RECOMMENDED: NINTENDO 3DS XL Nintendo 3DS XL Lauren Wainwright discovers why bigger really is better
NINTENDO’S latest handheld upgrade is now upon us, with a supersized version of the 3DS. 3DS XL features a 90 per cent bigger screen, a more streamlined and adult design, a tweaked layout, a larger memory card and a variety of grown-up friendly colours. The most impressive thing is the bigger screen, which makes playing games in 3D a more satisfying experience. The increased size makes it perfect for any software that requires you to draw (see New
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3DS XL is a grown-up edition of Nintendo’s latest portable, with a better battery, screen and layout.
Art Academy) and makes all your favourite games really pop out. It’s not just the screen that’s been updated. There’s a much improved battery for longer play sessions, the device actually feels more comfortable to hold (despite being slightly heavier) and the layout is much better, with the stylus now within reach on the side. It’s a worthwhile edition to the Nintendo 3DS family.
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Released: July 28th
Publisher: Nintendo
BIGGER VISION The 4.88inch top screen and 4.18inch second touch screen are 90 per cent larger than the original 3DS screens, making it much easier to see Mario in action.
EXTENDED BATTERY
The battery now lasts much longer. It will last between three and 6.5 hours when playing 3DS games, and between five and eight if you're playing original DS games.
IMPROVED LAYOUT Buttons have been tweaked, lights slightly moved, but best of all, the stylus is now located besides the console, not at the top.
NEW DESIGN Rounded off edges and new, matte colours – silver, red and blue –makes 3DS look more sophisticated.
COMING SOON TO NINTENDO 3DS
NEW SUPER MARIO BROS. 2
Released: August 17th, 2012 Publisher: Nintendo Everyone’s favourite plumber returns to save Princess Peach – again. This time to focus is on coin collecting. It is one of two new 3DS Mariogames this year, the other is the next game in the Paper Mario series.
July 20th 2012
LUIGI’S MANSION: DARK MOON
Released: November 20th, 2012 Publisher: Nintendo This popular GameCube title finally gets a sequel. Follow Luigi as he struggles to remove stubborn ghosts from spooky mansions with his Poltergust ghost-sucking vacuum cleaner.
FREAKYFORMS DELUXE
Released: July 28th, 2012 Publisher: Nintendo
Kids will love drawing their own weird characters and watch them come alive. This fun little platformer lets you explore dungeons, collect jewels and encounter some truly weird creations.
PROFESSOR LAYTON AND THE MASK OF MIRACLE
Released: October 19th, 2012 Publisher: Nintendo Popular puzzler Professor Layton arrives on Nintendo’s 3D console for the first time. The game comes with 150 puzzles but 365 additional puzzles will trickle out over the year