The Nintendo 3DS has received two slick new redesigns that add new features and hark back to older consoles.
The “new” 3DS and “new” 3DS LL, as the models are known, are slightly larger and lighter than their predecessor. Both products also feature a small slider (or nub) called the “C-stick”, which is placed on the right-hand side above the A,B,X,Y buttons. The new feature isn’t shaped like an analog stick or circle pad – instead Nintendo claims it will prove useful for games that utilise the 3DS’ camera.
Additionally, the redesigned Nintendo 3DS consoles will come fitted with new ZR and ZL buttons on the top, which will join the existing L and R bumpers that can be found there. The consoles also feature a faster CPU as well as built-in NFC for use with Nintendo’s upcoming Amiibo figurines.
The smaller Nintendo 3DS’ buttons also emulate those found on the old SNES controller, retaining the blue, green, red and yellow colours.
In terms of dimensions; the “new” 3DS will be 142mm wide and 80.6mm deep. It’s also slightly taller than its predecessor, at 21.6mm compared to 21mm. However, it weighs in at 253g, which is lighter than the original’s 235g.
The 3DS LL, on the other hand has a width of 160mm, a depth of 93.5mm and a height of 21.5mm whilst folded. the larger model consequently weighs 329g.
The two new Nintendo 3DS models will be sold for 16,000 yen ( £93) and 18,800 yen ( £109) respectively in Japan from 11 October.
Nintendo has not confirmed a global release date as of yet.
UPDATE: Nintendo has told Eurogamer that the new 3DS consoles are definitely coming to Europe too. The “new” 3DS and “new” 3DS LL will hit these shores in 2015, according to the company.
A Nintendo spokesperson also added the following in a statement: “We have a variety of compelling portable gaming options for consumers now and through the Christmas shopping season, including a variety of different Nintendo 2DS and Nintendo 3DS XL bundles at retail. We also have a strong library of hundreds of games for these systems that appeal to all kinds of players, with titles like Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS, Pokémon Omega Ruby and Pokémon Alpha Sapphire still on the way before the end of the year.”
Perhaps Nintendo is missing a trick by not releasing the new models in time for the Christmas shopping season in Europe, but at least we’ll get our paws on them eventually.
Additionally, the new models will have customisable face plates. Nintendo has shown off some of the cool new covers, check them out below:
