Welcome the New 3DS Family

New 3DS XL (Left) & New 3DS (Right)

As you may already know, the Japanese Nintendo Direct that aired on August 29^th announced new hardware iterations of both the 3DS and 3DS XL, bluntly and respectively named the New 3DS and the New 3DS XL. This article will explore the features and benefits of the New 3DS family. Let’s start with the obvious.

Mmm, buttons…

With big games like Super Smash Bros. 3DS and Monster Hunter 4 coming out, we can thank the heavens that the New 3DS has added three significant buttons.

Source: Alwaysnintendo.com

The nub known as the C-Stick located above the ABXY buttons allows for dual analog game play. No longer do you need to attach the Circle Pad Pro to get your right-stick needs. A new set of triggers, ZL and ZR, are located in between the L and R triggers.

Source: Themarysue.com

 Amiibo! Here We Go!

With the announcement of Amiibo figurines creating a Skylanders-experience for future Wii U and 3DS games, Nintendo also explained that the 3DS would have future NFC capabilities. Located on the bottom touchscreen, the figurines can be positioned directly onto the display to be interacted with 3DS games.

Source: Forbes.com

Specs on Specs on Specs.

The New 3DS Family promises to be thinner, lighter, and have a long battery life. An interesting thing to note is that the New 3DS is actually slightly heavier than the original, but this is probably due to the Top and Bottom displays being slightly bigger. I've attached a link to the Original 3DS specs here and the New 3DS specs here.

Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger.

Both the small and large version will have an upgraded CPU and faster internet speeds. Complimentary to this announcement, Nintendo also debuted Xenoblade Chronicles as an exclusive title to the New 3DS Family.

Source: Kotaku

The 3D capability has also been improved, so that you can see in 3D no matter what angle you’re looking from. Say goodbye to that sweet spot! The next iteration will also be making the jump from SD to Micro SD card.

Custom Plates. Sss’cute!

Source: Joystiq.com

The New 3DS will have interchangeable faceplates. The end is nigh where you’d have to shell out for that sweet limited edition model. The same can’t be said of the New 3DS XL, unfortunately.

We’re really excited for the New 3DS Family. Japan will be seeing the lineup this October. Although promised to be the same price as the original 3DS and 3DS XL, a Western release is yet to be determined. Check back soon for our thoughts and dreams as to what the new family could bring for Nintendo.