New Nintendo 3DS and New Nintendo 3DS XL launch on February 13th

03/02/2015

3rd February 2015 - Having sold over 1.4 million* systems to date in Japan as well as having the largest first-week sales of any remodelled device in Nintendo’s history, New Nintendo 3DS and New Nintendo 3DS XL, the latest additions to Nintendo’s handheld console offerings are set for their European debut on 13th February 2015. Offering improved controls, enhanced processing power, more comfortable 3D viewing, amiibo support as well as being compatible with all existing Nintendo 3DS software, New Nintendo 3DS and New Nintendo 3DS XL are set to offer an entirely enhanced portable handheld gaming experience.

New Controls

New Nintendo 3DS and New Nintendo 3DS XL feature a wider range of controls with the addition of a C Stick and ZL and ZR buttons. The C Stick is a second analogue controller located to the right of the system and brings new control opportunities, like intuitive camera control, to compatible games. The new ZL and ZR buttons are additional shoulder buttons located on the rear of the system which give players even more control options.

New 3D

More comfortable 3D viewing is possible with New Nintendo 3DS and New Nintendo 3DS XL due to the systems’ face-tracking capabilities. Games now leap to life in super-stable 3D, as the system’s inner camera uses face-tracking to adjust the screen images based on the player’s viewing angle, so that they can enjoy complete immersion while playing.

New Speed

New Nintendo 3DS and New Nintendo 3DS XL feature enhanced processing power that helps the systems run more smoothly and speeds up the use of HOME Menu applications, loading and downloading times. Several upcoming games will be built from the ground up, exclusively for New Nintendo 3DS and New Nintendo 3DS XL, to take advantage of this power boost.

New Customisation

New Nintendo 3DS XL will be available in Metallic Black or Metallic Blue, whilst New Nintendo 3DS will launch in Black or White. On New Nintendo 3DS only, you will also be able to customise the exterior design of the system with replaceable front and back cover plates. With a wide range of interchangeable cover plates – 12 of which will be available at launch, with more to release in the future, and in a variety of different designs and fun textures – players will be able to create a totally unique and personal look for their system.

New Possibilities

The two new handheld systems have built-in support for amiibo, Nintendo’s range of interactive figures, which have since launch last November already sold approximately 5.7 million units. The amiibo line-up gives access to extra content and features in compatible software, such as Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS and the soon to be released Code Name S.T.E.A.M. Simply tap an amiibo figure to the near-field communication (NFC) area on the lower screen of New Nintendo 3DS or New Nintendo 3DS XL to enjoy such features as bonus items and content, customisable characters and more.

“We are extremely pleased to be launching New Nintendo 3DS and New Nintendo 3DS XL in Europe following their successful launch in Japan last October,” stated Satoru Shibata, President, Nintendo of Europe. “We strongly believe that both systems are set to transform the experience players have on a portable handheld gaming system. Whether players opt for the light, compact and customisable New Nintendo 3DS or prefer the bigger screens of New Nintendo 3DS XL, both systems offer a whole host of new features that both current handheld users and those who are looking to purchase their first Nintendo handheld system are sure to enjoy.”

New Nintendo 3DS and New Nintendo 3DS XL launch across Europe on 13th February 2015. In addition to the standalone systems, Nintendo of Europe will also be launching two limited edition hardware bundles: New Nintendo 3DS XL Majora’s Mask Edition** includes a copy of The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask 3D and a New Nintendo 3DS XL system covered in artwork inspired by the game. New Nintendo 3DS XL Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate Edition*** includes a pre-installed copy of Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate and a New Nintendo 3DS XL system with an iconic emblem from the game on its cover.