Since its release in 2011, the Nintendo 3DS has sold about 45 million units. The 3DS promised to bring 3D to players in a portable way, but the effect wasn't that impressive to most gamers. At the time of the 3DS development, 3D had been taken to new lengths with James Cameron's Avatar film. Unfortunately, 3D is a fad that comes and goes, and it just isn't popular now as it was after 2009. In fact, the Nintendo company came out with a 2DS in 2013, which seems like a backwards step. However, the 3DS XL has just been announced for release date of February 13th (with a $200 price tag), and many have applauded this iteration of 3D on the portable gaming system. Unfortunately, many have also criticized Nintendo for the lack of AC charger.
Yahoo Tech reports that the 3D of the 3DS XL has been enhanced thanks to face tracking technology. This allows the player to see the 3D effect of the games at any angle. The previous version of the 3DS was a glasses-free 3D effect that one could only see by looking directly at the screen. Many who have had a chance to play the 3DS XL have reported that the effect does work, and Design Trend has reported that "for once, 3D enhances the gameplay experience".
In addition to the change in the 3D, there have been some other changes. Polygon reports that there are new triggers in back of the unit, the ZL and ZR triggers. There is also a brand new "c-stick" located to the top left of the face buttons, which allows the player to manipulate the camera freely in games such as Code Name: STEAM.
Another terrific feature of the 3DS XL is that there is a near-field communication sensor under the 3DS XL's bottom screen, and it allows the player to read Nintendo's Amiibo figures. This means that the 3DS XL has a future with Amiibo, and it could allow players to send and receive the data inside the figurines for some enhanced gameplay. It is already being used on the previously mentioned Code Name: Steam with all four Fire Emblem character Amiibos from Super Smash Bros. Wii U.
Even with all the positive changes for the 3DS XL, there has been one universal complaint: it does not come with an AC adapter. Apparently, it is compatible with all previous Nintendo DS and 3DS chargers, which is kind of a signal to Nintendo consumers that you should already own one of those portable gaming systems before purchasing a 3DS XL.
The 3DS XL is planned to arrive on February 13th for a price of $200. It will be compatible with all of the previous 3DS games, and games exclusively for the 3DS XL will arrive around the same time as the new system's release. For example, the Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask 3D will arrive on February 13th, and Code Name: STEAM will arrive exactly one month later.
