How Much of an Upgrade Is the 3DS XL?

Last week, Nintendo announced an Aug. 19 release date for the 3DS XL, a new version of its popular 3DS system, featuring a larger screen and longer battery life.

The 3DS XL has a sleeker, more contemporary shape (with rounded edges), but its biggest selling point is a significantly larger screen than the original. The top screen is 4.88 inches wide, versus 3.53 inches for the 3DS; and the bottom screen is 4.18 inches wide, up from 3.01 inches.

In addition, the 3DS XL has slightly longer battery life, taking three hours to charge and performing from 3.5 to 10 hours as opposed to three to eight hours for the old 3DS.

Will the new 3DS XL turn handheld gaming away from smartphones and iPod Touches? We will find out later this summer. The new portable game system will be released stateside on Aug. 19 for $199.99, bundled with New Super Mario Bros 2. At launch, the system will be available in red and blue and will come with a 4GB memory card.