Here’s The Themes Japanese Nintendo 3DS Owners Can Get This Week

The New Nintendo 3DS was first announced during a Japanese Nintendo Direct presentation streamed on August 29, 2014. The New Nintendo 3DS and 3DS LL were released in Japan on October 11, 2014; the regular-sized version was made available in black and white-colored versions, while the LL was made available in metallic blue and metallic black versions, with additional limited edition designs.[21] Over 38 different face plate designs were available on launch in Japan, which were showcased in a pre-launch television commercial that featured J-pop performer Kyary Pamyu Pamyu.[22] 230,000 units were sold in its first two days of availability.[2]

The New Nintendo 3DS and its XL variant were first released outside of Japan—in Australia and New Zealand, on November 21, 2014, with the smaller model only available in white.[12] In Europe, the New Nintendo 3DS was first made available online on January 6, 2015 in a special white “Ambassador Edition” bundle, exclusive to Club Nintendo members, with a charging dock and two face plates included.[23]

On January 14, 2015, Nintendo announced that the new systems would be released at retail in North America and Europe on February 13, 2015. In Europe, the New Nintendo 3DS was available in black or white, and its XL variant in Metallic Black or Metallic Blue, just like these in Japan. In North America, the XL model was released in Metallic Red and Metallic Black (called “New Red” and “New Black” in North America). Special The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask 3D and Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate-themed variants were also released at launch in both regions.[24][25][26] 335,000 units were sold during its first week of availability in Europe and North America.[27]

Only the XL model was released in North America; although Nintendo did not rule out the possibility of a release of the regular New Nintendo 3DS in the future, Nintendo of America representative Damon Baker explained that they did not want to confuse consumers, and that the face plates were not enough of a reason for the smaller-sized system to be released in North America.[28][29] Many United States consumers on social network sites (including Facebook, Twitter, and Google Plus) were not very happy with this information. In response, they started a campaign called #OperationFaceplateNA so they would let Nintendo of America know that they want the smaller-sized system, and the faceplates, in North America.[30] In March 2015, the FCC lifted its information embargo regarding regulation details performed in September 2014 on the standard New Nintendo 3DS model, suggesting Nintendo of America did indeed consider releasing the smaller standard model at one point.[31] In June 2015, according to a new report a company executive might have hinted about the possibility of the New Nintendo 3DS being released in North America at some point in the future.[32]