The New 3DS is now officially coming out!... for now only bundled with Animal Crossing: Happy Home Designer as well as costing $220 so even MORE than the XL... but in case you do want that version (hopefully they make normal versions as I myself am not even interested in Happy Home Designer) you can get it at GameStop (it's exclusive) and read about it in the links below.
link about release: http://gonintendo.com/stories/241694-nintendo-announces-two-new-nintendo-3ds-systems-coming-this-fall
link to buying page: http://www.gamestop.com/nintendo-3ds/consoles/nintendo-new-3ds-animal-crossing-happy-home-designer-bundle/125091
Before I begin, if you support the idea in the fact that Nintendo of America should reconsider releasing the Normal/Regular NEW 3DS in North America, please leave a like on this video to show your support. (Even if you are from another country, as people in other countries that would like to import a NA NEW 3DS will only have the choice of the XL which may come to be a bit pricier even if it's a $20-30 difference in the US)
Now... I am not one to usually do these "group" things or even sign online petitions (since I've usually seen them never working...) however, not coming out with one entirely different model compared in ONE region, when even Australia and Europe are getting it... is not even CLOSE to being fair for the US. I would understand if it was Japan exclusive (due to the fact they've pulled it before... look up "Game Boy Light" if you want to see what I mean) however, to release it EVERYWHERE BUT NORTH AMERICA... that's just being cheaper than ever. I thought Nintendo liked taking up challenges, considering they named the 3DS after the DS line and the Wii U after the Wii. (and the NEW 3DS... after the 3DS... *cough*)
Differences between the 2 models:
Normal model:
- The front and back faceplate is changable (requires screwdriver for back, but front is EXTREMELY easy to remove)
- More variety! (There are over 50 faceplates in Japan right now)
- Faceplate could be plastic or even MORE textures!
Note: The NEW 3DS I show off in this video is my Kyogre Edition NEW 3DS, which comes with a Kyogre Faceplate that is made out of a Suede-like texture... and this includes the back faceplate
This means you could have a different texture for the back of the 3DS while actually holding it, kind of like how companies make different controllers with different textures/grooves for playing games!
- Would be slightly cheaper of course. (While paying more for more faceplates if you like to have a lot of custom options!
- Came out with "Ambassador" version in Europe
This means Europe doesn't mind coming out with options for the NEW 3DS and even is ADVERTISING IT on their main website now too!
http://www.nintendo.co.uk/
XL/LL model:
- The screen is much larger... however from what I've heard, they have not changed the fact that the pixels are stretched, which makes it look slightly worse. (And I can actually agree on pixels looking worse on larger screens because I have a Game Boy Micro and... while the screen is EXTREMELY small... if you can actually see the screen [I can] the games played on it look REALLY good due to no stretched out pixels)
- Battery life is longer... by ONE hour according to an article back in August which refers to what Nintendo has said
http://www.slashgear.com/nintendo-3ds-update-adds-2nd-stick-better-battery-more-29343391/
Note: OR, if you really have a problem with battery life... pick up one of those portable chargers you see in places now and pick up a USB cable that charges 3DSes.
- Front cover can't be changed... however the back cover COULD be changed... however Nintendo would obviously not come out with that and would have to rely on 3rd party companies to do it for backs with "grooves" or ways for more comfortable gaming.
Note: Reason the back cover comes off is because it's just like the back cover for the regular model, which comes off by needing a screw driver and REQUIRED to do in order to change out SD cards in the system.
- While going with the above fact... the XL only has 2 different colors to choose from, meaning everyone at launch will only have Black or Red to choose from. (as well as any limited editions obviously)
If they would have came out with the Blue color and maybe a white or another color, it'd be better... but it doesn't compare to the FIFTEEN faceplate choices the normal model has at launch for Europe!
- The price is a bit more.
