Nintendo Launches SNES-Themed New Nintendo 3DS XL: Release Date, Design, and Nintendo Selects Update

Nintendo of Europe has officially revealed a nostalgic addition to its popular handheld lineup: the SNES-themed edition of the New Nintendo 3DS XL.

Unveiled during Gamescom, this retro-inspired version pays homage to the beloved design of the classic Super Nintendo Entertainment System.

The SNES-themed New Nintendo 3DS XL is scheduled for release across Europe on 13th October, 2017, reinforcing Nintendo’s commitment to celebrating its rich legacy while supporting its handheld ecosystem. The retro styling of the new system is evident from the first glance.

The external shell is modeled after the original Super Nintendo’s iconic design, complete with the recognizable button shapes and color palette.

Inside, the New Nintendo 3DS XL sports controller buttons featuring the classic red, yellow, blue, and green hues that fans will remember from the original SNES controllers.

This continues Nintendo’s trend of appealing to nostalgia, echoing the Super Famicom edition that launched previously in Japan. On announcing the hardware, representatives from Nintendo of Europe emphasized, through an official statement, how the company remains dedicated to delighting fans with innovative products that also honor gaming history.

Nintendo highlighted the SNES-themed New Nintendo 3DS XL as a way for European gamers to finally enjoy a regional version tailored specifically for their market.

It’s a fitting tribute that brings together both form and function for enthusiasts and collectors alike. Coinciding with the launch, Nintendo is expanding its Nintendo Selects range—an initiative offering popular titles at a budget-friendly price.

As of October 13, three celebrated Nintendo 3DS games will join the Selects lineup: Super Mario 3D Land, Luigi’s Mansion 2, and Kirby: Triple Deluxe.

All three will be available for purchase through the Nintendo eShop at a price point of £15.99, making this date significant for fans seeking quality titles at accessible prices. The release of the SNES-themed New Nintendo 3DS XL further extends the enduring legacy of the Nintendo 3DS family, which has achieved impressive worldwide hardware and software sales since its debut in 2011.

This recent announcement demonstrates Nintendo’s strategy to keep its handheld platform vibrant even as attention grows around the Nintendo Switch and other new hardware launches. For retro enthusiasts, collectors, and fans of classic Nintendo design, the SNES-themed New Nintendo 3DS XL is more than just another system—it’s a celebration of the company’s storied past.

Combined with new Nintendo Selects releases, October 13, 2017, marks an essential date for those looking to expand their Nintendo 3DS library or revisit favorites in style.

Nintendo of Europe Nintendo New Nintendo 3DS XL Super Nintendo Nintendo Selects Super Mario 3D Land Luigi’s Mansion 2 Kirby: Triple Deluxe