Nintendo is releasing the New Nintendo 3DS XL without an AC adapter in the box in North America and Europe, so buyers who don't already own a DSi or 3DS (and their associated charger) will have to purchase an AC adapter separately. Nintendo explained the decision to Polygon as a cost-cutting measure.

"Rather than raise cost of New Nintendo 3DS XL by charging consumers for a component they may already own, we are giving them the option to only buy if they need an AC adapter, " a Nintendo representative told Polygon. The spokesperson noted that the New 3DS XL is compatible with the same AC adapter used by all 2DS, 3DS, 3DS XL, DSi and DSi XL devices.

This will be the first time Nintendo has released a handheld with a rechargeable battery in North America without an AC adapter in the package. The company launched the 3DS XL in Japan and Europe without a charger, but the system does come with one in North America, Australia and Korea. Sales of all DSi and 3DS models in the Americas totaled nearly 33.5 million units as of Sept. 30, 2014, so it's certainly true that millions of potential North American buyers for the New 3DS XL already have an AC adapter that will work with the upcoming handheld.

But many potential customers don't have an existing AC adapter. Nintendo sells the official DSi and 3DS charger for $9.95 at the Nintendo Store online. Buyers of the New 3DS XL who are looking for an AC adapter may be tempted to pick up a cheaper third-party charger or even a USB charging cable. But we'd recommend against those options — using them may void your device's warranty.

All Nintendo consoles and handhelds purchased in the U.S. and Canada carry a one-year warranty backed by Nintendo of America. However, the fine print includes specific conditions under which the warranty will not apply, such as if the system "is used with products not sold or licensed by Nintendo (including, but not limited to, non-licensed game enhancement and copier devices, adapters, and power supplies)."

The New Nintendo 3DS XL launches Feb. 13 for $199.99.

Correction: Nintendo handhelds prior to the Game Boy Advance SP did not include rechargeable batteries, so they did not ship with AC adapters. We've edited the story to reflect this.