Yesterday, Nintendo released information regarding the "New 3DS XL." Yes, that is the name of the new system. The new system includes amiibo functionality, a faster processor, face plates, and more. This new system will be available on February 13th for $200. Sadly, for some reason, it seems it will not ship with a charger. That bit of news really baffles me, but I haven't dived deeper into the news to see why that is.
Since I was a child, I've had almost every version of Nintendo's handheld system, starting with the original Gameboy. I still have many of them such as the Gameboy, Gameboy Color, Gameboy SP, DS, DSi, and 3DS XL.. However, I am currently happy with my 3DS XL, which I bought at the end of 2013. My son also has a 3DS XL he got for Christmas that same year. So, I am not planning on buying the new system any time soon. I may, however, purchase an expected amiibo adapter when that becomes available.
Nintendo also announced many games coming soon for the 3DS and Wii U. These include Fire Emblem, Majora's Mask, and a new free-to-play Pokemon game for the 3DS. The Wii U is getting some Wii games for the Virtual Console including the Metroid Prime Trilogy and Super Mario Galaxy 2.
For me, the most exciting news that was released yesterday was that Hyrule Warriors will be getting a new DLC. The Majora's Mask pack is scheduled to be released on February 5th. It will include two new characters; Young Link and Tingle. It will also include new costumes and a new Adventure Mode map. I am still playing Hyrule Warriors, trying to finish Adventure Mode. I have completed all Adventure Mode maps (regular and Master Quest), except for the Twilight map, which I'm currently working on.
Feel free to see the following link for more information: http://www.gamespot.com/articles/new-3ds-xl-release-date-new-fire-emblem-and-all-th/1100-6424655/?utm_source=gamefaqs&utm_medium=partner&utm_content=news_module&utm_campaign=homepage
*Update 11/2019*
I bought a Legend of Zelda themed "New 2DS XL" last year and I really love it. I was out years ago that Hyrule Warriors pretty much required the "New" model with the better processor. If you play it on the old model, the game runs very poorly. I can't say personally as I don't have the handheld version of the game, but I do love the Wii U version. I got the 2DS instead of the 3DS simply because I don't really like the 3D functionality. I'm pretty sure this came with a power adapter as well. Sadly, I've only played one game on it and I think that was Pokemon Moon (the second version I think). I do strongly recommend this "New" 2or3DS model.
Since I was a child, I've had almost every version of Nintendo's handheld system, starting with the original Gameboy. I still have many of them such as the Gameboy, Gameboy Color, Gameboy SP, DS, DSi, and 3DS XL.. However, I am currently happy with my 3DS XL, which I bought at the end of 2013. My son also has a 3DS XL he got for Christmas that same year. So, I am not planning on buying the new system any time soon. I may, however, purchase an expected amiibo adapter when that becomes available.
Nintendo also announced many games coming soon for the 3DS and Wii U. These include Fire Emblem, Majora's Mask, and a new free-to-play Pokemon game for the 3DS. The Wii U is getting some Wii games for the Virtual Console including the Metroid Prime Trilogy and Super Mario Galaxy 2.
For me, the most exciting news that was released yesterday was that Hyrule Warriors will be getting a new DLC. The Majora's Mask pack is scheduled to be released on February 5th. It will include two new characters; Young Link and Tingle. It will also include new costumes and a new Adventure Mode map. I am still playing Hyrule Warriors, trying to finish Adventure Mode. I have completed all Adventure Mode maps (regular and Master Quest), except for the Twilight map, which I'm currently working on.
Feel free to see the following link for more information: http://www.gamespot.com/articles/new-3ds-xl-release-date-new-fire-emblem-and-all-th/1100-6424655/?utm_source=gamefaqs&utm_medium=partner&utm_content=news_module&utm_campaign=homepage
*Update 11/2019*
I bought a Legend of Zelda themed "New 2DS XL" last year and I really love it. I was out years ago that Hyrule Warriors pretty much required the "New" model with the better processor. If you play it on the old model, the game runs very poorly. I can't say personally as I don't have the handheld version of the game, but I do love the Wii U version. I got the 2DS instead of the 3DS simply because I don't really like the 3D functionality. I'm pretty sure this came with a power adapter as well. Sadly, I've only played one game on it and I think that was Pokemon Moon (the second version I think). I do strongly recommend this "New" 2or3DS model.
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This sounds pretty rad. I owned an original Gameboy back in the day, but never owned a handheld system after that. I think I was taking myself too seriously.
But now, after owning a Wii U, and playing Mario Kart on the controller whilst having something else on the TV might have convinced me as to how great handheld gaming can be. I don't anticipate getting one right away, but I no longer rule out buying a DS of some form :)
(And what's funny is that the Wii U controller was the part I thought I'd hate about it. I do prefer playing games on the tv with Pro controllers, but the Wii U controller is super handy for multitasking)
Well, it's been a long time since a Nintendo console and handheld system were able to function together. The Gameboy Advance was able to be connected to the Gamecube and used in some games (like Animal Crossing). Recently, that functionality has come back. In Super Smash Bros, you can use the 3DS and Wii U together, or at least transfer data from one system to the other. Actually, now that I think on it, I think the Wii and DS versions of Animal Crossing also had similar functionality.
At first, I thought the Wii U gamepad was a bit bigger than I expected, when it used it at the kiosk in Gamestop. Since then, I've gotten used to it and I like it a lot. I now turn on the Wii U using the gamepad and I use the touch screen to select the game I want to play and log in under my profile (instead of my son's). I've been playing Hyrule Warriors a lot and don't usually use the touch screen in game, though. I did try to co-op the game with my son, which put him on the TV and me on the Gamepad. That was a bit disappointing since I'm used to playing on the TV.
I'm glad you're enjoying your Wii U.
I've enjoyed the amiibo functionality that's on the Wii U gamepad. I think it's interesting that it came with that functionality before the amiibo figures were released. Every day I use my Link amiibo and my son's Mario amiibo to give me something in Hyrule Warriors. I usually get a weapon using the Link one and just about anything with the Mario one. Sometimes Mario gives me gifts that aren't that great, such as one day I got 1 rupee.
I've used the amiibo figures once on Mario Kart 8, I can't even really recall how that functions, I think it just unlocks Mii costumes. I've used my Link amiibo in Super Smash Bros. on the Wii U a few times, usually putting us on a team. I still have hardly played Super Smash Bros. on the Wii U, but I'll probably play it more when I'm done with Hyrule Warriors, which should be soon. After that, I'll be waiting for the Majora's Mask DLC.
Nintendo also announced new amiibo figures coming out soon. Toad is among them because he has a new game (which I think is already out). The article (link) I shared also states that more Marth figures will be coming out along with a new Fire Emblem game (for the DS, I believe).
Hmmm no charger huh? Maybe they figure everyone already has a few previous DS systems?
Hey Greg did you see if this would be backwards compatible with regular DS games too?
I found a link explaining the lack of charger for the new system. It states:
Nintendo responded to our request for comment on why it was decided to leave the charger out of the box. According to Nintendo, it was a measure designed to save costs for consumers who may already own a 3DS or DSi system: "New Nintendo 3DS XL uses the same AC adapter as any Nintendo 3DS or Nintendo DSi system. Rather than raise cost of New Nintendo 3DS XL by charging consumers for a component they may already own, we are giving them the option to only buy if they need an AC adapter." http://www.ign.com/articles/2015/01/14/new-3dsxl-doesnt-include-charger-here-are-some-options
From another Google search, it seems that it will definitely compatible with all DS games, with some exceptions. See the following link: http://en-americas-support.nintendo.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/324/~/can-i-play-nintendo-dsi-and-nintendo-ds-games-on-nintendo-3ds-family-systems%3F
Great, thanks Greg.