Reggie Fils-Aime Hints at Smaller New Nintendo 3DS for North America

I have the New 3DS ambassador edition, however I would like a white New 3DS XL please...

Believe it when you see it; that guy is an idiot anyway (Reggie).

XL has a better screen and a better build overall. The only reason to desperately want a regulzar size is exchangeable faceplates. If XL had it, I bet the regular one wouldn't sell much.

I wonder why not launch both at the same time...

It might be too little too late by then since I might as well just hold on the extra half year and find out if the NX will replace the 3DS or not and save for it. I might give in if they go all out with the good faceplates we've seen elsewhere though

I think everyone is misinterpreting his quote.

To me, he's basically saying "We don't have plans to bring the small model to NA at this time." and following that up with "Keep your eyes out for new SKUs [of the New 3DS XL]" because to them, new special colors of XL is as good as a replacement for the faceplates, and they don't think people care about the size.

If they were to do it, it's probably too late for me. I imported the Japanese version. Great fun. And exactly the size I would have wanted in North America.

YES! YES! YES! I'm SO glad I waited now! I was literally thinking "If they don't announce it around E3 time or holiday 2015, I might as well get an XL." So glad there's a glimmer of hope.

A holiday launch for the standard New 3DS (with the faceplates, of course) would push a LOT of 3DS hardware (and faceplates, of course), probably past Nintendo's own sales forecasts.

Calling it now, it's a "New2DS", instead!

Yup I've been waiting for an announcement for the smaller model to come to the US ever since Japan got their announcement. I will continue to wait on upgrading my 3DS XL model until this one comes out.
I'm pretty excited that Reggie has hinted at it

I will most likely upgrade if they release the plain white model here.

I was excited for the New 3ds when it first came out and would have bought the smaller one day 1, however, as time goes on my interest has waned as there is no compelling reason to upgrade.

I thought people like things that come in large packages

Eh, I have an XL....it's hard to look at my old 3DS now, it's kinda funny since I never thought I'd be thinking like that. xD

The eShop games would be Unity games correct? I'm a horrible mobile gamer....my 3DS gets almost no use so the New 3DS isn't getting a purchase from me.

By this point, upgrading ain't gonna happen for me. I was a little tempted when Majora's Mask came out, but by now it's not looking like enough 3DS games are going to be coming in the future for me to feel that the very slight upgrade is worth it.

Current XL owner but could see myself getting a smaller New 3DS.

Nintendo doesn't want my money

I dont get it why the XL is the only one available.

Nintendo is clearly losing money.

And whats worse, we cant import one because hurr durr region lock.

Exchangeable face plates are nice and stuff, but I just love the bigger screen. I won't trade it in for the smaller one, though it would've been nice if they did the face plates on the larger version too.

Hopefully the future New 3DS exclusives look really good, or are anywhere near the scope that Xenoblade Chronicles 3D was.

ive been wanting the smaller sized n3DS but especially if the NA version retains the super famicom look

Reveals the New 2DS instead XD

I've wanted a regular sized 3DS ever since they were announced, but only got the XL because current regular sized 3DS had a host of problems. Top screen scratched by the edges on the bottom screen, button issues, bad 3D. If the regular sized white New 3DS were available, I would buy one today and sell off my XL.

The 3DS graphics become even worse with the XL. I can't stand that amount of absolute pixelation. It's just plain disgusting and I hope their next handheld is HD. Gameplay may matter most, but there comes a point when something can be too ugly to play. Some games do in fact look good either way, but things like Pokemon X and Y look okay on the standard model, but terribly ugly on the XL.

@Kaze_Memaryu - New 2DS is funny w/ no 3D and the portal coming out, but NFC chip makes sense for Christmas amiibo purchases. So I agree, new 2DS this Christmas, almost a guarantee.

And even if you were joking I still think it is

"Fils-Aime said that Nintendo is trying not to split its New 3DS user base"

THEN WHY DID YOU MAKE IT MORE POWERFUL? argh...

If those two are true, I may finally upgrade.

Does this guy stop talking. Since E3, all I hear is nonsense from him and Miyamoto.

It will release eventually. I would put money on that fact. Sometimes consumers are not aware they want something until they know they can't get it.
See also: Every Amiibo ever.

Yeah, I don't think this means anything. Not to be a downer, but Nintendo's said a lot of questionable things lately.

New Nintendo 2DS confirmed!

Well, I know I've certainly longed for the standard size, white New 3DS since seeing it when it was first announced last year in Japan. I will pre-order / buy it instantly if/when it releases here. It's funny--I had the OG 3DS for a year and a half, then switched to the XL, just to give it a chance, and have now had it for two years. But I've been so ready to switch back to the smaller size for good. I waited till E3, heard nothing, and decided I'd just go try and find another OG 3DS online. I was planning on purchasing one later tonight, and then saw this article . . .

Now I feel like I should just wait a little while longer, but . . . I also know Reggie very well could be trolling us again, and--as some have suggested--might reveal a New 2DS or just some additional LE New XLs. Sigh . . . Sure wish he'd just tell us what we'll be getting, even if not when. As it is, I still don't know what to do.

I for one don´t really care if there are specific software for the New 3DS or not. I fully understand there reluctance to spilt the user base. With that said though I would like if (all) the forthcoming software was utilized to take advantage of the extra power in the hardware like they did with Monster Hunter 4 and Project S.T.E.A.M.
I upgraded from an original 3ds to the New 3DS (not XL) and I love the system. I think the new screen and d-pad does wonders for existing games and that is enough for me.

Meh, this guy's all talk lately... best not to get excited about this stuff

@DarthNocturnal That'd be great (GBA titles on VC).

I take a black new 3ds with SNES and GBA virtual console games please
Where do I sign at

The new XL and the 2DS their "best" lineup? Really? Despite how pathetic it looks for a large market like America to only have those two options when Japan and Europe have them all? Ugh.

There's a reason Pizza Hut has pan, small, medium, large, and XL sized pizzas, Reggie. It's not about which is selling the most, it's about fulfilling as many needs as possible.

I literally just got a New 3DS XL last week, too... I like the size, but I would have also liked faceplates. That Xenoblade one looked great... Oh well, no point in switching systems just for that purpose.

Fingers crossed

I would be beyond happy if the standard size released in NA. It makes sense if they do that when Animal Crossing HHD comes out, so that users won't need the amiibo scanner attachment. However, I can see them just releasing another color/design of the XL.

Not sure how much of an affirmation Reggie's comments really are, but hopefully the regular N3DS does make its way to NA soon for all those who want the model. Why it was never released over there to begin with I have no idea. Just another instance of - seemingly recurrent - incompetence on Nintendo's part.

I'll be surprised if this ever happens. I would have gotten a non-XL at launch because I carry mine with me daily and I like the smaller size, but I've already gone all-in on the red XL (if we're not getting all the sizes, I'm at least getting the version specific to North America), and I'm really fond of it. I'm not flush enough to buy a whole new 3DS every time a new one releases.

Still loving the New 3DS overall though. I always played in 3D, so the stabilized effect is a godsend. I'm actually significantly worse at Monster Hunter with the 3D turned off. The depth is really valuable for gunners! The speed bump for the OS is also glorious. The original 3DS really was a dinosaur in terms of navigating the system. I haven't even bought Xenoblade yet, but I will, so really the system was a must-have for me.

But still... those colored buttons are like a siren song to me...

The exclusives are going to have to be pretty nice to get me to buy 3ds number six.

@rushiosan Also because some of us have smaller hands the XL is uncomfortable to hold.

personally i probably wouldnt buy any faceplates, but they should have just found a way to have faceplates on the xl model and been done with it and phased out the smaller 3ds altogether.

@rushiosan
New XL feels like a toy compared to the New standard model so I don't know what you mean by better build quality. I, and all my friends, were pleasantly surprised by how nice it was. Haven't had such a nice handheld from Nintendo since the Game Boy Micro.

I am one of those who would have been a Day-1 purchaser, if only they had the base model available in NA. I have a 3DS XL and would prefer a smaller, more portable one (with the faceplates to boot!) so I have successfully held out (and will continue to do so) until the base model is released. This is good news from Reggie, and IMHO, I'd almost take it as concrete evidence that it'll be out sooner than later. Fingers crossed!

I have a standard New 3DS (Japanese) and a New 3DS XL (NA). I much prefer the standard. The unit feels more solid and the top screen is less floppy. If they release the standard size in the U.S., I'll buy.

AT LAST! Well... Tentatively. I've definitely wanted a smaller edition since the announcement of their existence but we've had no hope over here! Fingers crossed, and I would LOVE a US ambassador edition, being one and all!

I will buy a regular sized New 3DS if it comes out, but I might break down and buy an XL if they have it on sale for Black Friday. I've been trying to stay strong though.

PLEASE REGGIE. I WILL BUY TWO.

Apparently, Nintendo doesn't like taking customers' money. We all know the previous XL model outsold the regular one and 2DS, even combined probably. But it's also ridiculous to not offer users options: there's a vocal amount of people who actually prefer the smaller model. And why would they allow for face plates on the standards New 3DS and not the XLs is beyond me.

I have a new 3ds xl already, but I would consider a basic new 3ds, especially a white one. I like the fact you can change the cover plates to custom ones.

Please, Reggie. I've been wanting the white standard-sized New Nintendo 3DS since its reveal...

@Captain_Gonru - "What about a N2DSXL?"

You have 4 too many letters in there, but that is basically their next system.

And I compeltley understand Ninteod's decision to not release the smaller size 3DS in the US, but it's weird in light of the faceplates. If they knew the larger sold well, why not make the larger XL model have face plates in the US?

It's like their amiibo marketing, lets make a cool thing that everybody wants, and then not make any of them. I know they never advertised faceplates in the US, but somebody really needs to tell Ntinedo that in the 21st century there's this thing called the internet, and we know things, like which countries get which consoles and games when.

I think I'll stick with my 3ds for now. It will play all of the upcoming games I'm interested in, so I'll be saving my money for games.

I will laugh if they come out with a "New 2DS" though (instead of the standard N3DS)!

Even if it does release in America, the earliest I'd probably be able to get it is Christmas. While in reality I'd probably get it for my birthday aka next year.

So many questions this year and all we can get is Reggie do in what Reggie does

I think that Nintendo would be smart to do a limited release of the base New 3DS XL here. Sales data shows that North Americans generally prefer the bigger screen of the XL (by a wide margin) but it seems silly to not provide at least one limited edition SKU that would allow the people who really want the changeable face plates to have them. If that SKU also included a few NA exclusive face plates I think that would go a long way toward smoothing the waters.

For my part, I am happy that none of the big 3DS retails games require a New 3DS. I just got my regular 3DS XL not long ago. Its way too soon to be upgrading.

That would be awesome as I refuse to get an XL and will just hang onto my launch 3DS until they bother to sell the smaller new 3ds here.

Day one if we get it this year. If fall comes and it's still not confirmed, then I might just get the New 3DS XL instead.

If this finally happens, I'll definitely upgrade. More than likely wont consider it otherwise.

I couldn't care less. I have the N3DSXL and I'm happy.

Hope there's a New 3ds version of Hyrule Warriors. I worry the original version will struggle with frame rate and more importantly the number of enemies.

Bought the n3DS XL at launch because the smaller one wasn't available. Imported a Japanese n3DS (to play Animal Crossing in Japanese and a pile of DS games I have) last month. I was actually surprised to find that I prefer the XL.

Figured this would happen for the Winter Holliday standard 3ds with all the world wide covers available in the U.S.

Just never saw it as an issue. Maybe the price difference could help sales.

More N3DSXL specific games please. One of the reasons I upgraded was the hopes of more hardware pushing titles. Though Xenoblade and MH4U is enough to last me forever. Lol!

Special SKUs? Weren't the standard model just supposed to be basic white or black, or would they really release special edition standard models? That sounds so strange. Whatever, I'd take it no matter what junky faceplates it came equipped with.

The new SKUs are actually New 3DS XLs bundled with Metroid Prime: Federation Force.

Ugh. I'm convinced a good portion of the 3DS's overall sales are from people buying the same console over and over again to get different designs. My brother has bought THREE of them. Nintendo knows they can get away with it too, hence the reason we're getting the most customizable model last.

Hoping it does come to the US. If they can do special bundles at all, why not make the smaller size N3DS a special edition bundle? Though I did read it as if it might be XL models coming. Oh Reggie...

@iphys The special bundles we have for the standard model here usually include the game (digital) and a set of faceplates (often a free corresponding theme too). The actual consoles are just white or black.

@RatKing64 "Sales data shows that North Americans generally prefer the bigger screen of the XL (by a wide margin)"

This always seems to come up at least once in one of these kinds of stories' comments sections, so I'll copy and paste the following again--to clear up this misconception:

http://www.gamefaqs.com/boards/997614-nintendo-3ds/71051940

In reality, it seems the reason NOA didn't release it is that they are more stingy than the other regions--they chose to only release the model preferred by the greater than 50% group, and not "waste" resources on the mere 33% of the rest of us. Too, just as likely, they wanted to stagger the releases so as to get people to buy the one they didn't really want as much, so they'd have to buy a second one in order to get what they wanted. But just the sales data? No, the numbers don't support that theory.

@iphys
Yeah, I found that odd too. Kind of makes me think they're not going to release the white one I've been hoping for, but rather some "unique" color and--of course--black, because we clearly don't have enough of that color as it is. >_>

@Sakura "The special bundles we have for the standard model here usually include the game (digital) and a set of faceplates (often a free corresponding theme too). The actual consoles are just white or black."

I hope that's what happens here. As long as I can get the actual console in white, I'll be happy.

I refused to buy the XL (don't care about faceplates, but I don't like the blown up images on the XL). I may buy the smaller version if it comes out, but I no longer really see a compelling reason for the New 3DS to even exist. One exclusive retail game, and it doesn't even improve the performance of existing games? I think Nintendo saved me money by going XL-exclusive, as I'll probably just wait to see what their next hardware looks like.

@Rocky2418 @iphys

Forgot the amiibo! Occassionally, the Nintendo Store will offer special bundles with rare amiibo - like the Xenoblades bundle with Shulk. Great, if you haven't already got the console...and the game..and the faceplates.

@Ras
It actually does improve performance of pretty much all the games they're releasing now. Games like a Smash and MH4U receive significant decreases in load times and add the ability to post Miiverse screenshots. Code Name STEAM turn wait times were decreased an additional 50% on new3Ds as opposed to original models. Majoras Mask took advantage of the power to run smoother and look a little better as well. And of course download times are roughly cut in half, if not more.

Then you've got the addition of the C-stick, which is good in more than a handful of games. You've got extra shoulder buttons which again are good for any game that was compatible with circle pad pro. You've got 3-D that's actually worth a darn, and you got native amiibo support out of the box.

I'm calling it now, Fire Emblem Fates new3DS SKU will be announced.

I don't understand why Nintendo are restricting customer's options here by not having the smaller New 3DS in the USA. Unless they reveal something soon, I'd be suprised if they changed their minds on this.

@Dakt
Wait...When did Reggie say n3DS exclusives were canceled?? I would be pissed if that was the case.

No real hints at the standard model. He's most likely hinting about the Limited Edition Super Mario Bros. 30th Anniversary New 3DS XL.

I have my lovely blue 3ds which is beginning to show its age. I also have arthritis. The N3ds has larger screens but isn't the behemoth the xl is.

I am tired of the coy attitude though: either say they are coming or not. Grow a pair, Reggie.

@AVahne
Being a pessimist (and with good cause), I'd normally be inclined to agree with you. However, he was specifically speaking about/to people who wanted "the base model":

"We've certainly taken note of all of the readers and consumers that expressed desire for the base model. . . . I would suggest to your readers that they stay tuned and maybe some special SKUs might show up."

Merely releasing a new New XL (ugh, name) would be completely irrelevant to that statement, as people who wanted the base model still wouldn't want that.

I was thrilled when I found out about the New 3DS, devastated when I found out NA wasn't getting the standard size, and now cautiously hopeful that we might still get it...

I hate the XL size.

@skyyye
Wow. I felt those exact three feelings at those exact three times. So you're certainly not alone.

Dam it, stop it with the 3DS variations, release some final good games for the 3DS, and move on already! It had a good run, but I think it's time to start advancing towards the NX, which I'm guessing will be a hybrid of a home console and a handheld.

I am so glad this might be coming because I really don't like large handhelds so this is perfect for me.

I think they mentioned Binding of Isaac only being able to run on the New 3DS, so this may be what is being referred to.

i hope it's true... been waiting for this for ever

My sister will be happy! I already have the Majoras Mask XL

I can't believe people are still willing to upgrade.After the non existing support of new 3ds titles. I hope it bombs .so they stop treating customers like crap. And I hope people realize that it's not worth upgrading for one game..And I have a new 3ds xl!Reggie is the master of putting spin o n things . He says we got the Mario at launch we wanted. He refers to digital exclusives in the form of one game ,binding of Isaac that's yet to come out..Nintendo lies!

I'd consider buying a N3DS XL if the colors weren't so awful here in NA.

If the big N ends up announcing this in Q3 or earlier, I'll begin to wonder why they didn't announce this at E3. WTF Nintendo . . .

Games look for crisp on smaller 3ds. I watch side by side 2ds and new xl at best buy and Mario Kart on 2ds seems a better graphic than Majora on new XL.

Still if i were to upgrade from my 2ds, i would choose new xl. Its not much diff in screen size if i just change to base version new 3ds.

@ningeek185
The New 3DS was officially announced for the western markets in January 2015 and was released just one month later. Nintendo may do the same thing for the standard-sized New 3DS for North America - that is, announce it in, lets say, September, and release it one month later, in October. This sounds a bit unlikely, but nothing is impossible.

I would probably sell my Monster Hunter New 3DS, buy the standard model and bank about $200 profit.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ojf3BMLbcss

My feelings about Reggie.

@rushiosan The original has a better screen.

The only thing reggies said in the last week worth putting stock into was that nintendo "breaks it's own rules all the time".which really isn't all that positive when you think about it as a way to justify this years e3 and general baffling vagueness.

I upgraded from 2DS to the New 3DS (small model) and I'm pretty happy with that, at least fits my pocket easily After Xenoblade Chronicles I'd rather see new games exclusive to N3DS, rather than down-scaled crappy ports.

Does anyone prefer the smaller New 3DS over the XL because of the feel of it rather than the faceplates?

I love Nintendo but I get tired of waiting on them to come to thier senses on EVERYTHING. Since I have the MHU4 New 3DSXL I have no need or interest in getting a smaller one. That was a different story at launch but Nintendo missed the boat for more of my money.

I'm not sure if I'll get either. But I still only have an original 3DS from 2011 so an upgrade would be nice, but only a normal sized N3DS not an XL. I like to be able to hold several things in my pockets at once and the plates are a nice option as well.

If we end up getting this, I will buy it day 1. I just bought myself a 2DS so I can wait until the holiday season. There's a bunch of games I preordered so I can wait on the smaller model. I was hoping that they might have announced it at E3.

@gaby_gabito
Yes. Many of us do, including me.

@BooJoh Yeah, I agree that he's probably talking about New XL models/bundles. Which is awesome. I'm all about the XL for my absurdly sized hands, and couldn't care less about the faceplates.

I honestly don't know how difficult it is to do a System Transfer, but a fancy New XL bundle might do the trick in getting me to give it a shot. Plus, my current 3DS is slowly losing its R Button.

While it was nice having camera control in Majoras Mask and faster loading times in Smash, I'm really hoping I didn't buy a N3DS just for Xenoblade 3D. Surely they haven't made a whole new system with only one exclusive game!

pLEASE REGGIE

@DarthNocturnal Considering the PSP can run the most taxing GBA titles in a custom firmware emulator with no issues whatsoever, the regular 3DS should have no trouble running them. Nintendo just didn't bother to bolster their Virtual Console for... reasons.

@Rocky2418

Thank you for posting that sales data. I'm so tired of people peddling around that "XL outsells standard" excuse (like this is a phenom exclusive to the NA). Someone in another comment section even had the gall to call the standard audience "niche". On planet is 33% considered "niche"?

And isn't the point of having variations of products anyway is that you're serving the different tastes and needs of your audience? With this decision NoA had basically told 33% of the 3DS owners to either upgrade to their way or no way. I chose "no way" and I'm sure I wasn't alone. Ridiculous that this is even a problem when America is one of the Nintendo's biggest markets but it's another example of how stingy and arrogant NoA can be.

I'm going to sell my new 3ds xl if the standard sized one comes out.

@LoveSugoi
No problem. Yeah, I was surprised by the data myself, considering how frequently I'd heard people casually throw around the line, 'Well, XL sales just dwarf non-XL sales in North America.' Whereas in reality--while XL sales do outnumber non-XL ones everywhere, including NA--non-XL sales actually make up a higher percentage of overall sales here in NA than anywhere else. So, yeah, that's clearly not the reason why the base model wasn't released here. Rather, to this point, they decided only to cater to the over 50% group--maybe in an effort to be stingy and limit production costs, maybe store shelf space issues, or maybe trying to force more consumers into buying the XL before trying to get them to double dip and buy the base model too. I don't know. But just "the numbers"? No, that doesn't compute.

I would actually get a New 2DS XL. I almost never use the 3D on my 3DS XL.

I've been holding out for that standard model, and it better be white with famicon buttons. Actually, at this point I'm thinking it would be better to wait for more info on the NX. Nintendo has proven they will be more than happy to sell you an item that has an upgrade coming. I mean, look at how they delayed n3ds in the US until after the Christmas shopping season. I realize they "need" to make as much money as possible, but that kind of stuff makes me so irritated. It's so inconsiderate to their customers.
In the mean time, I will continue playing MH4 on my old model, wishing it had better 3d and a c stick, and also wondering if I would be happier with a new Vita instead.