At best, Nintendo had a decent E3 that showed off the Wii U, but really shunned the 3DS from the short one hour press conference. The handheld device was given its own online conference later in the week, and it felt as if the 3DS was really unrepresented at the biggest conference of the year. Still, it’s clear that 3DS has some tricks up its sleeves, along with plenty of interesting games shown at the briefing such as Paper Mario,Luigi’s Mansion 2, and more. Now, Nintendo is hoping for a boost in 3DS sales yet again as they’ve unveiled the newest model of their handheld tech.
Last night, Nintendo revealed the 3DS XL as the next incarnation of the 3DS device that will hit stores on August 19th in the U.S., with a European and Japanese release date of July 28th. Priced at $199.99, the screen comes 90% larger than the original 3DS, expanded to 4.88 inches on the top, while the resolution will still be the exact same. The battery life has also increased up to 6.5 hours while playing a 3DS game and up to 10 hours while playing a regular DS game, though its said a full charge on the XL will take about three and a half hours.
Coming in red and blue models, the system itself has less of a glossy finish to both the buttons and the 3DS indicator at the top. The same finish is absent from the top cover as well, with the system gaining a more rounded edge. Also, contrary to popular belief, the package will come packed with an AC adapter, though will be absent from international systems in order to keep costs short.
As someone who owns a 3DS, the bigger screen certainly is enticing but not enough in order for me to purchase one. Many were actually hoping for a second circle pad in the event of a 3DS, but Nintendo firmly believes that the gyroscope is enough to make up for the absence. $199.99 is still a great affordable price for a 3DS system, and with Super Mario Bros. 3DS coming in August, it’s the perfect time to pick one up if you haven’t yet.
However, I feel more partial to the current model of the 3DS probably because while it’s smaller, that’s sort of the joy of the 3DS or even the PS Vita. I can play it while waiting in line to a movie theater or sitting shotgun in the car, and then easily slip it into my pocket afterwards. The XL is a bit thinner, but also much more of a hassle for just such an ocassion. Not to mention, the more rounded redesign looks unappealing and like its aiming for the child demographic.
But, what do you think of the 3DS XL?
