During a Japanese Nintendo Direct video briefing today, Nintendo announced new updates to its 3DS and 3DS XL devices. The new models, which have been announced only for Japan, feature an additional directional button and built-in NFC support. They launch in Japan on October 11.

According to Gamasutra, the new models feature an analogue “nub” over the existing A,B, X, and Y buttons. In addition, there are new shoulder buttons–XL and XR–featured on top of the system, right next to the current L and R buttons.

The new 3DS models also feature a stronger CPU than existing models, which should allow for zippier downloads and browsing from the eShop, among other things. There is also built-in NFC support for Nintendo’s upcoming amiibo toy line. Nintendo will also sell an NFC adapter for existing models.

Finally, the new 3DS units are built to support customer covers, which will allow you to customize your system however you see fit.

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Eddie Makuch is a news editor at GameSpot, and you can follow him on Twitter @EddieMakuch

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