3DS MASSIVE Price Drop - 250 to 170 [Archive] - Page 2

WCP

07-30-2011, 12:57 AM

Wow, that's a huge drop.

The thing is, a drop this huge, makes me pause and think about things, because obviously that is what Nintendo has done. To me, the only way you drop your price this drastically is that you're looking at it like a last chance to make things work. Basically, this price drop is do or die. If 3DS sales don't really take off after this price drop, then we are looking at Virtual Boy 2.

So, it's kinda scary to think about buying one now, because you might end up with a situation in which 3DS is dead on the vine and while you'll get Mario 3D and Mario Kart, that could be the end of it all. I know it seems bat-shit insane to think of such a thing, but Nintendo bet the farm on the glassless 3D thing, and it seems that it might have been the wrong bet. Also, the name of the device seems to be a big negative, from the fact that many people out there don't have any idea that this is actually a "new" portable. Many people seem to have the impression that it's just a regular DS with a special 3D bonus, not a whole new level of technology.

kupomogli

07-30-2011, 02:57 AM

I think the soccer moms and other casual fanbase, even if they know it's a new technology, don't feel the need to upgrade as they're fine with playing Brain Age, etc, etc, etc. The others think it's the same thing but with 3D.

The other reason is the amount of DS games still on the shelves. If you have a kid and you can either buy a new system for $250, or even now $170, that has the same features just better graphics, the DS has a ton of games and your kid gets one a month or less, are you really going to run out of games to choose to keep them satisfied? What looks better. $20 on a game or $170 on a new system and then $40 a game.

Nintendo can easily get out of this one, though it might piss some people off. Stop manufacturing DS games, any normal DS including the DSi XL, and do not allow any developers to develop anymore DS games. This way, eventually, the 3DS and 3DS games become the only DS on the market. No confusion. No one being able to purchase a standard DS so increases the userbase to their new system.

Muscelli

07-30-2011, 04:04 AM

I feel like it already looks too similar to the DS and people assume its something that they already have.

Icarus Moonsight

07-30-2011, 06:40 AM

Would have been the perfect time to re-up the Game Boy brand. Wasted.

duffmanth

07-30-2011, 11:02 AM

Now if TV manufacturers took a hint from Nintendo and significantly slashed the price of their 3D TV's, they could be selling many more units?

joshnickerson

07-30-2011, 11:25 AM

I remember the days when a price drop was a GOOD thing... :)

This is probably a good move for Nintendo, and the right time too, as some excellent first party games will start coming out in the next few months. Personally, I feel that Nintendo had wanted to wait until this fall to release the 3DS, but were pressured by their investors, who were freaking out about falling DS console sales (which can happen when everyone on the planet has one, doy), to release it early... why else would they release it "before the end of the fiscal year"? But I think if they market it as a "second launch", and really showcase the games that are available and coming soon, they'll do just fine.

I will agree the name probably didn't do them any favors... they probably shoulda called it something like the "Super Nintendo DS", and showcased the 3D visuals as a secondary feature.

WCP

07-30-2011, 01:23 PM

Now if TV manufacturers took a hint from Nintendo and significantly slashed the price of their 3D TV's, they could be selling many more units?

This has already happened. I bought a Samsung PN50C680 50 inch 3D plasma back in August of 2010 for about $1200 ish (with the 3D kit), and in March of 2011, you could get the exact same deal for $599.99 !!! Half FREAKING PRICE. It really almost made me cry to see that. Now, I will admit that the $599 deal was just a 1 day sale at Fry's Electronics, but I have seen my TV for $799 and $899 a couple of times, which is significantly less than what I paid.

The 1 2 P

07-30-2011, 02:53 PM

So are we in for another gaming crash?

"PS3 sales down as Sony posts loss"

http://www.next-gen.biz/news/ps3-sales-down-sony-posts-loss

I don't think we're going to have a crash. Microsoft is making record sales for a system that is in it's sixth year. And Sony was doing just fine until the PSN outage and natural disasters that happened in Japan. Nintendo is the only one thats really down on their luck. The Wii no longer interest(or gets played by) anyone but the most die-hard Nintendo fans and I suspect that those are also the only ones who are intending to buy a Wii U at launch. 360 and PS3 console owners aren't really looking forward to the next gen because both systems have so many awesome games to look forward to this gen, both this year and next. Yes Kinect and Move are nothing more than me-too gimmicks but they have effectively(mainly Kinect) further extended this generation.

Nintendo fans, on the other hand, don't seem to have that much to look forward too. We don't know much about the Wii U, certainly not enough to make anyone think it's a day one purchase(except those die-hard fans I already mentioned). And the 3DS was just simply over priced. It kind of reminded me of when the PS3 launched: way over priced and no good games to justify it's purchase. But things turned around for Sony and I would never count Nintendo out when it comes to handheld gaming. But the handheld landscape has drastically changed and if Nintendo doesn't properly adapt they are going to be in even greater financial danger.

But for the forseeable future, no crash is imminent, especially not for Microsoft or Sony. I have all three systems(like many people on this forum) and I honestly have no interest in the next gen because my 360 and PS3 provide me with more than enough entertainment, rather it's playing games, watching videos or chatting with friends in other states/countries over XBL. Both systems were built for the long haul(shhh, don't mention rrod or ylod, they are both long over) and I will continue enjoying them for the next several years.

Gameguy

07-30-2011, 04:31 PM

They really should have skipped the DSi and just released this, the DSi XL just came out around a year ago and the original DSi around 2 years ago. Since DS games are still coming out it's like there's 5 handhelds from Nintendo available for this generation, or at least 3 if you don't count the various revisions that people upgraded to. Besides people heavy into games I don't see who would keep buying handhelds every couple of years just to keep current, I don't think parents will when they can still buy new games for the DS systems that their kids already have.

I still don't see too many DSi exlusive software, it's like that system is a complete waste except for the DSi Ware games which are also available on the 3DS. I have a DSi but I only got it because someone wanted to trade it for an original DS so they could play GBA games, I only use it because the screens are a bit better than the original DS(I still have more of these). I still wouldn't go out of my way to buy one just for the better screens.

And I still haven't found a 3DS kiosk to try the thing out, only saw one once at a Best Buy but didn't try it because there was a line. I haven't seen another one anywhere else yet, I'll try to see if any EB Games has one set up.

Gamereviewgod

07-30-2011, 04:44 PM

For anyone who thinks it's "scuzzy" as it's been put to use a price adjustment, it's not. No one is out anything. If Best Buy has 10 3DS on store shelves they paid full price for prior to the drop, Nintendo reimburses them the difference. Best Buy is out nothing and Nintendo isn't out anything they weren't going to be in the first place. I can assure you to appease stock holders, third parties, and more, they'd rather the system be in the hands of a gamer.

And seriously, if Nintendo didn't expect this to happen, they would have put the cut-off date for the free games as July 28th when they announced it.

Robocop2

07-31-2011, 12:14 AM

Well someone is out and that someone is Nintendo for sure. Less money for a system= less profit so there is that. But yes like you say; they could have made the cut off date the day of the announcement and that would take care of all of that. Still its not really scuzzy for reasons I have already stated.

What I wonder is if with this price drop whether or not we will see the base system de-contented. I mean it does come with an SD card and the dock. Seems to me like they could just pimp those as accessories. I was honestly surprised the SD card came with the system in the first place. Now sure they aren't that expensive anymore and they likely add very little to the cost of the system of course. But if you take said included dock and SD card and make them accessories you have an extra revenue source that at least some people will buy.

Rickstilwell1

07-31-2011, 12:22 AM

People in the USA just don't seem to have money for video games as of late. I am having a hard time selling stuff even when I post "make offer" posts. There's rarely anyone that has interest in more than a few games.

The majority of my sales lately have been to people in Canada, which has given me a more enthusiastic approach to offering shipping to Canada on ebay or other sites. I just realize that shipping to export is quite a bit higher.

So I think more of the reason game sales are down is because everybody is broke and worrying about Obama and that whole debt ceiling thing. I am not scared enough to stop buying and selling video games. I personally don't see anything wrong with the 3DS as a gaming platform. The first party games are still being worked on so I know the system will deliver in time.

Flashback2012

07-31-2011, 12:05 PM

I checked the prices on these in Best Buy last night and they too have them marked down to $169.99. I'm leaning more and more on taking that Nestea Plunge on one though I'm not sure why. I demoed one in Best Buy when they first came and the full on 3D gave me a monster headache that lasted for days.

Gamevet

07-31-2011, 02:19 PM

heybtbm

07-31-2011, 04:35 PM

I checked the prices on these in Best Buy last night and they too have them marked down to $169.99.

The price has been lowered pretty much everywhere. Target, BB, Walmart, Amazon. No one seems to be waiting for the "official" date. I'm feeling the desire to buy one rising. I just can't deal with the 3 hour battery B.S. Anyone know how long it takes to charge, empty battery to full?

Flashback2012

07-31-2011, 05:25 PM

The price has been lowered pretty much everywhere. Target, BB, Walmart, Amazon. No one seems to be waiting for the "official" date. I'm feeling the desire to buy one rising. I just can't deal with the 3 hour battery B.S. Anyone know how long it takes to charge, empty battery to full?

I figured it would be. I imagine that some places still have first shipment stock on hand still.

I totally forgot about the crap battery life of these things, that re-dampens my desire to buy one by a little. :|

kupomogli

07-31-2011, 05:34 PM

Maybe the 20 free games and the early price drop is really a ploy to get more sold. I already own most of the games listed as "free" and also have them available for emulation on my PSP, but I kind of want to get one just because there are 20 free games.

However, I'm also interested in a 360 Slim. Sears has it misprinted for the 250GB HDD 360 Slim with Kinect and a $50 gift card for $299.99. I'm more interested in that offer right now.

Icarus Moonsight

07-31-2011, 05:49 PM

It's more than likely reactive to the price drop and cutting off all the potential adjustments down the road. Which is time and work down the chain. It's cheaper just to do it at the first point-of-sale and let that be the end of it.

APE992

07-31-2011, 05:53 PM

So are we in for another gaming crash?

"PS3 sales down as Sony posts loss"

http://www.next-gen.biz/news/ps3-sales-down-sony-posts-loss

Probably not an Atari level crash but I wouldn't be surprised if we didn't see the culling of a few less than stellar properties or consoles. The 360 is doing just fine from the looks of things.

Personally I'm really ticked about is the fact that the DSi XL is the same exact price as the 3DS. I already have a DSi XL but seriously? I can think of a few reasons why they'd do that such as having people buy the 3DS instead of a XL (hey look mom, same price, more games, and Netflix!) but I can't imagine most people are going to rush out and buy a 3DS that already have a DS of some sort.

Now wait until X-Mas rolls around, this thing might sell like hot cakes at this price.

Icarus Moonsight

07-31-2011, 06:01 PM

A crash to some degree is already occurring, it's just not a total wipeout type crash. That happening again is highly unlikely, unless something major happens like us nuking each other back into the stone age... There is a lot of hurt that's happening and more is on the way. No way around it. If not for the industry itself then, at least for the larger economies it swims in.

zemmix

07-31-2011, 07:47 PM

Went to the kanteidan yesterday (used game store). Price on used ones were dropped down to 12800 yen. But as I was looking at them I still couldn't decide if I really cared so I didn't buy one. Maybe I'll get one later if the library grows.

Robocop2

08-01-2011, 03:21 PM

The drop makes me wish I had the money right now but the battery life, lack of games, the fact that I don't play much on my DS other than travel, and the amount of console releases I'm anticipating this year makes me feel better about having to wait a bit.

dgdgagdae

08-02-2011, 09:46 AM

The price has been lowered pretty much everywhere. Target, BB, Walmart, Amazon. No one seems to be waiting for the "official" date. I'm feeling the desire to buy one rising. I just can't deal with the 3 hour battery B.S. Anyone know how long it takes to charge, empty battery to full?

That's interesting, as online prices still seem to be $250. I'll have to run to a BB and Target today and see if I can get one at the reduced price.

dgdgagdae

08-02-2011, 09:39 PM

I went to Best Buy, Target, and Costco today, and everyone still had them at the original price.

Mayhem

08-03-2011, 01:04 AM

The price drop isn't until the 12th.

Press_Start

08-03-2011, 05:36 AM

So are we in for another gaming crash?

"PS3 sales down as Sony posts loss"

http://www.next-gen.biz/news/ps3-sales-down-sony-posts-loss

Three things:
1. Japan's still suffering from earthquake/tsunami disaster and dealing with a virtual Chernobyl on their hands. (So yeah, video games NOT a top priority.)

2. PSN shutdown (aka grotesque lack of security) cost Sony a billion or two.

3. The batsh!t screwiness coming out of Washington DC doesn't give any help for US recovery.

The way I see it, the tried n' old tradition of "5-year hardware hop" becomes officially dead after WiiU's release. Not just that, most conventional mantras (i.e. "better graphics == better games") are becoming irrelevant over this gen as the indie scene's the only thing breathing new life (besides Nintendo) into this stale environment we're in. I predict we'll see less focus on pushing polygon count and more on delivering new experiences for players (i.e motions controls and WiiU 2-role model).

So no, I wouldn't say it's a crash but more like the industry itself is due for a big change in the next decade and (imo) installing the latest graphics card isn't going to cut it for the foreseeable future. New ideas, new ways of thinking, and new concepts are the way to go and staying the current path for the long haul is asking to walk off the cliff.

dgdgagdae

08-03-2011, 08:03 AM

The price drop isn't until the 12th.

Right, but someone had said he was seeing everyone around him drop them early.

ScourDX

08-03-2011, 03:42 PM

Three things:
1. Japan's still suffering from earthquake/tsunami disaster and dealing with a virtual Chernobyl on their hands. (So yeah, video games NOT a top priority.)

2. PSN shutdown (aka grotesque lack of security) cost Sony a billion or two.

3. The batsh!t screwiness coming out of Washington DC doesn't give any help for US recovery.

The way I see it, the tried n' old tradition of "5-year hardware hop" becomes officially dead after WiiU's release. Not just that, most conventional mantras (i.e. "better graphics == better games") are becoming irrelevant over this gen as the indie scene's the only thing breathing new life (besides Nintendo) into this stale environment we're in. I predict we'll see less focus on pushing polygon count and more on delivering new experiences for players (i.e motions controls and WiiU 2-role model).

So no, I wouldn't say it's a crash but more like the industry itself is due for a big change in the next decade and (imo) installing the latest graphics card isn't going to cut it for the foreseeable future. New ideas, new ways of thinking, and new concepts are the way to go and staying the current path for the long haul is asking to walk off the cliff.

I think people are changing the way they play game. Mobile gaming is taking over the handheld. Free to play games and purchase games for $1 are the new norm. If gaming company wants to stay on top of their business, perhaps they should really follow the mobile apps model.

retroman

08-03-2011, 11:50 PM

anyone who wants mine can call for a cheaper price....it does make a great paper weight...

Lothars

08-06-2011, 02:52 AM

I think people are changing the way they play game. Mobile gaming is taking over the handheld. Free to play games and purchase games for $1 are the new norm. If gaming company wants to stay on top of their business, perhaps they should really follow the mobile apps model.
I disagree, The Mobile $1 dollar market is unsustainable as well, the majority of apps barely make money and it will be changing but also handheld market is not going anywhere, There is and will be demand for bigger handheld games, it's just not every game should be priced at 40 dollars, Only the biggest and best should be.

Anyone that says Mobile Gaming is taking over handhelds really isn't looking correctly, the market is changing but there is still plenty of interest for dedicated gaming handhelds.

Lothars

08-06-2011, 02:54 AM

I also bought a 3DS for 199.99 and will be getting the price guarantee next week but It's pretty bad the only reason I want one is for the virtual console games, I bought one game with the 3DS and it's not a retail game, it's Links Awakening.

It seems like a cool handheld but I still feel that Nintendo's biggest mistake was the price and making it 3D.

Galbalan

08-07-2011, 02:49 PM

Gamereviewgod

08-07-2011, 03:45 PM

I understand why they're dropping the price, but am I the only one who thinks selling 800,000+ units at $250 a piece in a tanked economy is better than expected?

Still, time to move units, and I think they'll push quite a few at $170 regardless of the software, which honestly, isn't THAT bad. Just because the games don't have grand Nintendo names attached to them doesn't mean they're not great. Ghost Recon is phenomenal, the Namco/Galaga package is a lot of fun, DOA was an impressive comp, and yeah, Zelda.

Not a bad six months from a gamer perspective.

PapaStu

08-07-2011, 03:48 PM

You know, I find it interesting that Nintendo presented fence-sitters with an option as far as the system is concerned, in that you can either get a massive price drop OR some free games. As an early adopter, my decision has been made for me anyway. But I think Nintendo is missing the big picture.

The price drop is not only a Band-Aid, it screams desperation. I know the system's sales are sluggish, but more than the price, it's the games. I think Nintendo went full steam ahead with the system without a solid short-term plan for the rest of the year. While GOOD games are slooooooooooooowly trickling out, well...that's the thing. It's been slow. I imagine the whole earthquake thing impacted some of the games being developed, but even still, Nintendo hasn't been the wisest with the software situation. I'm sorry, Reggie, but ONE must-have title (and a port of a ten-year-old game at that) being released =/= the "software situation firming up".

Thing is, I think what hurt the system most is the lax release schedule. I know new systems sometimes take their time getting things in gear, but we should have had more AAA titles by now. Nintendo, I think, missed a HUGE opportunity by not having what is easily one of the system's most anticipated games (Kid Icarus) available at launch or shortly after.

The free games are nice, Nintendo, but neither they nor the price drop address the true issue at hand here. In the first year, the system has, so far, only had a few truly must-own games, and most of those are actually ports. Plus, the ill-conceived DRM in some games -- not allowing one to erase saves -- is beyond stupid.

I don't think the 3DS is dead in the water yet, but Nintendo really needs to get things together.

Merged into the thread already in progress...

A few comments... 'first year'? The system is FIVE months old. Take a look back at numerous system launches, including the PS2. That didn't have any AAA titles until the 1 year mark and was marred by slow releases. The system was saved by GTA 3 and MGS3. You know that a few must own titles work, when there are only about 40 total releases.

Honestly, look at the DS, there are a great number of good and great games, and most of them don't sell all that hugely. That also miffs developers and makes them change their focus to other platforms that will sell better.

It's always hard for a new system to get its foothold when the system it's replacing is cheaper, has tons more games available and a solid presence.

Also, take the 'ill conceived DRM and place that blame squarely on the developers/publishers. Nintendo didn't have anything to do with it. It's not a deal breaker for a game. It doesn't ruin it. It's just saving the open levels and times. It's not the end of the world.

The 3DS's problems are two fold. High game prices and a lack of developer support. I've seen a huge amount of games pushed back, in part because developers arn't seeing the sales they were hoping to see, of the games AND of the systems which would drive additional sales.

WelcomeToTheNextLevel

08-07-2011, 10:26 PM

I played a 3DS demo at a GameStop, didn't look too different from a DS Lite gamewise. It was some type of 2D fighting game, that could have easily been done on the DS. While I do think the DS line is becoming outdated, the 3DS is underwhelming, especially at its price point of $250. $170 should stimulate sales somewhat.

I see this system as having a 50-50 chance of becoming the new Virtual Boy.

dgdgagdae

08-08-2011, 08:40 AM

I bought one this week with the intention of price matching at Best Buy next week. I have to say, I like the system better than I thought I would. I think the 3D is well done, and it doesn't give me a headache like I thought it might.

As we all know, there just aren't that many games. I bought Ridge Racer and Ocarina of Time, which I'd never played before. Other than that, I've downloaded a few things.

I don't regret the purchase, but I might if I didn't know I was going to get $80 back on it. I'll keep my DSi XL, and I don't think I'll transfer my DSiware to the 3DS. I miss the bigger screens when I use the 3DS.

goatdan

08-09-2011, 12:24 AM

Honestly, look at the DS, there are a great number of good and great games, and most of them don't sell all that hugely. That also miffs developers and makes them change their focus to other platforms that will sell better.

The DS is also a great system to use as an example because it's first year sales were pretty sluggish too. Until Nintendogs hit, you could find the console just about anywhere, and there were bunches of them used. When Nintendogs hit, that all changed rapidly.

It's always hard for a new system to get its foothold when the system it's replacing is cheaper, has tons more games available and a solid presence.

Exactly. Toss in that lack of compelling software titles, and you have basically no reason to upgrade whatsoever.

The 3DS's problems are two fold. High game prices and a lack of developer support. I've seen a huge amount of games pushed back, in part because developers arn't seeing the sales they were hoping to see, of the games AND of the systems which would drive additional sales.

I'd argue that after this price drop, the system's issues will be two-fold, with you naming those two issues -- but the $250 price point was a huge barrier to entry. If you're a parent looking for a game system for your kid to drag around, are you going to risk him or her screwing up the $250 game console or losing the $40 games, or are you going to instead get a much cheaper $99ish DS Lite with $20 games? For the same price to buy and replace one 3DS, you could buy five DS Lites.

And the kid market is still a big driving factor of sales. In fact, I'd argue that for handhelds it is probably the biggest driving factor, as kids are much less likely to have their own fancy cell phone at age 8, but they will probably have a handheld game system of some type to play games on. Nintendo completely priced themselves out of the market.

I see the Vita having the same amount of issues if not more -- the problem is that once you get past the hardcore gamer, what more market is there for that particular device? It isn't a phone, at $250 it isn't a casual device... And again, are you going to potentially have your kid break a $250 console or lose $40 games?

This price drop was very necessary, although as Nintendo has already pointed out themselves, this is a bad sign for the early adopters of the Wii U. Unless they price that thing way cheap when it comes out, it is going to face the same consumer backlash that Sega faced with the Saturn after the 32X -- a wait and see attitude.

kupomogli

08-09-2011, 01:00 AM

The DS is also a great system to use as an example because it's first year sales were pretty sluggish too. Until Nintendogs hit, you could find the console just about anywhere, and there were bunches of them used. When Nintendogs hit, that all changed rapidly.

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51mxaolskiL._SL500_AA300_.jpg

I don't see the sales spiking upwards and Nintendogs + Cats was a launch title. Touch screen was a unique concept, and a gimmick like Nintendogs was sure to sell. People already know what they're getting this time around and they're just not buying into it. The price drop will certainly help, but the novelty of touch screen on the DS has all but worn off when literally every gaming system to be released now days has it.

Press_Start

08-09-2011, 05:49 AM

If you're a parent looking for a game system for your kid to drag around, are you going to risk him or her screwing up the $250 game console or losing the $40 games, or are you going to instead get a much cheaper $99ish DS Lite with $20 games? For the same price to buy and replace one 3DS, you could buy five DS Lites.

Yeah, why spend $300 on a Super NES and $75 per cart, when I can buy a regular NES for $100 w/ games @ 40 a pop? Heck, why drop 400 clams on a PS2 w/ PS1 BC when I can drop 100 for a PS1 alone and have a big clam back-off beach party later? /sarcasm

Are we seriously having this conversation? It's a given that all new systems (including handhelds) are always more expensive that the last-gen system currently priced in the market. So, why make 3DS the exception?

I think 3DS will still sell like hotcakes (250 price tag or not) cause kids will be begging mommy/daddy/Santa for Mario 3D, Mario Kart, and/or Kid Icarus, in the end, it's all 'bout the games.

And again, are you going to potentially have your kid break a $250 console or lose $40 games?

Yeah, cause their previous models were so ready to break.
http://www.geekologie.com/2008/03/05/bombed-gameboy.jpg:roll:

Icarus Moonsight

08-09-2011, 06:26 AM

Launch titles don't spike sales rates, as they are part to the initial rate. If Dogs+Cats wasn't released at launch, maybe it would have sold less units... Who can tell? Ultimately, it doesn't matter. There is no relevant alternative for comparison. It happened, and they're not happy about how it went.

Nintendo trusting and enticing 3rd parties to support the launch primarily certainly didn't help them. The reasoning why between Nintendo and the thirds was there, but I think someone forgot how unattractive a Nintendo system generally has been to buyers without a variety of Nintendo software ready to go.

Also, the title[s] that eventually boost the 3DS desirability doesn't need to be the same games or even types at all that happened to do the same in the past. The spark can be something totally unpredictable, or, even never happen.

misfits859

08-09-2011, 06:33 AM

Has anyone been able to pick the system up at the new price at Wal-Mart yet?

Sailorneorune

08-09-2011, 03:16 PM

Yes. Price drop confirmed in Henderson, KY.

goatdan

08-09-2011, 06:16 PM

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51mxaolskiL._SL500_AA300_.jpg

I don't see the sales spiking upwards and Nintendogs + Cats was a launch title. Touch screen was a unique concept, and a gimmick like Nintendogs was sure to sell. People already know what they're getting this time around and they're just not buying into it. The price drop will certainly help, but the novelty of touch screen on the DS has all but worn off when literally every gaming system to be released now days has it.

That's just it -- Nintendogs has been done, so trying to make a sequel to a game that didn't really need a sequel... It's not like any other virtual pet ever had a successful 'sequel'. Nintendo needs a new hot property for kids like the first one was to move the console.

As of right now, does the 3DS do anything that the DS can't do? (Edit here, sorry) -- I mean beyond the 3D stuff, which *so far* hasn't changed gameplay any, the way that the initial DS touchscreen has. I always argue that the consoles that catch on are the ones that allow people to play games in a new way, adding 3D isn't a new way like the touch screen was, it's just a gimmick -- right now.

The 1 2 P

08-09-2011, 06:59 PM

Has anyone been able to pick the system up at the new price at Wal-Mart yet?

None of the stores around here have dropped the price yet.

goatdan

08-09-2011, 07:14 PM

Yeah, why spend $300 on a Super NES and $75 per cart, when I can buy a regular NES for $100 w/ games @ 40 a pop? Heck, why drop 400 clams on a PS2 w/ PS1 BC when I can drop 100 for a PS1 alone and have a big clam back-off beach party later? /sarcasm

Are we seriously having this conversation? It's a given that all new systems (including handhelds) are always more expensive that the last-gen system currently priced in the market. So, why make 3DS the exception?

Yeah, but you're comparing apples to oranges here. Kids don't pick up their TVs, put them in their pockets, drop them at school, and whatnot. You do that with handhelds. How great did the PSP do when it came out with a lot of the same issues? I've happened to be in a few elementary school rooms in the past year -- everyone has DSes, almost no one has PSPs. And you don't think that parents have anything to do with that?

I think 3DS will still sell like hotcakes (250 price tag or not) cause kids will be begging mommy/daddy/Santa for Mario 3D, Mario Kart, and/or Kid Icarus, in the end, it's all 'bout the games.

I had to double check this post to ensure that you didn't write it six months ago. Let's be honest, at $250, not just has the 3DS not been selling "like hotcakes," but kids haven't had any reason to beg for it. I agree it is about the games, but what are the 'in demand' 3DS games for kids? And when kids want a DS and this thing costs considerably more (and, it is 'not recommended' for kids under 7 or something, as I saw on the box recently), you have a huge issue.

Kids weren't begging for this thing, and hardcore gamers weren't picking it up either. I don't know how you can deny any of that, when Nintendo themselves have come out and said that the price drop is important because of that. They're also dealing with competition from iPods, iPads, iPhones, Androids, and like twenty other devices with the letter i in them that they haven't had to before.

On top of all that, you have a kid come and ask you as a parent to get them a gaming device. You can get a 3DS for $250 that plays games that cost $40 apiece, or you can get a iPod Touch for $200 that plays games that are as cheap as a buck. And, they can play music on it too. What's the better value?

Yeah, cause their previous models were so ready to break.
:roll:

Yeah, because GameBoy tech (using almost exclusively really old, really tested parts) versus being the first 3D handheld is really comparable. Using a recent and comparable system, do a web site for DS Lite hinge and see just how 'stable' those were.

My original Atari 2600 still works. That doesn't mean that I can automatically say that the Jaguar CD is a totally stable system because of the 2600.

goatdan

08-09-2011, 07:17 PM

None of the stores around here have dropped the price yet.

Ask your local WalMart to scan it, and if they don't get it for the cheaper price, tell them that other stores have had success with managers looking up the info and changing them to the new price.

For as critical as I have been of the system, WalMart convinced me to pick one up today. I have no games for it and don't expect to buy any for a while, but I wanted a new DS with bigger screens, and having the ability to get 20 games from WalMart for it for the same price as a DSiXL, I figured what the hell.

The 1 2 P

08-09-2011, 07:55 PM

Ask your local WalMart to scan it, and if they don't get it for the cheaper price, tell them that other stores have had success with managers looking up the info and changing them to the new price.

For as critical as I have been of the system, WalMart convinced me to pick one up today. I have no games for it and don't expect to buy any for a while, but I wanted a new DS with bigger screens, and having the ability to get 20 games from WalMart for it for the same price as a DSiXL, I figured what the hell.

I wasn't interested in picking it up yet, just wanted to see if any local stores(Walmart, Best Buy, Target, etc. ) had dropped the price yet and none of them have.

If you are looking for cheap games, I have found quite a few in Goodwill believe it or not. It's been more than one location and they are always Target returns marked down to $19.99. So far theres been no titles that interested me but you might find one you like.

misfits859

08-09-2011, 08:26 PM

Yeah, I went tonite and my local Wal-Mart has it at the $169 price now. I'll probably pick one up in the next few days. It's a bit pricey, but I really just want it to have a portable Ocarina...

alukado

08-10-2011, 02:57 AM

I will order one soon together with a flashcart since there isn't many good 3ds games out there , playing some NDS games is not a bad idea .

joshnickerson

08-10-2011, 10:00 PM

I will order one soon together with a flashcart since there isn't many good 3ds games out there , playing some NDS games is not a bad idea .

Horray for piracy! /sarcasm

kupomogli

08-10-2011, 11:54 PM

I will order one soon together with a flashcart since there isn't many good 3ds games out there , playing some NDS games is not a bad idea .

You do know they still sell DS games. They're playable on the 3DS.

dairugger

08-11-2011, 01:21 AM

wont nintendo know if you play a flashcart on the 3ds? i rember reading awhile back that it keeps a record of games youve played.

Muscelli

08-11-2011, 01:51 AM

wont nintendo know if you play a flashcart on the 3ds? i rember reading awhile back that it keeps a record of games youve played.

Lol no...

dairugger

08-11-2011, 05:27 AM

Lol no...

its something i remember reading awhile back. i remember talk about nintendo disabling 3ds units, or warning people who have used flashcards via the wifi network.

http://www.google.com/search?q=3ds+playing+flashcart+pirate+disabling&sourceid=ie7&rls=com.microsoft:en-us:IE-Address&ie=&oe=

"Apparently illegal flash cartridges are already in circulation in Japan, variants on the infamous R4 cartridge for the Nintendo DS. These allow pirates to download 3DS games via their PC, put them on the flash cart and then play them as if they were a normal game - but no longer.

After sporadic reports 3DS consoles were becoming unusable after a flash cartridge was played on them, Japanese retailer Enterking put the following warning up on its website - as (roughly) translated by GoNintendo:

'In case if you use equipment which is illegal or unapproved by Nintendo or if you do customisation which is unapproved by Nintendo, there is a possibility that Nintendo 3DS become non-bootable by system update.'

In other words if you use pirated software and hardware Nintendo will disable your console via a firmware update (otherwise known as 'bricking').

This will no doubt cause pirates and Nintendo to enter into an endless game of hacks and updates but it does seem that the 3DS is going to be a lot harder to run pirate games on than the DS was."

Read more: http://www.metro.co.uk/tech/games/857424-nintendo-3ds-pirate-cartridges-could-disable-console#ixzz1Ui9YVJ6M

Icarus Moonsight

08-11-2011, 06:10 AM

Well, that's one less trip I'll be making today. Thanks dairugger, I almost bought one (3DS, not a flashcart).

"This product contains technical protection measures. Use of an unauthorized device or any unauthorized technical modification to your nintendo 3ds system, will render this game and/or your system unplayable"

Translation - This product may arbitrarily self-destruct.

No wonder their sales are shit, it's reflective of the product.

Robocop2

08-11-2011, 09:40 AM

So they can remotely brick a 3DS for running unathorized software or modifications? I could understand them banning it from the online like MS does sometimes to modded consoles maybe; since that doesn't completely render it useless. But actually bricking the system just for that seems a bit heavyhanded.

PapaStu

08-11-2011, 09:59 AM

Well, that's one less trip I'll be making today. Thanks dairugger, I almost bought one (3DS, not a flashcart).

Translation - This product may arbitrarily self-destruct.

No wonder their sales are shit, it's reflective of the product.

I seriously don't understand people like you. You have this feeling that you're entitled to whatever the fuck you want for free. Guess what? You're not! Want a game? BUY IT. Want the import of it, well now you're going to need a Japanese system to do so. Just like all those home console releases of years past. Stop using the lesser ability to hack a system as being reflective of a bad product, which up until a few minutes before you claimed you were going to buy. YOU seemed to think that it was worth it, until all of a sudden you found out that you can't run flash cards on it. And people wonder why these systems get less 'killer' titles. Because you're going out and getting flash cards and downloading them, totally circumventing sales, preventing the developers from getting the sales they need to keep afloat.

So they can remotely brick a 3DS for running unathorized software or modifications? I could understand them banning it from the online like MS does sometimes to modded consoles maybe; since that doesn't completely render it useless. But actually bricking the system just for that seems a bit heavyhanded.

Well Nintendo has done it so it's bricked flash cards from working previously on specific DS/DSL/DSi models. Remember the 3DS also is the first region locked handheld system. They're taking this one and the rampant piracy that's sprung up the last few years very seriously.

The hackers aren't stupid either. They will modify the flash card to display that it's playing a DS game and trick the system. Besides, turn off WiFi and don't update the 3DS OS and you'll be 'fine' once the hackers have whatever loopholes they're going to use figured out.

I'm sure somewhere in all the EULAs that you're agreeing to with the system (online, 3DS store, StreetPass) you're agreeing to not run modified code.

Icarus Moonsight

08-11-2011, 10:05 AM

They're taking this one and the rampant piracy that's sprung up the last few years very seriously.

Yeah, right to the grave.

Robocop2

08-11-2011, 10:36 AM

Well Nintendo has done it so it's bricked flash cards from working previously on specific DS/DSL/DSi models. Remember the 3DS also is the first region locked handheld system. They're taking this one and the rampant piracy that's sprung up the last few years very seriously.

The hackers aren't stupid either. They will modify the flash card to display that it's playing a DS game and trick the system. Besides, turn off WiFi and don't update the 3DS OS and you'll be 'fine' once the hackers have whatever loopholes they're going to use figured out.

I'm sure somewhere in all the EULAs that you're agreeing to with the system (online, 3DS store, StreetPass) you're agreeing to not run modified code.

I thought that was more of an update that made the flashcart incompatible with the system. I know there were alot of bootleg carts that wouldn't work with a DSi because of similar reasons. I first remember hearing that with the plethora of Tetris DS booties out there. That I can understand as its simply protecting their investment in the system. As much as I like my R4; I really just enjoy it for being a portable emulator container; I really have no desire to pirate current software for reasons you stated in your reply to another post. Sure there is the new VC for the 3DS but if they update it with games at a similar rate to the Wii VC console; it will be less than stellar as far as library is concerned.

I was under the impression from what I'd read that they were somehow going to crash the system its self if they detected flash carts. Which presents another problem entirely with the above referenced bootleg cart issue. Not everyone who buys a cart off say eBay has any knowledge about the cart being a bootleg will they get their system fried as well? Of course one could argue they shouldn't buy used software off ebay for that reason but still.

Darko

08-11-2011, 10:40 AM

The DS hacking scene is huge. There's no way Nintendo will be able to do much about it. Region locking, always on wifi, etc all have workarounds. All Nintendo is doing is challenging the hacking community. I'd imagine that by the end of the year the 3DS will be wide open just like the DS.

Personally, I don't really have an opinion on pirating games. I have a flash card for my DS simply because I didn't want to unwrap some of the DS games I bought. Because of piracy, I can download a rom of a game I purchased. I've also been able to play translations of games that were only released in Japan (FFXII International, DQV (PS2), etc). However, I also completely get the "support the developers" argument.

When people get into arguments/pissed off about downloading anything from the internet I laugh a little inside. No matter what anyone says/does there will always be hacking/pirating. Some choose to partake, some choose not to. Either way, freaking out because someone chooses one side or the other isn't going to change anything.

Sailorneorune

08-11-2011, 10:50 AM

Flashcarts also give short-sighted suits (cough*CAPCOM*cough) further ammunition in their arsenal of excuses not to localise games. I don't know about you, but I like to put my money where my mouth is and support the good decisions game companies make. PapaStu hit the nail right on the head. If people keep pirating games, pretty soon we'll only have crap to play, because the only people who can afford to put games out anymore will be the "poopsmith" developers that put out so much shovelware.

I bought a 3DS to benefit from the price drop and Ambassador Program, as I knew I'd get one eventually. I look forward to games like Professor Layton vs. Phoenix Wright (which won the Level 5 International Facebook poll by a landslide), Professor Layton and the Mask of Miracles, Shinobi, Crush3D, Sonic Generations, and bit.trip Saga. It's gonna suck every time we endure another Xenoblade/Last Window moment where Awesome Game A is brought out everywhere but here, or a Mother 3 moment where Awesome Game B is not localised AT ALL, or a Megaman Legends 3 moment where Potentially Awesome Game C is put down mid-development, and you pirate bastards ARE NOT HELPING! We love games, and the developers who make these games need our support, or else we will be in a quagmire of creative bankruptcy like the anime industry. *looks at shitload of first-person shooters lining the shelves of local stores* Oh, wait...

kupomogli

08-11-2011, 11:24 AM

dao2

08-11-2011, 11:56 AM

What about Awesome Game D(Final Fantasy Type 0) that you'd never expect wouldn't get a release, but due to piracy, they're not sure of releasing it and are currently investigating doing a PSN release instead. Or Awesome Game E, F, and G(Valkyria Chronicles 3, Phantasy Star Portable Infinite, and Black Panther Yakuza,) which clearly aren't going to get a release due to piracy. Yeah, I know you're not going to mention all of them, but I wanted to throw some great games out there that we've missed because of piracy.

So many great games that we're not going to see because of piracy :(. We can only hope to see some HD versions of the games released on the PS3.

It's not "because of piracy" it's because they fear it won't sell enough to warrant it. Piracy has a hand in it definetely as it results in lower sales but just because a game will be pirated is not the deciding factor for localization/release, any game wether a massive seller or not will still have the issue.

So if they're telling you they are unwilling to release it because they fear piracy they're just being a mouthpiece, it's because they don't expect it to sell. If they're telling you they're moving it to what they believe is a more secure platform then it may be a more major contributing factor but still up in the air ;p

Zing

08-11-2011, 11:58 AM

Sometimes I think the hate on "piracy" is just player hating.

The post a few up is the perfect example of how piracy does NOT translate into lost sales. The person isn't going to buy the system or any games at the current price. In fact, Nintendo actually lost the sale of a system due to their anti pirate stance.

The DS had the shit pirated out of it and it sold more systems and games than anything. Flashcarts are absolutely not a valid excuse for the poor sales of the 3DS.

Icarus Moonsight

08-11-2011, 01:58 PM

I seriously don't understand people like you. You have this feeling that you're entitled to whatever the fuck you want for free.

I have bought over a half dozen DS units and 150 games, that says otherwise. Nothing compared to your massive DS collection, but I'm not acting the way you are accusing. I've had Platinum status on MyNintendo since it started, and I'm at gold now and will hit platinum once I flush all my codes out. Yeah, I'm a parasite.

As far as flashcarts go, yes I use them. A large majority of GBA/DS flashcart use is for emulation with some HB. I have used it to play commercial roms, but when I decide I want to really dig in and play a game, I bought the damn thing. So much for doing 'the right thing'. They punish, well, so can I. :D

Also, I can't wait for inevitable story of some poor putz that unwittingly purchases a pirate game on eBay and bricks their system with it.