The New Nintendo 3DS system is finally coming to North America this year on September 25 as part of a special bundle for Animal Crossing: Happy Home Designer. The bundle also includes a digital copy of the game; two cover plates (including an adorable Isabelle one that should appease fans of New Leaf), as well as an Isabelle amiibo card.
No word yet from Nintendo if the smaller SKU will be available separately or if additional faceplates will be made available for purchase. It also remains to be seen if the North American version of the hardware will include the Super Famicom coloured face buttons.
The release, even if limited to a bundle, comes as a surprise as Nintendo of America has routinely downplayed the possibility of a delayed release for the smaller version of Nintendo’s more powerful 3DS line-up; citing Japanese sales figures and the presence of the 2DS within the region. However, in June, Nintendo of America President and COO Reggie Fils-Aimé did hint that, “maybe some special SKUs might show up”. So, whad’ya know, he was true to his word.
If you are like me and were interested in the smaller system, you are going to need to look for a new excuse not to pick up any kind of New 3DS variation.
At the same GameStop Expo event, Nintendo also revealed a new “Hyrule Edition” of the New Nintendo 3DS XL. The iconic gold coloured and Hylian Crest baring design will hit store shelves on October 30th – a week after the release of The Legend of Zelda: Tri Force Heroes. The system retails for $199.99 by itself or in a bundle with the new Zelda title for $239.98.
Lastly, new Bowser, Toad, and Yoshi inspired Wii Remote Plus controllers will be released this fall, joining the already released Mario, Luigi, and Peach controllers. The Bowser and Toad controllers will release alongside Super Mario Maker, while Yoshi will launch (like an egg) when Yoshi’s Woolly World makes its long-awaited North American debut.
Source: Nintendo press release