Prusa Research XL, Core One+, and Core One L+ Get Free Second-Generation Upgrades

Prusa Research just announced a sweeping hardware refresh across three of its most popular printers. The XL, CORE One+, and CORE One L+ are all getting second-generation upgrades that Prusa is calling the “+” lineup. The best part for new buyers: every machine shipping now includes these updates automatically. Existing orders in progress also get the plus version at no extra charge, and Prusa says it is not raising prices to cover the changes.

What Changed Under the Hood

The upgrades are incremental but meaningful. All three refreshed models swap to GT1.5 belts, which Prusa says improve tension stability and reduce maintenance intervals. Each machine also gets a new nozzle wiper that cleans the tip between prints, cutting down on stringing and blobs on the first layer.

The XL+ gains a 360-degree cooling duct and a Tool Offset Sensor that Prusa claims aligns toolheads roughly 20 times faster than before. An optional chamber heater will also be available later, giving the XL better temperature control for ABS and other high-temperature materials. The CORE One+ drops an extra heating step when the bed is set to 85C or lower, so warm-ups are quicker. The CORE One L+ receives the same GT1.5 belts and integrated nozzle wiper, plus a revised heatbed mounting system and a snap-on top panel borrowed from its larger sibling.

HT Hotend and INDX Compatibility

A new HT Hotend option is coming in September for the CORE One+ and CORE One L+. It hits 400C, unlocking engineering materials such as PEKK-CF and PPS-CF. The hotend will cost $199.99 as a standalone upgrade, but it is optional. Prusa is also continuing work on its INDX toolchanger system, although that conversion kit has already faced shipping delays due to nozzle supply issues.

Upgrade Kits for Existing Owners

If you already own one of these printers, you are not locked out. Prusa says upgrade kits will be available through its webstore by September. You can buy parts individually or as a bundle, depending on what you want to improve. That is a sensible middle ground: new buyers get the refreshed machine out of the box, while existing owners can future-proof their rigs without buying a whole new printer.

Why This Matters

The consumer 3D printer market has gotten more competitive in the last year. Bambu Lab, Creality, and Elegoo have all launched or refreshed machines with features that directly challenge Prusa’s long-held reputation for polish and reliability. A free hardware refresh across three product lines is Prusa’s way of saying it is still listening to users and still willing to spend engineering capital to keep its edge.

The upgrades are not revolutionary, but they are exactly the kind of small improvements that add up over time. Better belts mean fewer skipped steps. A nozzle wiper means cleaner first layers. Faster tool offset calibration means less babysitting during multi-material prints. For anyone on the fence about ordering a Prusa, this is a good reason to buy now rather than wait.