Normal size New Nintendo 3DS not available in America
As rumours arose and release was actually around the corner, Nintendo at last announced launch plans for the newest version of its handheld yesterday, the New Nintendo 3DS unit which is already available in Australia and Japan and will be available February 13th in the main western markets, implementing new features and improvements.
Same as in JP/AU, potential buyers have to decide which version to get. New Nintendo 3DS XL is obviously bigger (screen size same as 3DS XL), and thus might be the only option for those used to the previous XL screen. Standard-size New Nintendo 3DS is, however, naturally lighter, cheaper, with smaller pixel size and actually sports a bit bigger screen than the original 3DS (3.88" vs. 3.53" 3D screen). And what it's more important for some users: you can customise the look of the normal-size New Nintendo 3DS with fancy switchable covers.
Well, while European users have about a month to decide based on this facts, American users face a way easier call: for them it's either New 3DS XL... or New 3DS XL. As announced by Nintendo of America yesterday during the American Nintendo Direct, only the bigger unit will retail in America, which means no cheaper, lighter, mid-size or customisable-look New 3DS. This naturally suggest 3DS XL model success ratio versus the original 3DS unit must be really significant in that market, either that or Nintendo is not interested for some reason in having two new different units/prices along with a whole range of covers.
This weird move has, of course, generated some great complaints from American players who, once again, feel that NoA leaves them behind in terms of options or goodies. Time will tell if requests can turn around the situation.
