It's almost tempting to mark this one as 'Random', but to be fair it is actual news. In a short video Nintendo of America President Reggie Fils-Aime has introduced the 'New Galaxy Style New Nintendo 3DS XL', which is a fresh design for the portable.
It's coming out this week and should start popping up in stores priced at $199.99; it's already got a wait time of 1-2 months on Amazon's product page, too.
You can see some product shots below. It's worth noting that apart from its snazzy design this is a vanilla system - there are no bundled games; no, this isn't a stealth release for a New 3DS port of Super Mario Galaxy, either!
So, what do you think? Are any of you in North America going to try and nab one of these? Are you based somewhere else and green with envy? Or are you just wondering how this iteration just randomly appeared? Let us know in the comments.
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Comments 174
I want it, but at the same time, I don't...
This looks really cool!!! I probably won't get one though...
pls come to europe
At first I thought this was the announcement of a Mario Galaxy style NN3DSXL. Would've been so much cooler IMO.
Don't faceplates make this sort of thing obsolete
Is this related to No Man's Sky?
HUGE fan of galaxy designs. Sad I'm not buying it.
Super Mario Galaxy 3 confirmed?
Mario Galaxy ports confirmed for Xmas. Mark my words!
Facebook announcement really threw me off haha.
Before watching the video, it just showed some kind of galaxy design with the title "Reggie has an announcement that's out of this world!"
Seriously thought it might have been an announcement for the NX.
Beautiful design, it almost beats my Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate model in looks.
Neat design.
I'm good with the target bundle that just came out. Neat though.
Looks very nice ashame there isn't array of colours tho.
What a bizarre thing to release. This must be a hint at something to come.
Really neat design, but getting a hold of interchangeable faceplates with this design would be even be-Oh wait. This is North America. :/
@Tyranexx Yeah, not having much in the way of faceplates is a sad pain.
Looks pretty, but i won't buy another New 3DS XL
I wish Nintendo would release more Coverplates for the regular New 3DS.
Still better than No Man's Sky.
It's pretty, but I mean it's a whole 'nother New 3DS XL I don't need.
Just need to put an Ecco the dolphin shiny sticker on it and we will have galactic surreal psychedelic cute awesomeness!!!!! <3
I need one, badly. I'm hauling down to my Gamestop to see if they'll have some stock, and maybe see what I can get for plain Black N3DS XL...this just about makes up for the lack of a small black New 3DS. (Almost) Hopefully this isn't a limited release (scalped), but a new color to sit along with the other colors.
I think it's fine, and it has every reason to exist. That said, my initial reaction to seeing the tweet was... "why?".
Still, it hurts no-one, so it's cool
I hope they launch the pearl white one in America soon, too. I really like that white one.
It looks like they are repurposing the blue casing from Japan for this? Hopefully there is a little more to this announcement but if there was, you think they would have released info alongside this video.
Would have been better if it was all purple. And had Super Mario Galaxy 3D on it.
pretty neat that it's not just a blue new 3ds xl, but has a nice design to it, but I still prefer my Hyrule Edition over this.
This could very well be the last ever 3DS variant.
New Galaxy Style New Nintendo 3DS XL.
I sure hope the NX has a cleaner, simpler naming scheme haha.
I honestly hate pretty much every single cover for the New 3DS XL I've seen. They mostly just look like cheap crap to me. Now, the covers for the normal New 3DS, however, tend to look great to me. At least they don't just look like cheap stickers or spray-ons most of the time.
Beyond lazy. Way, WAY beyond. They didn't even bother to fart out some housings to match the garbage cover plate. It's just the normal midnight blue or whatever they're calling that color now. Buy an eBay vinyl appliqué for your current N3DS XL instead and save yourself $200.
Looks cool but I'm still waiting (probably in vain) for a Wario XL or Wario faceplates...
Theyre hinting a Mario Galaxy 3DS port and new Galaxy game for NX
It looks nice, but let's be real, that's a terrible name.
Carl Sagan's favorite handheld.
@Browny I would have a heart attack and die.
Nintendo, 3DS, Galaxy, Nintendo, 3DS, Galaxy. Nice subliminal way for preparing us for the NX being a mobile phone hahaha.
The outside looks nice, the inside however looks plain
@Stryker89 Nahh remember we've got the Sun and Moon model. Plus I wouldn't be surprised if we got one more set of 3ds Pokemon games to end off Gen 7 They'd be bound to come with another Limited edition unit. No generation has ever spanned across two Nintendo handheld platforms. Besides they'll probably want time to understand the NX hardware.
@Kazuo I saw the same link and was REALLY confused what it was about.
@DoctorOverbuild Oh God of course, my bad, how could I forget about that..!
Seems like a missed opportunity to make a Metroid themed 3DS if ya ask me...
It's cool and all but nothing beats the Reggie Fils-Aime 3DS.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QAVY0bLFZeE
I didn't care for the black and red colors of N3DS that the US got, but THIS makes me want to upgrade (very much).
This is the NX.
I like the front and back, but why is the hinge and inside blue? Why not go all purple?
Since my current New 3DS XL is having an issue with the R button sometimes being unresponsive, I would be tempted to trade it in and grab this fantastic new design of it was released in Europe.
It will be MINE.
I mean, who said a 3DS has to be themed after a video game?
A missed opportunity to promote the N3DS with the interchangeable faceplates. It would have made tons of sense to have this as a launchpad for faceplates in US. Especially given that they just released a N3DS bundle, they should be feeding the desire for it with new plates that you could find in stores.
Oh well.
If only I could... sigh
Yeah, but… why? This looks like a random wallpaper from a free wallpaper app that's overflowing with ads. And with a special video announcement from the president of Nintendo? Why not release a 3DS with a game-related plate?
How about show the NX.
Unless you got something to hide or it dose not exist.
Looks nice. If I was interested in getting a New 3DS XL, I would probably get this design. I really like the blue inside. I'm content with my current 3DS XL and Sonic case though.
looks great!
It's beautiful but I don't need to upgrade from my 2DS.
@Stryker89 No, Europe's getting 3 new colours in September.
What the..... Is there a game with this? It looks fine but if you have a N3DS already then what is the point. The NX is coming out soon so this is so random. I think it is a ploy just to push hardware before the NX.
I think that is to tease us with Super MArio Galaxy 3, because it sounds so random that it MUST be teasing.
I'd buy it if I were passing down my new 3DS XL to my sibling... and if I had enough money.
Why do they have to come out with this stuff way after the fact? I already got the red one I wanted. Now I want this one too. I'm not going to buy it because I already have one, but still!
The NoA twitter feed posted this $199.99 no game New 3DS XL right after the $149.99 New 3DS bundled w/ SM3DL.
I guess this is a celebration of the 3DS XL releasing 4 years ago (July 2012) for $199.99, Nintendo wanted everyone to remember the price hasn't changed in 4 years. Yes, I know, it's New, but still, New 3DS got a game bundle for $149.
#tellus
Wow I love that design!
Just give us Yanks some new faceplates, ninty! I'm pretty certain they don't need localization so it should be kinda easy.
Is it just me, or does Reggie look like he's been working on his summer tan? He seems... extra crispy...
TEASE!
More firewood for the winter.
I already have and love my Majora's Mask N3DS XL so I won't be buying this, but cool for those looking to buy or upgrade. I do like the design.
God that's ugly
Looks pretty but I love my smash n3ds, I'd get faveplates like this, but they don't like making new faceplates apparently
This has to be Nintendo's single most awkwardly named product ever.
Why 'New Galaxy Style New 3DS XL'? Instead of 'Galaxy New 3DS XL' or whatever? 2 'news' in the name, really?
Also... Why are the hinge and the inside blue, instead of purple? It looks so mismatched.
Such a weird and randomly awkward model... XD
So, not that this isn't beautiful, but, can I make the joke that the new metroid game has such a stigma that the space 3DS can't even have the name of the new space game on it?
Dang it. I had just convinced myself this morning that there's no point in me buying another one. That I'm just fine with my limited edition MH4U version. And now, this. Its right up my ally. I LOVE purple Nintendo hardware. I will try to resist its power, but only the NX reveal with truly unravel my console destiny.
Looks like one of those ugly chinese skins you can find on amazon.
Whoever thought this was a good idea should probably get fired.
Out of all the potential New 3DS aesthetics, why is this one getting a special announcement from Reggie? It's just random.
Welcome new galaxy!
This is extremely random.
@MrPuzzlez Here's your Metroid themed 3DS.
Why do they keep beating a dead horse? It's way too late for newcomers to pick up a 3DS now.
Random, but given how random and late this has come in the 3DS's life it could become a collectible....
this looks so generic!
We've got nothing going on right now! Quick just....release something?
Basically Metallic Blue New 3DS XL with Galaxy theme outside.
Cool..! Kinda temptating.
So basically, it's a midnight purple N3DS XL with a random galaxy wallpaper top front cover plate... Dumb, but at least it's not hurting anybody... Would have made more sense as a N3DS cover plate, but Nintendo of America made the unwise decision to not release the N3DS with normal non-bundle SKU's here, so I guess this was the answer...
Funny how many of us have grown tired of Nintendo releasing different color schemes, that used to be a major selling point for Nintendo consoles...
@Dakt I'm starting to get worried that they are keeping the current hardware prices high so the really expensive NX in March doesn't look so bad by comparison.
It's possible Nintendo learned 1 lesson in the past 4 years - don't launch a $99 attractive red Wii Mini bundled with Mario Kart Wii at around the same time as a boring white $299 Wii U without a game. Maybe Nintendo is afraid if they price cut 3DS and Wii U people will buy them now rather than hold out for NX in March.
@rjejr No kidding, Nintendo (or NoA at least) seems to be completely clueless these days on how to manage their price range brackets, so as not to cannibalize themselves or become obsoleted in the same price range as more powerful products. Their previous savviness just dropped into oblivion when the 8th generation came around. Question is, who's responsible?
That thing was made for me. Someone stop me from buying it!!!
Looks like something on the side of a VW Bug or Van from the 70's. Kinda fits my username.
Gimme a Yoshi themed N3DS XL and I'm sold. Otherwise I'm happy with my small N3DS with the Yoshi covers.
@PlanetaryNebulae
There, have an Orion nebula photo. Now print it using a photo printer, and slap it onto your 3DS. Just saved you $200.
@PlywoodStick Thank you! It will be an Animal Crossing Nebula 3ds XL now!
@PlanetaryNebulae Now there's an idea! A New Leaf cover plate with the fully completed constellation pathing from sky gazing!
Well, I guess... Hmm, not understanding why they didn't go for either all purple or all blue. It feels... jarring. And random. Is there an announcement to come?
The most random random thing ever. At least make the rest of the system purple. The way it is now, ANYONE can achieve a similar result using a skin.
@PlywoodStick Beautiful. Who needs to pay $200, when you can create an even better piece of art. And that looks more like an emission nebula than a galaxy anyway! But I can still hear it calling for me.
Brand awareness for Super Mario Galaxy?
Anyway, I'll get this in october.
@Kirk Maybe it has something to do with the base materials?
From what I know, the regular new 3ds has dedicated cover plates (being swappable is a feature).
Perhaps that means that they are more durable to handle the potential wear and tear from swapping plates than the non-swappable xl plates. Being more durable might allow them to use better paint application methods for regular new 3ds'?
Another aspect could be, to cut costs with the xl, they may have simply decided to go with cheaper painting methods and exterior materials.
@PlywoodStick
Yeah it's rather strange how Nintendo made pretty affordable consoles in the 7th gen and before, but when 8th gen came about they overpriced the hell out of everything and refuse to drop their prices when they need to.
Ordered!!
Looks like a decal I used to have on mine.
@Prizm
"Why do they keep beating a dead horse? It's way too late for newcomers to pick up a 3DS now"
What are you talking about? Why is it too late? Did the world suddenly decide that past this specific date nobody wants to buy a 3DS anymore?
Now is the best time to buy one! Everyone always complains about buying a console before it has a full library- 3DS has a fantastic library with even more on the way.
You could say the time has never been better to jump in. And it's still selling reasonably well. In fact, two of my coworkers were talking about buying one just this past week.
Nice, but still going to wait for the NX.
they have already said that NX isn't a new portable and that they were going to keep making 3DSes for a while yet. I don't know why everyone is saying that it is a little late in the game for this. They only released the New 3DS line a year or so ago.
I'd get it if I didn't already have a N3DS with customizable faceplates. I would so buy these as a faceplate though
@Kazuo #11 "Facebook announcement really threw me off haha. Before watching the video, it just showed some kind of galaxy design with the title "Reggie has an announcement that's out of this world!"
Seriously thought it might have been an announcement for the NX."
Me too! And a lot of the comments on facebook are saying that they were sure it was the announcement for the NX reveal!
I already have a 3DS
Add with some planets stickers and Voila...!
Or... you can try with Sailor Senshi if you interested with Shoujou Anime.
This is definitely very odd... But that doesn't mean bad. In fact, I think it looks insanely cool. I'd highly consider getting this one if I didn't already have a 3DS.
@ereHemanresUoN Wow, that hurts! It's funny, but hurts like heck.
This could just be the worst-looking special edition of a Nintendo product I've ever seen. Got nothing against any galaxies but... damn.
Looks kinda like this anyway:
@Funky_Kong well done sir.
Man I was hoping for a discount on the New 3ds XL's. $200 for this or $150 for the smaller one and a good Mario game. I want to upgrade to a New 3ds XL but they aren't making it easy. Might still try and get the Fire Emblem New 3ds XL, that looks better than this in my opinion.
So that in a couple months of regular use the paint peels off like all of my other 3DS (save for ther original model) and you can sell me another one next year? No, thanks. Back in my days the selling point of portables was quality, contrary to its short life these days.
At least on my black New 3DSXL the parts where that cheap paint chipped off doesnt look that bad, I cant imagine my anger if I'd got another color, or worse, a limited edition.
https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/236x/16/55/c3/1655c3bc2d42da41c89a8c9098ade001.jpg
This will be perfect for Galaxy theme.
Just use Vinyl stickers.
It's cool and all, but if it were a deep blue I would absolutely get one. After upgrading to the red Smash 3DSXL only to have the n3DS steal the spotlight, I'll only consider an upgrade if it looks as awesome as my Smash 3DS.
This one came SO close to being that replacement, but the purple-ness is too feminine for my tastes.
But I may be warming up to it. Depends on the light I view it in.
Seeing designs like these makes me really wish that the Wii U would have received better limited edition versions of the console because the Wind Waker HD Wii U wasn't nearly what I was looking for in terms of the color scheme. If the system had sold better maybe they would have felt more encouraged to go all out.
That is BEAUTIFUL. If I didn't already have a New 3DS XL, I'd TOTALLY be snatching that up.
Oh that looks purdy!
@Ninten-san No Man's Sky confirmed for N3DS!!!
I'd buy DAT if it had Ristar on it
@Prizm I disagree. They drop the price of the New 3DS XL to an insane amount for the holidays (with Sun and Moon around the corner). Parents of kids who don't have one may find some incentive to take the plunge. Those of us with a regular 3DS XL and felt satisfied may give it a serious second look
Cool but give America the orange and black one please!
...Why did this need it's own ad with Regge? I mean, what sets this specific model apart from the others?
Looks great to me but I just bought that ugly black new 3ds in March. Guess I'm not getting this one. Sigh.
@PlanetaryNebulae You're right, it looks more like a nebula than a galaxy. If it had an animated, spinning galaxy on it, that might be something. I prefer recognizable IP on my Nintendo consoles, like Mario or Kirby. New 3DS Mario edition with interchangeable covers!
@NintendoFan64 it's reggie's new favorite, that's what, duh!
Damn, and im still hoping NA gets the sun and moon 3ds...
Looks cool, but nothing for me to fan over.
IDK, I guess the lack of attachment to any IP makes it less desirable.
@Prizm not with a new Pokemon game on the horizon and Pokemon fever in full force.
I just want the blue one to come out in america and then im good
@JaxonH Best time is yet to come.
@rjejr
Aw man I saw your email pic and immediately jumped to conclusions thinking the localization had been announced.
Between me and you though, that has got to be the ugliest, most tacky excuse for a handheld I've ever seen.
And I've seen some ugly 3DS in my days
Why?
I dunno... I kinda want a new 3DS but it's just not enough of an upgrade for me.
I'm sick of the 3DS, games look so crappy on that thing
@Alexmo if you look on playasia, they have an us version blue new xl listed, or did for awhile. i'm not sure why it's never listed elsewhere; maybe someone is just... swapping out or altering whatever to make it na compatible?
eta - just checked, it's still listed along with a us pearl white version. ???
Want. Very much want.
Want. Very much want.
Nothing new about it. Still a 3ds with a sticker on top
Looks cool, I prefer my 3DS XL Pikachu edition.
@devilwaffle You are apparently right.
https://seanmalstrom.wordpress.com/2016/08/29/galaxy-3ds-xl-has-to-have-been-for-a-federation-force-promo/
Even so, I wish I got this style of New 3DS LL instead of the red one I got.
I'm being naive, reading between the lines too much, and over believing Mario Galaxy is coming to 3DS.
Probably the closest we are going to get to a Metroid themed 3DS.
This is the tease that the operating system for NX will be called Nintendo Galaxy.
SMG3 NX launch title confirmed!!
Random and frankly I think a bit bland.
Instead of a retro Super Nintendo themes XL, North America gets this?
Don't like it
Dang, that's kinda awesome. If they made plates with this design for the normal New 3DS I might actually consider getting them.
@Zapazoid
I don't thinks so.
3DS has tons of wonderful titles. Have you ever any played 3DS games or at least ever watched some 3DS gameplay footage ?
Ultra HD Graphic is not everything. But 3DS still have quite nice to watch graphic. Even for me, AC New Leaf for example still mesmerizing me not because the Ultra HD graphic, but by gameplay concept.
Reggie's gotta do something to justify his salary.
@Zapazoid Yeah, 3DS games look kinda dated. But the main reason is the low resolution.
@Anti-Matter You wouldn't have to change anything else about the graphics in some 3DS games, but if just the screen resolution was upped to as "high" as a measly 480p from the atrocious 240p, the games would look tons better!
I'm in the minority here but to me it looks quite tacky, like a cheap knock-off.
Wish it came with a brand spanking new Metroid game....
@rjejr " I'm starting to get worried that they are keeping the current hardware prices high so the really expensive NX in March doesn't look so bad by comparison."
BINGO! We have a winner.
Now if this was a Super Mario GALAXY design, then we could talk...
Nintendo Meeting
'Okay guys, we need to blow the market's socks off- Federation Force was a bit of a mis-step, and we all know that the NX is what people want to know more about. So, does anyone have any ideas? How can we reengage our audience in an intelligent, exciting manner?'
'Oh my god guys, I think I've got it. Call Reggie.'
This looks lovely...but I'd rather have the SNES version that Japan has. Now if that's ever released here I'd buy it in a heartbeat.
Looks nice, but is of course a way to promote Federation force. I wonder why the Federation force logo isn't on the box though...
@Dpullam
Nothing beats the MH4U (new) 3DSXL design. Nothing.
(Why didn't I get it >.<....)
So uninspiring. My backloggery page took more effort and work and is way more creative than this.
Actually, for who has owned Basic color of New 3DS XL, congratulations !
You can customize your New 3DS XL by very cheap material but great looking. All you need is great quality printed picture and Crystal case. If you can manage the size of your design, you can get very SuperB design with very low cost money spending. Vinyl sticker is not so really necessary to design your New 3DS XL, I can use different materials as long have nice color or good looking design. You can try these materials : Asturo Paper, Wrapping present paper, Your skillful hand drawing, Any kind of stickers, etc.
Unleash your creativity so you can have fun with your New 3DS XL cover. To attach your hand made design, you can use White UHU tack so you can remove your previous design easily. The Crystal case is simply protecting your design and also make it looks shiny.
Kind of lame imo. It looks like a skin you could get off of Etsy or in this case, decalgirl. And this skin is even nicer than that since it makes even the inside look nice. Nice try Nintendo.
https://www.decalgirl.com/skins/256076/nintendo-new-3ds-xl-skin-milky-way
Oh goodie, because that's what everyone has been asking Nintendo to announce.
Hey Nintendo you guys have six months to get everyone excited for your new system. Maybe you should focus on that. No one is going to steal your ideas if you show them early. As far as the industry goes your "innovations" caused your crushing failure this gen.Most regular people dont like to emulate failure. Worry about people stealing your crap once it's already huge. First worry about making it huge. We are not enough people to keep you successful Nintendo. You've got to get everyone hyped as well.
Um, Nintendo? Everything okay over there?
@LasermasterA I feel for you. It really is a beauty. I had to pre-order it within thirty minutes of its announcement to get my own. Well worth the money.
is this hinting that Mario galaxy 3 or maybe even Mario galaxy 3D may be confirmed?
prolly not.
Something about Galaxy ...
If Mario Galaxy 3DS, now what is Bowser's evil plan might be...
@Dpullam
Yea none of their other models have come close to the simplicity and elegance of the MH4U 3DSXL, in my opinion. I don't know about faceplates for the normal New 3DS.
Too bad it won't ever restock. Oh well, guess I don't have money to spend on a new 3DS as well at the moment >.<
Looks Metroid Other M to me, which I would love to play on the 3DS.
@k8sMum I change my avatar monthly, how do you keep finding me, do you just look for really long posts w/ Nitnedo typos?
Having you agree w/ me just makes it more of a real possibiltiy. A $349 hybrid handheld in March is not going to sell well.
I have actually considered the possibility that they haven't announced it yet b/c they don't know how to price it for March. Or they dont' know how to bundle it if it's a hybrid. Does every kid need their own TV stand dock? Will every tv dock need a Pro type controller b/c those detachable controllers are going to make gamers gag? And i fall the rumours are bunk, NX is a platform of home and handheld, how do you price those in March?
At some point in the future there is going to be a very huge reveal.
@rjejr
Lol. I'm not stalking you (really, I'm not. Honest. Really.)
I am probably the only person who reads every post on articles that interest me. Like Adrian Monk it's a blessing...and a curse.
Re the NX: I think Ninty has broken their dartboard from over use and are waiting for the new one to arrive so policies can be decided.
Btw: nice homage to the late, great Gene Wilder. He and Mel Brooks together were sheer genius.
@k8sMum Not sure of your feelings on Seinfeld, but this is worth a watch for Carl and Mel.
http://comediansincarsgettingcoffee.com/carl-reiner-mel-brooks-i-want-sandwiches-i-want-chicken
@JaxonH You sounded like you've had your fill of amiibo but surely you aren't passing up these MH ones, are you? I dont 'even play the games and I want them. Though I do want that game.
https://twitter.com/AmiiboNews
I think you can see that even if you arne' ton twitter, but I coudl be wrong.
@rjejr
I've had em preordered for months. No way I'm passing these up. I have all 4 MH Nendoroids and a $100 Rathalos armor hunter statue. And a box full of figure builder monster figures, and felines and even Mega Man DLC felyne figures. These will go nicely with all the above.
@JaxonH This is in front of your house, isn't it?
I'm surprised you never commented in that thread.
https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2014/01/capcoms_monster_hunter_invades_universal_studios_japan
You know, if NX is 4k compatible you may need to buy a new TV.
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