Pikachu 3DS XL to Release in North America

The Pikachu branded Nintendo 3DS XL will be available in North America on March 24, Nintendo announced.

Previously only available in Japan, the vibrant yellow Pikachu 3DS XL will be priced at $199.99. It will come packed with a 4GB SD memory card.

In addition to the Pikachu 3DS XL launch, Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Gates to Infinity and Luigi’s Mansion: Dark Moon will be released on March 24. Nintendo is adding an extra incentive to those who purchase either of those new release games simultaneously with a Pikachu 3DS XL.

Players who purchase a Pikachu 3DS XL and either Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Gates to Infinity or Luigi’s Mansion: Dark Moon will receive a download code good for one of five eligible games. The five games Nintendo is offering for free as part of the promotion include Super Mario 3D Land, Professor Layton and the Miracle Mask, Star Fox 64 3D, Freakyforms Deluxe: Your Creations Alive! and Art Academy: Lessons for Everyone!

The Nintendo 3DS XL launched last year as a larger variation of the Nintendo 3DS. The two-screen portable system includes a 90 percent larger screen and 86 percent longer battery life than the original 3DS. As of December, Nintendo has shipped more than seven million units of the 3DS XL with 1.97 million of those in North America.

Recently, Nintendo reduced their projected sales for the year of the 3DS. Rather than the previously estimated 17.5 million 3DS units expected to ship this fiscal year, Nintendo now expects to ship 15 million units.