Published on: August 08, 2017
Nintendo continues to celebrate its legacy franchises with exclusive hardware releases, and the latest addition to its lineup is the Metroid: Samus Edition New Nintendo 3DS XL.
Announced by Nintendo of America, this striking limited edition handheld will launch on September 15, coinciding with the release of Metroid: Samus Returns, the long-anticipated reimagining of the classic Metroid II: Return of Samus.
Now, Nintendo has confirmed that fans in Europe will also be able to purchase the special edition system from the same date.
Metroid: Samus Returns marks a major milestone in the storied Metroid franchise, offering modernized gameplay and visuals on the New Nintendo 3DS and Nintendo 3DS XL platforms.
To complement the launch, the Metroid: Samus Edition New Nintendo 3DS XL features a unique design inspired by the game's iconic protagonist, Samus Aran, adorned in her Power Suit.
This limited edition handheld stands out with its vibrant color scheme and exclusive artwork, making it a prized collectible for fans and hardware enthusiasts alike.
Nintendo has a longstanding tradition of releasing special edition consoles to commemorate major first-party launches.
The introduction of the Metroid: Samus Edition New Nintendo 3DS XL continues this trend, following past successes with limited releases tied to popular franchises such as Pokémon and The Legend of Zelda.
Each of these unique hardware iterations reflects Nintendo’s commitment to recognizing its dedicated fanbase and celebrating key moments in its game catalog.
A spokesperson from Nintendo emphasized the significance of this release, stating that the Metroid: Samus Edition New Nintendo 3DS XL is designed to honor the enduring popularity of the Metroid series and to offer collectors a tangible piece of gaming history.
"We’re excited to bring this special edition system to both North America and Europe alongside the debut of Metroid: Samus Returns," the company said in an official statement.
The arrival of both the game and the corresponding limited edition hardware on September 15 marks a significant event for Nintendo fans, especially those who have followed Metroid since its inception in 1986.
The New Nintendo 3DS XL, known for its enhanced processing power, improved 3D visuals, and expanded game library—available both physically and on the Nintendo eShop—remains a best-selling platform.
According to Nintendo, global sales of the Nintendo 3DS family have surpassed 72 million units since its debut in 2011, further cementing its place in handheld gaming history.
With Metroid: Samus Returns injecting new life into one of Nintendo’s most beloved franchises and the Metroid: Samus Edition New Nintendo 3DS XL set to launch simultaneously in major markets, September 15 promises to be a landmark date for dedicated gamers and collectors worldwide.
Nintendo Metroid: Samus Returns New Nintendo 3DS XL Metroid: Samus Edition Nintendo of America Europe North America