Nintendo has announced that its “New Nintendo 3DS XL” will be hitting the U.S. on February 13th, the company said during a Nintendo Direct presentation that aired in the middle of this week.
The New Nintendo 3DS XL will feature a number of improvements over previous versions of the Nintendo 3DS family.
The most noticeable is a new C-Stick, placed above and to the left of the button placement on the unit. This new C-Stick will finally allow 3DS players a less restrictive way of positioning an in-game camera in a 3D space.
The New Nintendo 3DS XL will also feature face tracking 3D which is supposed to improve the range of the 3D effects that are the staple of the 3DS experience. Previously, players had to hold the 3DS in a very specific position in order to take advantage of the 3D feature. Now, the New Nintendo 3DS XL’s face tracking camera will keep track of what position players are viewing the screen so that it provides the best range of 3D effect possible.
Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask will also be coming out on 2/13/2015
On top of that, the New Nintendo 3DS XL will feature an updated processor for faster downloads and speedier game loading, as well as support for Nintendo’s growing line of Amiibo figures.
Nintendo also announced that they would be introducing the New Nintendo 3DS XL alongside the much anticipated 3DS edition of The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask, which will launch the same day. A special Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask edition of the New Nintendo 3DS XL will also be offered.
The New Nintendo 3DS XL will also be able to play games that are specifically designed for that system; not playable on the other members of the 3DS family. The most prominent of these exclusives will be the 3DS remake of a Wii classic: Xenoblade Chronicles, which will make its way to the U.S. on April 2nd 2015.
One detail that has raised a few eyebrows is Nintendo’s decision to not include an AC adapter with the New Nintendo 3DS XL. Gamers will be able to purchase an adapter separately, or they will be able to use any of the adapters from the Nintendo DSi through the Nintendo 3DS XL, however first-time adopters will face an added cost for the ability to charge the new system.
Nintendo did not provide any pricing information for the New Nintendo 3DS XL, however retailer GameStop is advertising the system for $199.99.
There was a ton of other information revealed during the Nintendo Direct presentation this morning. You can watch the entire thing for yourself right here.
So what are your thoughts on the upcoming revision of Nintendo’s handheld? Are your wallets ready, or are you going to stick with what you have? Fulfill our obsessive need to know your thoughts in the comments section below.
Written by The Watchman
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