Nintendo just held the Nintendo Direct Conference during which they unveiled the 3DS XL. The unit will hit European markets on 28 July but no price has been confirmed; the unit will cost $199.99 in the USA however.
The 3DS XL features Nintendo’s largest handheld screen to date; it’s 90% larger than the standard 3DS screen, which gives it a measurement of 4.88 inches. The 3DS has a screen size of 2.02 inches. The lower screen on the 3DS XL is also 90% larger. Battery life has also been improved and will last between 3.5 and 6.5 hours when playing 3DS games. That’s about an hour longer than the 3DS. Interestingly, Nintendo didn’t take this revision opportunity to add that second circle-pad.
In order to keep the cost down, Nintendo says that the 3DS XL will NOT ship with an AC adaptor. This will be sold separately, but all previous 3DS, DSi and DS XL chargers will work on the 3DS XL. If you don’t have one of those, then you’ll be able to pick up an AC adaptor for an additional price, making this the least viable DS handheld for first-time buyers.
It’s also been confirmed that New Super Mario Bros. 2 will be released in August for the 3DS. What’s more, Nintendo will be providing DLC for the game post launch. The DLC will add more Coin Rush levels to the game. Coin Rush is a new game mode that was recently revealed; in this mode you need to collect coins across three levels to post highscores that are then shared via StreetPass.
Finally, Professor Layton and the Miracle Mask will be getting a western release in October. This will be the franchise’s first proper 3DS title. You can see a trailer for the game below.
Source: Eurogamer 1 and Eurogamer 2
