A New Nintendo 3DS Is Coming in February, but It’s Missing Something

Chris Morris
New Nintendo 3DS XL
New Nintendo 3DS XL

Nintendo would like to sell you a new 3DS. Again.

During a broadcast presentation Wednesday, the company unveiled a new version of its 3DS handheld system that addresses one of the biggest complaints about the existing system.

Releasing Feb. 13 for $200, the new system will feature face tracking, allowing players to see the portable’s 3D effects regardless of viewing angle. Previously, you had to be looking at the screen directly from the center to get any sort of 3D effect.

The New Nintendo 3DS XL, as it’s officially called, will also have a faster processor, a “slightly longer” battery life, and an additional analog nub on the right side of the system for enhanced controls. It’s compatible with all 3DS games, but certain upcoming new games will work only with the new system. Nintendo also promised faster downloads, faster boot-up times, and built-in support for amiibo figures and near-field communications.

There was one curious omission, though. The New 3DS XL will ship without an AC charger. If you want to juice it up, you’ll either have to buy one separately or use a charger from an existing 3DS. It’s a clear signal that either Nintendo executives believe the market for new 3DS owners at this point is minimal or they’ve just lost their minds.

Nintendo will also offer two limited-edition bundles of the New 3DS XL: one with a remastered portable take on the classic The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask and one packed with Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate.

Nintendo didn’t just talk hardware in Wednesday’s presentation. The company gave plenty of updates on its plans for 2015. Among the highlights:

  • New amiibo figures are on the way. The second big wave of amiibo characters will hit stores March 20, with a redesigned Mario, Peach, Luigi, Yoshi, and Bowser, along with the debut of Toad. They’ll launch in conjunction with Mario Party 10 for the Wii U.

  • Downloadable Wii games are coming to Wii U. You’ll finally be able to launch Wii games without switching to Wii mode on your Wii U, as Nintendo will offer downloadable copies of select titles starting today with Super Mario Galaxy 2. Punch-Out!! will follow Jan. 22, and Metroid Prime Trilogy arrives Jan. 29. Pricing for the downloadable games wasn’t given. Wii mode will still be an option for physical copies of older games.

  • Splatoon gets a date, sort of. The ink-based shooter for the Wii U that was so popular at last year’s E3 show will finally land on store shelves in May, said Nintendo, though it didn’t offer a precise date.

You can watch the entire Nintendo Direct here:

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