Introducing the new Nintendo 3DS XL “Solgaleo Lunala Black Edition”
It’s the 20th anniversary of the Pokémon series, and Poké-mania has never been bigger worldwide. To celebrate the much-anticipated launch of Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon, Nintendo has just announced a new Nintendo 3DS XL system inspired by the upcoming Pokémon games. This sleek black system features both of the new Legendary Pokémon, Solgaleo and Lunala, on the cover.
Nintendo is really making 2016 a special year for Pokémon fans. Already we’ve got Pokkén Tournament for Wii U, the retail release of Pokémon Rumble World, the mobile app phenomenon that is Pokémon Go and its accompanying Pokémon Go Plus accessory, and the festivities culminate on November 18th with the launch of Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon. What better way to show your Pokémon fandom than by picking up the slick new Nintendo 3DS XL system, which releases a full week early—on November 11th!
I love the beautiful sketch design of Solgaleo and Lunala that graces the front face plate of the new 3DS console. While there are still plenty of secrets surrounding these new Legendary Pokémon, you can tell by looking at them that they will be supremely powerful and influential in the upcoming games’ stories. Solgaleo is a Psychic/Steel “Sunne Pokémon” that resembles a white lion, and Lunala is a Psychic/Ghost “Moone Pokémon” that looks similar to a legless bat. Both of these Legendary Pokémon can transform into more powerful phases—Solgaleo’s “Radiant Sun” and Lunala’s “Full Moon”—where they will release their mighty power and shine with even brighter light.
Keep in mind that this new Pokémon-inspired system is the newer, more powerful 3DS XL model, which sports a C-Stick analog nub, has two extra shoulder buttons, possesses super-stable 3D, contains near-field communication technology built-in (for amiibo support), and comes equipped with a faster processor for even smoother gameplay. The XL model also has larger screens than the original 3DS system, measuring an impressive 4.88″ for the upper 3D screen, and 4.18″ for the lower touch screen.
Two exciting Pokémon games arriving this November
I couldn’t be more stoked about the two new Pokémon games, Sun and Moon, coming to Nintendo 3DS just in time for the holidays. There are so many exciting new elements fans are sure to love. For starters, we’ll get to explore the all-new Alola Region, a beautiful archipelago and home dozens of new “Generation VII” Pokémon to find, catch, train, and battle with. The new Pokémon include three new Starters called Popplio (Water), Rowlet (Grass/Flying), and Litten (Fire). You’ll also meet familiar Pokémon that have adapted to the distinctive microclimate of Alola, changing appearances and types. My favourite is the new Alolan Exeggutor (Grass/Dragon), which now resembles a tall coconut palm tree with a cute coconut tail, but there are many more for you to discover.
Like past games in the series, Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon will each feature Pokémon exclusive to their version, including Solgaleo and Lunala, as well as some Pokémon that appear in the trials. Another big difference between the two is their clock settings—Pokémon Sun will be in sync with your Nintendo 3DS internal clock, while Pokémon Moon will shift time by 12 hours. I can’t wait to see how this time difference will affect the story and types of Pokémon you will meet!
Nintendo keeps on letting more and more new features trickle out to whet our appetites before the big launch. One addition I’m looking forward to is the all-new Battle Royal matches that will pit four players against each other in a massive four-way skirmish. It’s a huge departure from the usual head-to-head battles, so it’ll be fun to see how these play out. I’m also looking forward to snapping photos of my Pokémon using the new Poké Finder, and it’s very cool to hear you can unlock rewards (like the ability to zoom in) as you take better pictures. Other new elements include Z-Moves, which can unleash immense power once per battle, and new ride-able Pokémon that can transport you to locations humans can’t get to on their own. As you can see, there are plenty of new features to get excited about!
If you’re interested in jumping into the exciting world of Nintendo 3DS right now, Nintendo has just released two special new models—the blue Galaxy-themed new Nintendo 3DS XL, and new Nintendo 3DS XL with Super Mario 3D Land already installed on the system.
Stay tuned for even more coverage of Pokemon Sun and Moon as we get closer to the November 18th launch date!
To see Best Buy’s complete 3DS handheld offerings, I invite you check out the dedicated Nintendo Handheld section of Bestbuy.ca!
