The much anticipated Nintendo Direct conference aired Wednesday morning and with it came a slew of announcements, including a new edition of the hit handheld system the 3DS.
The new 3DS and 3DS XL sports a control stick on the right side of the system, face tracking 3D picture, faster processor, and support for Amiibos; Nintendo’s line of action figure add-ons. The company announced a North American release date of February 13 for the new iteration of the 3DS XL with a retail price of $200.
The announcement is a long time coming for North American fans, as both newer 3DS handhelds were released overseas last year. Consumers were also puzzled as to why the newer 3DS (standard version) was not also set for launch alongside the XL model in the United States. The standard version while smaller, boasts a bigger screen than the current models of the 3DS, as well as removable back plates.
Perhaps most perplexing was the information that the new 3DS XL would not be sold with a charger in the box. Instead, Nintendo commented that the handheld would be compatible with older 3DS and DSi charge cables.
The broadcast also showed off a slew of games incoming for the Wii U and 3DS systems including Pokémon Shuffle, Mario Party 10 (with Amiibo support), Xenoblade Chronicles X, Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate and Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask 3D. Both Monster Hunter and Majora’s Mask will be launching with their own limited edition new 3DS XL bundles on February 13.Â
To watch the announcement in its entirety, you can view it on the official Nintendo channel.
