Special Edition Fire Emblem Fates New 3DS XL, Three-Game Bundle Announced

A special edition of the *New* Nintendo 3DS XL featuring Fire Emblem Fates artwork will be released on February 19. There's a catch: neither Fire Emblem Fates: Conquest or Fire Emblem Fates: Birthright will be bundled with the 3DS.

The console retails for $199.99, and you'll have your choice of how to play the latest in the long-running Fire Emblem series. Fates comes in two different different versions with unique stories. Each retails for $39.99. After you reach a certain point, you'll have the option to purchase the other side for $19.99.

Later on, Nintendo will release a third branch of the narrative that sees the hero choosing neither the Conquest or Birthright paths. That DLC will be priced at $19.99, also.

For those that want all three stories up front, a $79.99 bundle will be available with all of them on a single card. That edition comes with an artbook and a carrying pouch for a New 3DS XL. Nintendo is also planning map-based DLC. A season pass will be sold for $17.99, with content available at a la carte pricing as it's released. 

Update: More information about how Fire Emblem Fates will sold, the bundle option, and the DLC has been added.

Our Take
Obviously, the console is going to be a collector's item real quick. Still, not including either of the games is kind of a disappointing move on Nintendo's part.