When the refreshed Nintendo 3DS systems launched worldwide earlier this year, North America ended up getting the short end of the stick- while everywhere else would get the New Nintendo 3DS XL that we got here, they also got the smaller New Nintendo 3DS as well. While it was smaller, with smaller screens, more cramped ergonomics, and lower battery life, it also had several benefits- it came with much better pixel density on its screens, for instance, it had changeable face plates, it was cheaper, and it also had SNES colored face buttons.
There was an uproar, but Nintendo stuck to its guns. With the New Nintendo 3DS XL selling a fair bit, there really wasn’t any reason for them to bother bringing in another model over at all.
Except they have- rejoice everyone in North America who wanted the smaller New Nintendo 3DS model, for it is finally launching here! Nintendo will be offering the system as part of a bundle with the upcoming Animal Crossing: Happy Home Designer. Included in the package is the New 3DS, the game, two cover plates, and one amiibo cards. All of this actually puts the regular New 3DS at $220, which is $20 more expensive than the XL, but still, it seems as though the model is going to be coming here after all.
Right now, no standalone SKU has been announced, but if this bundle does well enough, it may just come. And if you want a New 3DS, but don’t like Animal Crossing, remember, you can always just swap out the faceplates to something to your liking.
The new model launches September 25, alongside Animal Crossing: Happy Home Designer.