Nintendo Announces New 3DS Models, Improved CPU, Exclusive Games

by William D'Angelo, posted on 01 September 2014 / 5,460 Views

Nintendo announced during its Japanese Nintendo Direct last week that it is releasing updated versions of the 3DS with new features, according to Nintendo Life. The updated 3DS will be called the New 3DS and feature exclusive games that will not work on older 3DS's.

The new 3DS will have two models. One similar in size to the original 3DS and the 3DS LL (called the 3DS XL outside of Japan). The standard will retail for 16,000 Yen ($154) and the 3DS LL for 18,800 Yen ($180).

The new 3DS will feature an upgraded CPU, which will see faster download speed, as well as the Miiverse running faster. A port of Xenoblade Chronicles will be exclusive to the New 3DS.

The new 3DS will include support for Amiibo, a second and smaller Circle Pad, 2 more shoulder buttons, more 3D viewing angles, and NFC will be standard. The top screen will also have less blur. The handheld will use MicroSD instead of SD, which is used on the current 3DS models.

The new 3DS will launch in Japan on October 11th and release in North America and Europe sometime in 2015 at the earliest.

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A life-long and avid gamer, William D'Angelo was first introduced to VGChartz in 2007. After years of supporting the site, he was brought on in 2010 as a junior analyst, working his way up to lead analyst in 2012. He has expanded his involvement in the gaming community by producing content on his own YouTube channel and Twitch channel dedicated to gaming Let's Plays and tutorials. Outside, in the real world, he has a passion for the outdoors which includes everything from hiking to having received his B.A. in Environmental Studies. You can contact the author at wdangelo@vgchartz.com or on Twitter @TrunksWD.