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So this is in the rumor mill, but it seems like a pretty solid and likely rumor. I think it just got leaked too early.
http://tinycartridge.com/post/24418200096/the-big-nintendo-3ds-rumor

Honestly the 3DS isn't getting much love next to the Wii U.
Maybe they just don't want to announce it yet for some reason.

I'm a little annoyed at this trend of XL being released later on if it does turn out to be true. We're just barely even getting all the colors we want for the 3DS. I don't want to have to feel like I should buy a new system to upgrade to a better one already. Wouldn't it just continue to stretch games made for smaller resolutions anyway? I feel like some of my DS games don't look as good on the 3DS already.

I'd only buy it if it had the circle pad pro built-in. And they extended the battery life. And it had a cool skin.... And it came with Smash Bros. or something..... and $20 in eShop money.......... Okay, fine, take away the last three, but I want the first two.

It would only be use for what HappyFreshener said, and to add, for people with big hands. I have a hard time in using the touch screen since most of my hand takes half the touch screen.

I think you would only use enlarged handheld systems for games that require art or interaction. For example, Warioware DIY or Colors! 3D would be good for a 3DSXL but knowing it's slightly bigger than the DSiXL makes me a little iffy about bringing it around with me. Handhelds should be portable and not too large

The speculation goes on?
http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2012/06/miyamoto_talks_down_idea_of_3ds_redesign

I'm still not sure why they wouldn't, though maybe its just not ready yet. They could take this chance to improve the design (ie add the circle pad on the other side), and offer the larger screen for players who don't mind a bit larger system.

HA! Nintendo LIED!
This is now officially announced-
http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2012/06/bigger_nintendo_3ds_console_revealed
http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2012/06/official_3ds_xl_japanese_website_launches

Jeez its already launching Aug 19th! $199 (the current 3DS is $169). So I think if you havn't gotten a 3DS before its a no-brainer to pay a little more. Will the regular 3DS end up price-dropping some more?

I'm mostly miffed. It does look nice and big, but I don't want to re-buy the bloody system already. This makes it that much harder to fit in a pocket for collecting coins from walking, and keeping it with you for streetpass. My other concern is how DS and even other 3DS games will look enlarged- some of my old DS games already look funky. Also its not truly much of an upgrade other than the screen size and minor battery life- there is still no second circle pad people have been speculating on.

It is boasting a better battery life.
Nintendo 3DS XL
3DS software — Between 3.5hrs and 6.5hrs
DS software — Between 6hrs and 10hrs

Nintendo 3DS
3DS software — Between 3hrs and 5hrs
DS software — Between 5hrs and 8hrs.


In other pros, the screen is MUCH bigger, and it comes with a bigger SD card to boot (though its not like buying a bigger SD card isn't cheap and easy.) I'll be interested to see the two in person side-by-side.
Nintendo 3DS XL: Length 156mm x Width 93mm x Height 22mm (closed) Weight: 336g.
Nintendo 3DS: Length 134mm x Width 74mm x Height 21mm (closed) Weight: 235g.
Nintendo DSi XL Length 161mm x Width 91mm x Height 21mm (closed) Weight: 314g.

It makes no sense it doesn't even come with an AC adaptor in Europe/Japan, but at least we'd get one. Though I'd kinda miss the charging cradle.

AGH launching colors are RED and blue (which both look pretty nice) so I don't have that excuse.
But still... maybe I should just wait for the 3DSi XL.

Oh yeah, and I still want them to move the POWER BUTTON! Its in the way too much! I rest my thumb there when I'm drawing in Swap note!

So, any speculation on how many 3DS variants we'll see before they actually move on to a new system? wink

I HOPE this is the last one we'll see until a new system comes out, but if it follows in the DS's footsteps, we'll see another redesign (something like a 3DS lite) and a 3DSi.