Is a 3DS XL Incoming?

[RCM]

I'd be shocked if they announce anything this year, but wouldn't bet against a "significant" revision in 2012.

"In spring 2010, Hitachi showed off a 3.1 inch screen that could reproduce 3D graphics without graphics, shortly after Sharp revealed a 3.4 inch one.

At that time, rumors swirled that either Hitachi or Sharp would be providing the 3D top screen for the then unreleased 3DS. Since then, details have been scant about who exactly provided the 3D screen.

Today in Japan, Hitachi revealed a new 4.5-inch glasses-free screen, leading to speculation online that Nintendo is readying a 3DS XL. In the past Nintendo stated that customers should not wait for a new 3DS hardware iteration.

Granted, a 4.5-inch, 1,280×720 dot glasses-free 3D screen has an array of uses, from larger tablet smartphones to digital camera screens.

But with the 3DS seeming to struggle, a new hardware iteration with a bigger screen and (hopefully) a better battery life could be exactly what the 3DS needs. 3DS Extra Lite, please! Especially with Sony readying the PS Vita.

Kotaku is following up with Nintendo and will update this post should the company comment."

http://kotaku.com/5822975/is-a-3ds-xl-incoming

[portnoyd]

They better fix the battery life as a larger screen will destroy what meager battery life is has.

[jcalder8]

They better fix the battery life as a larger screen will destroy what meager battery life is has.

This is one of the things that I'm waiting for before picking one up. I want a longer battery life not a bigger screen. When I can get 6 hours of playing time in 3d I'll look at one again.

[Robocop2]

Battery life is more of my concern about the 3DS than the screens since the one I've played with seemed okay to me size-wise. Well longer battery life and a library that makes me want one would probably help.

[frogofdeath]

Hitachi showed off a 3.1 inch screen that could reproduce 3D graphics without graphics, shortly after Sharp revealed a 3.4 inch one.

3D graphics without graphics, that needs to be seen to be believed!

Not sure a larger screen would help sales, though better battery life and more quality games sure would. I can't think of any games specific to the 3DS that I have an urge to play.

[skaar]

I played the hell out of Pilotwings on mine for awhile then started Retro Game Challenge.

After the third charge I realized OH WAIT I HAVE AN XL.

Seriously, 3DS battery suuuuucks.

[Frankie_Says_Relax]

I don't think that the battery life or the screen size is the fundamental issue that Nintendo needs to rectify at the moment.

Getting quality software into the marketplace should be their primary focus ATM.

Sub-par hardware (not that the 3DS is sub-par per se) has never really been a significant hurdle to any system's success.

NES, PS1, XBOX360 all had some severe functionality issues and all were respective market leaders in their time.

[buzz_n64]

3DS XL? I'm in! Only if they keep it under $300.