I'm not completely sure what's going on in this crazy MH4G x Animal Crossing 'collaboration trailer,' but I (think I) like the looks of it anyway

Of all the collaborative content the folks at Capcom could've announced for Monster Hunter 4G (Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate elsewhere), this one--involving Isabelle and Resetti costumes for the 3DS game's felyne characters--has to be the most surprising. Or at least the most "out there."



Thankfully, it appears as though the costumes shown off in the trailer above, as well as the previously revealed Sonic the Hedgehog armor and Taiko no Tatsujin hunting horn, will be offered to those who pick up the North American version of the game as well, although Capcom has yet to say how that will be accomplished.

Six reasons I'm excited about the 'new' 3DS

I know I'm a few days late when it comes to commenting on the "new" 3DS and 3DS LL systems Nintendo will release in Japan next month (check out tinycartridge.com's write-up for the particulars), but I just haven't had much to say on the subject until now.

Other than "I think some of the new features and components sound kind of cool, even if I don't fully understand them," I mean.

As cool as some of the "new" 3DS' features and components sound, the only one that currently has me contemplating picking up one of these systems is the one that allows owners to customize the look of their "new" 3DSes with interchangeable "cover plates."

Speaking of which, here are six of my favorite cover-plate designs:













If I had to point to just one of the above as being my absolute favorite, I'd go with the Monster Hunter 4G "Poogie" one, no question.

What do all of you think about the announcements related to this recent Nintendo Direct? Are you now chomping at the bit to buy one of the "new" 3DS systems, for instance? Or maybe you're desperate to get your hands on a copy of the just-unveiled Xenoblade port that will only be playable on these upgraded portables? Regardless, feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section below.

All I want for or Christmas are these awesome Monster Hunter 4G 'Stained Design' straps

Granted, I have no idea what I'd do with them once I got them, but that's beside the point.

I especially want the last four on the bottom row of the following image, by the way. I've yet to see their in-game inspirations, but I want them all the same.

Each of these Monster Hunter-inspired accessories measure five centimeters by four centimeters (or 1.96 inches by 1.57 inches, I believe) and all are made of zinc alloy, epoxy resin, iron and nylon.

The whole she-bang (all 10 "straps") can be pre-ordered at shopncsx.com for $50.90, with shipment expected to occur sometime in late November.