Key New Nintendo 3DS Questions Answered

Nintendo have posted a full question and answer session to the New Nintendo 3DS consoles.

Announced earlier today, the consoles - New Nintendo 3DS and New Nintendo 3DS LL (XL) - will launch this year in Japan with additional processing power, improved speed/performance and the ability to support more complex titles.

A translation of the official website's FAQ page reveals more details on just what the console can do, and how it differs from the current 3DS family.

Q: What kind of applications are pre-installed to the device?A: The below applications will be included from the start.

• Health & Safety Information
• Nintendo 3DS Camera
• Nintendo 3DS Sound
• Mii Maker
• StreetPass Mii Plaza
• Nintendo eShop
• AR Games
• Face Raiders
• Activity Log
• Nintendo Zone
• Download Play
• System Settings
  

Q: Are there any changes to the applications?

A: The internet browser can now play videos. Media files can now be moved between the device and a computer without removing the microSD card. The Home Menu's background, icons, folders, music and sound effects can now be changed. (This will also apply to Nintendo 3DS/3DS XL later.)

Q: Why will the Internet Browser's filter function be effective from the start?
A: In order to prevent children from accessing harmful websites, it will be effective from the start.

Q: Since official Nintendo microSD cards are going to be released, are there any other microSD cards that can be used for New Nintendo 3DS/New 3DS XL?

A: The following microSD cards will be compatible:

• SanDisk Extreme: 16GB (SDSDQX-016G-J35A)
• SanDisk Extreme: 32GB (SDSDQX-032G-J35A)
  

Nintendo also mentions that the above makers may make changes to their microSD cards in the future, which could result in them becoming inoperable, so please keep that in mind.

Q: What kind of computer operating systems will work for accessing the microSD card via wireless LAN?

A: The confirmed operating systems are Windows 8.1 and Windows 7.

Q: Will you be able to move specific data from the SD card like software or save data?

A: No, you won't be able to.

Q: Can you transfer software data from the Nintendo 3DS/3DS XL?

A: Data can be transferred from the Nintendo 3DS/3DS XL to the New Nintendo 3DS/New 3DS XL. (However, data from the New Nintendo 3DS/New 3DS XL cannot be moved to the 3DS/3DS XL.)

Q: What will you need  in order to transfer data [via PC]?

A: Internet connectivity. (Internet connectivity or a way to locally connect to the device.) You'll also need enough battery or else it won't transfer.

Since the SD card doesn't fit the New Nintendo 3DS/New 3DS XL's microSD slot, you'll have to use either the wireless connectivity, or manually copy it from a computer.

Q: Is the wireless switch that was on the 3DS/3DS XL no longer available?

A: The physical switch is no longer there, but you can turn the wireless on/off at the Home Menu.

Q: Can the AC adapter for Nintendo 3DS/3DSXL/DSi/DSi XL be used for the New Nintendo 3DS/New 3DS XL?

A: Yes, it can.

Q: Is it compatible with the Nintendo Wi-Fi USB Connector?

A: Yes, it is.

Q: Can it play all Nintendo 3DS and Nintendo DS games?

A: As far as Nintendo DS/DSi software goes, it won't be able to play game cartridges that require a specific connections to the cartridge slots, such as the ones that required the GBA cartridge slot on the DS Lite and DS.

Other titles, for example Pokémon Tretta Lab, that requires extra hardware that fit the original 3DS' shape and size, also won't be compatible.

Additionally, the New Nintendo 3DS and New Nintendo 3DS XL will not include a charger, similar to the Nintendo 3DS XL in Japan and Europe. However, keep in mind the the 3DS XL included charges in regions such as North America, Australia, and South Korea.

What are your thoughts on the New Nintendo 3DS consoles so far?