This evening, Nintendo unveiled the Nintendo 3DS XL – or 3DS LL in its native Japan – an upsized version of its latest handheld device.
Featuring a new case, huge-ified screen size and slightly longer-lasting battery, the 3DS XL goes on sale in July 28 in Japan and Europe, and August 19 in North America and will cost ¥18,900 or $199.99, respectively, with no word yet on a European price. The device will ship in three color schemes: Black, Black x Blue and Black x Red.
Similar to the extra-sized Nintendo DS XL, the 3DS XL’s top screen is 90 percent bigger than its predecessor, measuring in at 4.88 inches. The bottom screen gets a 90% increase as well, measuring in at 4.18 inches.
With the new device, the battery will be extra-sized as well, lasting approximately 3.5 to 6.5 hours while playing 3DS games (compared to the original’s 3 to 5 hour lifespan) and 6 to 10 hours playing regular DS games. (as opposed to the original 3DS’s 5 to 8 hours)
However, in a cost-cutting move, the 3DS LL will not ship with an AC adapter – Japanese gamers will have to pay extra, though it will reportedly work with the current 3DS adapter. In North America however, Nintendo will continue to include a power plug.
We’re not entirely surprised, but it bears mentioning that the new 3DS does not feature a second circle pad. There’s no word yet whether there will be a Circle Pad Pro XL anytime soon, but in the meantime, it seems as if games like Resident Evil and Kid Icarus will have to be played without.
What do you think? Is this the device that’ll tip your hand into purchasing a Nintendo 3DS? If you’ve already bought one, do you feel cheated by this new addition? Let us know in the comments!
