Nintendo announced late Thursday that it would release its new 3DS XL this summer. After a year of struggle with dramatic falls in sales, Nintendo is hoping that the new handheld device will help save the company from its financial slump.
The 3DS XL is expected to be a revamp of the older 3DS version, increasing the screen size to 4.18 inches and the device size to 4.88 inches. The original 3DS device had a 3.53 inch screen size and the device was 3.01 inches. The new screen is measured to be 90 percent larger than the previous one.
The top panel will display at 240x 800 resolution and the lower one at 240x 320 resolution.
Small aesthetic changes will come with the new device. The 3DS XL has a case-color surround unlike the 3DS, and the edges of the device are rounder than that of the older gaming system. The buttons also have a different appearance, but the 3D adjustment control on the side still remains.
The new device will go for $199, seeing a $30 increase from the 3DS. However, the price is justified as the new system comes with a 4GB memory card and longer battery life than the 3DS. The 3DS XL will have a battery life between 3.5 and 6.5 hours while using 3DS games, compared to its predecessor which only has 2-5 hours worth of battery life when playing 3DS games.
Three games are said to come with support for the 3DS XL, Dream Drop Distance, TheatRhythm Final Fantasy, and New Art Academy.
The handheld comes in various color combinations such as blue and black, red and black, and silver and black.
The Nintendo 3DS XL will be released on August 19 in North America, but will have an earlier release date of July 28 in Europe and Japan.
