Nintendo 3DS XL
Developer: |
Nintendo |
Manufacturer: |
Nintendo, Foxconn |
Type : |
Handheld game console |
Generation: |
Eighth generation |
Release Date: |
EU July 28, 2012 ,NA August 19, 2012 |
Units shipped: |
Worldwide: 2.10 million (as of September 30, 2012) |
Predecessor: |
Nintendo DS series (DS, DS Lite, DSi, and DSi XL),Nintendo 3DS (concurrent) |
Description:
Announced on June 21, 2012, during its Nintendo Direct broadcast the Nintendo 3DS XL (Nintendo 3DS LL in Japan was released on July 28, 2012 in Japan (¥18,900) and Europe (€199.99/£179.99) and was released on August 19, 2012 in North America (US$199.99), and on August 23, 2012 in Australia and New Zealand (A$249.95). In both Japan and North America, it was released on the same day as New Super Mario Bros. 2. The colors available at launch are:
Red + Black (Worldwide)
Blue + Black (Europe, Australia and North America)
Silver + Black (Europe, Australia, Japan and South Korea)
White (Japan and South Korea)
On November 1, 2012, American retailer Gilt announced a pink and white 3DS XL which could be purchased with either Professor Layton & the Miracle Mask or Style Savvy: Trendsetter.In order to reduce costs Nintendo will not include an AC Adapter with the Japanese and European versions, however an AC Adapter will be included with the North American, Australian and Korean releases. A Nintendo DSi, DSi XL or 3DS AC Adapter (Model Code: WAP-002) is compatible with the 3DS XL, and will also be available for purchase separately, or in a bundle with a 3DS XL Charging Cradle. The 3DS XL is set to not replace the original Nintendo 3DS console and Nintendo claims both models will be manufactured.As with the Nintendo DSi XL, the 3DS XL features larger screens and longer battery life than the original 3DS. The screens are 90% larger (top: 4.88 in (124 mm), bottom: 4.18 in (106 mm), and the battery life is increased by 86%, while the weight of the console increases by 46% (336 grams).A 4 GB SD card comes packaged with the console instead of a 2 GB card included with the original 3DS. The 3DS XL was not compatible with the original Circle Pad Pro but an XL sized version of that accessory will become available later in 2012.
Features Cameras:
The Nintendo 3DS features three cameras: a single camera on the front/inside of the system that can capture standard 2D images and two rear facing cameras on the back/outside of the system which can be used together to capture 3D images. These photos can be edited with various effects such as props, 3D depth and colors. The outer camera and inner camera have an ability to zoom. The cameras can shoot pictures up to 0.3 mp. On December 6, 2011, a system update was released which allows players to take up to ten minutes of 3D video footage. In addition to the normal mode, which is the only footage type that allows sound,there are three types of footage that a player can take: stop motion, interval (a time lapse effect), and montage. The stop motion, interval, and montage modes still only allow a single video to be 10 minutes long.
Activity Log:
The Activity Log tracks game-play and keeps a record of which games have been played, and for how long, as well as physical activity, such as counting every step taken while carrying a 3DS or 3DS XL. The feature encourages walking more every day to earn Play Coins, at a maximum of 10 each day to a total of 300, which can be used with compatible games and applications to acquire special content and a variety of other benefits. Play Coins cannot be used in the Nintendo eShop. The same applies to the 3DS XL.
Augmented reality:
Several augmented reality games, collectively titled AR Games are included on the 3DS and 3DS XL with 6 paper cards that interact with the games. By scanning the QR codes shown on certain cards, real time graphics are augmented onto live footage. Aside from AR Games, other titles, such as Kid Icarus: Uprising and Nintendogs + Cats, include AR Cards which use these features. In addition, a new eShop application called Pokémon Dream Radar utilizes AR technology which allows players to use the system’s gyroscope and Augmented Reality capabilities along with its internal camera to find and catch monsters in the real world. Pokémon you catch this way can then be transferred over to Pokémon Black 2 or Pokémon White 2, the Nintendo DS games that are compatible with the 3DS.
Backward compatibility:
Main articles: List of Nintendo DS games and List of DSiWare games and applications,In addition to its own software, the Nintendo 3DS is backward compatible with Nintendo DS software, including DSi software. However, like the Nintendo DSi, the Nintendo 3DS is incompatible with DS software that requires the use of the Game Boy Advance port. Nintendo DS and DSi software cannot be played with 3D visuals on the 3DS. The original DS resolutions are displayed in a scaled and stretched fashion because the resolutions of the 3DS screens are larger than those of the DS. However, if the user holds down the START or SELECT buttons upon launching the DS software, the displays will be at the DS's native resolution, albeit smaller with black borders.
Virtual Console:
Main article: Virtual Console-It was announced at the Nintendo of Japan press event on September 29, 2010 that the 3DS will have a Virtual Console service with Game Boy, Game Boy Color games, as well as "classic" games in 3D. At the 2011 GDC Nintendo announced that TurboGrafx 16, and Game Gear games would be available for Virtual Console. Purchases are made through the Nintendo eShop using a cash-based system instead of a points-based system as used for the Wii and DSi. It was released on June 6 in North America and June 7, 2011 in Europe[citation needed as part of a system update.
StreetPass and SpotPass modes:
The system supports multiplayer gameplay via a local wireless connection or over the Internet. Expanding upon the connectivity of the Nintendo DS, the Nintendo 3DS features an "always on" background connectivity system that trademarks suggested was named "CrossPass", which can automatically seek and connect to wireless network nodes such as Wi-Fi hotspots, sending and downloading information in the background while in sleep mode or while playing a game. In Nintendo's September 29 conference, the confirmed Western names of the SpotPass Tag Mode service would be StreetPass and SpotPass, with SpotPass being the ability for the 3DS to seek Wi-Fi signals and automatically download content while in sleep mode and StreetPass being the passive communication between 3DS systems held by users, an example being the sharing of Mii avatars.
During the 2011 Game Developers Conference, Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils-Aime announced that Nintendo has partnered with AT&T to provide free access to AT&T hotspots via the Nintendo 3DS. Users are able to connect to these hotspots.
The background connectivity allows users to exchange software content regardless of what software is currently in the console. Sharing content is stored in a "data slot" in the console. Using this data slot, Nintendo 3DS users can readily share and exchange content for multiple games at the same time, whenever they are connected, even when playing unrelated games. Using the console's background connectivity, a Nintendo 3DS in StreetPass Mode can automatically discover other 3DS units within range, establish a connection, and exchange content for mutually played games, all transparently and without requiring any user input, even when the console is dormant. For example, in Super Street Fighter IV: 3D Edition, if the user passes someone with the same software, they will initiate a battle to collect trophies from each other.
It can be customized to fit the user's preferences, including opting out of it altogether for selected software. One application being considered is functionality to "automatically acquire magazine and newspaper articles", similar to networked e-book reader applications. Other improvements to online functionality include how Friend Codes are implemented, with only one code necessary for each console, as opposed to the DS and Wii where individual Friend Codes are required for each piece of software.
Certain hotspots use the SpotPass to send a channel called "Nintendo Zone". In the Nintendo Zone app users can see game trailers, game screenshots, and information on games. After the player leave the hotspot the app stays.
A successor to Nintendo DS's PictoChat application for the Nintendo 3DS has been announced by Nintendo via a streaming conference on October 21, 2011. The successor is called Swapnote (in North America) or Nintendo Letter Box (in Europe), and it became available as a free download in December 2011. This application allows users to send 3D pictures, sound, and scribbled messages to registered friends via either StreetPass or SpotPass. An updated version of Swapnote is now available.
Video content
Main article: Nintendo Network#Video servicesThe system supports 3D movie and video playback capability. During E3 2010, Nintendo demonstrated 3D trailers for DreamWorks' How to Train Your Dragon, Warner Bros' Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga'Hoole, and Disney's film Tangled on the 3DS.September 29, 2010, Nintendo of Japan announced plans to form a partnership with Fuji TV to distribute free 3D video content to Nintendo 3DS owners in Japan. On January 19, 2011, Nintendo of Europe announced during a press conference plans to partner with Eurosport and BSkyB to distribute 3D sports content to the Nintendo 3DS. A deal with Aardman Animations was also made in early 2012 to bring fifteen exclusive 3D episodes of Shaun the Sheep to the Nintendo 3DS European market starting March 7, 2012. A firmware update for Nintendo 3DS systems in North America on March 24, 2011, included a 3D version of the music video "White Knuckles" from OK Go. The first full-length 3D film to be released for the 3DS is Tekken: Blood Vengeance, which is included with Tekken 3D: Prime Edition.
Nintendo Video launched in Australia, Europe, and Japan on July 13, 2011, featuring episodes of Oscar's Oasis and Magic Tricks for your Nintendo 3DS in 3D. The service launched in North America on July 21, 2011, featuring a 3D trailer for Captain America: The First Avenger, an introduction to Nintendo Video, and two short films - Sunday Jog and Dinosaur Office. The service updates periodically through SpotPass, automatically adding and deleting content from the console.
Netflix streaming video service was released on the Nintendo 3DS in North America on July 14, 2011.
A system update on December 7, 2011, added Interval Shot, Frame Pick, and the ability to record up to 10 minutes of 3D video. Interval Shot allows sequences of images to be recorded in short-timed intervals to create time-lapse photography. Frame Pick puts still images together to create stop motion animation.
Nintendo announced on October 21, 2011, that Hulu Plus would be released on the Nintendo 3DS by the end of the year. On February 16, 2012, following the debut of Hulu on the Wii, Nintendo reiterated the announcement this time claiming it would be available on the 3DS sometime in 2012.
Internet browser:
Main article: Nintendo 3DS Internet Browser
The Nintendo 3DS Internet Browser was made available in system update 2.0.0 on June 6 (NA) and 7 (AUS,P, and EP), 2011.
Netflix:
The Netflix application was added to the North American Nintendo 3DS eShop on July 14, 2011. Netflix users are able to pause streaming video on the 3DS and resume on other Netflix-enabled devices. Only 2D content is available through the service.
Mii:
Miis are available on the system Nintendo 3DS & Nintendo 3DS XL. Mii Maker will help users create a new Mii or import an existing Mii from the Wii or the Wii U, though 3DS-created Miis & 3DS XL-created Miis cannot be exported back to the Wii due to additional character parts. 3DS-created Miis & 3DS XL-created Miis will be able to be exported to the Wii U.Mii Maker also allows users to create a Mii from a photo taken by one of the cameras. Miis can also be loaded by capturing special QR codes with one of the cameras. There is also a StreetPass Mii Plaza to house all the Miis the player has gathered in StreetPass or SpotPass Mode.
Circle Pad Pro:
Pictures of the device first appeared in Famitsu, which explained that the add-on would add a second analog joystick and extra set of shoulder buttons and would be bundled with Monster Hunter Tri G. It will also include a black wrist strap similar to the Wii.The first game to support it was Monster Hunter Tri G in Japan and Resident Evil: Revelations in Europe and North America. Other titles announced to be compatible with the slide pad are Ace Combat 3D (Japan version only), Metal Gear Solid: Snake Eater 3D, Kid Icarus: Uprising, Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance and Dynasty Warriors VS.The Circle Pad Pro was released in Japan on December 10, 2011, January 27, 2012 in Europe, on February 2, 2012 in Australia, and in North America on February 7, 2012 and is not Region-locked.The original Circle Pad Pro is incompatible with the 3DS XL. An updated version will be released to support the new handheld in North America in late 2012.
Miiverse:
Main article: Miiverse-Miiverse is Nintendo's new social network system. It will allow players to share achievements and provide status updates. Users will be represented by their Mii on Miiverse. Miiverse will originally launch with Wii U, but Nintendo has confirmed that it will be available for the Nintendo 3DS & 3DS XL as well as web enabled personal computers and mobile devices at a later date.
Nintendo Network
Main article: Nintendo Network
The Nintendo 3DS is the first system to support Nintendo's new network infrastructure known as Nintendo Network. Nintendo Network succeeds the previous Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection service. Nintendo outlined that the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection was created as a way for developers to experiment with their own network infrastructures and concepts, whereas the Nintendo Network is fully unified network service. On the Nintendo 3DS, Nintendo Network allowed developers to create games with universal multiplayer without the need to enter Friend Codes for each person in a multiplayer game, this makes it much easier and more flexible for players to play against each other over the internet.