Nintendo does it again - announces another 3DS system! The "New Nintendo 3DS" and "New Nintendo 3DS XL"! [video]
Nintendo held a special Japanese Nintendo Direct this morning and there was a lot of big reveals within it. The biggest news to come from this direct was the unveiling of another new 3DS system! Yes, another!This new system is being called the "New Nintendo 3DS" and "New Nintendo 3DS XL". I'm hoping this name is changed before it's released worldwide. Once the system has been released for a while calling it "New" will be silly.
The New Nintendo 3DS is boasting improved hardware with faster loading times and even a better battery life. Current battery life for the 3DS and 3DS XL is 3 - 5 hours and 3.5 - 6.5 hours. The New Nintendo 3DS and New Nintendo 3DS XL will have a battery life of 3.5 - 6 hours and 3.5 - 7 hours. Its a small increase and 3DS XL gamers may not notice much of a difference.
Other new features on the New Nintendo 3DS will be the inclusion of a "C-stick" similar to the GameCube controller which will be located on the right side above the game buttons. New ZR and ZL buttons have also been added to the shoulders. The game slot, power button, headphone jack, and stylus have all been moved to the front of the handheld instead of the back/side like older models. A microSD card slot has been added as well. 3D viewing is supposed to be easier with a wider angle of viewing possible and the brightness is said to change automatically according to the lighting of your location. The New Nintendo 3DS (but possibly not the New Nintendo 3DS XL) will also be customizable with Nintendo face plates.
This new handheld will also have functionality with the upcoming Amiibo figures and has already announced that Xenoblade Chronicles 3DS will be exclusive to this handheld because of the hardware requirements. I can understand updating hardware and such but the fact that there are going to be "New Nintendo 3DS" exclusive games is a slap in the face to fans. Now people will have to buy this new system to play certain games. That's low Nintendo. I'm hoping that new games wont be exclusive but just get an added visual boost or something on the new handheld. One last bit of good news is that this new 3DS will play regular DS games.
The New Nintendo 3DS is being priced at 16,000 yen (about $155 US) and the New Nintendo 3DS XL is being priced at 18,800 yen (about $185) and is due to be out in Japan on October 10, 2014. It has been confirmed that this new 3DS will not be released world wide in 2014 but to expect it at a later date.
How do you feel about the announcement of another new 3DS? Do you think Nintendo is pumping out too many versions? (2011 - 3DS, 2012 - 3DS XL, 2013 - 2DS, and 2014 - New 3DS and 3DS XL)
Watch the reveal trailer below!
Source: YouTube - GameXplain
Nintendo lifer, but this is indeed a slap in the face. Bought an original 3DS, forced to upgrade once already because of the crappy ergonomics, now I have to upgrade AGAIN to play certain new games? (and Xenoblade is a big deal to me)
ReplyDeleteNo other company does this. All of these upgrades could have been there in the first place if they quality tested better. Moving the phone jack, another stick, better shoulder button support, wider viewing angle; I discovered these limitations after about an hour of using it. This is B.S.