be little rubber thingies at the top of the top screen to stop the lines of death from happening.

Posted by

shinriley

on: 06/22/12, 17:09

There won't be a second circle pad, ever. Nintendo wouldn't split the userbase like that. Sony didn't either.

If having a second stick on a handheld is a dealbreaker for you, then you've already bought a Vita.

Posted by

Guillaume

on: 06/22/12, 17:15

@Guillaume

Haven't they both done that before, though? Expansion Pak? Dual Shock?

Not quite the same thing of course but it wouldn't be unprecedented.

Also feel free to boo me for bringing up ancient history!

Posted by

Kal-El814

on: 06/22/12, 17:20

Kal-El814 said:

@Guillaume

Haven't they both done that before, though? Expansion Pak? Dual Shock?

Not quite the same thing of course but it wouldn't be unprecedented.

Also feel free to boo me for bringing up ancient history!

Those are peripherals though -- additions to the system itself, not unlike the Circle Pad Pro. It's not built into a whole new version of the system. And it seems to be having a system with two circle pads would make the original 3DS less desirable, and make people feel screwed over, which is not in Nintendo's best interest.

Plus the whole adding extra shoulder buttons thing would be an issue too.

Posted by

rebonack

on: 06/22/12, 17:24

@roykoopa64
Thanks, I will.

Posted by

anon_mastermind

on: 06/22/12, 17:32

Like mentioned earlier, the problem with adding the second circle pad is that most games will be developed for it, forcing people with a regular 3ds to buy a CPP. Nintendo would not do that. I do not think we need one, of course, I have yet to play a 3ds game that really needs it. Resident evil as perfectly fine without it.

Posted by

Scrawnton

on: 06/22/12, 17:37

Why couldn't they make the hardware's colours all shiny like the former 3DS? They look... Cheap for me. As in not much work into it, not as in not expensive.

But again, it's just 30 bucks plus, so it's not THAT expensive either.

I barely have money for games. If I get that, it'll only be bought by me some 6 months after getting the Wii U, that being some 2 years from now.

Posted by

HammerLord

on: 06/22/12, 17:38

But guys, they essentially did this with the Wii Remote +. You want to play the new games on Wii that use it, you have to buy it.

Still, I don't think we will see a 2nd circle pad mostly because I don't think Nintendo is banking on too much Western support for this thing. For awhile it seemed like they were, but now... not really.

Posted by

Zero

on: 06/22/12, 17:39

@HammerLord tech can look really good if they pull off the flt coloring correctly. The DSi was flat coloring and those systems felt great, never got sweaty or grimy.

Posted by

Scrawnton

on: 06/22/12, 17:40

@Zero to build on your last sentiment, I think the Japanese gaming market thrives on handhelds and that is what will carry the 3ds, I think.

Posted by

Scrawnton

on: 06/22/12, 17:40

@Zero

I can't believe I forgot the WM+ example. Facepalm SO HARD.

Posted by

Kal-El814

on: 06/22/12, 17:47

True, the Circle PAd Pro is like a Wii Motion +.

So, I guess, eventually, maybe, it's possible the actual 3DS revision will have dual analog sticks (Nintendo did start selling wiimote plus).

BUT it's not the most accurate comparison. For a lot of games, you can replace the second stick by the touch screen, or it's not needed at all. It doesn't allow much for gameplay innovation, besides controlling a camera. The wii motion plus allowed new game design possibilities, and could not be replicated by any other means.

And this is a console revision, not just a controller. It's expensive. If we do see it, it will be towards the end of the generation.

Posted by

anon_mastermind

on: 06/22/12, 17:57

I wasn't expecting a revision would have a second analog stick, and considering what Miyamoto-san said in this recent IGN interview, this shouldn't come as a surprise to anyone.

Miyamoto-san said:

I really feel like I'm satisfied with the 3DS hardware as it is. I feel like it's the best for this generation.

"When asked about the option of including a second Circle Pad in future 3DS models, Miyamoto pointed out the system's gyroscope as a way to accommodate that need."

Posted by

roykoopa64

on: 06/22/12, 18:09