Nintendo CEO Satoru Iwata has unveiled a new, larger 3DS in the company's Nintendo Direct broadcast.

Click for hardware gallery Nintendo 3DS XL increases the size of the handheld's top screen from 3.58 inches to 4.88 inches, and the lower screen from 3.02 inches to 4.18 inches, which Nintendo says gives players 90% more screen space.
Overall 3DS XL is 46% larger than the standard 3DS at 93x156x22mm and weight of 336 grams, compared to the original 3DS's 74x134x21mm and 235 grams.

Despite this, the XL will feature improved battery life of 3 to 6.5 hours when playing 3DS software and 5 to 8 hours when playing original DS games.

However, the new handheld doesn't feature an extra directional nub - meaning the XL will probably need its own version of the Circle Pad Pro if titles like Monster Hunter and Metal Gear Solid: Snake Eater 3D are to be accommodated.

Posted: Jun 22, 2012 12:05 pm

Source: http://www.computerandvideogames.com/354872/nintendo-3ds-xl-release-date-details-revealed/