Topic: New 3DS XL Heading to North America Next Month

[Steel Diver]

The improved 3DS is coming soon, but only the XL version of the New 3DS is launching in America.

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/39378/new-3ds-xl-heading-to-north-america-next-month

The New Nintendo 3DS XL is coming to North America on February 13.

Two colors, red and black, will be available at launch. The New Nintendo 3DS features extra buttons and a C Stick. The C Stick will work with games like Super Smash Bros. along with Circle Pad Pro games like Steel Diver: Sub Wars. Built in Amiibo support comes alongside a longer battery life and MicroSD Card support. The system does not come with a AC adapter, and must be purchased seperatly, unless you use an old one as it is compatible with 3DS AC adapters.

[Adrock]

Seriously? Only the XL version. That's the one I'd get, but this is still an odd choice. It seems like the standard 3DS is the one people want to replace more.

And I was really looking forward to that blue color. I decided to hold off on trading up to a New 3DS when my brother said he no longer wanted to play Monster Hunter 4, but not having to color I wanted makes this even easier.

[science pete]

This is disappointing. I have a 3ds XL right now and really love it, but I was wanting to upgrade to the smaller size with the new 3ds.  I do most of my gaming at home, but would like a smaller, more compact 3ds to take with me when I'm out and about.  Plus I was really excited for those face plates.

Maybe I'll import the Japanese new 3ds...

[Soren]

So the question on everyone's mind is...


Can we trade in a 3DS without giving up the AC Adapter?

[Triforce Hermit]

I don't want the XL though. I want the standard size N3DS. Yeah, I'm going to hold off until I see where this goes or some really nice limited edition comes along.

[Mythtendo]

I'm with Triforce, I was interested in the New 3DS, not the New 3DS XL. I was already on the fence about getting the New 3DS, but this makes me decide to stick with my original 3DS.

[GK]

Want the XL though the lack of choice is odd...

[motang]

I am all over this! 

[Leo13]

Not me I'm all in. I bought a small 3DS years ago and passed it to my wife when I got the XL. Now I'll pass the small to my 5 year old and the XL to my wife cause I'm getting the New XL

[Adrock]

I feel like the regular New 3DS will be released in North America eventually. Nintendo is still calling the larger model an XL. I'm not sure it would need to specify if there's only one model coming out.

[Ian Sane]

I think it's worth noting that NOA has been the most incompetent branch of Nintendo since Reggie took over.  I know he's fun at E3 conferences but the company has made some questionable decisions with him on top.

It's funny because I just read an article yesterday on a different site where in preparation for the North American release they had played with import New 3DS's and their verdict was that the normal sized New 3DS was the better buy and now that recommendation is a waste of time.

The face plates are a selling point and NOA won't offer that at all.  The conspiracy theorist in me is thinking that they figure they can sell more special editions if people have to buy a whole new system to get the look they want rather than use the face plates.  The lack of an AC adapter is a big "**** you" move but then I think NCL was already doing that.  Since you can't recharge the system without one, an AC adapter should be included every time.

Since I've been rooting for the New 3DS to be a complete bomb because I don't like Nintendo doing these half-step upgrades it's actually in my best interests that NOA is goofing this up.  Some people don't want an XL and will probably stick with their regular 3DS until the New 3DS is available in the model they want.  Not offering the model may make the initial sales figures lower and devs will only commit to the New 3DS if it quickly builds a userbase.  A botched launch may keep devs on the old 3DS and if the games aren't there to justify an update how will the 3DS sell?  It's pretty important to get this right from the start.

[Adrock]

For all intents and purposes, New 3DS is going to be treated like a regular 3DS.

And Nintendo is smartly launching with Majora's Mask 3D and Monster Hunter 4. It got that part right so I don't see this being a botched launch by any measure. The absent AC adapter is kind of lame, but I have one. Nintendo solidified my decision for me by not offering the color I wanted.

[Leo13]

For all intents and purposes, New 3DS is going to be treated like a regular 3DS.

And Nintendo is smartly launching with Majora's Mask 3D and Monster Hunter 4. It got that part right so I don't see this being a botched launch by any measure. The absent AC adapter is kind of lame, but I have one. Nintendo solidified my decision for me by not offering the color I wanted.

Zelda IS the color I wanted. I'm still kicking myself for not getting the fire emblem one and the Link Between Worlds ones