New Nintendo 3DS News
January2015
News New Nintendo 3DS Release Date Confirmed for 13th February
Majora's Mask and Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate limited editions on the way
During today's Nintendo Direct broadcasts the big N confirmed what was already suspected - the New Nintendo 3DS will launch in Europe and North America on 13th February. There are some key differences in hardware, however. Europe will, as expected, have the same range as Japan...
Rumour Red New Nintendo 3DS XL With 13th February Launch Appears in Marketing Poster
Also suggest a same day release for Majora's Mask 3D and Monster Hunter
We've seen some fun Nintendo Direct and New Nintendo 3DS rumours today, but this one is too irresistible to not share. Just bear in mind that this could be clever photoshopping, but if true the details will certainly cause a storm. It's all in the design; the image below is...
Feature Five Key Reveals We Want in 2015's First Nintendo Direct
New 3DS! Wii U release dates! Reward Scheme!
While January 2014 became entwined in fluctuating share prices and worrying financial results, Nintendo has shown its intent to kick off 2015 in a far more positive light. The year's first Nintendo Direct will be broadcast on 14th January at 6am Pacific / 9am Eastern / 2pm UK / 3pm CET, confirming a focus...
News Nintendo Direct Confirmed for 14th January, With Focus on Spring Releases
Getting 2015 truly started
As 2015 begins to kick into gear Nintendo seems intent on starting with a bang. While we had to wait until mid-February for the first Nintendo Direct broadcast last year, the company has now confirmed a new broadcast for 14th January. It's not been given a specific title - which suggests one of those packed general...
News New Nintendo 3DS Prices Pop Up in Italy, and They're Not Bad
Pretty similar prices to current models
Now that the whole New Nintendo 3DS Ambassador Promotion in Europe is drawing to an end, it's time to move on from topics such as who's been picked by Club Nintendo, what makes Europe so special and what the flip Nintendo of America was up to when it all went down. Those topics are so ten minutes ago, and now...
Reminder Club Nintendo New 3DS Ambassador Promotion Final Invites Sent, Deadline at Midnight
Emails are arriving
The New Nintendo 3DS Ambassador programme has generated a lot of buzz in Europe, with more Club Nintendo members gradually receiving invites as the promotion deadline has loomed. The opportunity to order the special bundle and have early access to the hardware has been tough for many to ignore. Of course, a good number of loyal...
News Fresh Batch of New Nintendo 3DS Ambassador Emails Looks Set for Monday 12th January
One final opportunity
Just recently we reported that, through emails or simply trying their luck, more European Club Nintendo members were suddenly getting access to the New Nintendo 3DS Ambassador programme. It was hard to discern whether it was an intentional expansion of the scheme or the case that some accounts were simply receiving delayed...
Not everyone, though
This week's announcement of an early New Nintendo 3DS Ambassador promotion in Europe certainly rocked the boat, offering select Club Nintendo members an opportunity to pick up a system before its release date has even been announced. It was exciting for those lucky enough to be included but frustrating for those left out; oddly,...
Video Unboxing The New Nintendo 3DS Ambassador Edition
Hands on with the limited edition bundle
The announcement of the New Nintendo 3DS Ambassador Edition promotion was a pleasant and unexpected surprise this week, offering European consumers -- traditionally the red-haired stepchildren of Nintendo's fandom -- the chance to get their grubby hands on the latest 3DS model before its official launch in...
Gallery Here's What The New Nintendo 3DS Ambassador Edition Looks Like In The Flesh
Nintendo, with these Ambassador 3DS consoles you are really spoiling us
This week saw an incredible event in the world of Nintendo -- the company's European arm gave a select bunch of fans the chance to buy the New Nintendo 3DS before its official launch in the region. Even more amazing is that the consoles have been posted out within 24 hours of...
Rumour New Nintendo 3DS To Launch In Europe Next Week
Leak from Finnish retailer suggests January 12th release date
UPDATE: A pinch of salt may be required in this case -- as some of you have already pointed out, the age rating on the box appears to be Australian. The console launched in that region before Christmas. Could this be imported stock, or a bad fake? It wouldn't be the first time that stock...
News New Nintendo 3DS Ambassador Editions Already In The Hands Of Lucky Buyers
That was quick
Yesterday, a select bunch of lucky EU Club Nintendo members got the Nintendo equivalent of a Golden Ticket from Willy Wonka -- an email inviting them to purchase a special New Nintendo 3DS Ambassador Edition before the console launches in Europe. Nintendo stated that consoles would be shipped within 3 to 5 days, but it would appear...
News Lucky New Nintendo 3DS Ambassador Gamers Jump Straight to eBay to Flog Systems
Nintendo's "don't offer to scalpers' filter needs more work
Earlier today we shared the surprising news that Nintendo Europe is offering some Club Nintendo members an ambassador version of the New 3DS; even better, it's available to buy now ahead of being shipped in 3-5 days. It's hugely exciting for those that got the email and has caused plenty...
Get your hands on the console before the official launch
Update: Nintendo has declined to clarify how it selected Club Nintendo members for this promotion, providing the following statement to Eurogamer. The New Nintendo 3DS Ambassador offer is by email invitation only for selected Club Nintendo members in Europe only who fulfil a certain...
December2014
News Please Sega, All We Want For Christmas Are These Amazing New 3DS Themes In The West
Variants on a theme
Ever since Nintendo introduced 3DS themes with a recent system update, we've seen a steady stream of cool backgrounds on our beloved handhelds. However, as if often the case, our Japanese friends are getting a superior offerings. There are already plenty of amazing themes available in that part of the world, and Sega has just...
News Nintendo Shows Off NFC eShop Payments for New Nintendo 3DS in Japan
The amiibo menu is also live, despite the lack of compatible games
Since summer this year gamers in Japan have been able to use a variety of NFC (near field communication) cards to buy content on the Wii U eShop; this includes commonly used cards such as the SUICA brand, which are often kept topped up by consumers for use on local transports...
News There's An Awesome Retro Easter Egg Hiding In The New 3DS Web Browser
Get ready to tap
The New 3DS and New 3DS XL have a cool Easter Egg hidden away in their web browsing software. The hidden treat — discovered by Instagram user 345triangle — requires you to tap the opening of the Super Mario Bros. theme tune and then select a page from your bookmarks. The page is then rendered as the classic title Breakout —...
Parent Trap amiibo Packs a Hidden Family Payload
More than meets the eye
Toys and video games used to compete for family spending power at supermarket check-outs. The recent trend in toy-video-game crossovers does away with this rivalry, but for families makes purchasing decisions all the more confusing. With amiibo joining the likes Skylanders and Disney Infinity (not to mention more niche...
November2014
News Nintendo's Official Japanese Site Suggests Discontinuation of Certain 3DS Units
Disappointment XL
Nintendo's official Japanese website has begun displaying a notice above some of its 3DS models that speaks doom for some of the variants. The message translates to: Production is slated to end shortly It seems Nintendo is really trying to push the New 3DS into the hands of the Japanese public, and by reducing the number of...
A momentous occasion for Nintendo fans down under and across the ditch
Last night, Australia and New Zealand were treated to the release of a brand new Nintendo system before both North America and Europe. In a similar scenario to Nintendo’s homeland, Japan, existing models of the 3DS had reportedly reached the point of complete market saturation...
News The New Nintendo 3DS Doesn't Come With An Internet Filter In Australia
Other western markets may follow suit
When the New Nintendo 3DS launched in Japan recently one of the more interesting new elements was the web browser, which came with a filter to block adult content from the eyes of innocent and impressionable youngsters. To remove the filter, you have to register a credit card — which incurs a small charge —...
News Cubic Ninja Sales Spike Following Announcement of 3DS Homebrew Requirement
Has rapidly moved up the charts on Amazon
In recent times we've provided some coverage of progress on a 3DS Homebrew Channel project, which is apparently all set to be released on 22nd November. It can be a grey area of fierce debate, as the excitement for some to produce apps and games — as was the case on DS and Wii — is countered by those...
News 3DS Homebrew Exploit Set to be Launched on 22nd November
Does not run 3DS ROMS, but open to emulators and apps
Over the past few months we've been reporting on the efforts of 3DS hacker smealum, who's been actively working towards releasing a homebrew exploit and channel for the 3DS. System updates and then the New Nintendo 3DS model delayed progress, but it seems that the exploit is now just days away...
News Exclusive New Nintendo 3DS Features Teased For The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask 3D
Game will be available on all models, however
Due to North America and Europe likely receiving the New Nintendo 3DS in early 2015, and with The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask 3D due in Spring, some were concerned — albeit unnecessarily — that the much-anticipated remake would be an exclusive for the new system. Thankfully, Eiji Aonuma has...
Video StreetPass East Midlands Goes Hands-On With The New Nintendo 3DS
We caught up with the UK group at this year's GameCity event
GameCity is one of the UK's biggest gaming events, bringing players, developers and publishers together for a week of activities, talks and demonstrations all across the city of Nottingham. This year, StreetPass East Midlands had its own little shindig in one of Nottingham's many...
October2014
News Nintendo Boasts New 3DS is its Best-Selling Remodelled Handheld System to Date
Grossly outselling its predecessors
Nintendo has announced that the New Nintendo 3DS and its bigger brother the New Nintendo 3DS LL have been privy to a success more uproarious than expected. In its latest financial report, Nintendo has claimed that over 400,000 New 3DS units have been sold in the mere three weeks that it has been available in...
News Five Additional Cover Plates Announced For New 3DS Australian Release
Will retail for $17.95 each
While Japan’s onslaught of cover plate announcements for the New 3DS continue, the rest of the world is left pondering if a considerable amount of them will ever see the light of day outside of the region. Adding a ray of hope to the situation, Nintendo of Australia has today announced via Twitter & Facebook th
Video How Much Faster Is The New Nintendo 3DS?
Quite a bit, as it happens
The New Nintendo 3DS is available now in Japan, and we've been spending some quality time with the system — as you'll already know if you've checked out our review and hands-on video. One of the most common questions we've had since getting the console relates to overall speed — is it really that much faster than the...
News 3DS Homebrew Hacker Makes Progress on New Nintendo 3DS
Can of worms, re-opening...
In recent months we've been following the efforts of Smealum, a hacker who's been developing a homebrew channel for the 3DS. As it approached its final stages of development it was emphasized that although the channel will not run illegal 3DS ROMS, it will support homebrew games and apps. The fuzzy moral ground comes with...
News Pokémon Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire Lead the Way in New Nintendo 3DS Kisekae Faceplates
Animal Crossing! Plumber's moustaches! More!
The New Nintendo 3DS is now out in Japan and has enjoyed a strong start in the charts, shifting nearly 235,000 units in its launch weekend. The smaller model was actually outsold by the LL (XL), which surprises us for one reason — Kisekae faceplaces. We can't help but be charmed by these faceplates,...
News New Nintendo 3DS LL Outsells Standard Model By Almost Three To One In Japan
Despite those oh-so-gorgeous Kisekae plates
The New 3DS and New 3DS LL (XL to us westerners) launched in Japan at the end of last week, and with the standard model offering the ability to fit new front and back plates, many predicted that shoppers would pick customisation over screen size this time around. However, according to figures published by...
Video New Nintendo 3DS Unboxing And Hands On
Watch in awe as we remove and refit a face plate
We've got the New Nintendo 3DS in the office right now and in-between gazing at its rock-solid 3D screen and fondling its nipple-like C-Stick, we somehow found the time to record a special unboxing and hands-on video, which you can view below. The new console — currently only available in Japan —...
News New Nintendo 3DS 'Kawaii' Kisekae Faceplates Join Upcoming Smash Bros. Set
Our poor wallets
The New Nintendo 3DS may be a while away is most territories, but it's enjoying its first week since release in Japan. We suspect that the substantial range of Kisekae faceplates are selling rather well, too, and Nintendo's already lining up more designs to supplement the 38 varieties already available. First of all we have number...
Hardware Review The New Nintendo 3DS Is The Best Yet
We go hands-on with the Japanese model
Nintendo has a history of iterating and improving the various handheld consoles it has produced over the past few decades. The original monochrome Game Boy started this trend of gradual enhancement — with the Game Boy Pocket and Game Boy Light offering tangible advantages over the 1989 original — and since...
News The New Nintendo 3DS Web Filter Does Successfully Block Adult Content, Most of the Time
There's a loophole to be fixed
The New Nintendo 3DS is now out in Japan, and it'll be intriguing to see just how much the models boost sales of the hardware in the country. It has various new features, such as a faster CPU, the c-stick and improved stereoscopic 3D viewing, though it's one of the less headline-grabbing inclusions that's recently been...
News New Nintendo 3DS Videos Show Off Compulsory Screwdriver Skills
Required for faffing about with faceplates and micro SD cards
We suspect that a good number of you reading this are preparing to pick up a New Nintendo 3DS later this year (Japan, Australia and New Zealand) or in 2015 (everywhere else), but you'll need more than just a higher-capacity micro SD card — you'll need a screwdriver and a willingness to...
News 3DS System Update 9.0.0-20 Is Now Live with Home Menu Themes
Various themes and Theme Shop now available!
The hotly anticipated 3DS System Update introducing HOME Menu themes has gone live across Europe and North America. Version 9.0.0-20 (add an E or U to the end of that depending on where you live) allows 3DS owners to use themes to customise both the design and sounds of the HOME Menu. Additionally, this...
News Now You Can Gawk at New Nintendo 3DS Demo Units and Packaging from Japan
Let's all move to Japan
While it may pain millions of Nintendo fans around the world to hear it again, the New Nintendo 3DS arrives in Japan on 11th October — it then makes its way to Australia and New Zealand on 21st November. As a result Nintendo is stepping up its marketing efforts, including some particularly colourful and charming TV...
September2014
News Super Smash Bros. on 3DS Lacks Circle Pad Pro Support Due to Processing Power Limitations
So says Masahiro Sakurai
Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS has a solid control scheme, but there was some gnashing of teeth when it emerged that it won't support the Circle Pad Pro for some convenient Smash Attacks with the second Circle Pad. It's only been natural to wonder why, then, the c-stick on the New Nintendo 3DS is supported, with various...
Video Japanese Commercial For New 3DS Highlights Those Fetching "Kisekae Plate" Covers
Dressing up time
The Japanese launch of the New 3DS is just around the corner, and Nintendo is running commercials in its homeland to promote the customisable nature of the system. The standard New 3DS — not the New 3DS XL — features interchangeable "Kisekae Plate" covers which are sold separately and come in a wide range of eye-catching...
News Almost 50 Different System Themes Revealed Prior To New 3DS Launch
Third party themes included in the first batch
The New 3DS launches in Japan next month, and along with it we'll be seeing a firmware update which will allow all 3DS consoles to implement custom themes. Nintendo of Japan has posted a selection of themes online, along with prices which range from 100 yen ($0.90 / £0.55) to 200 yen ($1.80 / £1.20)...
Splitting the userbase
It was confirmed recently by Satoru Iwata, when revealing the New Nintendo 3DS models, that a port of Wii title Xenoblade Chronicles will be exclusive to the new hardware to utilise its improved CPU. It was unclear how common this would be, yet in today's surprise announcement of the hardware hitting Australia and New Zealand...
Video Nintendo Australia Gives Us A Jaunty Tour Of The New 3DS
Turn the volume up
As you may be aware, Australia got its first Nintendo Direct today, and the big news is that it's going to be one of the first regions outside of Japan to get the New 3DS and New 3DS XL. As well as putting the Direct online for non-Aussies to watch, Nintendo Australia has produced another, shorter clip which shows off the console...
Nintendo Direct New Nintendo 3DS Models Coming to Australia and New Zealand on 21st November
Still not coming elsewhere until 2015
In a surprise Nintendo Direct in Australia and New Zealand — the first that's been unique to the region — it's been announced that the New Nintendo 3DS and XL model will be coming to the two countries on 21st November; it's also been reiterated that the systems will not come elsewhere in the West until 2015...
At least the West has these nice pictures to enjoy
There is a clean-freak hiding away within everyone, and this includes Nintendo fans. So if you like your game systems to remain in pristine condition, don’t even consider putting your grubby mitts on these New 3DS consoles with suede Pokémon-themed faceplates – if they do somehow wash up on...
News Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS Will Support The New 3DS C-Stick, But Not The Circle Pad Pro
C-Stick it to the man
Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS will support the New 3DS console's C-Stick, but won't be compatible with the Circle Pad Pro accessory for the original 3DS and 3DS XL. The information comes from Nintendo's official Japanese support pages, and has been translated by posters on NeoGaf. This follows news that
News Retro City Rampage: DX Will Benefit From Additional Controls On The New 3DS
Is the best version going to get even better?
Retro City Rampage: DX will get an update in the near future which will allow it to take advantage of the New 3DS and its additional controls, creator Brian Provinciano has revealed. Provinciano posted the news to Twitter, stating that the updated hardware offers the kind of interface he wanted for the...
News The Japanese New 3DS Packaging Is Both Cute And Colourful
The wait is killing us
Nintendo has revealed what the packaging for the Japanese version of the New 3DS will look like, and we're sure you'll agree that it's pretty sweet. The box is colourful and stylish, and very, very different from the kind of packaging design we've seen for the 3DS range so far. It hints at the bright and fun Cover Plates...
News New Nintendo 3DS Shown Off by Monster Hunter Series Producer Ryozo Tsujimoto
Have another look at the limited edition XL and MH faceplate
Part of the New Nintendo 3DS announcement last week was confirmation of a rather attractive Monster Hunter 4 G XL edition — Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate in the West — that sports a silver design. In addition Capcom's blockbuster franchise will have two of its own designs in the kisekae...
News Sorry, Contrary to Rumours the New Nintendo 3DS Will be Region Locked
Hardly surprising
In recent days a rumour, with no substantial source beyond hearsay, has been doing the rounds that the New Nintendo 3DS systems would be region free. We declined to report the rumour due to the lack of compelling proof, but nevertheless checked up in order to clarify the situation; as some may be contemplating pre-ordering a...
Poll Tell Us What You Think of the New Nintendo 3DS
The new 'New'
The dust is now starting to settle on Nintendo's surprise reveal of the New Nintendo 3DS in a Japanese Nintendo Direct. Due in Nintendo's homeland this October and other regions in 2015, it adds a healthy dose of new features and improvements to — potentially — invigorate the 3DS family of systems in the coming years. Its success...
August2014
Guide New Nintendo 3DS - Everything We Know So Far
The nitty-gritty around Nintendo's new hardware
Unless you spent the latter part of the week completely isolated from the world, you'll be aware that Nintendo unveiled new 3DS hardware, which will be rather simply called the New Nintendo 3DS and the New Nintendo 3DS LL, the latter of which is the XL in the West. We've endeavoured to provide plenty...
Talking Point Nintendo Brings Life to the 3DS With New Models
Game changer
When Nintendo announced a Japan-only 3DS Direct, one phrase immediately came to mind — RPGs. Yet what happened was entirely unexpected. Not only was new 3DS hardware announced, but it's a substantial change that can — perceivably — extend the life of the portable a fair amount. We've discussed, here in the office and briefly in...
Reaction Picking Apart The New Nintendo 3DS And New 3DS XL
Tom and Damien chew the fat over today's shock reveal
Earlier today, Nintendo shocked the video gaming world by announcing the impending launch of not one but two revised 3DS models. The New 3DS and New 3DS XL take the core template of the original model and add in NFC, a nipple-like C-Stick, additional shoulder buttons and an improved screen...
News Nintendo Shows Off 38 "Kisekae Plate" Changeable Covers For New Nintendo 3DS
Gorgeous
Today's announcement of New Nintendo 3DS models brought us plenty of interesting details, including the fact that the smaller model will have the unique feature of easy-to-use interchangeable faceplate covers — branded as "Kisekae Plates" in Japan — that slide across the top and bottom sections. As this smaller, less expensive model is...
