Nintendo Reveals 3DS XL New 3DS Model has larger screens, longer battery life.

During its Nintendo Direct broadcast tonight, Nintendo revealed a new version of the 3DS featuring larger screens.

The system will be called 3DS XL in the West and will retail for $199.99. It will be released on August 19th, the same day as New Super Mario Bros. 2.

The system's top screen is now 4.88 inches, while the lower screen is now 4.18 inches. Both screens will be 90% larger than on the original 3DS. The actual resolution on the screens is the same as the original 3DS.

The new 3DS will have longer battery life than the original model of the 3DS. Nintendo notes that 3DS XL will have a battery life between 3.5 and 6.5 hours while playing 3DS games (compared to 3-5 hours for 3DS) and between 6 and 10 hours while playing DS games (compared to 5-8 hours for 3DS). The 3DS XL's battery will take approximately three hours and 30 minutes to charge.

While reports earlier tonight indicated that the Japanese version of the system will not include an AC adapter, Nintendo of America has confirmed that the North American version of the 3DS XL will include an AC adapter in the package. A 4GB SD card will also be included with the system.

The system will be released in red and blue. Europe will also receive a silver option.