With the New Nintendo 3DS XL en route, portable gaming aficionados are likely saving up to purchase the upgraded handheld. Aside from a number of updated features, one of the biggest selling points for fans is the fact that this new handheld will have exclusive games on it as a result of the system's enhanced CPU. The first game arriving for the New Nintendo 3DS is none other than Xenoblade Chronicles 3D, and the house of Mario has finally gotten around to announcing a release date for the forthcoming port.

After pummelling iconic gaming characters in the latest Super Smash Bros. games, Shulk is once again returning to form within the new port. Best of all, it seems gamers won't be left waiting too long either, because Nintendo has officially announced that Xenoblade Chronicles 3D will arrive exclusively on the New 3DS on April 10, 2015 in North America.

While a release date is a crucial element in any software's lifecycle, Nintendo also announced that the game will also support the company's ongoing amiibo initiative. Players that managed to score a coveted Shulk amiibo will be able to scan the blonde protagonist into the game, which will award them in-game coins. These coins can then be spent on a number of unlockables such as character models and music – and there's no denying that awesomeness that's manifested within Xenoblade Chronicles' soundtrack.

Xenoblade Chronicles 3D amiibo Support

Despite being a port being handled by Monster Games (the same team responsible for bringing Donkey Kong Country Returns to the 3DS), the game looks to be building up quite nicely. Those that missed the original game's limited GameStop-exclusive release on the Wii will soon be able to see what all the hubbub was about – on the go, no less.

It'll be interesting to see what other games arrive on the New Nintendo 3DS XL in the coming months, but for now gamers can look forward to suiting up as Shulk and devastating foes with his time-bending Monado sword. As for the game's reception, well, Nintendo is almost certainly hoping that consumers are really feeling it and it manages to sell decently.

Are you looking forward to Xenoblade Chronicles 3D? Did you manage to secure a Shulk amiibo? Get at us in the comments.

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Xenoblade Chronicles 3D will arrive exclusively on the New Nintendo 3DS on April 10, 2015.