 | |
 New Nintendo 3DS in its open position | |
| Also known as | New Nintendo 3DS LL (XL model, in Japan) |
|---|---|
| Developer | Nintendo IRD |
| Manufacturer | Nintendo,Foxconn |
| Product family | Nintendo 3DS family |
| Type | Handheld game console |
| Generation | Eighth |
| Released | |
| Lifespan | New 3DS: 2014–2017 New 3DS XL: 2014–2020 |
| Introductory price | |
| Discontinued | New 3DS: July 13, 2017 New 3DS XL: September 16, 2020 |
| Units shipped | 14.74 million[a] |
| Media | Physical and digital |
| Operating system | Nintendo 3DS system software |
| CPU | 804 MHzARM11 MPCore quad-core |
| Memory | 256 MB (64 MB dedicated to theOS), 10 MB VRAM |
| Storage | 1 GB internalflash memory 4 GBMicroSD included |
| Removable storage | MicroSD Cartridge save |
| Display | 2 × LCD screens
|
| Graphics | 268 MHz DMPPICA200[4] |
| Sound | Stereo speakers,microphone |
| Camera | Rear-facingstereoscopicVGA camera, front-facing VGA camera |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz802.11b/g),NFC (FeliCa), infrared |
| Power |
|
| Current firmware | 11.17.0-50, as of May 22, 2023; 2 years ago (2023-05-22) |
| Online services |
|
| Dimensions | Body
|
| Weight |
|
| Backward compatibility | Nintendo DS/DSi Nintendo 3DS |
| Predecessor | Nintendo DS/DSi Nintendo 3DS |
| Successor | Nintendo Switch |
| Related | |
TheNew Nintendo 3DS[b] is a foldable dual-screenhandheld game console developed and manufactured byNintendo. Part of theNintendo 3DS family, it is a revision of the hardware rather than a full redesign. Improvements over previous models include upgraded processors and increasedRAM, an analogpointing stick, two additionalshoulder triggers, face detection for optimizing theautostereoscopic 3D display, an included 4 GBmicroSD card, and built-inNFC, as well as minor design changes (such as colored face buttons and the availability of face plates for the smaller-size model).[5] There were also software improvements, such as support forHTML5 in its web browser.[6]
The console launched in Japan on October 11, 2014, and began a staged international release thereafter, reaching all major markets by September 25, 2015. Like the original 3DS, the New Nintendo 3DS also has a larger variant, the New 3DS XL.[c][7]
The New Nintendo 3DS received positive reviews from critics; although some aspects of its design (such as the placement of themicroSD slot) were criticized, the system was praised for its improved performance, additional control options, and better 3D image quality. In July 2017, ahead of the release of theNew Nintendo 2DS XL, Nintendo confirmed that production of the standard-sized New Nintendo 3DS in Japan had ended.[8][9] The XL model remained in production until July 2019.
The New Nintendo 3DS family features various changes from prior models. The systems feature a slightly refined design, featuring colored face buttons resembling theSuper Famicom's andPAL versionSuper Nintendo Entertainment System's color scheme. The New Nintendo 3DS's screen is 1.2 times the size of the original Nintendo 3DS, while the screen of the XL variant is the same size as its predecessor. Some units are produced withIPS panels for one or both screens, but most still retain the oldtwisted nematic panels. There is no known correlation between model number or production date and display type. Nintendo has also not publicly addressed the discrepancies in production.[10][11][12][13] A new feature known as "Super Stable 3D" improves the quality of the systems'autostereoscopic 3D effects by using a sensor to detect the angle that the player is viewing the screen at, and adjusting the effects to compensate. The sensor is also used as anambient light sensor for automatic brightness adjustment.[11][12]
Both systems' bodies are slightly larger than their previous iterations, with the XL variant weighing slightly less than the previous 3DS XL. The system's game card slot,stylus holder, and power button were re-located to the base. The hardware wireless switch was also replaced by a software toggle.[11][12][13] The standard New Nintendo 3DS features interchangeable front and back plates;[14] 38 different designs were available at launch in Japan. The XL variant does not allow use of these plates, instead having a couple of fixed metallic designs.[15]
The internal specifications of the device have also been updated, including additional processor cores, an increase to 256 MB ofRAM, andnear-field communication support for use withAmiibo products. The Japanese model also included the ability to pay for software on the Nintendo eShop using prepaidFeliCa-based transit cards such asSuica, which also use NFC technology. Controls on the new systems were expanded with the inclusion of apointing stick on the right-hand side of the device, referred to as the "C-Stick", and additional ZL and ZRshoulder buttons, allowing for functionality equivalent to theCircle Pad Pro add-on peripheral released for the previous models. These additional buttons are backward-compatible with games programmed for use with the Circle Pad Pro.[12] The predecessors' other inputs remain, including the A/B/X/Y/Start/Select/Homeaction buttons on the face, L and R shoulder buttons,D-pad, 3D depth slider, volume slider, and power button, along with an accelerometer and a gyroscope.
Unlike the previous models, which used standardSD cards, the New Nintendo 3DS line usesmicroSD cards for data storage, which are stored alongside the battery behind the device's rear cover, which needs some screws to be removed in order to access the Micro-SD card slot. Data can also be transferred to and from the SD card wirelessly using any system withSMB client access, like PCs.[11][12]
The new systems continue to use the same AC adapter as theDSi,DSi XL, and other devices in the 3DS family; like the Nintendo 3DS XL in Japan and Europe, and in North America, an AC adapter is not included with the console and must be obtained separately.[11][12]
Aside from minor adjustments to reflect its hardware design differences, thesystem software of the New Nintendo 3DS is otherwise identical to that of the original 3DS, offering online features such asNintendo Network for multiplayer and online gaming,Nintendo eShop for downloading and purchasing games, andStreetPass and SpotPass.[11][12] Theweb browser was updated to includeHTML5-based video playback support. On Japanese models, acontent filter is active by default which can be disabled with the registration of a credit card, intended to prevent children from visiting mature websites.[16]
As with the DSi, DSi XL, and previous 3DS models, the New Nintendo 3DS family remains compatible with all games released for theDS,DSi, and3DS. Some 3DS games have improved performance and/or graphics on the new systems due to their upgraded hardware. The C-Stick and ZL/ZR controls are backward compatible with games that support theCircle Pad Pro add-on. Some games, such asXenoblade Chronicles 3D, are specifically optimized for the upgraded hardware, and exclusive to New Nintendo 3DS with no support for prior models.[13][17] In March 2016, Nintendo began to releaseSNES titles onVirtual Console for New 3DS; they support a "Perfect Pixel" mode, which allows the games to be played pillar boxed with square pixels rather than in their original 4:3 proportions.[18][19]
Like the previous models, all the 3DS games and downloaded software are region-locked (DS cartridges remain region-free).[20] Due to its difference in size, peripherals designed to fit the shape of the original Nintendo 3DS cannot be used with the new system. Game data can be transferred from a previous 3DS system to a new system, either manually or wireless.
On April 13, 2015, Unity Technologies announced that theUnity engine would support New Nintendo 3DS.[21]
| Title | Developer(s) | Publisher | Release date | Ref. | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Japan | North America | Australasia | Europe | ||||
| Fire Emblem Warriors | Omega Force,Team Ninja,Intelligent Systems | Nintendo | September 28, 2017 | October 20, 2017 | October 20, 2017 | October 20, 2017 | |
| Minecraft: New Nintendo 3DS Edition | Other Ocean Interactive | Mojang | September 14, 2017 | September 13, 2017 | September 20, 2018 | September 20, 2018 | |
| Runbow Pocket | 13AM Games | 13AM Games | Unreleased | June 20, 2017 | Unreleased | June 20, 2017 | |
| Xenoblade Chronicles 3D | Monolith Soft | Nintendo | April 2, 2015 | April 10, 2015 | April 2, 2015 | April 2, 2015 | |
The New Nintendo 3DS was first announced during a JapaneseNintendo Direct presentation streamed on August 29, 2014. The New Nintendo 3DS and 3DS XL were released in Japan on October 11, 2014; the regular-sized version was made available in black and white-colored versions, while the XL was made available in metallic black and metallic blue versions, with additional limited edition designs. Over 38 different face plate designs were available on launch in Japan, which were showcased in a pre-launch television commercial that featuredJ-pop performerKyary Pamyu Pamyu.[22] 230,000 units were sold in its first two days of availability.[23]
The New Nintendo 3DS and its XL variant were first released outside Japan—in Australia and New Zealand, on November 21, 2014,[24][25] with the smaller model only available in white.[13] In Europe, the New Nintendo 3DS was first made available online on January 6, 2015 in a special white "Ambassador Edition" bundle, exclusive toClub Nintendo members, with a charging dock and two face plates included.[26]
On January 14, 2015, Nintendo announced that the new systems would be released at retail in North America and Europe on February 13, 2015. In Europe, the New Nintendo 3DS was available in black or white, and its XL variant in Metallic Black or Metallic Blue. In North America, the XL model was released in Metallic Black and Metallic Red (renamed "New Black" and "New Red"). SpecialThe Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask 3D andMonster Hunter 4 Ultimate-themed variants were also released at launch in both regions.[27][28][29] 335,000 units were sold during its first week of availability in Europe and North America.[30]
Only the XL model was originally released in North America; although Nintendo did not rule out the possibility of a release of the regular New Nintendo 3DS in the future, Nintendo of America representative Damon Baker explained that they did not want to confuse consumers, and that the face plates were not enough of a reason for the smaller-sized system to be released in North America.[31][32] Asocial media campaign emerged that called upon Nintendo of America to release the model in North America.[33]
On August 31, 2015, at theGameStop Managers Conference inLas Vegas, Nintendo of America confirmed that the standard New 3DS system would launch in the region on September 25, 2015, with anAnimal Crossing: Happy Home Designer-themed bundle including the console, game software, two faceplates, and an Amiibo card. The bundle was priced at $219.99. A secondThe Legend of Zelda-themed XL bundle, the "Hyrule Edition", was also announced as a GameStop exclusive for release on October 30, 2015. It was priced at $199.99.[34]
In January 2016, a specialPokémon-themed New Nintendo 3DS bundle was announced for release in North America on February 27, 2016, to coincide with the 20th anniversary Virtual Console release of the originalPokémon games. The model is bundled with bothPokémon Red andPokémon Blue,Charizard andBlastoise-themed faceplates, and a downloadable HOME Menu theme.[35]
In August 2016, aSuper Mario 3D Land New 3DS bundle with two faceplates was released in North America as an exclusive toTarget andWalmart.[36] Nintendo released black- and white-colored New 3DS models withMario-themed designs in North America in November 2016; forBlack Friday, the two models were sold at US$99.99—a price only $20 higher than that of the 2DS.[37]
In July 2017, Nintendo confirmed, in the lead-up to the release of theNew Nintendo 2DS XL, that production on the standard-sized New Nintendo 3DS in Japan had ended. The XL model had halted production in July 2019.[8][9]
Reviews of the New Nintendo 3DS line were positive.Critics felt the new "Super-Stable 3D" system was successful in improving the consistency and viewing angles of the device's stereoscopic 3D effects, especially in games that require use of its gyroscope.[11][12][38] AnIGN writer noted that "the constant swaying and occasional jolt of my morning train commute has only very occasionally shattered the new systems' stereoscopic spell, and even then, the system quickly adjusts and snaps back into focus".[38] The improved technical specifications of the new systems were also noted, making the device's operating system more responsive and providing modest performance enhancements for existing games such asMonster Hunter 4 Ultimate.[12][38]
The incorporation of the Circle Pad Pro's additional shoulder buttons and secondary analog stick into the devices were praised, along with their potential for use in ports of games from home consoles.[11][38] Opinions were mixed on the design of the C-Stick itself, however;GameSpot felt it was "surprisingly responsive" andIGN drew comparisons to the similar pointing stick sometimes found onThinkPadlaptops, but felt that while good for occasional functions (such as camera control and aiming in third-person games), it would not function well for more intense use cases (such asfirst-person shooters) due to its size and lack of grip in comparison to the Circle Pad.[12][38]
Aspects of the devices' designs were noted;IGN felt that the face plate options on the regular-sized models added a level of personalization to the console, but that "[while] face plates will take off with younger gamers in particular, these accessories could just as easily end up in the bargain bin faster than you can say Limited EditionPerfect Dark ZeroXbox 360 face plate." Nintendo's decision to exclude this feature from the XL version was also considered odd.[38]Wired felt that the new locations for the power button, card slot, and stylus holder were "inconvenient".[11] Critics also felt the switch to MicroSD cards and the relocation of the SD card slot to the battery compartment would make manually transferring data from the previous 3DS models trickier;[11][38]GameSpot lamented on the difficulty of unscrewing the rear cover off the XL, citing "stubborn screws and a panel that practically refuses to detach".[12] Nintendo's decision to not bundle an AC adapter with the new models was criticized, particularly in the case of first-time 3DS owners.[12][38]
GameSpot felt that the New Nintendo 3DS XL was "the best handheld Nintendo's ever made", and recommended it to first-time 3DS owners. In regards to existing 3DS owners, the new systems were recommended to those showing interest in its exclusives or wanting a better overall experience.[12] Giving the console an 8.8 out of 10,IGN concluded that "the additional controls and increased processing power set the system up nicely for the future, and if you're late to the 3DS party, you've got a back catalogue that features not just some of the best handheld games in recent years, but some of the best games full stop."[38]
As of December 31, 2016, 9.94 million units of the New Nintendo 3DS and New Nintendo 3DS XL have shipped worldwide.[39]
