Nintendo Life Weekly: Smaller New 3DS Launching in North America this Year

With the swappable plates, there will be no more collectors editions.

@ROB98374
There will for the XL models- just look at the Hyrule Gold Zelda XL that was announced alongside the original model.

And the other regions still get LE models, like the MHX and AC New 3DS XL LE models (that was a lot of letters holy cow)

@JaxonH
I really just meant for the New 3DS. I am hoping Nintendo starts just releasing collector plates, instead of entire systems. I already have Gamestop's Zelda edition of the New 3DS XL pre-ordered. I already buy almost every collector's edition that Nintendo releases. Buying swappable plates would be easier (and cheaper!).

@ROB98374
I didn't order the Animal Crossing New 3DS because it was $220 and didn't even come with white plates. And the game was digital so I'd still have to buy the bundle with amiibo reader (since I want one for my older models just in case).

But I do have faceplates. They were originally to display but once I get a New 3DS original model, I plan to use them. So what I do is I just import from Amazon Japan (via Tenso forwarding service) or Amiami. I got 2 of the Fire Emblem Fates plates (one to use, one to keep displayed), the MH4U plates (these were exclusive to EU, ordered from Amazon UK), and the Xenoblade plates. Usually they're around ¥1750 (or about $15). Of course you have to pay shipping but if you group orders then it mitigates the overseas shipping expense.

Also plan to get the Splatoon plates and Pokemon Super Mystery dungeon plates (not a big Pokemon fan but gosh dang those plates are sexy)

Ace Attorney 6 is a way bigger deal then all of this.

@JubilifeRival Definitely!

I'm glad you guys'll have the option now, but me, I'll take bigger screens any day!

@123akis
Oh stop it. It's not that surprising of a concept. I've been doing this long before amiibo were ever a thing, and so have most everyone else who collects something they like.

I want one to use but I don't want to sacrifice the gorgeous display it's contributing to. Solution? Buy two!

I wish they would release Super Famicom faceplates for the system.

I would have bought one when majoras mask came out but seeing as how there is no compelling reason (games) to upgrade I'm going to pass.

@ROB98374 not true. Japan has OR/AS models with exclusive face plates and 3DS themes included

Also I looked up the NA plates none of them are Exclusive to the N3DS bundle in other regions.

I'm downgrading from a pikachu 3DS XL that needs upgrading for a few issues that have started popping up, screen size downgrade will be worth it once I get my hands on the pikachu party theme...

@Jumpman I know what you mean. I don't really care for the faceplates that come with it, and I'm not interested in the game (home design is my least favorite part of AC), but I've waited long enough to get one of these. Also, knowing NoA, I wouldn't be surprised if this was a limited edition thing, and once it's gone, either you won't be able to get the standard size, or it'll only be available in black, or something weird like that.j