New 3DS is coming February 13th, Majora's Mask and Monster Hunter too

This morning’s Nintendo Direct made it official: the New 3DS XL is coming stateside on February 13^th. Not only that, but The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask 3D and Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate are both launch titles for the 3DS refit, and both games take advantage of the handheld’s new analog C-stick. To celebrate the launch of these two highly anticipated games, there will be special Majora and Monster Hunter styled New 3DS XL models as well. All models of the New 3DS XL, whether special edition or the standard black or metallic red, will retail for $199.99 MSRP.

Curiously, North America will only be getting the New 3DS XL, not the standard-sized New 3DS (and its interchangeable faceplates) that is coming to Europe, and which Japan, Australia and New Zealand have been enjoying since last year. With the old model 3DS all but phased out in America and the 2DS effectively having taken its place, I guess this move makes sense. One thing that does annoy me, however, is that the New 3DS XL does not come with an AC adapter—the wall charger is a separate purchase. Nintendo has been pulling this nonsense in Japan since the original 3DS launched in 2011, but American models have always included the AC adapter. It’s a frustrating move, especially if you don’t own the charger, and the one sore spot on what is shaping up to be a spectacular hardware and software launch next month.