Rare New Nintendo 3DS LL Hyrule Edition Might Cost You More Than a PS5 Pro

Nintendo released the New 3DS LL Hyrule Edition as a GameStop North America exclusive in 2015 for $199.99. Japan received its own version of the larger-screened handheld a little later, complete with the same eye-catching gold finish. In early 2016, Europe joined in as well. When Nintendo discontinued the whole 3DS series in 2020, production of these special edition consoles also came to an end.

The gold finish extends all the way to the top, with a precise Hylian crest engraved straight into the front. Pulling the lid up reveals more gold panels framing the two screens inside. Every button and slider has that royal sheen, making this portable gaming gadget as stately as a chest full of Hyrule treasure. Of course, many owners want to couple it with custom skins or covers to keep it looking its best, but the factory finish is so eye-catching on its own that you may not need to worry.

When you turn on the system, the differences between previous 3DS models are immediately apparent. That speedier processor allows games to run at silky smooth frame rates. Extra RAM allows you to play anything without stalling or freezing. The C-stick lies directly above the face buttons, allowing for extremely fine camera control in titles like Hyrule Warriors Legends. Built-in NFC allows you to read amiibo figures without the need for any additional hardware. Face-tracking ensures that the 3D glasses-free effects remain rock stable, even if you shake your hands slightly.

The larger displays define the LL size, often known as XL elsewhere. The top 4.88-inch display is massive, dwarfing the original 3DS, making it ideal for marathon Zelda sessions. The other screen, at the bottom, is 4.18 inches and can accommodate the complete virtual keyboard. The best battery life you can expect is between four and seven hours, although this varies greatly depending on how bright your display is and whether or not you are utilizing 3D. There’s a microSD slot concealed below the back cover where you can store a large game collection. Everything fits into a clamshell that is just wider than 8 inches and weighs a perfectly comfortable 11 ounces.

Zelda enthusiasts snatched up this version to mirror their exploits in games such as Tri Force Heroes and A Link Between Worlds. Pre-orders were quickly sold out at GameStop, with lines forming for the limited supply available. Japanese units were either supplied without anything else or with certain extras, whereas North American units did not include a charger. Collectors nowadays seek complete packages, which include the console, box, stylus, manuals, and everything else. Loose units go for $400 on eBay, while sealed ones fetch $1,000. Prices have risen in the last year, exceeding the standard 3DS XL pricing by three and a half times.
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