Nintendo 3DS XL coming to Europe next month
90 per cent larger screen and double battery life.
Nintendo has announced the 3DS XL this morning at its Nintendo Direct Conference. The new handheld will launch on 28th July in Europe.
It features a 4.88-inch top screen (diagonally), making it 90 per cent larger than the current 3DS' top screen (3.53 inches diagonally). It's the largest screen ever on a Nintendo handheld.
The 3DS XL is proportionally larger, relative to the rest of the system. There's no second circle pad, though.
The 3DS XL is heavier, too - weighing 336 grams to the 3DS' 235 grams.
Nintendo 3DS XL also features a much larger battery life, estimated to last between 3.5-6.5 hours for 3DS games, and 6-10 hours for DS titles.
The new console comes with a 4GB SD card, twice as large as the 2GB SD card that comes with the 3DS.
Regrettably, the 3DS XL will not come packaged with an AC adapter, though it will be compatible with 3DS, DSi, and DS XL AC adapters. Nintendo will also sell the peripheral separately along with the charging cradle.
3DS XL will come in three colours at launch: red, blue, and silver.
Three announced games for its launch are Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance, TheatRhythm Final Fantasy and New Art Academy.
The 3DS XL at a glance:
- Size: depth 93mm x width 156mm x thickness 22mm (when folded)
- Screens: top 4.88 inches diagonally, bottom 4.18 inches diagonally (3DS top 3.53 inches diagonally, bottom 3.02 inches diagonally)
- Weight: 336 grams
- Battery life: 3.5-6.5 hours playing 3DS software, 6-10 hours playing DS software (depends on screen brightness)
- Stylus size: 96mm
