Just in time for the release of the video game, Nintendo announced that it will release a special edition Fire Emblem Fates 3DS XL.
However, the special edition 3DS won't include the game itself, which is interesting considering that its price is $199.99, which makes it slightly more expensive than the standard Nintendo 3DS.
However, those extra dollars do nab players a 3DS XL decorated with artwork inspired by the game, although most might not think it worth the extra money with the game not actually included.
Instead, Nintendo hopes that players spend extra for the game, which has three versions, each based on a different story, depending on choices made during the game. "Birthright" and "Conquest" will cost $39.99 each, although if you buy a copy of one version, you can get the digital version later for $19.99. A third version, "Revelation," will arrive as DLC for $19.99. Nintendo also plans on releasing 11 maps for the game: that DLC is available as a season pass for $17.99.
In doing the math, getting the complete game, with all its versions and maps, will cost players $97.96.
However, Nintendo hopes players plan on spending more of their hard-earned dollars on Fire Emblem Fates by purchasing the complete games package, which features physical copies of all three games, an artbook and a 3DS XL carrying pouch. That retails for $79.99 and doesn't include the maps DLC.
Fire Emblem Fates is a tactical roleplaying game set in a fictional world that includes the kingdoms of Hoshido and Nohr, whose kings and queens share a line of descent from dragons, but because the kingdoms worship different dragons, they are constantly at war. The player must take on the role of the Avatar to protect one kingdom from the other, depending on the character the player chooses to take on by which version of the game played.
It's likely that the special edition Nintendo 3DS XL will sell out quickly to become a collector's item. However, it's still a little odd that Nintendo didn't include at least one version of the game with it, especially considering its higher price.
The special edition 3DS arrives in stores on Feb. 19, the same day that Fire Emblem Fates launches.
