Everything We Know About The New 3DS So Far [Updated]

[Updated 10/10: added videos showing how to install Micro SD card and change New 3DS faceplates. Added new commercial showing off faceplates.]

[Updated 9/24: added Australian 3DS release date and video of new 3DS commercial.]

So, in keeping with tradition, Nintendo has announced a new iteration of their evergreen handheld. Unlike previous updates, however, the new 3DS packs some important updates. Confused? You're not the only one. Let's break down what we know so far.

The new 3DS releases October in Japan, November in Australia.

The New 3DS releases in Japan on October 11 and in Australia on November 21, but Nintendo of America's PR has told me not to expect a stateside release until sometime in 2015, same for Europe.

Both the compact and LL/XL 3DS models are being upgraded.

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Both the compact 3DS and the XL (called the LL in Japan) are being replaced. The original 3DS is being replaced by both a white and a black model and the XL is getting new metallic blue and metallic black variant.

And it's still region locked.

Yep. Bummer.

It's priced about the same as its predecessors.

The compact and LL new 3DS models will retail for 16,000 (about $151 USD) and 18,800 (about $174 USD) respectively. No word on US or European prices yet, but they'll probably be in line with what you'd pay for the current models.

It doesn't come with a charger, either.

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I don't expect this to hold true for the American or European releases, but the new 3DS models don't pack a charger in the box. If you're importing, don't worry, your standard AC adapter from a North American unit will work on your Japanese 3DS. Not sure if this is true for Europe as well. On the upside, you could buy one of these nifty-looking charging cradles for about 1,000 yen or about 10 bucks, though you'll still need an AC adapter to connect to said cradle.

The compact model can use faceplates.

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The compact version of Nintendo's new portable can use faceplates, meaning you can quickly swap your console's face out if you tire of its look. Sadly, this doesn't extend to the XL/LL line. To install the faceplates, you'll need a small screwdriver and, oddly enough, your stylus. The video below illustrates how to do it.

The pricing for the faceplates is a bit tricky, too. The simpler, solid color faceplates are 1,000 yen a pop, or about 10 bucks. The character-themed ones mostly run for about 1,500 yen, close to 15 dollars. And the more ornate ones, like the woodgrain Mario pictured about are a pricey 3,000 yen each, or about 30 dollars. Ouch.

There's already a special edition.

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Hopeful new 3DS LL owners aren't out in the cold. Nintendo is already offering two special edition consoles. The Monster Hunter 4 bundle will be available on day one, while the Smash Bros. version will be available sometime in November. It's important to note the latter doesn't appear to come with a copy of the game.

The compact New 3DS isn't to be left out of the fun, either. Nintendo has announced a partnership with Japanese pop star Kyary Pamyu Pamyu to produce "Kawaii Kisekae Plates" or "Cute dressup plates" for the console's diminutive variant.

In addition to arguably the coolest Nintendo commercial, Nintendo's announced a second wave of faceplates coming to the compact 3DS in limited edition Smash Bros. variants starting November 8th.

It's a pretty big upgrade.

The New 3DS is one of the biggest mid-lifecycle upgrades Nintendo has ever done. For starters, let's talk about the obvious— see that little nub up there, just above the face buttons on the right-hand side? That's a second analog stick, dubbed the c-stick a la Gamecube. The idea is this stick will help players better navigate games like Monster Hunter 4, which all but demand its use.

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There's more though, the new units also pack two additional shoulder buttons, essentially rounding out the features the circle pad pro added in a more compact package.

Completely new however, is Amiibo support. Nintendo has included NFC in both New 3DS models, meaning using your new figurines with your 3DS won't be as clumsy. Just tap them on the 3DS' touch screen to use them.

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The New 3DS models' screens also boast some new wizardry to allow for off-angle viewing of the 3D images displayed on the top screen. Nintendo claims the days of searching for your screen's sweet spot are over, I'll believe it when I see it. It's also worth noting that the compact model's screen has grown ever so slightly, bumping up to 3.88 inches from the original's 3.53 inches. The touch screen has also grown a bit, at 3.33 inches versus 3 inches on the original.

Both New 3DS models utilize the same 802.11 b/g wireless found in their respective predecessors, but Nintendo claims the new models will be able to download and install eShop content faster, thanks to a speedier CPU on board. Both models also sport a faster GPU, but we'll get into what that means in a bit.

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Rounding out the new features is an improved camera. Nintendo has supplied the following image indicating the new 3DS camera will handle photos far better than the previous models.

Some games will only play on the new model.

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That faster CPU and GPU in the new 3DS mean we'll get some games that just can't run on the older counterparts. Right now a port of Wii cult classic Xenoblade Chronicles is the only game announced. No release date has been announced for the game just yet.

It'll still play your old games.

It should be pretty obvious, but it bears mentioning. The new 3DS will play all your old 3DS and DS titles. DS titles from any region will play, while, as always, you can only play 3DS titles from the same region the console comes from.

But it won't take your old memory card.

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The new 3DS models now require take a micro SD card. Nintendo is selling their own branded cards, but any micro SDHC card will do. Make sure it isn't a micro SDXC card, as Nintendo has stated they won't be compatible. Nintendo's also been mum on details regarding how exactly transferring your content from your old 3DS to the new models will work, as the process typically requires you to insert the old system's SD card into your DS.

To install your micro SD card, you'll need a small phillips head screwdriver, as illustrated in the video below:

You can backup your data to your PC wirelessly.

Nintendo is also advertising a new backup utility for the new 3DS which will allow you to copy all your data on your SD card to a Windows PC. Sadly, mac users are left out in the cold on this one.

The boxes are pretty darn nifty.

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Sure they're just boxes, but there's something about them that's just eye-catching. They aren't as great as the excellent Super Famicom and Nintendo 64 boxes, it's nice to see a pop of color return to their products, at least on the compact model.

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We'll have one of the new 3DS models shortly after its launch next month and will update with hands-on impressions, pictures and videos.

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