Not again... Another new 3DS.

Hey guys, Fencer6 here We have some fairly big news from Nintendo. They're coming out with a new handheld console! Great right? Well, not really. It's just another model of the 3DS. We have had the original 3DS, then the 3DS XL, then the 2DS. Not even to mention the fact that we had the original DS, then the DS lite, then the DS Xl, then the DSI. We have had 7 models of the DS already, and now we have our eighth. The new 3DS and 3DS XL.

So what does this "New 3DS" have to offer? Well, for starters it will have another joystick, as you can see with the small joystick seen above the XYAB keys (honestly though I think it is to tiny to be much help to you), called the C stick, similar to the C joystick on the GameCube controller. It will be able to control minor things like camera angles and such, which would make hardcore games like RPGs anf thing easier. Additionally, the new 3DS will also have two new "shoulder buttons" like the L and R buttons, and my guess is these will act pretty much the same as the ZR and ZL buttons on the Wii U gamepad.

Finishing with the external details the new 3DS will also include a general 'updated' look to it, with the start and select buttons returning to the right side similar to the original DS and leaving the home button at the center, a third light at the bottom which we have yet to know what it means (although all pictures have it turned off), and the volume control has been moved up the top left side alongside the 3D control. 

But the exciting part of the new 3ds comes with what it can do internally. It has improved graphics, a longer battery life, a camera upgrade, and the ability to use micro SD cards. While I prefer a normal SD over micro, the rest of the features are quite interesting. I love the Wii Us HD, and while Nintendo has yet to reveal how much higher the graphics are I would love to see it have an HD display, because even phones are now getting quad-HD screens, so I think it's time for Nintendo to step up it's game. Additionally, the extra battery life sounds really awesome considering how fast the normal 3DS dies without an extra power source. What I really want to know though is how much extra battery life it has. I would love them to double the battery span of the 3DS, but doubt they would do this. It may just be a little bit of extra juice just so they can say it has more battery power for the ads, but I doubt they would do that. I mean, when have the ads ever looked cooler than the actual product?

 

Anyway, while these upgrades are obviously to attract more hardcore gamers and 3rd party developers, I can't say I will be getting one. Honestly, I would rather spend my money on a Playstation than just another 3DS model. But, there is one feature that may be a deciding factor for many people- it will have its own exclusive games. 

Now a lot of you out there are probably really mad with Nintendo because you just bought your shiny new 3DS and now you need a new system to play the newest games. I really doubt that there will be too many of these though. The DSI, which added many new features, as well as the ability to have exclusive games. And how many did it have. 3. Thats right, just 3. My guess is that very few games will be released for the new 3DS exclusively, and they will most likely be cruddy Eshop titles or other minigames. There is no way that they would ever make a large game only playable on the new system, so I wouldn't worry about it. And there is no way that a 3rd party would ever make a game exclusive for this system because that they know so few people will have it. But, many RPGs will probably include special features for some of the new upgrades, although if your tight on cash this new system is really no reason to roll out a couple hundred bucks.

Overall, while I think these new systems are cool, they probably won't be anything Earth shattering for the Nintendo community. If your 3DS is beat up and your a hardcore gamer who wants an XL for a bigger screen, and you have pretty deep pockets, I say go for it, but otherwise I would recommend most people to not to waste money on this new model if they already own a perfectly good one (I'm looking at you, person who lines up outside the Apple store to pay $700 dollars for the newest IPhone model even though you just got a new one like six months ago). Stay tuned for more info on this new model and tons of other Nintendo news, reviews, playthroughs, and how-tos!