In an unprecedented move, Australia and New Zealand will be among the first in the world to behold the newest line of Nintendo’s handhelds.

The New 3DS and New 3DS XL systems, which are releasing first in Japan on October 11, will hit Australian retailers just over one month later, on November 21. This sudden news is very welcome for the region, especially considering neither US nor European release dates have been mentioned, outside of a vague “2015” date.

The news was delivered to fans via another first from Nintendo, a Nintendo Direct Australia, which you can check out above. The video runs for about 15 minutes, and will be of interest to fans across the globe as it is Nintendo’s first English presentation concerning the new devices.

In the Direct, Tom Enoki, Managing Director of Nintendo Australia, introduces the New line of 3DS, including a run-down of the new controls, and a look at the colorful cover plates – it should be noted that the cover are plates are for the New 3DS only, not the New 3DS XL. Games like Monster Hunter 4 and Super Smash Bros. 3DS are also highlighted in the video, along with Xenoblade Chronicles, which is confirmed for Australian release in 2015.

new-3ds-case

The system will retail for AU$219.95 (about US$195 / €152) and AU$249.95 (about $222 / €173) for the XL, with AC Adapters sold separately for AU$14.95 (US$13 / €10) – though you can use your existing 3DS/3DS XL/2DS/DSi/DSi adapters too.

A press release from Nintendo Australia also confirmed the release date:

24th September 2014 – In the first ever Nintendo Direct Australia broadcast today, it was announced that New Nintendo 3DS and New Nintendo 3DS XL will launch 21st November in Australia and New Zealand.

Check out the Direct video above or more details on the Nintendo Australia website. How do you feel about this news? Is Australia truly the lucky country? Let us know all your thoughts below!