Nintendo Explains Why Smaller New 3DS Isn't Coming to US

During Wednesday's Nintendo Direct, the corporation announced that the New Nintendo 3DS XL will launch in the United States in February, but not the smaller version that's already available in Japan and Australia and is coming to Europe. Now, Nintendo has explained why the more compact system isn't going to be released stateside.

"Different territories make their own business decisions regarding individual products and timing," Nintendo of America said in a statement sent to Polygon.

"We think New Nintendo 3DS XL makes the most sense for our market. Nintendo makes different systems at different price points for a whole range of consumers, and New Nintendo 3DS XL simply expands those choices even further."

Nintendo of America will release the New Nintendo 3DS XL in the US starting February 13 for $200. "New red" and "New black" colors will be available, while shoppers can also buy special-edition bundles for The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask 3D and Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate.

Though the standard-sized New Nintendo 3DS won't be available in the US next month, Nintendo of America did not rule out a release for the system later on. Pressed for details regarding the future availability of the smaller model, the company said it had "nothing to announce at this time."

In Japan at least, the New Nintendo 3DS XL has proven more popular than the smaller version, according to a report from Famitsu, which says the XL model outsold the standard version 3:1 at launch.

For lots more on the New Nintendo 3DS XL and the standard-sized model, check out the video above, in which GameSpot editor Dan Hindes speaks with Nintendo about the two units.

Nintendo Direct: All The News

• Re-watch the full Nintendo Direct video here
• New 3DS Release Date Confirmed -- Only XL version coming to the US
• Metroid Prime Trilogy Set for Wii U Re-release, along with Mario Galaxy 2 and more
• Take a Closer Look at This Gorgeous Majora's Mask 3DS XL
• New Fire Emblem for 3DS revealed
• Tekken Director Making Exclusive free-to-play Wii U Game
• New trailer for Xenoblade Chronicles X
• Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate Trailer
• Next wave of Amiibo and the new Super Mario Amiibo series listed
• Majora's Mask on 3DS coming Feburary 13, has a gorgeous special edition
• Pokemon Shuffle is Nintendo's Next Free-to-Play 3DS Game
• Can't Find Marth Amiibo, Nintendo Say More are Coming
• How to Buy a New 3DS for $100
• Cross-Buy Begins for Select Wii U / 3DS Games
• Nintendo reveals Splatoon Release Date
• Majora's Mask 3DS video: Watch 20 Minutes of Gameplay
• Sin and Punishment Sequel Set for Wii U Re-Release