Nintendo 3DS: 3/27/11, $249.99

[Oobgarm]

Just announced from the event in NYC.

Looks like it's going to be in Aqua Blue and Cosmo Black.

Skipping this one thanks to the previous notes about the battery life(3DSLite, kthx) but I admit that it sounds like an awesome handheld.

[swlovinist]

I am glad that the price is not the rumored $300. Looks like it is going to have some solid software support out of the gate.

[Trumpman]

Yeah, after being burned on the DS fat I'm going to wait for the inevitable hardware revision. By then there should be a good library of games out as well. $250 is pretty steep for a handheld, even if it is 3D.

About the 3D: has anyone seen it in person? How good is it? I'm most intrigued to try a demo unit.

[Swamperon]

Loving the one Friend Code for all they finally implemented. Should make online a lot better.

I don't love the colours admittedly, I might wait out for the purple and green options we saw at E3. I'm watching the EU stream at the moment and still waiting for a price. I'm guessing £200.

Also no list of launch games...?

[Frankie_Says_Relax]

Schweet!

Decent price all things considered.

I'm in, and I'll probably get the inevitable hardware revision as well.

[Rob2600]

Skipping this one thanks to the previous notes about the battery life(3DSLite, kthx) but I admit that it sounds like an awesome handheld.

What is the reported battery life? Is it more than the original PSP?

[portnoyd]

Day one because I'm a giant sucker.

[Oobgarm]

What is the reported battery life? Is it more than the original PSP?

I hear 3-5 hours. PSP was 4-6. I was burned on the PSP, hence my reservations.

Nice trolling, btw.

[RCM]

While this would've been a huge hit four or five years ago it won't reach the same levels as the DS line. iPhone changed the game, and Android (and even Windows 7) phones are making Sony and Nintendo's old school strategy look silly.

The hardware and games are too expensive, and Nintendo loves exploiting the core. This isn't a $250 purchase-- it's more like $500 or $600 people will spend to get the hardware Nintendo should've given us in the first place.

This will sell, but it will likely mark the decline of Nintendo's handheld fortunes unless major changes are made. Completely embracing online would be a start...

[Rob2600]

I hear 3-5 hours. PSP was 4-6. I was burned on the PSP, hence my reservations.

Nice trolling, btw.

Thanks for the info. I wasn't trolling, I genuinely didn't know the battery life. I haven't been keeping up with the 3DS specs.


While this would've been a huge hit four or five years ago it won't reach the same levels as the DS line. iPhone changed the game, and Android (and even Windows 7) phones are making Sony and Nintendo's old school strategy look silly.

The hardware and games are too expensive ... This will sell, but it will likely mark the decline of Nintendo's handheld fortunes unless major changes are made. Completely embracing online would be a start...

I disagree. Regarding price, an iPhone 4 costs $200 to $300 and that's if customers lock themselves into two-year contracts with phone companies. Without a contract, the iPhone 4 costs $600, and that's still not counting the $80+ phone and data bill every month. In the long run, the PSP, DS, and 3DS end up being cheaper.

Regarding games, in my experience when I had an iPhone 3G, there are some fun App Store games for very cheap, but they're also simple and shallow. Yes, for $10, I could buy a few iOS games along the lines of Angry Birds, but they're nowhere near as deep as a $30 DS game like Pokemon or New Super Mario Bros.

I had a handful of $1 to $5 iOS games that were fun to play while I was waiting in line at the grocery store or waiting for the subway train to arrive, but that didn't stop me from playing my Game Boy Advance, too.

Simple, shallow $2 iOS games serve a purpose. They're quick diversions and are priced appropriately... but, at least in my experience, they don't take the place of full-blown Game Boy Advance/DS games. The two categories of games (cheap shallow games and more expensive deeper games) can and should co-exist. They serve different needs.

[Swamperon]

This will sell, but it will likely mark the decline of Nintendo's handheld fortunes unless major changes are made. Completely embracing online would be a start...

Yes, of course it will :rolleyes:

Just like how the Wii and DS were both proclaimed the "end" of Nintendo.

[portnoyd]

Yes, of course it will :rolleyes:

Just like how the Wii and DS were both proclaimed the "end" of Nintendo.

That's not what he said. He said Nintendo has to adapt to the changing market, which is legitimate.

I don't think they'll have too much trouble as long as the 3D gimmick stands up.

[megasdkirby]

I may pass on this one.

I recently got an XL and I love it. The big screens are a huge plus for me, since it's hard to plan on a small screen (can't see much).

Going back to a smaller screen, like the DS Lite or DSi (sans the top, 3D screen), is a huge drawback. I think i will wait to see if they, Nintendo, makes a version with a larger screen.

[GrandAmChandler]

Eye doctors everywhere just let out a huge "huzzah!"

[Bojay1997]

Thanks for the info. I wasn't trolling, I genuinely didn't know the battery life. I haven't been keeping up with the 3DS specs.



I disagree. Regarding price, an iPhone 4 costs $200 to $300 and that's if customers lock themselves into two-year contracts with phone companies. Without a contract, the iPhone 4 costs $600, and that's still not counting the $80+ phone and data bill every month. In the long run, the PSP, DS, and 3DS end up being cheaper.

Regarding games, in my experience when I had an iPhone 3G, there are some fun App Store games for very cheap, but they're also simple and shallow. Yes, for $10, I could buy a few iOS games along the lines of Angry Birds, but they're nowhere near as deep as a $30 DS game like Pokemon or New Super Mario Bros.

I had a handful of $1 to $5 iOS games that were fun to play while I was waiting in line at the grocery store or waiting for the subway train to arrive, but that didn't stop me from playing my Game Boy Advance, too.

Simple, shallow $2 iOS games serve a purpose. They're quick diversions and are priced appropriately... but, at least in my experience, they don't take the place of full-blown Game Boy Advance/DS games. The two categories of games (cheap shallow games and more expensive deeper games) can and should co-exist. They serve different needs.

Completely agree with this analysis. While I have had an iPad since just after launch, other than a few game downloads which were fun in short bursts, I haven't found enough compelling gaming content to convince me that I don't need a handheld gaming console. Also, Nintendo's primary target market of kids and families don't necessarily make up the same target market as the iPad. I would bet that most parents won't give their kids a $500 iPad to play with in the car and if you have multiple kids, I doubt you will be buying multiple iPads where a $250 handheld is somewhat more palatable.

[chrisbid]

like the original ds, software is going to make or break the 3ds. if hardware capabilities alone sold systems, the PSP would be the world killer

[Lady Jaye]

The problem I see with the 3DS is the integrated gyroscope. On paper it sounds like a fun idea, but as anyone who's ever tried playing Wario Ware Twisted during a commute knows, it's not so useful in a moving vehicule.

In any case, I don't intend on being an early adopter of the 3DS. I don't care for 3D effects and I'd rather wait till the game catalog has enough titles to interest me before I make the plunge. As nice as Ocarina of Time sounds, I already have it twice for the GameCube and don't feel the absolute need to get a portable remake of it.

[RCM]

Completely agree with this analysis. While I have had an iPad since just after launch, other than a few game downloads which were fun in short bursts, I haven't found enough compelling gaming content to convince me that I don't need a handheld gaming console. Also, Nintendo's primary target market of kids and families don't necessarily make up the same target market as the iPad. I would bet that most parents won't give their kids a $500 iPad to play with in the car and if you have multiple kids, I doubt you will be buying multiple iPads where a $250 handheld is somewhat more palatable.

Don't forget iPod touch handhelds too. The market is expanding and the great numbers Nintendo has done on handheld software (in traditional terms) pale in comparison to Angry Birds (50 million downloads) or Farmville (100 million active users).

Why buy a $250 "dedicated" system with games for $40-$50 a piece when you can get can a "better" or "more flexible" device for around the same price with cheaper or free software? Parents save in the long run and pretty much up front too depending on the device you select.

The mainstream isn't craving the experiences traditional publishers are offering in comparison. Gaming has really gone back to basics which is really fascinating and sad if you're part of the core like most on DP likely are. I've always felt games will never be truly mainstream until the price barrier is completely eliminated, and in many ways it already has.

We'll truly get there when a Gears of War or Call of Duty is the same price as a ticket to the movies (non-3D, of course).

[Icarus Moonsight]

I'm reserving judgement until I actually hold one of these puppies. Until then... Nintendo software only by December 21st 2012. :D

[sidnotcrazy]

Huh, well looks like Nintendo is going to get my money again!

[Rob2600]

Don't forget iPod touch handhelds too. The market is expanding and the great numbers Nintendo has done on handheld software (in traditional terms) pale in comparison to Angry Birds (50 million downloads) or Farmville (100 million active users).

Good point about the iPod Touch, in terms of cost.

However, just because simple games like Angry Birds or Farmville are extremely popular, that doesn't mean that's the direction the entire video game industry is heading.

For one thing, it's much easier for a game to be extremely popular when it only costs $1. Also, 50 million copies sold of a $0.99 iOS game = $49.5 million in sales (my guess is roughly $33 million in profit), but 4 million copies sold of a $40 3DS game = $160 million in sales (my guess is roughly $38 million in profit).

So yes, 50 million copies of Angry Birds sounds very impressive, but as you can see in my example above, Sony and Nintendo still do extremely well with the traditional business model. $35 DS games like New Super Mario Bros., Nintendogs, Brain Age, Pokemon, and Mario Kart have sold tens of millions of copies each and are more profitable than Angry Birds. Besides, how many other iOS games have sold more than 1 million copies? From what I can tell, fewer than 10.

Anyway, that doesn't matter. My point is that yes, shallow $1 games are very popular and a lot of fun, but there's still a huge market (and huge revenue stream) for deeper $40 games. Both types of games fill different needs in different situations and aren't really competing for the same market share.

[Bojay1997]

Don't forget iPod touch handhelds too. The market is expanding and the great numbers Nintendo has done on handheld software (in traditional terms) pale in comparison to Angry Birds (50 million downloads) or Farmville (100 million active users).

Why buy a $250 "dedicated" system with games for $40-$50 a piece when you can get can a "better" or "more flexible" device for around the same price with cheaper or free software? Parents save in the long run and pretty much up front too depending on the device you select.

The mainstream isn't craving the experiences traditional publishers are offering in comparison. Gaming has really gone back to basics which is really fascinating and sad if you're part of the core like most on DP likely are. I've always felt games will never be truly mainstream until the price barrier is completely eliminated, and in many ways it already has.

We'll truly get there when a Gears of War or Call of Duty is the same price as a ticket to the movies (non-3D, of course).

I'm sorry, but the iPad and iPod Touch are not now nor will they ever be better or more flexible devices for gaming. They lack a gamepad or dedicated processing power to make the kind of compelling gaming experiences most of us expect nowadays. An iPad is also a very expensive initial investment for not only the unit itself, but the case, the screen protector, etc...Then, if you have a data plan and buy apps, there are all those costs as well. In the end, it's probably cheaper and less risky to just buy the kids a $250 game unit and a game or two a month.

I like my iPad, but I mostly use it as a web browsing device when our home computer is in use and the occasional app or video stream. Angry Birds is fun for a while, but many people paid nothing or just a few dollars for it. Selling 50 million copies of something for nothing or a few dollars is not the same as selling millions of copies of something but making a huge margin which Nintendo has done for years.

You're also ignoring the fact that Nintendo is all about the mainstream and really led the way to bringing more people into gaming with the Wii and DS. I'm sure the 3DS will continue to do the same, especially since it's a relatively inexpensive way to get a 3D experience without glasses. Gears of War and Call of Duty will never be the same price as a movie ticket. The economics of gaming are just too different and most games will never appeal to the tens of millions of consumers it takes to make a movie successful. More importantly, most consumers have no interest in games and never will. Although it's great that the mainstream has gotten more into gaming with devices like the iPad, ultimately, it has little impact on Nintendo's bottom line as those are new consumers and not people who otherwise would have purchased dedicated gaming devices.

[98redM6]

Amazon is already taking pre-orders. I think this will be sold out and hard to find for a while. Like others, I'm not making any judgements until I hold it in my hand. As far as price goes, there any plenty of people that will pay $250 for this, especially since it is Nintendo. I'm not one of them though.

[RCM]

I guess we'll have to agree to disagree on certain points. Anyway, I look forward to picking up the 3DS iXL in a few years.

[Dr. Dib]

I already preordered mine in Aqua because I like to be different.

Honestly I'm a little nervous about purchasing a 3DS just because I'm unsure how my eyes will react and I'm hoping Nintendo puts demo stations out around the country before the release date.

The launch windows titles are also a bit disappointing. No triple-A Nintendo franchises. I'm hoping a few will surprise me or be worth picking up. Or that Metal Gear Solid is one of the seven unnamed titles out between March and June.

[Icarus Moonsight]

The price point is without a doubt an aggressive one.

[Frankie_Says_Relax]

I'm sorry, but the iPad and iPod Touch are not now nor will they ever be better or more flexible devices for gaming. They lack a gamepad or dedicated processing power to make the kind of compelling gaming experiences most of us expect nowadays. An iPad is also a very expensive initial investment for not only the unit itself, but the case, the screen protector, etc...Then, if you have a data plan and buy apps, there are all those costs as well. In the end, it's probably cheaper and less risky to just buy the kids a $250 game unit and a game or two a month.

I like my iPad, but I mostly use it as a web browsing device when our home computer is in use and the occasional app or video stream. Angry Birds is fun for a while, but many people paid nothing or just a few dollars for it. Selling 50 million copies of something for nothing or a few dollars is not the same as selling millions of copies of something but making a huge margin which Nintendo has done for years.

You're also ignoring the fact that Nintendo is all about the mainstream and really led the way to bringing more people into gaming with the Wii and DS. I'm sure the 3DS will continue to do the same, especially since it's a relatively inexpensive way to get a 3D experience without glasses. Gears of War and Call of Duty will never be the same price as a movie ticket. The economics of gaming are just too different and most games will never appeal to the tens of millions of consumers it takes to make a movie successful. More importantly, most consumers have no interest in games and never will. Although it's great that the mainstream has gotten more into gaming with devices like the iPad, ultimately, it has little impact on Nintendo's bottom line as those are new consumers and not people who otherwise would have purchased dedicated gaming devices.

While you're certainly entitled to your opinion, I think that the short-sided-ness of your evaluation of the iOS and iOS devices as a "device for gaming" may leave you like many scratching their heads when the iTouch, iPhone and iPad slowly begin to encroach on the respective market share(s) of the DS and PSP.

Not that I have anything at all against the DS or PSP, or playing games with real control pads and buttons ... just remember, historically speaking the "gaming sensibilities" of discerning gamers haven't strictly guided the evolution of hardware in the marketplace.

The dollar is still quite almighty, and if the iOS (and Android and Win Mobile) proves to the big traditional studios (EA, Activision, Capcom, Konami, etc.) that it's ultimately more profitable to make an APP vs. a full-fledged brick/mortar game (whatever constitutes that these days)... well, the writing is already starting to appear on the wall with examples cited like Angry Birds.

And as far as processing power goes, have you seen what a current gen iPhone/iTouch can do in terms of 3D graphics and rendering? It FAR surpasses the DS and it's at least on par with the very best of what the PSP can offer.

Again, no hate whatsoever for the DS and PSP here, just a keen sense/awareness that those who flatly deny the "legitimacy" of the iOS platform because it doesn't have physical buttons and doesn't fit the "traditional" constructs of what a portable game system is, are probably going to feel a bit silly in the future ... I'm not sure what the hallmark moment is going to be, or how it will be determined by the gaming public, but I'm pretty sure that at some point iOS is going to be dubbed a contemporary equal of whatever Nintendo and Sony offer up (if that hasn't already happened).

Mr. Dylan said it best: the times, they are a-changin.

[Swamperon]

UK price is £220. A bit steep. However I can see Game/Gamestation being screwed over as the Supermarkets will offer far better prices/deals (They're already popping up).

Also apparently these features won't be available at launch:

- web browser
- eShop downloads
- DSiWare transfers
- play/access 3-D movies


Not good is it.

[c0ldb33r]

I think the 3DS will be awesome, but I too will likely wait until the 3DS lite comes out.

(I say that now, but we'll see! LOL)

[Bojay1997]

While you're certainly entitled to your opinion, I think that the short-sided-ness of your evaluation of the iOS and iOS devices as a "device for gaming" may leave you like many scratching their heads when the iTouch, iPhone and iPad slowly begin to encroach on the respective market share(s) of the DS and PSP.

Not that I have anything at all against the DS or PSP, or playing games with real control pads and buttons ... just remember, historically speaking the "gaming sensibilities" of discerning gamers haven't strictly guided the evolution of hardware in the marketplace.

The dollar is still quite almighty, and if the iOS (and Android and Win Mobile) proves to the big traditional studios (EA, Activision, Capcom, Konami, etc.) that it's ultimately more profitable to make an APP vs. a full-fledged brick/mortar game (whatever constitutes that these days)... well, the writing is already starting to appear on the wall with examples cited like Angry Birds.

And as far as processing power goes, have you seen what a current gen iPhone/iTouch can do in terms of 3D graphics and rendering? It FAR surpasses the DS and it's at least on par with the very best of what the PSP can offer.

Again, no hate whatsoever for the DS and PSP here, just a keen sense/awareness that those who flatly deny the "legitimacy" of the iOS platform because it doesn't have physical buttons and doesn't fit the "traditional" constructs of what a portable game system is, are probably going to feel a bit silly in the future ... I'm not sure what the hallmark moment is going to be, or how it will be determined by the gaming public, but I'm pretty sure that at some point iOS is going to be dubbed a contemporary equal of whatever Nintendo and Sony offer up (if that hasn't already happened).

Mr. Dylan said it best: the times, they are a-changin.

Yes, and these same arguments were made when "casual gaming" first popped up on cell phones, on the PC via Flash and most recently on social networking sites like Facebook. They were all described as the "future of gaming" and a sure sign that the age of consoles was nearing its end. For every Angry Birds, there are thousands of games on Android and iOS which make zero money.

I would agree with you that these alternative platforms draw people to play games who either never have before or for more dedicated gamers as something supplemental to their existing gaming habits like for example at work or when they just don't feel like firing up their console, etc....That doesn't mean that the core gamers, the millions of people who regularly buy $50-$60 games are looking to switch to the iPad or other platforms for the bulk of their gaming.

Indeed, the iPad does not have much, if any penetration, in Nintendo's core market of families and kids, just like cell phone games, Flash gaming on PC and Facebook games don't. Heck, those other basically "free" platforms are a much bigger threat to Nintendo than a $500+ device that may also require a subscription data plan or at least constant wi-fi access.

That's not to say that Nintendo should just ignore the other platforms and give up market share, but this idea that Apple is just inches away from dominating gaming is completely absurd. The iPad is not an ideal platform for a lot of genres of games and will likely never be simply because it is a touch driven device and a fairly large device with limited storage capability and a requirement that all games be downloaded in. That's not to say that good games aren't or won't be available, just that it's not perceived by consumers as the primary focus of the device and frankly, people who are spending $500+ to get started with the iPad are not eager to hand it over to their kids and risk damage or destruction to a very substantial electronics investment.

Similarly, developers see the iPad as a very large market, but also one that has way too many potential players as the barriers to entry are very minimal. There is certainly money to be made, but unlike the Wii, DS, Xbox 360, etc...the risk of pouring significant resources into development is made even more dicey by the very fact that it's hard to get noticed against the thousands of other games available, often at very low prices. In some ways, the iPad is the ultimate shovelware device which has potential to collapse casual gaming like the video gaming crash of the 80s did to mainstream gaming once consumers download a few poor quality games and decide to stop taking risks with their purchases.

[Enigmus]

God damn, I paid that much for a Wii in January 2008, and now it's gone full circle toward the 3DS.

I think I'll lower my buying from "Launch" to "3DS Lite" for now, seeing as key features are missing (eShop, movies) and the battery life's not as strong as previously thought. Eh, I'll just play my DS from 2005 until that breaks for now.

[Frankie_Says_Relax]

Yes, and these same arguments were made when "casual gaming" first popped up on cell phones, on the PC via Flash and most recently on social networking sites like Facebook. They were all described as the "future of gaming" and a sure sign that the age of consoles was nearing its end. For every Angry Birds, there are thousands of games on Android and iOS which make zero money.

There are thousands of games at brick and mortar that likely make zero money as well, the difference being that if you don't have a publisher/distribution model for a brick/mortar release, you're not getting it out there. Much less overhead in APP development/distribution, so while there will certainly be failures in the production and sale of games in ANY market (virtual or physical), there may be more room to re-group and try again with a downloadable marketplace.


I would agree with you that these alternative platforms draw people to play games who either never have before or for more dedicated gamers as something supplemental to their existing gaming habits like for example at work or when they just don't feel like firing up their console, etc....That doesn't mean that the core gamers, the millions of people who regularly buy $50-$60 games are looking to switch to the iPad or other platforms for the bulk of their gaming.

I never said that anything would be replaced (and I hope nothing does get replaced) only that the iOS will eventually be accepted as a legitimate game platform (if it hasn't already). Furthermore I was only asserting that your flat denial of the worth and/or legitimacy of the iOS as a gaming platform is foolish and will likely leave you & those who are intent on not being open minded about the eventuality of it all feeling stupid (or more likely resentful) when it does happen.


Indeed, the iPad does not have much, if any penetration, in Nintendo's core market of families and kids, just like cell phone games, Flash gaming on PC and Facebook games don't. Heck, those other basically "free" platforms are a much bigger threat to Nintendo than a $500+ device that may also require a subscription data plan or at least constant wi-fi access.

Doesn't have much penetration? With more than 50 million iPhones in the market coupled with however many millions of iTouch and iPads sold ... I have a very VERY hard time not believing that there's NOT a significant overlap of "gamers" and "iOS users".


That's not to say that Nintendo should just ignore the other platforms and give up market share, but this idea that Apple is just inches away from dominating gaming is completely absurd. The iPad is not an ideal platform for a lot of genres of games and will likely never be simply because it is a touch driven device and a fairly large device with limited storage capability and a requirement that all games be downloaded in. That's not to say that good games aren't or won't be available, just that it's not perceived by consumers as the primary focus of the device and frankly, people who are spending $500+ to get started with the iPad are not eager to hand it over to their kids and risk damage or destruction to a very substantial electronics investment.

Again. I didn't say "dominating" I SPECIFICALLY said "contemporary equal".

Sorry, in 2011 I don't buy any argument that games won't be purchased because they're download only, and I certainly don't see that as a being problem in the future.

Yes, iOS devices don't have buttons, Wiimotes don't have joysticks and the Kinect has no physical interface. Times are changing and companies are shaking things up with a very decent amount of success. Thankfully the stubborn stay stubborn.

Meh, comparing the cost of game consoles never proves anything, but if you must ... the cost of entry may be higher, but you don't need to buy controllers, accessories, etc for an iOS device, and the cost of games is typically 50% to 900% LOWER than brick & mortar releases.

An iTouch with 20 paid games likely costs less than a DSi with 20 brick/mortar games of similar quality.


Similarly, developers see the iPad as a very large market, but also one that has way too many potential players as the barriers to entry are very minimal. There is certainly money to be made, but unlike the Wii, DS, Xbox 360, etc...the risk of pouring significant resources into development is made even more dicey by the very fact that it's hard to get noticed against the thousands of other games available, often at very low prices. In some ways, the iPad is the ultimate shovelware device which has potential to collapse casual gaming like the video gaming crash of the 80s did to mainstream gaming once consumers download a few poor quality games and decide to stop taking risks with their purchases.

And how has massive amounts of shovelware HURT the profitiability of the Wii and DS? Oh, right, it hasn't.

[Bojay1997]

There are thousands of games at brick and mortar that likely make zero money as well, the difference being that if you don't have a publisher/distribution model for a brick/mortar release, you're not getting it out there. Much less overhead in APP development/distribution, so while there will certainly be failures in the production and sale of games in ANY market (virtual or physical), there may be more room to re-group and try again with a downloadable marketplace.



I never said that anything would be replaced (and I hope nothing does get replaced) only that the iOS will eventually be accepted as a legitimate game platform (if it hasn't already). Furthermore I was only asserting that your flat denial of the worth and/or legitimacy of the iOS as a gaming platform is foolish and will likely leave you & those who are intent on not being open minded about the eventuality of it all feeling stupid (or more likely resentful) when it does happen.



Doesn't have much penetration? With more than 50 million iPhones in the market coupled with however many millions of iTouch and iPads sold ... I have a very VERY hard time not believing that there's NOT a significant overlap of "gamers" and "iOS users".



Meh, comparing the cost of game consoles never proves anything, but if you must ... the cost of entry may be higher, but you don't need to buy controllers, accessories, etc for an iOS device, and the cost of games is typically 50% to 900% LOWER than brick & mortar releases.

An iTouch with 20 paid games likely costs less than a DSi with 20 brick/mortar games of similar quality.



And how has massive amounts of shovelware HURT the profitiability of the Wii and DS? Oh, right, it hasn't.

I certainly never claimed the iOS wasn't a legitimate gaming platform, my only argument all along has been that Nintendo has no reason to lower their price on the 3DS or sell at a loss because there will be significant demand and profitability with what their pricing appears to be on this system. Obviously, many video game developers are already on iOS and Android and will continue to expand their offerings as long as it can be profitable. That doesn't mean they are putting less resources into the traditional consoles and handhelds. If anything, this additional revenue will allow them to develop even more projects at once based on the growth of the total market.

My reference to penetration was about people actually gaming on a regular basis on the iPad. It's not even close to a significant percentage of the total user base and a November survey found that only 10% of total iPad users were gaming on it on a regular basis. That's what, 400,000 gamers out of a little over 4 million iPads sold since launch? Add to that the fact that most iPad owners have purchased 10 or fewer paid apps and the viability of the iPad gaming market is certainly nowhere close to console, handheld or PC gaming.

We can have this argument about accessories forever, but the 3DS is $300 out the door with one game and a carrying case. The iPad is roughly $550 with a carrying case and screen protector for the base model and goes up from there, not even including a data plan or a wi-fi station for your home. Apps run from a few bucks to $10 or more. The pricing difference not only up-front, but on an on-going basis is huge, especially when you consider either the data plan or having to pay for DSL/Cable to use the Wi-Fi. Yes, prices will come down eventually, but Apple is notorious for improving their devices and holding the price point rather than cutting prices, at least in the short to medium term.

I also disagree with your premise that iOS games are going to be developed to deliver the same depth of experience as a 3DS game. iOS games have to be relatively compact to quickly be downloaded and frankly, at the unit pricing being used, nobody is going to spend millions of dollars developing an iOS game where they might do that for an A-list 3DS or console title.

Finally, on the shovelware, it hasn't hurt Nintendo's profitability, at least not in an obvious way (although it will be interesting to see what the attach rate looks like once the Wii has run its course) but it has certainly hurt third party developers and publishers which don't have the Nintendo marketing machine or the stable of well-known IP to use to drive millions of unit sales.

In any event, I think perhaps your opinions are significantly different from RCM who you seemed to be arguing for since his opinion appears to be that this is overpriced and that Nintendo should be afraid of iOS. I just don't agree. I believe there is more than enough market share to go around and Nintendo will make massive profits on this device just like they did on the Wii and DS.

[j_factor]

Mobile gaming was "the future" 12 years ago. Now it's firmly established. It has its place, and it has its successes, but I don't see it going far beyond where it already is.

In any case, the 3DS does seem awfully pricey, and the launch lineup is a big yawn for me. I'll be sitting this out for quite some time.

[Frankie_Says_Relax]

I certainly never claimed the iOS wasn't a legitimate gaming platform, my only argument all along has been that Nintendo has no reason to lower their price on the 3DS or sell at a loss because there will be significant demand and profitability with what their pricing appears to be on this system. Obviously, many video game developers are already on iOS and Android and will continue to expand their offerings as long as it can be profitable. That doesn't mean they are putting less resources into the traditional consoles and handhelds. If anything, this additional revenue will allow them to develop even more projects at once based on the growth of the total market.

My reference to penetration was about people actually gaming on a regular basis on the iPad. It's not even close to a significant percentage of the total user base and a November survey found that only 10% of total iPad users were gaming on it on a regular basis. That's what, 400,000 gamers out of a little over 4 million iPads sold since launch? Add to that the fact that most iPad owners have purchased 10 or fewer paid apps and the viability of the iPad gaming market is certainly nowhere close to console, handheld or PC gaming.

We can have this argument about accessories forever, but the 3DS is $300 out the door with one game and a carrying case. The iPad is roughly $550 with a carrying case and screen protector for the base model and goes up from there, not even including a data plan or a wi-fi station for your home. Apps run from a few bucks to $10 or more. The pricing difference not only up-front, but on an on-going basis is huge, especially when you consider either the data plan or having to pay for DSL/Cable to use the Wi-Fi. Yes, prices will come down eventually, but Apple is notorious for improving their devices and holding the price point rather than cutting prices, at least in the short to medium term.

I also disagree with your premise that iOS games are going to be developed to deliver the same depth of experience as a 3DS game. iOS games have to be relatively compact to quickly be downloaded and frankly, at the unit pricing being used, nobody is going to spend millions of dollars developing an iOS game where they might do that for an A-list 3DS or console title.

Finally, on the shovelware, it hasn't hurt Nintendo's profitability, at least not in an obvious way (although it will be interesting to see what the attach rate looks like once the Wii has run its course) but it has certainly hurt third party developers and publishers which don't have the Nintendo marketing machine or the stable of well-known IP to use to drive millions of unit sales.

In any event, I think perhaps your opinions are significantly different from RCM who you seemed to be arguing for since his opinion appears to be that this is overpriced and that Nintendo should be afraid of iOS. I just don't agree. I believe there is more than enough market share to go around and Nintendo will make massive profits on this device just like they did on the Wii and DS.


"I'm sorry, but the iPad and iPod Touch are not now nor will they ever be better or more flexible devices for gaming."

Sorry if I missed any acceptance and/or open-mindedness you may have put forth about the legitimacy of the iOS gaming platform in your responses, but that opening statement set the tone for me.

Andsaywhatnow? I'm arguing for RCM? Sorry, I only read your post/response, I didn't even really look at his.

Your asumption that I'm ganging up with RCM and your repeated misinterpretation of my comments (I never made any claims that the iOS was going to "replace" anything and/or "dominate" in the market) is more than enough for me to want to leave this one where it is.

Besides, this thread is about the 3DS, I hate derailing so, enough of that.

Onward 3DS: to victoly!

[The 1 2 P]

Yeah I'm going to pass on this one. $249 is more than I paid for my 60 gig 360 and the same price I paid for my Wii. I'm also not a fan of 3D so theres not much there to make me want to spend that much money. Eventually I'll get one(like I do for pretty much every system) but it will be after the inevitable revision and a healthy price drop.

[heybtbm]

Pre-ordered one of each color this morning on Amazon. Can't wait.

I was a little disappointed that Kid Icarus, Zelda, and Mario Kart are all Holiday releases and that R.E. Mercenaries is a "launch window" title as opposed to a launch day title. I guess I'll pick up Pilotwings and um....

[maxlords]

Huh....thought Kid Icarus was a launch title. Bah. I'm still getting one....managed to get a preorder fully paid for for $50 :)

[Rob2600]

Frankie and Bojay:

Apple likes to brag about having more than 300,000 apps in the App Store. Yes, that *sounds* impressive, but how many are useful and compelling?

The same thing applies to iOS games. Apple likes to brag about having 20,000 games, way more than the DS and PSP combined. Again, that *sounds* impressive, but the reality is 99% of those games are "pop the bubble wrap with your finger" or "make the stick figure jump over a gap" or "flick the bird into a square with a pig inside."

20,000 half-baked iOS games can't compete on the same level as 500 top-notch DS/PSP/3DS games. As Bojay and I have posted, they're two different markets. Yes, there's a little bit of overlap, but for the most part iOS games are quick and shallow, good for when I'm waiting in line or taking a quick subway ride. DS/PSP/3DS games are good for when I have a bit more time to spend playing something deeper.

Non-gamers hear the buzz about something like Angry Birds. They download it because it's some sort of fad at the moment, play it for a few weeks, and then get bored and forget about it. I may be wrong, but I doubt the Angry Birds series will still be around 10 or 15 years from now, whereas the Pokemon, Zelda, Super Mario, and Sonic series are still going strong.

I'm not belittling quick, shallow, cheap iOS games. As I've stated before, they fill a need. Those types of games are tapping a brand new market, which is great, but I don't think they're directly competing against the traditional DS/PSP/3DS market. They're two different types of games, played during different situations.

Frankie, you're right: maybe companies like Capcom or Konami will see how much easier it is to develop a shallow iOS game, at which point the industry could shift. Maybe I'm short-sighted and/or old-fashioned, but I don't see that happening any time soon. For at least the next several years, I still see both types of games ($1 shallow games and $40 deeper games) having healthy markets and co-existing.

And even if companies like Capcom and Konami do realize how easy it is to develop shallow iOS games, I repeat my point from a previous post:

1 million copies sold of a $0.99 iOS game = $990k in sales (my guess is roughly $600k in profit)

75 thousand copies sold of a $40 3DS game = $3 million in sales (my guess is roughly $700k in profit)

And from what I can tell, out of the tens of thousands of iOS games available, maybe 0.1% have sold more than 1 million copies. For now, the big developers will stick with Sony and Nintendo because it still seems to be more profitable.


EDIT: Also, iOS games are like YouTube videos: quick, cheaply produced, and very inexpensive to watch. DS/PSP/3DS games are like feature films: longer, higher budget, and cost more to watch. Both categories co-exist perfectly fine because they're serving two different purposes in two different situations.

[Icarus Moonsight]

When someone else puts out a 3D display touch screen device for under $400, wake me up. Seriously, all this is as irrelevant as comparing the tech specs of the 2600 to the Dreamcast.

It'll sell, and the software will sell. Ya know why? Because Nintendo is the only gaming hardware company left with their balls still intact.

[portnoyd]

It'll sell, and the software will sell. Ya know why? Because Nintendo is the only gaming hardware company left with their balls still intact.

I am curious to what you mean by this.

Imo, Nintendo has balls not in being brave and taking chances. Instead, they have giant balls in releasing 4 different DSs and a gallon of rehashed ports.

[Frankie_Says_Relax]

Frankie and Bojay:

Apple likes to brag about having more than 300,000 apps in the App Store. Yes, that *sounds* impressive, but how many are useful and compelling?

The same thing applies to iOS games. Apple likes to brag about having 20,000 games, way more than the DS and PSP combined. Again, that *sounds* impressive, but the reality is 99% of those games are "pop the bubble wrap with your finger" or "make the stick figure jump over a gap" or "flick the bird into a square with a pig inside."

10,000 half-baked iOS games can't compete on the same level as 500 top-notch DS/PSP/3DS games. As Bojay and I have posted, they're two different markets. Yes, there's a little bit of overlap, but for the most part iOS games are quick and shallow, good for when I'm waiting in line or taking a quick subway ride. DS/PSP/3DS games are good for when I have a bit more time to spend playing something deeper.

Non-gamers hear the buzz about something like Angry Birds. They download it because it's some sort of fad at the moment, play it for a few weeks, and then get bored and forget about it. I may be wrong, but I doubt the Angry Birds series will still be around 10 or 15 years from now, whereas the Pokemon, Zelda, Super Mario, and Sonic series are still going strong.

I'm not belittling quick, shallow, cheap iOS games, As I've stated before, they fill a need. Those types of games are tapping a brand new market, which is great, but I don't think they're directly competing against the traditional DS/PSP/3DS market. They're two different types of games, played during different situations.

Frankie, you're right: maybe companies like Capcom or Konami will see how much easier it is to develop a shallow iOS game, at which point the industry could shift. Maybe I'm short-sighted and/or old-fashioned, but I don't see that happening any time soon. For at least the next several years, I still see both types of games ($1 shallow games and $40 deeper games) having healthy markets.

And even if companies like Capcom and Konami do realize how easy it is to develop shallow iOS games, I repeat my point from a previous post:

1 million copies sold of a $0.99 iOS game = $990k in sales (my guess is roughly $600k in profit)

75k copies sold of a $40 3DS game = $3 million in sales (my guess is roughly $700k in profit)

And from what I can tell, out of the tens of thousands of iOS games available, maybe 10 have sold more than 1 million copies. For now, the big developers will stick with Sony and Nintendo.


Let me make this clear, so there's no confusion going forward.

What I see in the iOS is not strictly the success of the quote-unquote "shallow" games (which from the bent of a classic gamer I find to be a bit of a dig at a minimalist product...ultimately aren't Pac-Man, Space Invaders, Tetris etc, repetitive and shallow?) but the overall POTENTIAL of the platform.

I'm not saying that iOS devices will crush Nintendo and Sony because Angry Birds has sold however many million copies. I don't think that's going to happen and I HOPE that doesn't happen.

What I'm looking at is full-fledged full-game product on the platform like but not limited to - Resident Evil 4, Rage HD, Infinity Blade, Star Wars Imperial Academy, Need for Speed Hot Pursuit, Dead Rising, Street Fighter 4, Ace Combat, Ridge Racer, Madden Football, Fifa Soccer, and many many others...

I suppose this position is one that strictly requires an intimate, hands-on experience as the owner of an iOS platform device that has invested both time and money to evaluate the overall quality of what is out there ...

... I'm one of those users (who is also a regular DS and PSP gamer) and I am completely convinced by way of experience and comparison - that not only does the iOS have the potential to be a full-fledged gaming platform, but thanks to the products that the major publishers I've referenced (EA, Capcom, Konami, Namco, etc.) have developed and put on the market, it already is.

I have no doubt that it's only going to get bigger and better with each iteration of the hardware.

I mean, come on, we've all been around long enough and have lived through enough console generations to know better than to sweepingly count out ANY hardware developer from being able to grab the brass ring, and that so much of that type of success is based on the momentum that the acceptance and financial support of the non-traditional/core gaming public brings.

The iOS has that support. It's getting bigger, and the phone is moving out of exclusivity in the US.

It's silly for us to look at the situation that's happening in the market, put our hands over our eyes, shake our heads back and forth and shout "no no no no no it can't happen it's never going to happen, no no no no" or cite arbitrary reasons like "no buttons" or "games are download only" (both non-standard control options and DLC profitability have been major hallmarks of the success of the industry as a whole in recent years) and I think a lot of that attitude is based strictly on a lack of extended hands-on experience with the quality software on the market.

There have been plenty of instances in the past where companies have been scoffed at for attempting to break into a market that the "core" gaming public believed was impenetrable or the most successful companies were immovable.

And, again, I don't think that this is about beating/supplanting any of the current kings, this is just about sharing a spiritual space in the hearts/minds of gamers as a "current gen portable platform" ... when new games get released I think it's only a matter of time before we see indicia like:

"Coming soon for the Wii, 360, PS3, PSP, DS and iOS".

I don't know. It's a bit frustrating. Haven't felt this way since having to argue in 2004 that the PSP would actually be able to co-exist in the market with a Nintendo portable system.

I'm a big proponent of the idea that "anything is possible" in this industry. Really, isn't that what this medium has been all about since the get-go? Or should it be about "only the same things that have always been successful and that we're used to/comfortable with are possible"?

And, hey, I could certainly be wrong. iOS, iPods, iPads and iPhones could easily be some type of "fad" that goes away when people get tired of playing Angry Birds.

We'll see....

[Rob2600]

Frankie, all good points. I didn't mean to belittle shallow games. You're right, they're more akin to classic arcade games like Pac-Man, Dig Dug, Space Invaders, etc.

The great thing about many of those classic games is that they were easy to learn for people of all ages and didn't involve a 10+ hour commitment. There's definitely a market- and specific situations- for those types of games.

You're also right that anything can happen and any company can pull ahead of another.

Still, I can't image a time when a "gamer" goes to the store and buys an iPod Touch or an iPad *instead* of a PSP 2 or a 3DS. I feel like the iOS devices will always appeal more to the Farmville, Scrabble, and Doodle Jump crowd and the Sony/Nintendo devices will always appeal more to the Pokemon, Super Mario, and Metal Gear crowd.

Of course, the only *definite* thing is that the next few years will be very interesting. :)

[Frankie_Says_Relax]

Still, I can't image a time when a "gamer" goes to the store and buys an iPod Touch or an iPad *instead* of a PSP 2 or a 3DS. I feel like the iOS devices will always appeal more to the Farmville, Scrabble, and Doodle Jump crowd and the Sony/Nintendo devices will always appeal more to the Pokemon, Super Mario, and Metal Gear crowd.

Of course, the only *definite* thing is that the next few years will be very interesting. :)

Interesting times lie ahead. Interesting times indeed.

While we'll probably never see Mario or Nathan Drake running around on the iPad, I suppose what the iOS needs is some type of lynch-pin 3rd party title.

If Capcom says that the next main installment in the Monster Hunter series will be on iOS, or Square announces that a full-fledged Final Fantasy game will be exclusive to iOS, that could make some waves. (Especially in Japan where they loves some portable gaming).

But, really enough of my postulating on the iOS. I totally did not mean to derail the 3DS discussion.

I'm very much looking forward to the 3DS. I think this is the first time that I've gone a month or so without firing up my DS at all ... so I'm totally ready for something new from Nintendo.

[Icarus Moonsight]

I am curious to what you mean by this.

Imo, Nintendo has balls not in being brave and taking chances. Instead, they have giant balls in releasing 4 different DSs and a gallon of rehashed ports.

It's a comparative analysis.

The people calling shots at Sony, up until recently, have been utterly deluded with and on themselves. Probably from all the upscale escorts and blow from the decade of 95-05. Their PS3 hardware is very nice (for a change), but getting onto the PS3 bandwagon was like taking a ride in a Lambo driven by a douchebag committee of drunk assholes. No thanks. Microsoft's people very well may have the best record out there in recent gaming, but their hardware is a marriage of fail and death. And that's just while it still works! :monkey:

Nintendo does need to take more risks in software, that I agree with and have said so myself in the past. But, in hardware, lately they've been unmatched. The other two players followed the conventional wisdom and progression and while it didn't fail, it didn't perform as was predicted or expected at all, especially where it counts, in terms of market share. Things only began to change in that respect recently. The Wii is not merely a Gamecube though, but it is a tech-tuned Gamecube with a wiggly stick. In my book, that's pretty damn impressive and vindicates my affinity for the ol' purple lunch box. :)

Nevermind all the predictions of Sony taking over handheld gaming with DS v PSP... I even bought into that one for a while there.

I can't say anything specific about 3DS at this point because I haven't even seen one. My personal take on it, it's a damn fine apology for the Virtual Boy. That is, if you can play the 3DS for longer than an hour without bleeding from your orifices. Then that holds. Plus, I like the whole 3D thing and I personally think it's a great move on their part. How that idea plays out exactly, is still up in the air.

[RCM]

This speaks to what Frankie and I were saying (even though he didn't read my stuff-- bastard):

http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2011-01-21-capcom-gamers-no-longer-use-handhelds

[kupomogli]

Nintendo has one first party game available for launch. Nintendogs + Cats. Here's their reasoning.


The first reason, he said, was that the 3DS includes pack-in software, similar to the way the Wii had Wii Sports, in the form of augmented reality games. Iwata feels the system’s inbuilt software will act as the primary driving force of positive word-of-mouth.

The other reason, he revealed, was that the company wishes to address the concern that only first-party games sell well on Nintendo systems. While the Nintendo DS shows no traces of this problem now, early on, it too caused similar concerns, which were quickly dispelled. The Wii, however, still faces the same stigma, and Iwata says that with the 3DS, Nintendo wish to create a healthy third-party environment right from the system’s launch. For this reason, they’re holding back their own software for the moment so that third-parties can enjoy the attention of the market.

And finally, Iwata revealed, is the matter of a consistent release schedule. Both the DS and Wii suffered from dry spells shortly after launch, as Nintendo released a wide range of first-party games alongside both systems. To ensure that the 3DS doesn’t suffer a similar dry spell, they’re holding games back, even though there are some 3DS titles that were completed even before Nintendogs + cats.

Translation? We're Nintendo. We don't need to release games. The 3DS prints money.

http://schmitz.blogdns.net/robert/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/3DS-It-Prints-Money.gif

[Icarus Moonsight]

Yeah, because acting on criticism is something only an asshole would do. Right?

The problem about first-party game droughts and Nintendo being the focal developer/publisher crowding out third-parties has been a concern since the N64. Better late than never I guess. I count this as taking a risk, though it's reasonable and metered. It could retard sales early on, but I think they are looking more at the long term than just getting out fast and hard. They certainly have that luxury at this point. Limiting choice is only bad if it's noticed, and well, some people that have posted here picked it up implicitly already.

[Rob2600]

fast and hard

That's what she said.

[j_factor]

Yeah, because acting on criticism is something only an asshole would do. Right?

I don't recall many people criticizing Nintendo for releasing too many games.

[Icarus Moonsight]

Actions over words. In this case, the actions of the third parties. Specifically, where they choose to launch their heavy hitters.

Or, to put it in the form of questions: Where is Metal Gear for DS? What platforms were Final Fantasy 10, 12 and 13 released on? Why does the Wii Castlevania suck huge amounts of ass? I got more, but that should suffice.

[PapaStu]

Or, to put it in the form of questions: Where is Metal Gear for DS? What platforms were Final Fantasy 10, 12 and 13 released on? Why does the Wii Castlevania suck huge amounts of ass? I got more, but that should suffice.

First, FF X (and X-2) were both released BEFORE the DS was even on the market. Second with new and remade titles, the DS (In the US)has received no less than 8 (6 new vs 2 remakes) titles, INCLUDING a FF XII spinoff.

What platform was Dragon Quest 9 released on? You forget about that 'red headed step child' here, but back in Japan, DQ butters SquareEnix's bread, not FF. You kindly forgot that after Castlevania: Lament of Innocence, released in 03 for the PS2, that the next 4 games released were... wait for it... DS titles (with a rehashed port for the PSP tossed in for good measure) before they went in a weird direction and made the Wii's 3D fighting game, far from anything that would be the norm for that series. Konami completely forgot the home consoles for a long while and suffered not a bit for it.

How'd awesome games like Bionic Commando do on the 'big boy' systems? Even adding in the XBLA versions it's been pretty poor going.

Metal Gear has become such a CGI driven game, that it's just too big (and wouldn't look purty enough) on a DS for Hideo Kojima. As a DS owner, I could handle that and frankly havn't felt one bit that DS gaming has lacked due to a lack of MGS. I've had more than enough unique and new stuff to keep me going. If I want portable MGS, i'll bust out my PSP and play any of those titles (that I own and don't touch as it is).

[heybtbm]

You kindly forgot that after Castlevania: Lament of Innocence, released in 03 for the PS2, that the next 4 games released were... wait for it... DS titles

You're forgetting Castlevania: Curse of Darkness for PS2/Xbox that came out in late 2005, after the first Castlevania DS title.

[PapaStu]

You're forgetting Castlevania: Curse of Darkness for PS2/Xbox that came out in late 2005, after the first Castlevania DS title.

Ah crap. I thought I was missing a PS2/XBox title. Shows what kind of effect it had on me.

[Icarus Moonsight]

We are looking at an overall trend here, an aggregate of volitional action, not hard immutable laws of physics/reality. Contradictions are not just possible, but are expected. Unlike in the field of say, physics where things behave non-contradictorily to it's nature. People can, and do.

If you go back, you'd read that I am referring to consoles and handhelds since the N64. There was a Metal Gear on GBC for freaks sake. You'd figure there would be at least one on the DS (even if it was only a touchscreen enhanced port of the PS1 MGS), especially considering how many series entries were released for the PSP (even though two were card-game based).

Granted, DQ9 is an exception. I do have an answer. Also, DQ9 was one of the few new games I bought last year. But it's highlighting the very trend they want to bring back. It's not counter to observation or their announced plan at all. And the only reason we got DQ9 is that Nintendo published it. It falls in line with the reasoning more that gives reason to doubt it.

[retroman]

I am already in line for one..no for real i will get one when it comes out

[Loremaster]

Just heard on XPlay that the 3DS will feature a Virtual Console full of Game Boy and Game Boy Color games. Dunno if this is news or not, but it makes me a little more excited.

[kirbykirb]

I don't get the 3d feature personally, how does it work?

Is it like the tv's that'd show the fuzzy lines or what?

[Icarus Moonsight]

I hear it uses magnets to achieve the 3D effect. *trollface.jpg*

jb posted something about the LCD tech used in the Nintendo 3DS speculation thread we had running here. I'll edit in a link if you have problems finding it.

[heybtbm]

I am already in line for one..no for real i will get one when it comes out

The funny thing about handhelds is there isn't ever a line. Well...Nintendo handhelds anyway. I remember walking into Target a few hours after they opened on the DS launch day (some Sunday in Nov. '04) and picking one up. No lines, no hype, no one really cared. Except me.

Still, I pre-ordered two 3DS's from Amazon just in case Nintendo pulls a "Wii act" again. It worked pretty well the first time...why wouldn't they do it again?

[Icarus Moonsight]

Manufactured shorted supply doesn't work. Never has, never will. If they misread demand, or lack sufficient production output, and the result is they don't produce enough, this hurts their potential sales and profit by leaving demand unsatisfied and gives a boost to competitors. There is nothing to be gained by faking a short. Planned shortage theories are hokum. There is another method that doesn't 'work' either, but is actually possible, because it's forced, and it's called rationing.

Mythbusting makes me feel good. :D

[kupomogli]

Cave Story remake, Cave Story 3D, getting a retail copy. Makes the 3DS a must own. I "must own" a 3DS as soon as it gets a price drop or a 3DS XL release.

http://storage.siliconera.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/first_caves_thumb.jpg

http://www.siliconera.com/2011/02/10/cave-story-3d-is-a-nintendo-3ds-launch-window-title/

[Icarus Moonsight]

If the 3D effect passes my entrance exam, I'm in early. For a handheld to get a large 3D screen, costs have to come down, a lot. The wait for a large screen could be 5+ years, if ever. I don't think it's exactly well reasoned to assume that there is going to be incremental improvements and new redesigns like there was with the GBA and DS. If the 3DS screens are on par or slightly better with brightness and clarity with the DSi screens, I don't see a reason for them coming at all. Or maybe I just haven't thought of a good reason to wait, and I am listening. Whether they put out a redesign mostly depends on what consumers want, and with what I see coming up, I don't think that it's very likely that the consumer will push for it. Everything is in retract mode lately.

[kirbykirb]

I like how ingenious Nintendo is.

"Let's Release Star Fox 64 in 1997."
"it's 2008, lets relrease Star Fox 64 ten years later, all those ten year olds will nostaliga and buy it, those 30yr olds will as well."
"2011 let's release starfox 64 with redone graphics on a mobile platform"

God damn I'm jelly. The original R&D costs were satisfied with the original game by the year 2000 (at the very least).
The wii Virtual Console version just adds additional profit which were used in the R&D of the 3ds line up.

What would be awesome though would be a Pokemon 3Ds. With fully intuitive battle moves as if it was a ATB system

[The 1 2 P]

The official US launch line up has been revealed (http://www.cheatcc.com/ccc_newsserver/Article.aspx?PostID=378072). And Nintendo's first party games will be priced at $39.99. As far as the launch line up, theres nothing on there that would make me want to pick this up on day one because the list of games pretty much sucks.

[WanganRunner]

I can't wait for this thing.

I'm going to vanish off the face of the earth for awhile when I get mine.

[joedick]

The official US launch line up has been revealed (http://www.cheatcc.com/ccc_newsserver/Article.aspx?PostID=378072). And Nintendo's first party games will be priced at $39.99. As far as the launch line up, theres nothing on there that would make me want to pick this up on day one because the list of games pretty much sucks.

I agree, there are no 'gotta have it' games at launch for me. But Nintendo's press release also states that Ocarina of Time, Star Fox 64, Kid Icarus, and Mario Kart are slated for 2011. So it could still be a great year for the system!

[c0ldb33r]

FYI, Futureshop in Canada is offering a free 3DS starter pack with a 3DS purchase (preorder?)

It looks like crap, so I'm not going to cancel my EB Games preorder. Anyone know of any good Canadian 3DS preorder deals?

[joedick]

I'm a little leery of the Future Shop pre-orders. They've been taking orders for some time now, I can't imagine they'll be able to fulfill them all at launch. TRU was taking pre-orders for a $50 deposit, they told me it was guaranteed day 1.

I'm gonna try to get one at Zellers, though. I've got gift cards, so I'd like to give it a try. There were no lines there for the DS when it launched, though I think that was a pretty low-key launch all around. Handhelds traditionally don't get the big lineups you see for consoles, but I don't really know what to expect with the 3DS.

[dgdgagdae]

I agree, there are no 'gotta have it' games at launch for me. But Nintendo's press release also states that Ocarina of Time, Star Fox 64, Kid Icarus, and Mario Kart are slated for 2011. So it could still be a great year for the system!

Same here. I went into GameStop to preorder one the other day, and I changed my mind when I saw the launch titles.

[c0ldb33r]

I wonder if the 3DS virtual console will eventually include virtual boy games. That'd be badass :D

[Rev. Link]

According to Reggie's speech at GDC, the 3DS is going to be able to stream Netflix. Oh, and they're making a new 3D Mario game for it.

I was on the fence about getting one before, but I'm pretty sure I'll be picking one up now. Portable Netflix? Very yes!

[c0ldb33r]

That's awesome, but portable Netflix isn't anything new. iPhones have had this for awhile.

[Icarus Moonsight]

Netflix is rather ho-hum without cell infrastructure internet as well. AFAIK, the launch 3DS won't have that. Unless your still a WiFi warrior, I guess.

[gepeto]

This launch is an interesting one. NIntendo has never failed in the handheld dept. Yet it seems IMo the fever hype isn't with this launch. My friend in Japan said he just walked in to the store and got his no line or anything which use to be unheard of.

Tons of people are saying They are waiting for the next revision or the launch titles suck (Which I agree)

I predict the 3ds will do well once there in stores for people to play.

It will be interesting to see if the nintendo fan base ponys up 250.00. I think the biggest drawback if there is one is that it looks all to similar to the older units. Either way I am in at launch. The only game I might buy is street fighter but I have to see it. I hope it has some built in games.