SAN FRANCISCO, Sept 1 — A special edition New Galaxy Style Nintendo 3DS XL is putting the "cosmic” into cosmetic novelty.

With Nintendo’s March 2017 console expected to converge its home and portable console expertise, dovetailing the Wii and DS legacies, what better way to keep the existing 3DS’s fortunes flying than a new galactic look?

The US$199 (RM811) New Galaxy Style 3DS XL is part of Nintendo’s ongoing New 3DS line — it has two directional control inputs, extra shoulder buttons, face detection and onboard NFC (and no included AC adaptor) — and is to be made available shortly, during the week of September 1.

It’s "coming to stores starting this week,” says Nintendo of America, a launch which could coincide with one of Nintendo’s frequent pre-recorded broadcasts in its Nintendo Direct series.

The latest emission is set for today, September 1, starting 10am EST, and its purpose is to highlight a selection of upcoming games for the wider 3DS and 2DS family.

Releases in the popular Phoenix Wright, Dragon Quest, Yo-Kai Watch, Shin Megami Tensei and Disney Magical World series are likely to feature; Pokémon Sun and Moon and Mario Party are other notable drops set for the end-of-year period. — AFP-Relaxnews