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Report: 3DS XL on the way out in Japan
The super-size 3DS XL is about to be downsized in Japan, at least according to new details spotted on Nintendo's website. As Siliconera reports, Nintendo's 3DS site lists "ending production soon" notices for the seven XL colors available in the country. Nintendo's not announced anything formally, but it does seem the XL will soon be an ex-device in Japan While Nintendo's notices indicate the regular 3DS is to remain in production, the company's gaze looks to be shifting to the New 3DS. Both the XL and regular versions of the enhanced handheld continue to top Japan's sales charts, and according to data tracker Media Create they're matching the strong initial pace of the DSi, itself an iteration of the DS. Media Create estimates the New 3DS, which launched in Japan back in October, will reach 1.2 million sales by the end of 2014. Of course, there's no similar news of XL discontinuation for North America or Europe, where the New 3DS is still waiting on release dates.
Charizard 3DS XL lights up Japanese Pokemon Centers
Now that the Pikachu 3DS XL is coming to Europe, it's time for Nintendo to taunt everyone with a new unattainable Pokemon system. The Charizard 3DS XL/LL above will be released in Japan on December 15 ... only in Pokemon Center stores, and only to people who send in an order form and then win the chance to buy it.The ¥18,900 ($237) handheld features Charizard's face and wings on the front, with a design that continues on the back of the unit, including a brightly colored flame. It looks pretty exciting, even if it'll all be upside down while you're playing.
Circle Pad Pro for 3DS XL spotted at TGS, we go hands-on (video)
Nintendo is starting to make a habit of quietly releasing products at trade-shows they don't attend. Kyoto's premiere gaming outfit still isn't present on the TGS show floor, but Capcom has once again seen fit to trot out the firm's latest kit: The Circle Pad Pro for 3DS XL. Just like last year's model, this beefy cradle puts the already large 3DS XL outside the realm of pocket-ability, trading the handheld's slim profile for a luxuriously thick grip. Indeed, the fatty accessory makes the console quite comfortable to hold, adding a smooth, slightly contoured back, larger shoulder buttons and, of course, that all important starboard analog pad. The new Circle Pad's bulk is slightly more forgivable for the size of its host device. Yes, the attachment makes the XL a bit more unwieldily, but its supersized form already made it a non-contender for most pants pockets. Sadly, the accessory still sports its predecessor's greatest fault: it blocks the 3DS' cartridge slot. Gamers will have to get used to undocking their console, or else make a habit of buying more downloadable titles. Mum's still the word on pricing and availability, but the accessory was shown with a copy of Monster Hunter 4, which is due out in March of next year. We wouldn't be surprised to see it show up in early spring. Hungry for more? Check out our gallery below for an eyeful, or peek past the break for quick video overview. %Gallery-166218%
Nintendo circle pad for 3DS XL announced in Japan
Nintendo rather quietly announced that it'll be bringing the Circle Pad Pro to its colossal 3DS XL handheld. The release doesn't go into the specifics beyond confirming the eventual arrival of the accessory, which adds a second analog stick (and a few more centimeters of heft) onto the already roomy device. There's no word on pricing or availability, with both currently marked as "undecided," but hopefully the company will make its mind up before the start of the holiday season. The original Circle Pad add-on cost ¥1,500 ($19.50), so we expect this will run about the same amount. It's unclear thus far if the device will launch outside of Japan, but we expect to hear more shortly.
An extra large look at the 3DS XL
The 3DS XL is big.... Okay, maybe it isn't as big as our novelty Fire Emblem eraser makes it seem, but as a system whose main selling point is its bigness relative to the previous Nintendo 3DS, it succeeds handily.In addition to plenty of close-up pictures of our review unit, we also made sure to take plenty of comparison pictures, to help you comprehend its enormity in context. What does that giant screen look like compared to the Vita's huge screen? How big is a 3DS XL compared to a Game Gear? Find out in our gallery.And after the break, see the 3DS XL's vast screens compared to the now-petite screens on the original 3DS. We ran 3DS games, videos, and even a DS game (Game Center CX 2, the only DS game we had two copies of) simultaneously. We also compared both DS display modes - stretched and native – on both devices. A DS game running in native resolution on the 3DS XL displays in roughly the same size as a stretched DS game on a 3DS!%Gallery-161375%
3DS XL and 3DS screen sizes compared
Nintendo would have you believe the bigger screen is the 3DS XL's greatest selling point. To be honest, we're more impressed with the 3DS XL's ability to spin in place. None of our other electronics do that!
New 3DS coming to US August 19 for $199.99
The newly announced "3DS LL" will be released in North America on August 19 as the "Nintendo 3DS XL." It'll cost $199.99 and come in either red or blue, with a 4GB SD card. The release date is concurrent with New Super Mario Bros. 2.The 3DS XL has a 4.88 inch upper screen, for a 90 percent larger viewing area than the 3.5-inch top screen of the current 3DS model. The bottom screen is also larger, at 4.18 inches.The Japanese and European versions will ship without AC adapters as a money-saving measure (really!), as they are compatible with existing 3DS and DSi XL power adapters. It is currently unannounced whether the North American version will include a power cord, though we can't believe that's a question now.%Gallery-158890%
3DS LL hardware refresh on July 28 in Japan, packs 4.88 inch top screen and 4.18 inch bottom screen
Nintendo president Satoru Iwata revealed a hardware refresh for the 3DS is currently in the works during today's Nintendo Direct presentation. Dubbed the 3DS LL, this new handheld has a 4.88 inch top screen, a 4.18 inch bottom touch-screen and comes with a 4gb SD card. Iwata also said it will have slightly longer battery life than the current unit.It will not include a new AC adapter, but will be compatible with the 3DS and DSi XL adapter. The 3DS LL will initially be offered in white, black and red, and silver and black.The 3DS LL will be available in Japan on July 28 for ¥18,900 ($235).Update: It's coming to the US!%Gallery-158887%
