If recent rumors are to be believed, Nintendo may be planning a simultaneous launch of the New 3DS in Europe and North America, and it could be very soon.
Just last week, Destructoid began reporting that Nintendo may be phasing out the original 3DS. Citing general retailers and Nintendo’s own online store, the 3DS is becoming increasingly difficult to find. As part of their report, Destructoid mentioned difficulty in finding several different colors, especially Coral Pink. Last week that version could only be found on Nintendo’s online store, but now it can’t be found even there.
While the handheld can still be purchased online, it’s nearly impossible to find in stores. This seems to suggest that Nintendo is planning a release of their New 3DS very soon. This suspicion is further heightened by a seeming leak from Gamestop yesterday to Gamnesia that states the retailer already has all point-of-sale materials for the new handheld at the ready. They go further in saying that according to their knowledge, the console is set to launch in Europe and North America on February 13th.
New 3DS rumors go further still, in a recent thread on gaming forum NeoGAF. User Vinny Gambini posted a photo of a promotional advertisement that appears to show the concurrent release of both Majora’s Mask 3D and Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate with the New 3DS. The image touts a “new world of gaming” and shows the two games and the handheld next to each other with a release date for all of February 13.
While no official announcement has yet been given, Nintendo announced last night on Twitter that fans can catch a Nintendo Direct January 14 that will detail Spring releases on both the 3DS and Wii U. Nintendo has also announced a special press event that will take place immediately following the Direct. Many take this as a sign that the New 3DS will finally have a release date in the West.
What do you think Nintendo will reveal tomorrow? Sound off in the comments!
