( CNN ) -- With Sunday 's release of the Nintendo 3DS XL handheld console , Nintendo is hoping that bigger is better . The new unit is essentially a big brother to the Nintendo 3DS released in the spring of 2011 , but the gaming company has said it plans to continue to produce both types of consoles at least in the near future . The XL 's main screen is 90 % larger than its smaller counterpart , while the 3-D screen on the top half of the clamshell design is nearly the same size as the PS Vita front touch screen . In full 3-D mode , the resolution on the 3DS XL ( 800px x 320px ) is still below the Vita 's ( 960px x 544px ) . But you are n't going to be playing PS games on the 3DS XL or vice versa , so the visual appearance is n't going to be obvious . It also comes with a stronger battery ( about 3.5 to 6 hours of charge using 3DS software ) while not increasing the overall weight of the device . AC adapters are not included for Japanese or European versions but are included for U.S. and Australian distribution . Everything else pretty much remains the same between the XL and the regular version -- front and back cameras , 3-D screen at the top and touch screen at the bottom , circle pad and control pad on the left , buttons on the right . The pointing stylus is stored on the right hand side of the 3DS XL , rather than on the back with the 3DS . The preview 3DS XL unit I was using had a matte finish on the exterior instead of the shiny , glossy finish found on the 3DS . The larger hand-held console also comes with a 4GB SD card included , twice as big as the 2GB card with which the 3DS is outfitted . If you are thinking of going large , Nintendo has figured out a way to bring all your games with you . Data can be transferred from any DSi , DSi XL or 3DS console onto the 3DS XL system . Connection settings , photos , audio and purchased DSiWare can be shuttled to the new console using a Internet connection between the two systems . Be warned though . DSiWare save data can not be transferred , so be prepared to play those games from scratch if you want to move them over . The larger screen and bigger controls make for easier game play , and the slightly increased weight is negligible . In fact , the hand-held device feels more stable and sturdy with its extra size . I have n't put it through an accidental `` drop test '' yet , but it seems like it could take a punch . The 3-D screen really has n't changed , which means if it gave you a headache before , it probably will again . The longer battery life is very nice , especially for those who play on their way to school or work and have to put it away for a while once arriving . `` New Super Mario Bros. 2 '' will be the featured game for the new hand-held , coming out on the same day in Japan and the United States , but not included with the console . The 3DS XL shows it off nicely with brilliant colors , fluid motion and responsive controls . It is , of course , a Mario game , which means lots of jumping and side-scrolling , but it all looks great on bigger screens . The Nintendo 3DS XL is everything you are used to in the Nintendo 3DS , but it is a larger , stronger package . The larger screens make it easier to see action and gives players a bit of finesse on the touch screen . Right now , the 3DS XL is not compatible with the Circle Pad Pro controller add-on , but Nintendo said they are planning on releasing one later this year . The Nintendo 3DS XL was released on August 19 in North America ( $ 199.99 ) and will debut August 23 in Australia ( A $ 249.95 ) . It is available in Japan ( 18,900 yen ) and Europe ( 199.99 euros ) . The highlight colors available at launch will be red and blue for North America ; red , blue and silver for Europe and Australia ; red , silver and white for Japan .
Mario released the bigger Nintendo 3DS XL on the top half . The mobile gaming device has a 90 % bigger screen than the current 4 . Larger screen , bigger controls make for easier gameplay . Its 3-D screen is the same , so if the 3DS gives you headaches , the Nintendo will too .