New Nintendo 3DS Release Date Confirmed--Only XL Version Coming to US

VIDEO: GS News Update: New 3DS XL Coming to US February, No Regular Version [01:27]

The New Nintendo 3DS XL will ship in North America and across Europe on February 13, Nintendo announced on Wednesday.

Nintendo's enhanced handheld is available at $200 in the US in either black or red, while two special editions have also been announced.

However, there appears to be no existing plan to release the regular-sized, non-XL systems in North America. These smaller models, which come with the same hardware spec, are unique insofar as they support custom faceplates. Back in October, these smaller versions shipped alongside the New Nintendo 3DS XL in Japan, but Nintendo has not mentioned any plan to launch them in the US.

Europe will be getting the regular sized models, along with 12 custom face plates also available at launch. In the UK, the regular model will be available in black or white, while the XL comes in black or blue.

Meanwhile, two special launch units have been revealed for both North America and Europe. A Majora's Mask edition, which you can see in the video above, comes with the 3D reboot of the N64 classic pre-installed.

However, in the US the game will not come pre-installed.. Along with this, Nintendo also announced a Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate Edition that will come packaged with the game.

VIDEO: Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate - Nintendo Direct Trailer [01:37]

The New Nintendo 3DS comes with various hardware improvements over the original model, which first launched in March 2011. It features a small C-Stick next to its face buttons, which effectively works as a second analog stick.

Also added in are two new shoulder buttons--ZL and ZR--along with what Nintendo is calling "Super-Stable 3D," which will broaden the viewing field of the stereoscopic 3D.

Upgraded hardware will allow the system to run faster, while the in-built NFC technology will enable the use of Nintendo's amiibo figurines.

These systems will not come bundled with an AC adapter.

VIDEO: New Nintendo 3DS XL - Majora's Mask Edition Trailer [00:29]

Nintendo Direct: All The News

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