Pika? Yes, pika: this very yellow Pokemon-themed Nintendo 3DS XL is heading to Europe this year

The incredibly bright, somewhat terrifying yellow Nintendo 3DS XL that Japan got last month is now heading to Europe, according to a Europe-specific Nintendo Direct press conference this afternoon (via Joystiq). The Pikachu-themed 3DS doesn't have a solid release date just yet, but it's said to arrive at some point in 2012. A price also isn't included (though it costs ¥18,900/$238 in Japan), nor is it known if the device will be exclusive to one retailer -- in Japan, you can only buy a 3DS XL plastered with Pikachu's indifferent smirk from a Pokemon Center. Regardless, it's clearly super, super cute, and we'll have more definite information on it soon.

Does this mean it's coming to the US? Keep those poke-fingers crossed, trainers.

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Pika? Yes, pika: this very yellow Pokemon-themed Nintendo 3DS XL is heading to Europe this year originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 04 Oct 2012 16:14:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Black Nintendo 3DS XL Heading to Japan


Nintendo Japan has announced a black 3DS LL/XL is going to be launching in Japan. The black portable gaming console will launch in January 11 for ¥18,900. The black console will take a spot alongside...

Nintendo Announces New Black 3DS XL and Other Colors for Japan

It seems Nintendo has taken Wesley Snipes’ advice and bet on black. Nintendo has announced that it will be launching a new black version of the 3DS XL, known as the 3DS LL in Japan, on November 1. The console has the same hardware, it’s just a black satin finish. Nintendo has some other new colors set to launch in Japan at ¥18,900 (~$240 USD) as well.

3ds xl black

The other colors include a pink and white version, a silver and black version, a black and red version, and a blue and black version. Nintendo is also talking about some of its limited-edition bundle packs that will include the console and a video game. One of the bundle packs includes the Monster Hunter Tri G pack including a black console and the game – also landing on November 1 for ¥21,800 (~$277 USD).

3ds xl colors

There’ll also be a special Animal Crossing bundle for the ¥22,800 (~$290 USD), including a white console with various different colored dots and fruits on it. Perhaps most interesting is the Super Mario Bros. 2 pack that has a black and red console with little images from the game on the cover such as stars and the game’s iconic question mark boxes. That bundle pack will sell for the same price. There’s no word on if or when these special editions might come to the US.

animal crossing 3ds xl

super mario 3ds xl


Nintendo releasing three new 3DS XL bundles in Japan

Nintendo releasing three new 3DS XL bundles in Japan

If you live in Japan and aren't already red-shelling on a Pokémon or risqué edition 3DS XL, maybe one of these three new bundles will inspire you. For the minimalists: the Monster Hunter Tri G bundle complete with all-black 3DS XL (known as the LL in Japan), releasing November 1st for 21,800 yen (approximately $280). Following one week later (on the 8th) is the Animal Crossing: Jump Out bundle with white and pattern handheld, setting you back 22,800 yen (approximately $290). And, for the same price, the pièce de résistance of the trio -- a New Super Mario Bros. 2 bundle with black and embellished red XL, expected November 15th. If you're the importing type, or just want to see how good the Japanese got it, then check out the gallery below and pick your favorite.

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Nintendo releasing three new 3DS XL bundles in Japan originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 03 Oct 2012 14:19:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Circle Pad Pro for 3DS XL spotted at TGS, we go hands-on (video)

Circle Pad Pro for 3DS XL spotted at TGS, we go handson video

Nintendo is starting to make a habit of quietly releasing products at trade-shows they don't attend. Kyoto's premiere gaming outfit still isn't present on the TGS show floor, but Capcom has once again seen fit to trot out the firm's latest kit: The Circle Pad Pro for 3DS XL. Just like last year's model, this beefy cradle puts the already large 3DS XL outside the realm of pocket-ability, trading the handheld's slim profile for a luxuriously thick grip. Indeed, the fatty accessory makes the console quite comfortable to hold, adding a smooth, slightly contoured back, larger shoulder buttons and, of course, that all important starboard analog pad.

The new Circle Pad's bulk is slightly more forgivable for the size of its host device. Yes, the attachment makes the XL a bit more unwieldily, but its supersized form already made it a non-contender for most pants pockets. Sadly, the accessory still sports its predecessor's greatest fault: it blocks the 3DS' cartridge slot. Gamers will have to get used to undocking their console, or else make a habit of buying more downloadable titles. Mum's still the word on pricing and availability, but the accessory was shown with a copy of Monster Hunter 4, which is due out in March of next year. We wouldn't be surprised to see it show up in early spring. Hungry for more? Check out our gallery below for an eyeful, or peek past the break for quick video overview.

Continue reading Circle Pad Pro for 3DS XL spotted at TGS, we go hands-on (video)

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Circle Pad Pro for 3DS XL spotted at TGS, we go hands-on (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 20 Sep 2012 23:05:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nintendo circle pad for 3DS XL announced in Japan

Nintendo circle pad for 3DS XL announced for Japan Nintendo rather quietly announced that it'll be bringing the Circle Pad Pro to its colossal 3DS XL handheld. The release doesn't go into the specifics beyond confirming the eventual arrival of the accessory, which adds a second analog stick (and a few more centimeters of heft) onto the already roomy device. There's no word on pricing or availability, with both currently marked as "undecided," but hopefully the company will make its mind up before the start of the holiday season. The original Circle Pad add-on cost ¥1,500 ($19.50), so we expect this will run about the same amount. It's unclear thus far if the device will launch outside of Japan, but we expect to hear more shortly.

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Nintendo circle pad for 3DS XL announced in Japan originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 20 Sep 2012 09:22:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pikachu Yellow 3DS XL to hit Japanese shores, require a pre-order for purchase

Pikachu Yellow 3DS LL to hit Japanese shores, require a pre-order for purchase

Nintendo handhelds are no strangers to new coats of paint -- or Pokemon, for that matter -- and now the firm is readying a Japan-exclusive Pikachu Yellow 3DS XL (officially the LL for locals). The brightly colored clamshell features a white interior and the electric rodent's visage on its lid with his tail trailing onto the underside. Priced at ¥18,900 (roughly $238), the portable will only be available at Pokemon Center stores throughout the Land of the Rising Sun on September 15th for those who pre-order between August 25 and its release. Gamers in North America may not be able to snap up the uniquely hued system, but this weekend's launch of the 3DS XL in red and blue could provide a small measure of consolation.

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Pikachu Yellow 3DS XL to hit Japanese shores, require a pre-order for purchase originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 19 Aug 2012 07:23:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Engadget’s back to school guide 2012: gaming

Welcome to Engadget's back to school guide! The end of summer vacation isn't nearly as much fun as the weeks that come before, but a chance to update your tech tools likely helps to ease the pain. Today, we're getting our game on -- and you can head to the back to school hub to see the rest of the product guides as they're added throughout the month. Be sure to keep checking back -- at the end of the month we'll be giving away a ton of the gear featured in our guides -- and hit up the hub page right here!

DNP Engadget's back to school guide 2012 gaming

It's time to balance out that daily grind at school with some well-deserved leisure. Fortunately, many of our choices walk that fine line between work and play -- if you're willing to stump up some more cash beyond a normal laptop, you could get something capable of handling the latest PC titles. Some of our other choices may be a harder sell in the education stakes, but we all need some stress relief, right? And with bigger consoles nearing the end of their life cycles, there's never been a more wallet-friendly time to get involved. Jump in after the break for our favorite gaming choices. If all your money's been earmarked for learnin', then you should certainly enter our sweepstakes. Leave a comment after the break for a chance to win, and visit our giveaway page for all the details.

Continue reading Engadget's back to school guide 2012: gaming

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Engadget's back to school guide 2012: gaming originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 13 Aug 2012 12:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nintendo Q1 results: Wii sales cut in half since 2011, but 3DS sales more than double

Nintendo Q1 results Wii sales cut in half since 2011, but 3DS sales more than double

Nintendo's results for the latest quarter reveal growth in profit for the Japanese games maker. Gross profit totaled 24.9 billion yen -- more than double that made from last year's Q1. Operating income remains negative, but substantially reduced since last quarter's statement -- presumably due to strong 3DS sales. Today's results tie in with the launch of both the 3DS XL and Nintendo's first downloadable titles for the 3DS, with sales of the handheld reaching 1.86 million units during the last quarter. Conversely, sales of the Wii have tailed off, with only 710,000 units sold in Q1, down from 1.56 million sold in the same period last year. Fortunately, according to the press release, Nintendo still aims to launch its Wii successor by the end of this year.

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Nintendo Q1 results: Wii sales cut in half since 2011, but 3DS sales more than double originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 25 Jul 2012 03:46:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nintendo’s transparent 3DS XL poses for the camera, makes you wish you had one

Nintendo's transparent 3DS XL poses for the camera, makes you wish you had one

We know what you're likely thinking: "I want this. I want it now" -- or, you know, something along those lines. Unfortunately, don't expect this transparent beauty to show up at retail stores when the supersized 3DS launches later next month, as it's nothing but a mere demo unit. The see-through XL was recently used by Nintendo to showcase the handheld's guts during a Q&A session on its website, and while it's currently just an extra-large test dummy, it could potentially be a sign of big things to come. We wouldn't hold our breath, though, so for now you'll have to be satisfied with one of those opaque options you have to choose from.

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Nintendo's transparent 3DS XL poses for the camera, makes you wish you had one originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 23 Jul 2012 15:27:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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