[Stephen Carter]

Nintendo have revealed their plans to release a bigger version of their 3D console next month; the 3DS XL.

Nintendo CEO Satoru Iwata has unveiled a new, larger 3DS in the company's Nintendo Direct broadcast. The top screen of the device will now measure in at 4.88 inches, compared to 3.58, whilst the lower screen goes from 3.02 inches to 4.18 inches, which Nintendo says gives players 90% more screen space.

The XL is 46% larger than its predecessor overall and weighs over 100 grams more. However, battery life is being increased with 3DS titles holding out for up to 6.5 hours and DS games lasting up to 8 hours.

The device does lack an additional thumbstick though which will leave a sour taste in some gamers mouths as it will mean buying an additional Circle Pad Pro pack to make games such as Monster Hunter more playable.