This is why we didn't get a white or silver 3DS XL.
White and silver colored Nintendo handhelds don't generally sell well in North America, according to Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils-Aime.
Japan and Europe both got lighter colored systems at the 3DS XL's launch. North America, however, was left to choose from either red or blue.
While speaking with IGN, Fils-Aime said "We have launched silver- and white-colored GBAs, DSes, DSis, and in our market they don't sell very well. So instead of approaching this lighter-colored product as a mass [product], we're going to look at the opportunity on a much more limited basis. You might see a limited-time offer with a white or silver 3DS XL, or we might colorize it slightly differently. But in terms of an ongoing SKU, the consumer has responded in our marketplace and said that, for a handheld gaming device from Nintendo, that kind of white or silver doesn't sell nearly as well as blue or red or even pink."
North America may eventually have a lighter colored 3DS, but only time will tell if North America gets a completely white system.