9:01AM BST 22 Jun 2012
Nintendo has announced an upgrade to its handheld 3DS console at its Nintendo Direct Conference.
The 3DS XL is a larger revision of the original console, featuring a 4.88 inch stereoscopic 3D top screen, compared to the 3DS's 3.53 inch screen, and a 4.18inch bottom screen, compared to 3.02 inches. The new system will weigh 336g and will feature an extended battery life of 3.5 - 6.5 hours of gameplay. The 3DS XL will not feature a second circle pad, however, and the 'Circle Pad Pro' attachment will not be compatible with the machine.
The 3DS XL will come with a 4GB SD card, rather than the 2GB card of the original 3DS. However, in order to keep costs down the 3DS XL will not come packed with an AC adaptor in Europe and Japan. The adaptor and charging cradle will be sold separately and the 3DS, DSi and DSi XL AC adaptor will be compatible with the new machine. The 3DS XL will come packaged with an AC adaptor in North America.
The 3DS XL will be available in Europe on 28 July, the console will come in three colours: blue, red and silver.
Nintendo also announced that four new 3DS games will release on the same day as the 3DS XL: Kingdom Hearts 3D Dream Drop Distance, Theatrhythm Final Fantasy, New Art Academy and Freaky Forms Deluxe. All 3DS and DS software will be compatible with the 3DS XL.
The original 3DS console launched in March 2011 and of March 31 2011 has shipped 17.3 million units worldwide. Nintendo will be releasing a new home console, Wii U, later this year.
