While we are likely to get confirmation for the release of this in the morning from the new Nintendo Direct coming up if the leaks are found to be true, this should be out pretty soon. I will say first up, Nintendo doesn't know how to name anything anymore. Wii? Wii U? New Super Mario Brothers? New 3DS? Why can't they bring back the "Super" name? Super 3DS. Doesn't that sound infinitely better? lol
Anyways, it looks like it may be out on February 13th in North America alongside Majora's Mask if the leaked ad is proven true. While I'm not huge into the handhelds, I normally would rather just play on a console, I am thinking of upgrading from the 2DS to the New 3DS XL. I feel like I'd play more on a bigger screen. Will probably see if I can sell my 2DS this week to get myself money to put down on the new hardware.
What are everyone else's plans or thoughts on this? I'm unsure of how the exclusive game aspect will pan out in the long run. That splits the user base and will make those who can't or won't upgrade upset, though when you think about it, I imagine the exclusives games wouldn't likely get made in the first place if it wasn't for the new hardware. I feel like the exclusives will be a rare thing for now, with it being more about the games that can play on the old 3DS, but get bonus features if you have the New 3DS.