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."

URL to share (right click and copy)

@Deerock69
Agreed, I don't like the red or the blue, and besides I just bought a blue XL!

I'd really prefer silver like they have in the UK, or just simple black or white. Oh well.

Posted by

deathly_hallows

on: 06/25/12, 17:38

PuissanceNintendo posted an article about the 3DS XL since they got an early hand-on on it. The thing that interest me most is the fact that the 3D effect feels easier on the eye and more natural.

I know many of you do not read french, so here's a quick auto translate of the article. Enjoy!

Posted by

Davoid

on: 06/26/12, 23:09

@Davoid

Hmm, I'd like to be able to see how improved the 3D effect is in person. It would definitely be one of the main selling points if I were to get one... and it is tempting after this. Though I still hate the fact that it's not very portable for StreetPass functions.

Posted by

VofEscaflowne

on: 06/26/12, 23:21

@Davoid

Does it say anything about the D-Pad?

Posted by

Jargon

on: 06/26/12, 23:22

@Jargon

It says that the buttons are of better quality but it doesn't specifically mention the D pad unfortunately.

Posted by

VofEscaflowne

on: 06/26/12, 23:26

@Davoid
Look at the size of that freaking screen, my God.

Posted by

deathly_hallows

on: 06/27/12, 02:32

@VofEscaflowne, get a Gucci bag. ;)

@Jargon nope. But I feel the D-Pad will not be a clicky one anymore. We'll see. I bet Ign will have some hand-on impressions soon.

@deathly_hallows isn't it just glorious!? My eyes will pop for sure.

Posted by

Davoid

on: 06/27/12, 02:43

Edited:

06/27/12, 02:43

Posted by

shinriley

on: 06/27/12, 03:02

Edited:

06/27/12, 03:09

I do like that at least the bottom of the unit is colored to match the top, but why, WHY, does (do) Nintendo release barfy dual-tone colored systems? WHY!!! The 3DS is super gnarly despite being a whole bunch of colors, as they blend well together and feature a rad metallic finish. But plain jane red or blue, with a tacky black hinge and black insides? Boring, ugly, generic, and stupid. However, I'll be getting it just because I'm a sucker, and because I adore my DSi XL (which, I thought, was rather elegantly colored/designed). Had the white 3DS LL from Japan been made a US color option, I wouldn't be as whiny - and I don't even like white colored handhelds!

Posted by

NoName

on: 06/27/12, 04:38

Why is the bottom so roundy? Looks weird, maybe it's just the picture... but it looks like a ladies compact or something that hold birth control pills, or something.

Love that shiny silver though, sexy. Why can't we have silver NOA?

Posted by

deathly_hallows

on: 06/27/12, 04:51

deathly_hallows said:

Why is the bottom so roundy?

Comfort? Ergonomy?

Posted by

Guillaume

on: 06/27/12, 05:07

i would have to assume comfort.

Posted by

CommanderRadio

on: 06/27/12, 05:16

@Guillaume
What's not comfy about the DSi XL and it's fat boxy bottom? lol

But yeah you're probs right, the tapered edges probably make is seem thinner too, like a MacBook air.

Anyone else gonna miss the 3-D light? I know it's useless and maybe even distracting, but I kinda like it.

Posted by

deathly_hallows

on: 06/27/12, 05:22

Edited:

06/27/12, 05:24

Dammit, the more I see of this system the more I want it.

Posted by

rebonack

on: 06/27/12, 06:14

@deathly_hallows
The roundness is the best part! I hate the squareness of the regular 3DS.

Posted by

carlosrox

on: 06/27/12, 06:39

Posted by

Guillaume

on: 06/27/12, 07:04

Are the buttons clicky? I guess I can't really justify buying a new 3DS, but if I had a choice between the XL and my current 3DS, I'd get the new one in a heartbeat. It looks way more comfortable.

Posted by

PogueSquadron

on: 06/27/12, 07:23

Puissance Nintendo says

-Huge screen
-Better viewing angle
-3D effect looks better/more effective/more natural
-2D mode looks better than regular 3DS
-Image looks better/softer (they assume there might be some filter but not sure)
-The grip (round corners) fit nicely
-Unit fits better in hands (they wonder if it should've been the main design in first place)
-Unit is lighter than they expected
-There's a coat in the unit (not fully matte) that gives it a "deluxe plastic imitating metal" look
Not sure at the sound as the room was quite noisy

Posted by

carlosrox

on: 06/27/12, 07:24

@carlosrox Sounds nice, but how can they not test for ghosting?!

Posted by

Renjaku

on: 06/27/12, 08:45

I wanna know if the dpad is more like the DSi or the DS Lite or the GBA Micro.

Posted by

anon_mastermind

on: 06/27/12, 08:59