Nintendo News Roundup: New 3DS Models Announced

Hey there folks, bunch of Nintendo news coming at us this morning fresh out the Japan only Nintendo Direct they just had. The biggest news is that there will be 2 new 3DS models coming with some significant changes.

More from 3DS

So, again, we have 2 new 3DS models announced. In Nintendo’s tradition of really confusing customers with new hardware, these models will simply be called the “New Nintendo 3DS” and “New Nintendo 3DS XL”. The key features of these new 3DS models are direct compatibility with the upcoming Nintendo Amiibo figures (whereas current 3DS models require purchase of a separate add-on device), colored face buttons and new ZR and LR buttons, and a new camera control nub as well as actually being a more powerful model that will cut down on load times. In case you haven’t guessed by the new buttons, games designed for these newer 3DS models will not be compatible with older 3DS models, which might make current 3DS owners not wanting to upgrade fairly upset. Of course, we’ll see how many titles this actually amounts to. This was the case with the Nintendo DSi, and not many games came out that were exclusive to that model. No Western release dates have been announced, so I’d be surprised if these new models came out this year in the US.

One upcoming game that will only be playable on the new 3DS models is a port of the Wii rpg Xenoblade Chronicles. You can check out a trailer below:

Speaking of Xenoblade Chronicles, Nintendo is making that roster leak look really legitimate with the confirmation of protagonist Shulk being in both the 3DS and Wii U versions of Smash Bros. You can check out a video of him in action below:

Need more? Nintendo has announced Ultimate NES Remix for the 3DS. If you’re not familiar with the Remix series, it basically takes bite-sized portions of classic games a mixes them up in weird Wario Ware-esque gameplay. It will be out at retail and in the Nintendo eShop on December 5th for $29.99 and feature 16 classic 8-bit titles along with regional leaderboards.

Want some Wii U news too? Ok, Bayonetta 2 has been officially confirmed for October 24th in the US. Hopefully that release date will stick now that October has lost a lot of it’s big titles to November or even next year.

And finally, looking for some sweet bundles to tempt you into buying a Wii U or a 2DS? Nintendo’s got some on the way. First up is a Super Mario 3D World Deluxe set which is coming mid-September and will include physical copies of both Super Mario 3D World and Nintendoland for $299. There will also be a Walmart-exclusive bundle in mid-September that comes with physical copies of Mario Kart 8 & Nintendoland that will also retail for $299. Lastly 3 new colors of the 2DS are coming in October, Electric Blue, Crimson Red or Sea Green and will all come with a download code for Mario Kart 7 and retail for $129.99.

And that’s hopefully all the Nintendo news for today…

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