So here’s that 3DS redesign you’ve all been waiting for. (updated with US release info)

Posted By: Michael Lacerna In: Gaming News, Handheld, Nintendo DS/3DS On: 21 Jun

Miyamoto, why you gotta lie to us like that. (Sorry for the low quality pic, it’s all I can find right now.)

Despite earlier claims that they had no plans to create a 3DS redesign, it seems that, well, Nintendo just can’t help re-designing their systems over and over again. Details on the new 3DS are still incoming, but it is known that the 3DS LL (which will probably be renamed the 3DS XL when it hits the States,) is the 3DS equivalent of the DSi XL: it’s the same hardware inside powering the machine, but the new system is equipped with much bigger (90% larger) screens and a bigger battery that lasts for 6-7 hours. Contrary to earlier rumors, the new 3DS doesn’t feature a second circle pad, a rebranded name, or extra buttons. It’s literally the same system, just much, much bigger.

The system will retail in Japan for 18,900 yen, which is a fair bit more than the plain 3DS. UPDATE – Thankfully, the price increase is a little more modest for US audiences — the system will be $199 when it launches in the US on August 19th, $30 more than the standard 3DS.