Why We Didn't Get a White 3DS XL

The Nintendo 3DS XL is certainly a step up over its previous model. Whether through its design, better battery life or larger screen, the new iteration of the 3DS has certainly captured the attention of many who have been waiting for a better excuse to buy Nintendo's new platform. There was just one problem - at the system's launch, not all territories were created equal.

While North America received Red/Black and Blue/Black models, the UK also received a Silver/Black iteration. Japan not only had that color configuration, but a gorgeous all-white model as well. One that neither North America nor Europe received. I've always been a bit puzzled as to why most of the world had been overlooked when it came to the silver and white models. So I did the only natural thing - I asked Nintendo of America president and COO Reggie Fils-Aime for a reason, at least as far as his North American market was concerned. His answer was simple and made perfect sense - yet gave me a bit of hope for the future.

"We have launched silver- and white-colored GBAs, DSes, DSis, and in our [North American] market they don't sell very well," Fils-Aime admitted. "So instead of approaching this lighter-colored product as a mass [product], we're going to look at the opportunity on a much more limited basis. You might see a limited-time offer with a white or silver 3DS XL, or we might colorize it slightly differently. But in terms of an ongoing SKU, the consumer has responded in our marketplace and said that, for a handheld gaming device from Nintendo, that kind of white or silver doesn't sell nearly as well as blue or red or even pink."

It's interesting to not only note that Nintendo is still considering limited runs with lighter toned 3DS XL models, but that it's specifically light-toned portables that don't seem to sell well. Considering Nintendo of America kept Wii to just one color scheme - white - for years, that rule certainly didn't seem to apply to home consoles.

On a related note, if you can't wait for Nintendo to announce a white 3DS XL for where you live, you can always buy a Japanese version and swap its shell with your existing one. Sound crazy? One of our readers already did it - and created an awesome step-by-step guide! Check it out here - and understand that you'll void your warranty if you actually swap the shells.

Rich is an Executive Editor of IGN.com and the leader of IGN's Nintendo team. He also watches over all things WWE, Resident Evil, Assassin's Creed and much more. Follow him on Twitter, if you dare!

Source : ign[dot]com