Later this summer Nintendo plans to release a new model of the 3DS. The 3DS XL, called the 3DS LL in Japan, is a super-sized version of the handheld system with much larger screens.
The 3DS XL's top screen is 4.88 inches. The touchscreen is 4.11 inches. That's a substantial upgrade over the "vanilla" 3DS, which has screens of 3.53 and 3.02 inches.
The wider screens don't result in a shorter battery life. In fact, Nintendo says that the XL can outlast the older model. Presumably the larger casing contains a larger battery.
One disappointing thing about the XL is that it only has one analog stick. 3DS owners who want to play games with dual analogs need to buy a separate peripheral that hooks onto the side. It's an awkward solution and I was hoping they'd address the issue with a new 3DS model. I'd rather have a second analog stick than a wider screen.
Nintendo plans to release the 3DS XL in North America on August 19th, the same day that New Super Mario Bros. 2 arrives. The handheld will be bundled with a 4GB SD card and sell for $199.99.
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