In its Nintendo Direct press conference, the Japanese gamemaker has unveiled a new Nintendo 3DS XL handheld system which claims to possess screens that are 90 percent larger than those of the original model. Slated to be made available with in blue and red colors and bundled with a 4GB SD card, this device will be released in North America on August 19, 2012, which is also the launch day for New Super Mario Bros. 2.
The Nintendo 3DS XL will feature a battery life of 3.5 to 6.5 hours for 3DS games. As far as third party titles are concerned, Nintendo has also detailed a number of games that are lined up to hit the 3DS later this year. Kingdom Hearts 3D [Dream Drop Distance] is one of them which will be released on July 31, but gamers eager to jump into it can download a free demo on their handhelds now via the eShop.
A completely new game titled Professor Layton and the Miracle Mask was also announced by Nintendo in its press briefing. Coming in November, this puzzle adventure title will be part of a unique distribution system under which one downloadable puzzle will be released for it every day for a full year. And all puzzles will be available for free.
Furthermore, it has also come to light that the development of the new Super Smash Bros. game will be carried out by Namco Bandai Games under the guidance of Nintendo. Gamers awaiting New Super Mario Bros. 2 have something more to look forward to, as this new title has been announced to receive DLC content for its Coin Rush mode post launch.
Nintendo will even release the classic Super Mario Land – the first handheld Mario game, via the eShop at a special price of 2.99 USD (approx. Rs. 170). It will only be available from June 22 till June 24. And starting on July 5, two new Virtual Console games for the 3DS will be released every week till August 1. These games include the likes of The Legend of Zelda, Kirby’s Pinball Land and Wario Land: Super Mario Land 3.
Lastly, a new game named Fire Emblem: Awakening has also been announced by Nintendo, said to be launching in 2013 for the 3DS. Fans of the handheld won’t have to wait long for the Nintendo 3DS XL to release as it is slated to be out on August 19 at a price of 199.99 USD (approx. Rs. 11,260).