Nintendo 3DS XL And New Super Mario Bros. 2 Out Now

Portable gaming fans have something big to get excited about today and, by “big,” I mean “XL.” And by “XL,” I of course mean that the Nintendo 3DS XL is finally hitting U.S. store shelves alongside the latest 3D game, New Super Mario Bros. 2.

First, let’s talk hardware. The Nintendo 3DS XL offers screens that are 90 percent bigger than those on the original, tiny 3DS. For those who are absolutely wretched in math, that means the new screens are nearly twice as on the original 3DS console. You can pick one up today for $199.99.

And while you’re at it, you might as well get a new game for your giant new handheld console, too. Along with the release of the Nintendo 3DS XL, you will also find Super Mario Bros 2 out in the wild today. And, for the first time ever, Nintendo is offering consumers a number of ways to pick up their latest title. You can either buy the packaged game in a store, buy a download code in the store, or simply download the game directly from the internets from the comfort of your own home.

If you happen to pick up the 3DS XL and New Super Mario Bros. 2 in the same day, chances are pretty good that you know what it’s like to be rolling in the Banjamins. It’s appropriate, then, that Mario’s latest adventure is all about accumulating mountains of gold coins. Coins pop out of everything in this game and even Mario himself can turn gold in order to make even more coins pop out of even more things.

Players will also be able to add their growing horde of golden goodness to the online tally, take part in Coin Rush modes to compete with other players through StreetPass, or even play the entire game in co-op so long as both parties have a 3DS/XL and a copy of the game.

You’re still here? Shouldn’t you be, I don’t know, on your way to Wal-Mart to spend $250 on Nintendo products right about now?