Nintendo Announces The 3DS XL

Posted by Adam Beck on 21 Jun 2012

At the Nintendo Direct 2012 event (which is actually just a pre-recorded video), Nintendo announced a brand new revision of the Nintendo 3DS. The new 3DS model will be named Nintendo 3DS LL in Japan, and will be priced at 18,900 yen ($235 USD). In North America, the system will be released as the Nintendo 3DS XL and will have an MSRP of $199.99.

The new screens sizes are close to 40% larger than the original 3DS (3DS: 3.53″ / 3.02″ | 3DS XL: 4.88″ / 4.18″) and the overall shape and buttons of the system have been refined. Because of the size increase, the 3DS XL will be 101 grams more in weight, making it a little more meatier, but surprisingly the battery will have a longer life. The new device will be available in red and blue and come packed-in with a 4GB card. The release date for the model is July 28th in Japan and August 19th in North America, coinciding with the release of New Super Mario Bros. 2.

(Sorry readers, no second analog nub).

Written by Adam Beck

Beck was born in the frozen tundra of Canada and he grew up with 4 fish and a pet mouse. He holds a bachelor's degree in awesome from the University of Tim Hortons. He has written for multiple publications including Bleep Blah, Bleck and The Escapist. His favorite games include a Playstation game that starts with Valkyrie.