Nintendo confirms 3DS XL for Japan in July, US in August
updated 05:42 am EDT, Fri June 22, 2012
3DS XL gains larger screen and bigger battery
Nintendo has revealed the 3DS XL, a larger version of its existing portable console with the glasses-free 3D display. Confirming rumors from earlier this month, the handheld copies the pattern set by the DSi and DSi XL by having a larger main screen to match the similar naming convention.
Both screens increase in size, with the top display rising from 3.53-inches to 4.88-inches and the bottom from 3.02-inches to 4.18-inches. A larger battery provides longer play time, with a claimed 6 hours possible, an hour longer than the previous model was capable of. The extra battery and screen size do add an extra 3.5 ounces to the weight, making it 42-percent heavier than the standard 3DS.
The 3DS XL, known as the 3DS LL in Japan, will go on sale in Japan on July 28 for 18,900 Yen ($235) and for $200 when it reaches the US on August 19. Although a European release date has been set to match Japan, no price has been set for that market.
