Matt

EDIT: No smaller model in North America, only the XL





Features/differences from the existing 3DS models:

• analog stick on the right hand side of the handheld, referred to as the C-Stick
• additional ZL and ZR shoulder buttons
• facial camera tracking that follows the player's line of sight - better 3D
• automatic brightness toggling based on environmental lighting
• built-in NFC technology for use with Amiibo figures
• wireless transfer of media files between the handheld and a PC
• a more powerful CPU, which allows faster download speeds and improved graphical capability
• Certain titles that specifically utilize the system's increased CPU performance, such as Xenoblade Chronicles, will only be compatible with New Nintendo 3DS systems and cannot be played on previous systems
• Memory storage has been changed from SD cards to Micro SD cards
• improved battery life
• compatible with all Nintendo 3DS game software
• There will be interchangeable faceplates available for the New 3DS, but not for the New 3DS XL
• It is presumed that prices will remain at the same price points of the current models, $170 for the New 3DS and $200 for the New 3DS XL
• AC Adapter is not included in any of the SKUs
  
  More: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Nintendo_3DS
  

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Just some of the faceplates for the N3DS that are available in Japan:

fujishig

Wait, I don't get the colored buttons on the New XL?

How did the DSi do? That was the one revision I never bought, because I didn't really see the point or see any must have games, and I have to admit this feels similar. I realize the exclusive games are currently Xenoblade and Monster Hunter, plus enhanced graphics for stuff like Majora's Mask, but I'll need a bit more to jump onboard now (as opposed to the first pricedrop).

Also, changing the type of memory kinda sucks.

fumanstan

Neither, I just got a 3DS XL last year and don't see a reason to upgrade. I mentioned this a lot during the initial announcement, but I'm not a fan of Nintendo upgrading the hardware within the same "generation" of systems resulting in either different features depending on the system you have or in the rare case of exclusive titles. I'd rather they have waited and released a brand new handheld completely that separates from the existing 3DS line.

Mike86

I've been tempted to buy a 3DS or possibly a 2DS so this is almost tempting. My luck though the second I would decide to pick up the New 3DS Nintendo would probably announce a new handheld soon.

Moopher

Gonna buy on Day One!

E Unit

Yeah, that italicized bulletpoint, that's going to create all sorts of hell. I don't get why they're releasing this. I like my 3DS plenty. No reason to upgrade here.

EinCB

I might get one if I can trade mine in. Also, I'm a little concerned I won't be able to use some accessories I got for my XL. And I would love to play Xenoblade Chronicles.

Supermallet

I may not even get this one, maybe if there are some amazing trade-in deals. I think I'd go from the current XL to the new regular 3DS if I did make the switch.

DynamicKnight

For me it's about how many exclusive New 3DS games come out. I don't think I would trade in my 3DS XL simply because after my experience of trying to transfer between my old regular 3DS and it caused me to lose all my data. If Nintendo launches a transfer app like they did for the Wii and Wii U, I would be sold.

My Other Self

I've yet to take the 3DS plunge (I always wait for what should be the last iteration of a handheld, due to Nintendo's past history) but Majora's Mask 3D, along with this, is making me strongly consider it. I think it's probably time.

Is "the next handheld" already in the pipeline to be released in the next few years?

Matt

Ooh shit--Nintendo Direct is suggesting only the XL models will be released in North America.

EDIT:

New Nintendo 3DS XLs launch February 13 in red, black, and Majora's Mask versions for $199.99, along with a limited-edition bundle Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate for $229.99





No A/C adapter included

mhg83

There's gonna be a hell of aot of confusion when people buy these new games that only work with the new hardware. They'll come home to find out the game won't work on their 3DS. The damn thing looks way too similar and has the same freaking title.

And people will see the title "new" and just think it's a new copy of the game and not a used one.

EinCB

I guess I'd be correct in saying that Majora's Mask edition doesn't come with the game?

Matt

Yeah, apparently so. Preorders for all four SKUs are up at GameStop. The red, black, and Majora's Mask SKUs are all $199.99 each, but Monster Hunter 4 is $229.99.

fumanstan

I wonder if regular 3DS sales became non-existent after the XL came out that it wasn't worth releasing in the US. American's liking things bigger and all...

EinCB

Can I use the same carrying case, Duraflexi protector and Hori filter I bought for the 3DS XL?

stingermck

Jesus. And this is why I havent had a nintendo hand held in 10 years. Too damn confusing.

Matt

The screens are the same size, but the exterior of the New XL is slightly bigger, so any formfitting-type cases (like the Duraflexi) will probably not work.

There's a size comparison thingy in the OP.

fujishig

They had the same problem with the DSi, which was mitigated by the fact that so few exclusive games came out for it. Unless Nintendo is paying you extra, why put in the extra money to use the extra horsepower and then limit your sales? That's the big problem with these minor upgrades. Unless the system lives on for a long, long time.

Obviously, if you haven't bought one yet, you might as well buy the new one (though the old ones are currently being discounted).

What are the exclusives anyway, Xenoblades and Monster Hunter? That's very Japan/hardcore gamer-centric, though I guess those are the guys who would upgrade here anyway.

Who am I kidding, if they release the right exclusive I'll be in.

Did I mention I have two of those stupid dual stick things, one I bought for the original 3DS right before they came out with the XL, when I bought another one? Any reviews on if the nub is good enough to make that obsolete (because I'm not buying another one if I do upgrade, considering how few games use that)

fumanstan

I guess not having an AC Adapter is something Nintendo started doing in other regions, but I think that's fucking stupid.

Also, regarding the regular 3DS -

http://kotaku.com/nintendo-sorta-exp...-mi-1679500252

M Polo

I was able to grab one of the new Majora's Mask 3DS's. Expensive day with that and the Majora's Mask LE game as well.

Looking forward to it. The AC adapter business is a little wonky, but I have a ton of them laying around from past systems, etc., so no big deal to me.

mewmartigan

The lack of AC adapter is stupid because its a proprietary adapter! If you could charge the thing using micro-usb, then fine but otherwise, its a pain in the butt. I would probably trade in my old 3DS XL for this one...so will, I take a hit on trade-in because I don't give them the charger? Or do I give away the charger and then have to buy one separately?


Gamestop is offering $100 trade in for a 3DS XL towards the purchase of the new one. So that is nice but its still $100 out of pocket for improved 3D and the nubbin stick. Although I really do want to play Xenoblade Chronicles.

I wonder how many games will be exclusive to the "new" 3DS?

EinCB

Still trying to figure out if it's worth trading in my Zelda 3DS XL.

Guru Askew

If they used the same adapter for the DS and/or the Wii U controller that would be one thing but they are all different.

If I get one I might be able to swing it because my nephew got my 1st-gen 3DS and he would similarly inherit the XL and his little sister would surely inherit the 1st-gen, and they could make do with a single charger and I'd keep the XL one.

Most people won't have access to their previous ones. A lot will be trading them in. Selling an electonic device without a charger is pure balls.

Matt

I'm debating that, too. The $100 trade-in isn't a bad deal, but my Zelda XL is worth more than that, especially since I've got accessories for it that I can't use with the New Sexy, like the Duraflexi case and a 32 GB SD card.

Then there's the whole issue of trying to transfer data when you trade it in at GameStop, which will probably be a huge pain in the ass. Might be easier just to buy a new one outright, do the transfer, and sell the old XL on my own.