The New Nintendo 3DS is a handheld game console with two screens that can be folded. It was developed and made by Nintendo and is part of the Nintendo 3DS family. It is an updated version of the hardware, not a completely new design. Improvements include faster processors, more memory, an analog pointing stick, two extra shoulder triggers, face detection to improve the 3D display, a 4 GB microSD card included, and built-in NFC. It also has small design changes, such as colored face buttons and face plates for the smaller model. The system’s web browser also supports HTML5.
The console was first sold in Japan on October 11, 2014, and later released in other countries, reaching major markets by September 25, 2015. Like the original 3DS, it has a larger version called the New 3DS XL.
Reviewers praised the New Nintendo 3DS for its better performance, extra controls, and improved 3D images. However, some design details, like the location of the microSD slot, were criticized. In July 2017, Nintendo announced that production of the standard-sized New Nintendo 3DS in Japan had ended. The XL model was still made until July 2019.
Hardware
The New Nintendo 3DS family includes several changes compared to earlier models. The systems have a slightly improved design, with colored face buttons that match the color scheme of the Super Famicom and PAL version Super Nintendo Entertainment System. The New Nintendo 3DS screen is 1.2 times larger than the original Nintendo 3DS, while the XL variant has the same screen size as its predecessor. Some units use IPS panels for one or both screens, but most still use the older twisted nematic panels. There is no known link between model number, production date, or display type. Nintendo has not officially commented on differences in production.
A new feature called "Super Stable 3D" improves the 3D effects by using a sensor and a new CPU core to detect the player's viewing angle through face-tracking software. The sensor also adjusts screen brightness based on ambient light.
Both systems are slightly larger than earlier models, with the XL variant weighing less than the previous 3DS XL. The game card slot, stylus holder, and power button were moved to the base of the device. The hardware wireless switch was replaced with a software toggle. Like the Game Boy Micro, the standard New Nintendo 3DS has interchangeable front and back plates, with 38 designs available at launch in Japan. The XL variant does not support these plates and has fixed metallic designs instead.
Internal updates include more processor cores (from 2 to 4), 256 MB of RAM, and support for near-field communication with Amiibo products. The Japanese model also allows payment on the Nintendo eShop using prepaid FeliCa-based transit cards like Suica, which use NFC technology. Controls were expanded with a pointing stick called the "C-Stick" on the right side and additional ZL and ZR shoulder buttons, providing functionality similar to the Circle Pad Pro add-on. These buttons work with games designed for the Circle Pad Pro. Other controls, such as A/B/X/Y/Start/Select/Home buttons, L/R shoulder buttons, D-pad, 3D depth slider, volume slider, power button, accelerometer, and gyroscope, remain unchanged.
Unlike earlier models that used standard SD cards, the New Nintendo 3DS uses microSD cards for storage. These cards are located behind the battery, requiring screws to access the slot. Data can be transferred to and from the SD card wirelessly using a computer with SMB client access.
The New Nintendo 3DS uses the same AC adapter as the DSi, DSi XL, and other 3DS models. In Japan and Europe, the AC adapter is included with the console, but in North America, it is sold separately.
Software and services
The system software of the New Nintendo 3DS is mostly the same as the original 3DS, except for small changes to match its different hardware. It includes online features like Nintendo Network for multiplayer and online games, Nintendo eShop for buying and downloading games, and StreetPass and SpotPass. The web browser now supports HTML5-based video playback. On Japanese models, a content filter is enabled by default and can be turned off after registering a credit card, to help prevent children from accessing mature websites.
Like the DSi, DSi XL, and earlier 3DS models, the New Nintendo 3DS family works with all games released for the DS, DSi, and 3DS. To allow games not designed for the New 3DS’s faster processor to run, a small software feature assigns different tasks to the processor’s cores to avoid delays. Some 3DS games perform better or have improved graphics on the new system due to its upgraded hardware. The C-Stick and ZL/ZR controls are compatible with games that support the Circle Pad Pro add-on. Certain games, such as Xenoblade Chronicles 3D, are specifically designed for the New Nintendo 3DS and are not supported by older models. In March 2016, Nintendo began offering SNES games on the Virtual Console for New 3DS, which include a "Perfect Pixel" mode that lets players view the games with square pixels in a pillar-boxed format instead of their original 4:3 shape.
As with earlier models, all 3DS games and downloaded software are region-locked (DS cartridges are not). Due to its different size, accessories made for the original Nintendo 3DS may not work with the new system. Game data can be moved from a previous 3DS to a new system either manually or through wireless transfer.
On April 13, 2015, Unity Technologies announced that its Unity engine would support the New Nintendo 3DS.
Release
The New Nintendo 3DS was first announced during a Japanese Nintendo Direct presentation shown online on August 29, 2014. The New Nintendo 3DS and 3DS XL were released in Japan on October 11, 2014. The regular-sized version was available in black and white, while the XL was available in metallic black and metallic blue, along with limited edition designs. Over 38 different face plate designs were available at launch in Japan. These designs were shown in a pre-launch television commercial that included J-pop performer Kyary Pamyu Pamyu. 230,000 units were sold in its first two days of availability.
The New Nintendo 3DS and its XL variant were first released outside Japan in Australia and New Zealand on November 21, 2014. The smaller model was only available in white. In Europe, the New Nintendo 3DS was first made available online on January 6, 2015, in a special white "Ambassador Edition" bundle. This bundle was exclusive to Club Nintendo members and included a charging dock and two face plates.
On January 14, 2015, Nintendo announced that the new systems would be sold in stores 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 was available 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"). Special bundles themed around The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask 3D and Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate were also released at launch in both regions. 335,000 units were sold during its first week of availability in Europe and North America.
Only the XL model was originally released in North America. Although Nintendo did not rule out the possibility of releasing the regular New Nintendo 3DS in the future, Nintendo of America representative Damon Baker explained that they did not want to confuse consumers. He also stated that the face plates were not enough of a reason to release the smaller-sized system in North America. A social media campaign later encouraged Nintendo of America to release the model in North America.
On August 31, 2015, at the GameStop Managers Conference in Las Vegas, Nintendo of America confirmed that the standard New 3DS system would launch in the region on September 25, 2015. A bundle themed around Animal Crossing: Happy Home Designer was released. This bundle included the console, game software, two face plates, and an Amiibo card. It was priced at $219.99. A second The Legend of Zelda-themed XL bundle, called the "Hyrule Edition," was also announced as a GameStop exclusive for release on October 30, 2015. It was priced at $199.99.
In January 2016, a special Pokémon-themed New Nintendo 3DS bundle was announced for release in North America on February 27, 2016. This bundle was meant to coincide with the 20th anniversary Virtual Console release of the original Pokémon games. It included both Pokémon Red and Pokémon Blue, Charizard and Blastoise-themed face plates, and a downloadable HOME Menu theme.
In August 2016, a Super Mario 3D Land New 3DS bundle with two face plates was released in North America as an exclusive to Target and Walmart. In November 2016, Nintendo released black- and white-colored New 3DS models with Mario-themed designs in North America. For Black Friday, the two models were sold at US$99.99—a price only $20 higher than that of the 2DS.
In July 2017, Nintendo confirmed, in the lead-up to the release of the New Nintendo 2DS XL, that production of the standard-sized New Nintendo 3DS in Japan had ended. The XL model had stopped production in July 2019.
Reception
Reviews of the New Nintendo 3DS line were positive. Critics said the new "Super-Stable 3D" system improved the consistency and viewing angles of the device's 3D effects, especially in games that use its motion sensor. An IGN writer mentioned that "the constant swaying and occasional jolts of a morning train ride only rarely disrupted the new system's 3D effects, and when they did, the system quickly fixed the issue." The improved technical features also made the device's operating system faster and gave small performance improvements to existing games like Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate.
The addition of the Circle Pad Pro's extra buttons and a second joystick was praised, as well as its usefulness for games adapted from home consoles. Opinions about the C-Stick were mixed. GameSpot said it "worked well" and compared it to the pointing stick on some ThinkPad laptops, but noted it was better for tasks like camera control and aiming in third-person games. However, it was not ideal for more demanding tasks like first-person shooters because of its size and lack of grip compared to the Circle Pad.
IGN said the face plate options on the regular-sized models allowed users to personalize their consoles. However, they also said that "while younger gamers might enjoy these options, the accessories could end up being sold cheaply, like old Xbox 360 face plates." Nintendo's decision to leave this feature out of the XL version was seen as unusual. Wired said the new locations for the power button, card slot, and stylus holder were "hard to reach." Critics also said the switch to MicroSD cards and moving the SD card slot to the battery compartment made it harder to transfer data from older 3DS models. GameSpot mentioned that the rear cover on the XL was hard to open because of tight screws and a panel that was difficult to remove. Nintendo's choice not to include an AC adapter with the new models was criticized, especially for first-time 3DS users.
GameSpot said the New Nintendo 3DS XL was "the best handheld Nintendo has ever made" and recommended it to first-time 3DS users. For current 3DS owners, the new systems were suggested for those interested in exclusive games or wanting a better overall experience. IGN gave the console a score of 8.8 out of 10, saying "the extra controls and faster processing power prepare the system for future games, and if you're new to the 3DS, there are many great games available."
As of December 31, 2016, 9.94 million units of the New Nintendo 3DS and New Nintendo 3DS XL had been sold worldwide.