SON OF A BITCH. 3DS XL announce for the US.

[kupomogli]

I didn't even see a reveal of the 3DS XL, but because I just recently purchased a 3DS, this pisses me off. I purchased a 3DS a couple months ago because Nintendo saying they're not releasing another revision of the 3DS, other people saw it as just not happening because the system is selling well, and what happens. A couple months past a year, Nintendo releases another fucking revision. Fuck you, Nintendo. You finally hit 20 million sales, might as well release another revision to get the same 20 million people who bought the first one to buy it again. Then release that dual analog version after that, then the dual analog XL version. I knew it was going to happen, but with the system selling well, the system being thin, and the dual analog not being complained about anymore, I assumed like everyone else it wouldn't happen this early. Leave it to Nintendo to fuck everyone over who's interested in playing video games on their consoles, whether it's because a better version comes out no more than three months after you purchase the handheld, or the fact that there games never drop in price. An owner of a Nintendo console is always getting fucked one way or another.

Might as well reset my current 3DS and sell it before the XL release. Not like I play anything other than Mario Kart 7 anyways.

http://www.siliconera.com/2012/06/21/nintendo-3ds-xl-hits-u-s-this-august-for-200/

[PapaStu]

Nintendo never said they weren't going to modify the 3DS. Hell people have been thinking that a second analog stick was going to happen sometime soon.

No biggie, don't buy it. It's not additional functionality. It's just a bit bigger screen.

[kai123]

According to Kotaku it doesn't come with an AC adapter. That must be some killer battery life. I hope AC adapters don't become future addons. I love that it says for them to cut costs on it. They still have to make the same one for the current 3DS. Oh, Nintendo.

http://kotaku.com/5920420/nintendo-announces-a-new-bigger-3ds

[The 1 2 P]

I wonder why they aren't including the extra analog stick with this one.

[Frankie_Says_Relax]

The no AC thing is strange, but if they include a USB that it can charge with, that's fine.

I like the matte finish, I like the rounded corners and I like the physical start/home/select buttons (hate those pressure bubbles on the 3DS).

We all knew this was inevitable. Nintendo loves to revise their portables.

[kupomogli]

I wonder why they aren't including the extra analog stick with this one.

They're waiting for August 2013.


We all knew this was inevitable. Nintendo loves to revise their portables. up

Yes, we all knew, but it's only been one year.


Nintendo never said they weren't going to modify the 3DS. Hell people have been thinking that a second analog stick was going to happen sometime soon.

This isn't the first time Miyamoto or Iwata has said this as there have been other interviews that they said they won't release another revision of the 3DS as they developed it without the need to release another. With the recent release of the 3DS XL though, I can't find another source other than this one. Miyamoto is practically saying right there that there won't be another revision. A week before the announcement. ONE WEEK AGO. Any Nintendo fan that looks up news on this bullshit, and is straight up lied to with a week before announcement, but Nintendo can still do no wrong.

http://www.ign.com/articles/2012/06/12/nintendo-working-on-future-handheld-generation

Nintendo clearly has the most loyal fans. When the company screws you over time and time again and you still take it, you've got some major loyalty to that company.

[j_factor]

I like the concept of an XL model, but the lack of a second circle pad just makes it blatantly obvious that they're hedging for another revision in the future. Might as well just wait until version 3.

[ifkz]

Okay, I just got a GREAT idea for a Vita kickstarter campaign:

Make a free downloadable game that uses the twin sticks like boxing gloves. Put a 3ds early adapter on the screen, to where you can start to punch him in the nuts. Jabs, uppercuts, sucker punches, etc. Get some good sound effects for the hits. During the punching he can say things like:
"Wow, I really don't need two circle pads"
"I don't need an AC adapter because I bought the last five DS hardware rehashes"
"I love Nintendo handhelds. A new one ever six months"
"Multiple colors, multiple colors"
"3D really doesn't give me a headache"
"The 3ds really isn't last gen hardware"
"I can't wait for the 3ds circle pad pro XL edition"
"What the f@# Nintendo" (from every forum post I've read so far....)

I love my Vita, thank goodness I got rid of the first 3ds when it still brought $200 in credit. Anyone have any more quotes???

[buzz_n64]

Glad I waited, yet again. I will buy this after it has its first price drop, unless a dual analog version is announced at that time, then I will wait for that.

[Tupin]

Amazed that anyone is surprised at this. I would buy this if it had a second analog stick. Seriously, that should have been in the first one.

I'm fine with my launch 3DS. Didn't go up to DSi XL when I had a DSi. At least there are games I want coming out, unlike the Vita. Funny that the Vita and 3DS are almost complete opposites: Vita has a great ergonomic design, but few games I want. 3DS is terrible ergonomically and should have two analog sticks, but I put up with it because of stuff like Kid Icarus, Mario Kart, Professor Layton, Luigi's Mansion, Animal Crossing, and Paper Mario.

[Aussie2B]

Want some cheese with that whine?

This is not a Nintendo thing. This is a game industry thing. Just about every home console gets some sort of "slim" version eventually, and handhelds get multiple versions. The PSP got four (1000, 2000, 3000, Go), as did the DS (original, Lite, DSi Lite, DSi XL), as did the GBA (original, frontlit SP, backlit SP, Micro).

For what it's worth, I really like my DSi XL, but I still prefer my DS Lite for some games. New hardware revisions aren't necessarily better in every single way.

[MarioMania]

Are you shocked it's Nintendo

[substantial_snake]

Heh just posted about this in the E3 thread.

I'm unconvinced that this will be really worth spending money on, with the only advantages being the larger screens, form factor, and slightly better battery life at only 30min for 3DS and 1-2 hours for DS games. That and it incorporates none of the Circle Pad Pro features that several of its biggest games use for much better control like RE:Revelations, MSG3:3DS, Kid Icarus, Monster Hunter, etc. It probably wont work with the currently released CCP either so you'll either need to buy another one designed for the 3DSXL. Unless this is much more comfortable then the current model and has a much wider 3D viewing angle then I won't be trading up.

http://img.gawkerassets.com/img/17pitf7sh1vdyjpg/original.jpg

Found out about this recently though, Nyko's own take on the Circle Pad Pro and unless the XL wows me in person I'll just pick one of these up. They are going to sell it for 30 bucks, claim a 3x battery life and it works as another "shell" for your 3DS. Their extended battery worked wonders for my 3DS and it seems a lot cheaper then getting the "gamestop discount" on trading up to the next big thing. I am a lot more excited for this thing then I am the XL. :p

[Tupin]

Heh just posted about this in the E3 thread.

I'm unconvinced that this will be really worth spending money on, with the only advantages being the larger screens, form factor, and slightly better battery life at only 30min for 3DS and 1-2 hours for DS games. That and it incorporates none of the Circle Pad Pro features that several of its biggest games use for much better control like RE:Revelations, MSG3:3DS, Kid Icarus, Monster Hunter, etc. It probably wont work with the currently released CCP either so you'll either need to buy another one designed for the 3DSXL. Unless this is much more comfortable then the current model and has a much wider 3D viewing angle then I won't be trading up.

http://img.gawkerassets.com/img/17pitf7sh1vdyjpg/original.jpg

Found out about this recently though, Nyko's own take on the Circle Pad Pro and unless the XL wows me in person I'll just pick one of these up. They are going to sell it for 30 bucks, claim a 3x battery life and it works as another "shell" for your 3DS. Their extended battery worked wonders for my 3DS and it seems a lot cheaper then getting the "gamestop discount" on trading up to the next big thing. I am a lot more excited for this thing then I am the XL. :p

I too, plan on getting that. Especially since there are going to be more CCP-compatible games coming out.

[kupomogli]

The only thing I don't like about the circle pad pro and that Nyko circle pad pro add on(although the Nyko one does look pretty sleek,) is that you have a few inches jutting out of the side of the console, making a handheld with already poor ergonomics, even more poor. In order to get to the face buttons, you need to have your fingers go past the right analog a few inches and then to the buttons.

Instead of garnishing more sales by releasing the XL and then later the guaranteed dual analog 3DS, they should have just did the XL with the dual analog instead and just manufacture all current 3DS' to have dual analog. Continuing to not making a dual analog 3DS is doing nothing more than, that's right, having Nintendo 3DS owners pay $20 for Nintendo's own second analog, something that probably cost them pennies per unit to develop. The XL will probably get its own version of the second analog, getting more sales from those users, and then some time down the road when Nintendo thinks they've milked their fanbase enough, they'll release the 3DS Dual Analog version and then a year later, 3DS Dual Analog version XL.

New it was going to happen, but when they said they weren't going to release a revision, it made me think it was going to be atleast another year. Didn't think it was going to be this soon. Just another reason to add to the very long list of reasons as to why Nintendo is my least favorite gaming company.

[Leo_A]

The closest things I think you'll be able to find that Nintendo said were usual pr lines like "we don't comment on rumors and speculations", we have "nothing to officially announce at this time", or that "we don't have any immediate plans" to release a revision. I don't think you're going to find any statements that ever said Nintendo was never going to release a revision or that a revision was several years down the road.

Everyone knew this was coming. Anyone that's upset about it is just being foolish. And heck, it's happening right about the same time in the 3DS lifecycle as the DS Lite the last time around. And anyone that buys this not especting an improved revision a year or two down the road is equally foolish. There's going to be a Super 3DS and a Super 3DSXL down the road I'm sure.

The only way to avoid this problem is to wait until the bitter end. 4 or 5 years of being able to enjoy games for a platform before its commercial life has ended seems like a fair trade off to buying an earlier iteration of a handheld. And it's not like the earlier portions of the previous two handheld generations where the screens were significantly improved upon later on. The 3DS screen is bright, vibrant, sharp, and had minimum motion blurring right out of the box.

A bigger screen, while nice, isn't going to suddenly make the experience on the current 3DS markebly inferior to that of this revision. In fact I predict that some are going to prefer the existing system for its smaller form factor and lighter weight.

[frogofdeath]

Don't currently own a 3DS, but probably will buy the "classic" model either way. My only disappointment with this announcement is the already mentioned lack of a second analog stick, but oh well.


The no AC thing is strange, but if they include a USB that it can charge with, that's fine.
Actually, the article says the no AC is Japan only. Strange yes, but guessing most on these boards won't be impacted.



Yes, we all knew, but it's only been one year.

Nintendo clearly has the most loyal fans. When the company screws you over time and time again and you still take it, you've got some major loyalty to that company.
I understand people's frustration, but Nintendo isn't screwing anyone over here. They are revising their product, while still selling the original at a cheaper price. Companies do this all the time. Already mentioned, videogame consoles get revised with a "slim" version. Apple releases a new iPod/iPad/iPhone almost yearly (maybe more regularly?). I'm sure people complain about that too, but oh well, it happens and there are plenty of loyal Apple fans. While not exactly the same, car companies do the same thing: release a new model, with minor improvements each year. Loyal car buyers keep returning to the same auto company when they need a new car. This isn't just a Nintendo thing, all industrial-type companies partake in this practice to some degree or another.

[dgdgagdae]

...I like the physical start/home/select buttons (hate those pressure bubbles on the 3DS).

I didn't notice this (the original link won't open for me), but you can see it in the Kotaku pictures. YES! I hate the stupid Start/Select/Home buttons on the 3DS. I love my DSi XL, so I'll probably sell my 3DS and pick up the 3DS XL when it comes out.

[heybtbm]

There will be an AC adapter. I'll bet something got lost in translation at Kotaku. There won't be an AC dock included with XL. Does that make a little more sense?

Also...red or blue only? No thanks. I'll wait for an "adult" color (who the XL line was originally intended for).

Edit: stupid phone typing.

[Rob2600]

Aussie2B, Leo_A, and frogofdeath, you should know by now that logic has no place in a kupomogli thread.

[RPG_Fanatic]

I know I'll be getting one. I've been hoping they would bring out an XL version, glad I waited to get a 3DS.

[PapaStu]

Why is everyone harping on the lack a second analog stick? How many games support/need the second stick add-on that currently exists in the US? One? Where does one even buy the add on stick? GameStop (if they've got it in) as they're the exclusive seller or online via Nintendo's store.

I'm more curious about battery life. I'd guess that the LL battery is going to be about as good as what we've got on our 3DS's right now.

[Frankie_Says_Relax]

Why is everyone harping on the lack a second analog stick? How many games support/need the second stick add-on that currently exists in the US? One? Where does one even buy the add on stick? GameStop (if they've got it in) as they're the exclusive seller or online via Nintendo's store.

I'm more curious about battery life. I'd guess that the LL battery is going to be about as good as what we've got on our 3DS's right now.

While I 100% agree about the perceived need for a 2nd analog stick, it is fair to mention that Nintendo added software "patching" with their latest 3DS firmware update, so, if companies wanted to ADD circle pad functionality to existing software, I believe the door is indeed open.

Of course, even then, the likelihood of any developer revisiting a completed project to add something like 2nd analog functionality is pretty slim.

[kupomogli]

The closest things I think you'll be able to find that Nintendo said were usual pr lines like "we don't comment on rumors and speculations", we have "nothing to officially announce at this time", or that "we don't have any immediate plans" to release a revision.

Like I previously posted, and what every other news site has gathered, is that a week ago Miyamoto said outright that they're not working on another version of the 3DS, that they're spending their money working on a future handheld because the 3DS as it is is the best handheld this generation. This is one week before the 3DS XL was announced, and I'm damn sure that Nintendo gave a specific "no," prior to this as well, not just their usual "we don't comment on rumors and speculation" like before the Wii U was officially announced, etc. Nintendo is up there giving a no to everyone on the release of another revision prior to the 3DS XL, regardless if it's a week before or a year before since I can't find the other sources, doesn't matter, it's still said.

[substantial_snake]

Why is everyone harping on the lack a second analog stick? How many games support/need the second stick add-on that currently exists in the US? One? Where does one even buy the add on stick? GameStop (if they've got it in) as they're the exclusive seller or online via Nintendo's store.

I'm more curious about battery life. I'd guess that the LL battery is going to be about as good as what we've got on our 3DS's right now.

Because practically every game I've been really interested in on the 3DS uses it to avoid the same problems faced with the PSP only having one analog stick. That and using a gyroscope as a aiming/camera function on a console with a small 3D window makes no sense as it forces you to either chose one or the other..or you can just have a second analog stick and another pair of shoulder buttons. Primarily 3D graphics bases consoles have done the single stick thing before, it doesn't mean that its a good idea.

Games that Currently or Soon will use it:
Ace Combat: Assault Horizon Legacy
Kid Icarus: Uprising
Kingdom Hearts 3D
Metal Gear Solid : Snake Eater 3D
Monster Hunter 3 tri G
Resident Evil Revelations

As its reported now the LL only has an increase of 30 minutes with 3DS games and 1-2 hours with DS games.

Also unless something has changed in the last few hours the only colors initially coming to the states are the blue/black and red/black for the LL so...yay for that.


I too, plan on getting that. Especially since there are going to be more CCP-compatible games coming out.

My only concern with the Nyko CCP is weather it will be as precise as Nintendo's own offering just due to the history of 3rd party manufactures trying to copy first party enhancements. However outside of that I am really looking forward to it, it also add a good bit of heft to the bottom of the system from the shots on their site. The 3DS's dpad placement and overall thinness make my hands cramp up really fast on the stock units unfortunately.

[j_factor]

Why is everyone harping on the lack a second analog stick? How many games support/need the second stick add-on that currently exists in the US? One?

If they started including a second analog stick as standard, even if only in the XL for now, you can bet your ass that more games would start supporting it.

[JSoup]

Ha, I new if I waited long enough there would be an XL version. Guess I'll be getting a 3DS this year.

[Leo_A]

Like I previously posted, and what every other news site has gathered, is that a week ago Miyamoto said outright that they're not working on another version of the 3DS...

This is what was stated:

“I really feel like I’m satisfied with the 3DS hardware as it is. I feel like it’s the best for this generation. What we’re thinking about right now is probably going to be for a future generation of handheld.”

You could still intepret this as not being in direct violation of that. You could argue that he's stating that they don't intend to add additional functionality in the future to the 3DS and that they're happy with its current feature set. No integrated second analog slider, no widescreen and 3D in the future for the touch screen, no significant enhancements like the DS recieved when it saw onboard storage, increased internet capabilities, and digital distribution added, etc.

I don't see anything there that says there won't be a new 3DS model. Just that every 3DS will have the same functionality as all the others. That seems to hold true with the 3DSXL.

Still, I'll grant you that it's somewhat misleading.

[Orion Pimpdaddy]

Yeah, it's probably a bad idea to organize your system-buying around statements made by a company. Besides, if you just got a 3DS, why not just enjoy it and not bother getting the bigger one for a while? At least you didn't pay $250 for yours like I did on launch day.

[Ninga64]

"Deleted"

[dairugger]

i bought mine on launch day also for full price and will be getting this also, i love my 3ds but the small screen sucks, especially after playing my vita. i wonder how the games will look.. ds games will propably look awful tho..

i agree with the decision not to include a 2nd stick tho, even though id love one it would fracture the market and would be a disaster... unless they made the games detect if it had one and use it otherwise u could use the touch screen for that... hard to say.

[PapaStu]

Because practically every game I've been really interested in on the 3DS uses it to avoid the same problems faced with the PSP only having one analog stick. That and using a gyroscope as a aiming/camera function on a console with a small 3D window makes no sense as it forces you to either chose one or the other..or you can just have a second analog stick and another pair of shoulder buttons. Primarily 3D graphics bases consoles have done the single stick thing before, it doesn't mean that its a good idea.

Games that Currently or Soon will use it:
Ace Combat: Assault Horizon Legacy
Kid Icarus: Uprising
Kingdom Hearts 3D
Metal Gear Solid : Snake Eater 3D
Monster Hunter 3 tri G
Resident Evil Revelations



I count 4 US released games in that list, as of right now 4 of ~120 3DS games out there really isn't a justifiable reason to make the stick mandatory. I don't disagree that 3D games benefit from dual stick controls, but other than a handful of DS games that could have REALLY used any stick let alone two (Mario 64 DS for one desperately needed something better than it got) I've not really run into all that many issues w/ the single stick so far with any of my 3DS games and I own over 50 as of right now.


If they started including a second analog stick as standard, even if only in the XL for now, you can bet your ass that more games would start supporting it.

Nintendo isn't going to include the stick if THEY don't have a swath of shit already ready for it, that it needs to 'play' properly. They aren't just going to add the stick and hope that developers start to use it in some fashion that really expands gaming on the 3DS, that is not how Nintendo rolls.

[Leo_A]

i agree with the decision not to include a 2nd stick tho, even though id love one it would fracture the market and would be a disaster... unless they made the games detect if it had one and use it otherwise u could use the touch screen for that... hard to say.

There is zero risk that it would split the market. It's not complicated for a developer to support the standard 3DS and a dual analog 3DS at the same time.

We're talking about control mapping here, not rocket science.

[RCM]

I'm surprised they didn't add a second stick/circle pad, bummer. I was assuming the 3ds xl was going to be an alternative to a second wii u pad, and guess it still could be, but they'd need to release a circle pad add on for that too.

And this thing is going to be $200 plus an ac adapter (possibly)? Fuck you, Nintendo. Vita has a shit library, but at least Sony got the design right the first time. It's totally unacceptable for Nintendo to continue releasing flawed portables. Get it right the first time with the next handheld, if there is one.

[substantial_snake]

I count 4 US released games in that list, as of right now 4 of ~120 3DS games out there really isn't a justifiable reason to make the stick mandatory. I don't disagree that 3D games benefit from dual stick controls, but other than a handful of DS games that could have REALLY used any stick let alone two (Mario 64 DS for one desperately needed something better than it got) I've not really run into all that many issues w/ the single stick so far with any of my 3DS games and I own over 50 as of right now.

With its emphasis on polygonal graphics the 3DS is going to run into more issues down the line in the same way the PSP and its single stick. The fact that the Circle Pad Pro exists and is used by capcom, konami, and namco on their big franchise entries on the 3DS is testament enough to that. I don't think its necessary to have twin sticks but having the option for games that regularly do use twin stick controls helps those games that use it and won't hinders those that don't. Nintendo screwed up releasing its handheld without them and now after making a perferal to add twin sticks, making a new model without that functionality just seems foolish and decreases the LLs its value to me.

[Leo_A]

What I think I'd like even more than a second analog slider would be an actual analog stick. While the slider is lightyears ahead of what Sony used on its various PSP models (Which was so bad that I largely stuck with games that relied on the d-pad), I still was hoping the first revision would incorporate a true analog stick.

At least the Wii U gamepad changed.

[c0ldb33r]

Regarding the lack of a second analog stick:

http://s6.postimage.org/t2u4trowx/tumblr_lh3d85nao11qawy2v.jpg (http://postimage.org/)

If the battery life is improved I'll definately pick one up once there's a new bundle or something.

[Damaramu]

Kotaku is saying that the AC adapter will not be included with the Japanese release of the 3DS XL but will be in North America

http://kotaku.com/5920420/nintendo-announces-a-new-bigger-3ds

[duffmanth]

I've officially lost count of how many Gameboys Nintendo has released over the last decade or so. Meanwhile Sony releases 3 handhelds over the last 7 years.

[BetaWolf47]

If it's anything like DS redesigns, count me out. The DS Lite was the worst quality handheld Nintendo has ever released. I got my DS Lite in 2008, long after the cracked hinges and bad shoulder button issues were supposed to be resolved, and I still have those issues. It's a special edition DS Lite as well. Still angry that Nintendo would greenlight something that crappy.

It's also annoying that this is just mainly a larger version of it, and not an actual redesign. They could've put the dpad in a better position, and gave it a mini analog stick like the Vita's sticks, and kept it around the same size, and it would have been better than this.

I've officially lost count of how many Gameboys Nintendo has released over the last decade or so. Meanwhile Sony releases 3 handhelds over the last 7 years.
Speaking of losing count, Sony has release five handhelds over the past 7 years. It's the same for both companies currently: 4 versions of last-gen hardware, one version of current-gen hardware. You know a PSVita 2000 is coming, though.

[Gamereviewgod]

They can't fracture the install base with a second stick. It's the same reason none of the PSP revisions had a second stick.

The Circle Pad Pro is an optional add-on, no different than, say, a light gun now. Developers still have to consider those w/o the CCP. Add it directly to the hardware and suddenly they can release games only for the XL.

You could also compare this to the Xbox 360 and the hard drive. Some have it, some don't. Start requiring the majority of owners to have one, and you've lost a substantial base of consumers who are already in place.

[kupomogli]

They can't fracture the install base with a second stick. It's the same reason none of the PSP revisions had a second stick.

The Circle Pad Pro is an optional add-on, no different than, say, a light gun now. Developers still have to consider those w/o the CCP. Add it directly to the hardware and suddenly they can release games only for the XL.

You could also compare this to the Xbox 360 and the hard drive. Some have it, some don't. Start requiring the majority of owners to have one, and you've lost a substantial base of consumers who are already in place.

The games don't need to utilize the second stick, but for those developers who configure an option control scheme for a 3DS with a second analog stick could, just like how there are already games that do so with the second stick add on.

[Trebuken]

I liked the bigger screen on the original XL and I bet I will like this as well. Extra battery life is a nice perk as well. I'm sold.

I suspect there will be even another iteration of the 3DS before all is said and done.

There does not seem to be anything to complain about here. This was completely predictable.

All console/handheld makers have adopted policies of denying and/or hiding launch dates for their systems as a means of protecting the sale of systems that are currently in stores. Historically when systems are announced early people sit back and wait for them instead of buying the current system. This is why the next Xbox and Playstation systems were not mentioned at E3 and likely will not be announced until next E3.

[swlovinist]

SO I am one of those who sat on the fence about both the Vita and 3DS. I also have been thinking about getting a DSIXL for my DS library. Now I will not bother and get this system this next year. For me, it is simple. I am looking for a system that I can play while my wife is watching something I do not care about. I passed on the 3DS due to price and lack of great launch games. I will just wait for this and be merry. I agree with others and dont see what the big fuss is about. Nintendo will offer the orginal as well for those that want a smaller portable version. I am not in that camp. One thing about this is for sure...it puts Nintendo in a good position with their portable offering two different options. This is great news.

[Leo_A]

Kupomogli was actually correct. Instead of just looking at selected quotes, I went to the original source for that quote (IGN). Miyamoto was specifically asked about the possibility of a 3DSXL and all but denied it with that answer.

Not the greatest way to handle things. Can't help but wonder if the intepreter slightly stumbled.



Speaking of losing count, Sony has release five handhelds over the past 7 years. It's the same for both companies currently: 4 versions of last-gen hardware, one version of current-gen hardware. You know a PSVita 2000 is coming, though.

Actually the count is 5 for last generation hardware and two versions of their current generation hardware.. There is the PSP1000, 2000, 3000, Go, and the E1000 budget model. Don't think the newest one has made it to our shores yet or if it ever will though.

And Sony started out on day 1 with two different models of their newest handheld.


They can't fracture the install base with a second stick. It's the same reason none of the PSP revisions had a second stick.

The Circle Pad Pro is an optional add-on, no different than, say, a light gun now. Developers still have to consider those w/o the CCP. Add it directly to the hardware and suddenly they can release games only for the XL.

A second analog stick isn't going to fracture the install base. Developers can easily support both options. And I doubt if Nintendo even would have to mandate support for non Circle Pad Pro equiped single stick 3DS's.

There are millions of these things out there, no publisher in their right mind is going to want to give up a huge percentage of the platform's install base by mandating their game only be played on a revision of the original hardware.

I wish people would stop claiming such. We're just talking about a second analog slider here, I don't know why people want to make this possibility seem far more convoluted than it actually would be. The situation if it did happen would be far more like the introduction of 6 button pads for the Genesis than anything else.

Incorporating a second analog slider in a 3DS revision would have zero negative effect on existing 3DS owners and would benefit those that buy one.

[klausien]

My question is, can I transfer all of my downloaded content to this new 3DS? If not, I may just get rid of the system altogether.

Like many others, my eyes have gotten worse as I've gotten older. The screen size has been an issue for me. I would play my 3DS more if it wasn't so hard on my eyes. I ultimately chose the 3DS over the DSiXL because of the new content factor, so this 3DSXL is a slap in the face.

I don't have a problem with a company like Nintendo making money, and I am a devotee of their iconic characters, but this revision releasing so soon after the original totally sucks. Despite the Ambassador program apology, this early adopter feels that he has been burned twice in less than a year. My 3DS also has that lovely defect where the border of the bottom screen impresses lines in the top screen, so make that thrice.

I thoroughly enjoyed Super Mario 3D Land and have spent hours playing Ridge Racer and StarFox (which are remakes), but I wish I had waited.

[JSoup]

My question is, can I transfer all of my downloaded content to this new 3DS? If not, I may just get rid of the system altogether.

As I understand, all your DLC stuffs are attached to your account/friend code, so it shouldn't be much more trouble than moving DLC from one Wii to another is.

[PapaStu]

As I understand, all your DLC stuffs are attached to your account/friend code, so it shouldn't be much more trouble than moving DLC from one Wii to another is.

Moving Wii content from one Wii to another is a HUGE hassle. Nintendo doesn't like/want you to do that at all. It involves calls the the Nintendo help line and sacrifices to the digital gods.

Having a 3DS however, I believe that you can save the games to the memory stick and just swap them across to the new system. I'll have to experiment with mine, as it's something i've not looked into or worried about.

[Rickstilwell1]

Not having a second stick doesn't bother me with 3DS games because the gyroscope solves that. Where a 2nd stick or gyroscope functionality could have come in handy are some of the original DS games like Goldeneye 007 where you had to use the touch screen to aim. Now that was terrible. "Wait, shoot at me slower, I need to aim with the touch screen first before I can fire"

[Tupin]

Not having a second stick doesn't bother me with 3DS games because the gyroscope solves that. Where a 2nd stick or gyroscope functionality could have come in handy are some of the original DS games like Goldeneye 007 where you had to use the touch screen to aim. Now that was terrible. "Wait, shoot at me slower, I need to aim with the touch screen first before I can fire"
There was a Goldeneye on the DS? Oh, you mean that horrible one by Activision that everyone thought was going to be amazing because it was called Goldeneye, but it was crap.

Dementium and Moon did first person on the DS right, but having a gyroscope does make it a lot better.

Speaking of which, the Kingdom Hearts 3D demo is great, but has no support for the CPP, unlike the full game. Why?

[dgdgagdae]

Having a 3DS however, I believe that you can save the games to the memory stick and just swap them across to the new system. I'll have to experiment with mine, as it's something i've not looked into or worried about.

It looks like Nintendo has provided a way to do this:

http://www.gamesradar.com/transfer-all-your-data-one-3ds-another/

[Leo_A]

They haven't provided a way to do that.

The transfer takes place utilizing the WiFi features of both handhelds (Or if you want to transfer DSi content to another DSi or to a 3DS). You can't stick all your content on to a memory card and just insert it into another system.

Thankfully, they've confirmed that the Wii U will have an account based system like Sony and Microsoft use. This transfer function for their handhelds is useless for the consumer if they're trying to retrieve their content on a new system after the old one failed.

[BetaWolf47]

Redesign or not, I think 3DS needs to get better games before I'll get one. Better hope you can live off of Mario games and fighting games if you get one now.

[Leo_A]

A steady supply of Nintendo releases is enough for me. Mario Kart 7, Super Mario Land 3D, Pilotwings, New Super Mario Brothers 2, Ocarina of Time 3D. Paper Mario, Luigi's Mansion 2, etc.

I could easily enjoy the heck out of this platform at this rate and never buy a single non Nintendo published title. I just hope it keeps up until a successor nears, unlike several dry years from Nintendo before the DS was finally replaced.

The occasional nice 3rd party release is just icing on the cake at the rate Nintendo is releasing quality 1st party projects for this platform.

[Press_Start]

Redesign or not, I think 3DS needs to get better games before I'll get one. Better hope you can live off of Mario games and fighting games if you get one now.

Kid Icarus Uprising
Resident Evil Revelations
Kingdom Hearts 3D
Fire Emblem: Awakening
Epic Mickey: Power of Illusion
Professor Layton: Mask of Miracles
Luigi's Mansion Dark Moon
Heroes of Ruin
Bravery Default: Flying Fairy
Code of Princess
Super Smash Bros
Zero Escape: Virtue's Last Stand
Devil Survivor Overclocked
Tales of the Abyss
Paper Mario: Sticker Star
UnchainedBlades Rexx
Spirit Camera
Castlevania: Mirror of Fate
Theatrhythm Final Fantasy
Rhythm Thief and the Emperor's Treasure
Harvest Moon: The Tale of Two Towns
Adventure Time: Hey Ice King! Why'd You Steal Our Garbage?!
Sonic Generations
Cave Story 3D
Tetris Axis
Nano Assault
Project X Zone
Devil Summoner: Soul Hackers

....and notice how I didn't mention New Super Mario Bros 2.

So, I don't know if you're still relying on the same information from March 2011 or you swapped brains with kupo, but the 3DS has good games. And there are still more games coming down the pike going 3 months into the handheld's 2nd year. If they're not up to your personal likings, well there's always next year. :)

[Gameguy]

I haven't looked up most of those games but Spirit Camera has horrible reviews and that's one of the few games I was interested in. It's supposed to work by placing ghosts in your own home using the built in camera, but it only works in well lit areas so you can't have a proper atmosphere for the story. There were other problems with it too but I can't remember the specifics at the moment.

I'm not really surprised about this new 3DS version coming out, it's like the GBA SP which came out less than 2 years after the first GBA came out. I'll most likely wait until I can find a 3DS for under $30 before I get one.

[JSoup]

Moving Wii content from one Wii to another is a HUGE hassle. Nintendo doesn't like/want you to do that at all. It involves calls the the Nintendo help line and sacrifices to the digital gods.

Since I tend to consider most of this forums users to be pretty damn knowledgeable about games stuffs, I find my self assuming that most of the Wii owners around here are smart enough to have a modded Wii. With which moving content between Wiis is as simple as moving an SD card.

[kupomogli]

Why do people list games that they clearly haven't even played when making a "reasons to buy x system."

Fire Emblem Awakening. Isn't out in the US. Epic Mickey, Professor Layton, Luigi's Mansion, Heroes of Ruin(which I am interested in,) Bravely Default, etc, etc, aren't even out yet. Over half of that list isn't even out yet in any region, meaning there's no possible way you would have played them and they could potentially be amazing or suck total ass, either or. When judging whether a system has good games or not, you're usually going to base your opinion on games that are out and you've actually played. A lot of people don't. They add other games that haven't even been released to the system to buff up the numbers. Adding games that aren't even out is just admitting the system doesn't have enough good games currently to list those and only those.

Other than Mario Kart 7, there's nothing original on the 3DS that's a must own title, except maybe Revelations, which while owning the game, I've only played the demo. From what I've heard it's a lot better than the demo, and playing as Jill is survival horror and Chris is never run out of ammo shoot everything that moves style. It's only an opinion and others may differ, or games that'd be purchased based on hype and opinion is mostly based on the feeling that they spent $40-50 dollars on the game. Just like the Vita, the 3DS has hardly any good games. Fact(based on personal opinion.)

[Leo_A]

I listed three games that are presently unreleased because they're essentially guaranteed to be successes and are due during the second half of this year. They're all sequels from the best developer in the business in known franchises. The chances of any of the three being less than successful is slim.

If someone enjoyed the first two NSMB games, for instance, I don't see what the harm is in listing NSMB2 as one of just several major examples of popular 1st party releases that can keep a 3DS owner busy almost exclusively now or in the near future without even playing any software from other publishers.

When a single publisher can keep me happy with already released titles and multiple games in the pipeline for the next few months, I see little reason to complain about the software library. And it's not like the 3DS is devoid of quality 3rd party releases either. Furthermore, as the 3DS continues to gain popularity (Which it seems to be quickly doing after a seemingly slow start out of the gate), the situation is just going to improve where quality 3rd party releases are concerned.

The software library is the biggest thing the 3DS has going for it in my opinion.

[dgdgagdae]

They haven't provided a way to do that.

The transfer takes place utilizing the WiFi features of both handhelds (Or if you want to transfer DSi content to another DSi or to a 3DS). You can't stick all your content on to a memory card and just insert it into another system.

Thankfully, they've confirmed that the Wii U will have an account based system like Sony and Microsoft use. This transfer function for their handhelds is useless for the consumer if they're trying to retrieve their content on a new system after the old one failed.

I could be mistaken, but I think the question was about transferring downloaded titles from one working 3DS to a replacement 3DS XL. In which case, there is a Nintendo provided solution.

[Kitsune Sniper]

There will be an AC adapter. I'll bet something got lost in translation at Kotaku. There won't be an AC dock included with XL. Does that make a little more sense?

Also...red or blue only? No thanks. I'll wait for an "adult" color (who the XL line was originally intended for).

Edit: stupid phone typing.

If it uses a USB cable to charge then most USB charge adaptors should work fine with it.

[Leo_A]

I could be mistaken, but I think the question was about transferring downloaded titles from one working 3DS to a replacement 3DS XL. In which case, there is a Nintendo provided solution.

He quoted someone that said he believed that you could simply swap a SD card into another system to bring your DLC over to another and verified it as true.

That's not the case though to get your DLC working on a different 3DS.

[Gunstar Hero]

Glad I waited, yet again. I will buy this after it has its first price drop, unless a dual analog version is announced at that time, then I will wait for that.

Same for me its like freakin endless waiting for Nintendo... When they add the second analog stick then I'll see about wastin' $200.

[Bojay1997]

I'm sorry, but anyone who is upset by this is being completely ridiculous. Nintendo is not your friend and it doesn't owe you anything. Nintendo is a corporation just like Sony and Microsoft. All of them care about one thing and one thing alone, making money. Sony puts out new model televisions every single year. The only reason they haven't released tons of PSP revisions is that there isn't demand for them, not because they care about consumers. Apple releases new computer and iPad/iPhone models almost every year. If you buy one of this years' models, I guarantee the model being sold next year will have slightly better features for roughly the same price.

The 3DS has been out for over a year now. That's a full year of some great gaming. You can wait forever and worry about what Nintendo or Apple or Sony might have up their sleeves or you can actually enjoy the products now and not be so concerned about what improvements might be made in the future. Heck, you can always trade in or sell your older product and at least cover some of the cost of the new model if you absolutely can't live without the newest and biggest thing.

[RCM]

I'm sorry, but anyone who is upset by this is being completely ridiculous. Nintendo is not your friend and it doesn't owe you anything. Nintendo is a corporation just like Sony and Microsoft. All of them care about one thing and one thing alone, making money. Sony puts out new model televisions every single year. The only reason they haven't released tons of PSP revisions is that there isn't demand for them, not because they care about consumers. Apple releases new computer and iPad/iPhone models almost every year. If you buy one of this years' models, I guarantee the model being sold next year will have slightly better features for roughly the same price.

The 3DS has been out for over a year now. That's a full year of some great gaming. You can wait forever and worry about what Nintendo or Apple or Sony might have up their sleeves or you can actually enjoy the products now and not be so concerned about what improvements might be made in the future. Heck, you can always trade in or sell your older product and at least cover some of the cost of the new model if you absolutely can't live without the newest and biggest thing.

I can't speak for anyone else, but it's supremely annoying to know Nintendo would rather push out an "acceptable" product vs. Apple's "market leading/defining" portables. I love GBA, but it took until the very end of its life cycle for Nintendo to really get that system right. especially in terms of its screen. The same can be said about the DS line and now 3DS, generally speaking. I don't think it's lost on anyone here that Nintendo operates to make money, but it's fucking 2012, get your product right the first time so early adopters don't feel like complete fucking assholes when they support you.

Some folks obviously don't feel that way and I'm not entirely sure why.

[Bojay1997]

I can't speak for anyone else, but it's supremely annoying to know Nintendo would rather push out an "acceptable" product vs. Apple's "market leading/defining" portables. I love GBA, but it took until the very end of its life cycle for Nintendo to really get that system right. especially in terms of its screen. The same can be said about the DS line and now 3DS, generally speaking. I don't think it's lost on anyone here that Nintendo operates to make money, but it's fucking 2012, get your product right the first time so early adopters don't feel like complete fucking assholes when they support you.

Some folks obviously don't feel that way and I'm not entirely sure why.

Apple has pushed out more than their share of imperfect products over the years and they regularly update and upgrade. Should I be upset that my Macbook Pro purchased new six months ago can't display in Retina display resolution? Of course not. It's a feature they added and if I want it, I can always buy the new one. It doesn't impact my ability to enjoy my current Macbook Pro any less. Nintendo is unlikely to stop selling the regular 3DS, just like they continued to sell the DSLite, DSi and DSXL and even the 3DS all at the same time. Having a larger screen is not about Nintendo "getting it right", it's about Nintendo giving buyers more options and generating more profit in the process.

[Frankie_Says_Relax]

I can't speak for anyone else, but it's supremely annoying to know Nintendo would rather push out an "acceptable" product...

It is indeed annoying, but it's tough to argue with the fact that all of their portables have sold tremendously, in some cases dominating and monopolizing the market space for years despite their technical limitations/flaws even in the face of arguably technologically superior product.

So, if you ask Nintendo the question "why don't you engineer your product more so you launch with something more refined?" the answer based on historical data would likely be "We really don't need to, people usually buy and enjoy our product in whatever state we release it ... and then they re-buy or upgrade when we release an improved model".

And, really, as Bojay pointed out, that's pretty standard fare for most similar industries. There's a segment of the public that will always buy "this years model" regardless of how insignificant the improvements are.

Personally, I don't think the original 3DS was any great offender. Other than some slightly wonky aesthetics, it's light-years better than previous first iterations that they've done.

[RCM]

Apple has pushed out more than their share of imperfect products over the years and they regularly update and upgrade. Should I be upset that my Macbook Pro purchased new six months ago can't display in Retina display resolution? Of course not. It's a feature they added and if I want it, I can always buy the new one. It doesn't impact my ability to enjoy my current Macbook Pro any less. Nintendo is unlikely to stop selling the regular 3DS, just like they continued to sell the DSLite, DSi and DSXL and even the 3DS all at the same time. Having a larger screen is not about Nintendo "getting it right", it's about Nintendo giving buyers more options and generating more profit in the process.

While your older Macbook now has an inferior screen it wasn't substandard upon release like many Nintendo portables from the past decade. I'm sure Apple doesn't have a perfect record, but they're extremely solid within the context of smartphones and tablets. I have an iPad 2 and have no interest in the latest version since Apple released a product with few shortcomings to begin with. It's tough to make the same claim about Nintendo portables, and GBA is probably my favorite portable device, period. It's just a shitty practice, and their competitors (especially Apple) are clearly taking a different route. More than that, the competition is winning in terms of market share. That is, if you believe Apple and Google are competitors.


It is indeed annoying, but it's tough to argue with the fact that all of their portables have sold tremendously, in some cases dominating and monopolizing the market space for years despite their technical limitations/flaws even in the face of arguably technologically superior product.

So, if you ask Nintendo the question "why don't you engineer your product more so you launch with something more refined?" the answer based on historical data would likely be "We really don't need to, people usually buy and enjoy our product in whatever state we release it ... and then they re-buy or upgrade when we release an improved model".

And, really, as Bojay pointed out, that's pretty standard fare for most similar industries. There's a segment of the public that will always buy "this years model" regardless of how insignificant the improvements are.

Personally, I don't think the original 3DS was any great offender. Other than some slightly wonky aesthetics, it's light-years better than previous first iterations that they've done.

Nintendo is up against fierce competition where the tech is fairly cutting edge and the prices for software are remarkably consumer-friendly. What worked in the past doesn't seem to be working as well in the present.

[Frankie_Says_Relax]

Nintendo is up against fierce competition where the tech is fairly cutting edge and the prices for software are remarkably consumer-friendly. What worked in the past doesn't seem to be working as well in the present.

Yup. I completely agree, the marketplace has dynamically changed.

We've discussed our feelings about the impact of smartphone gaming IRL and I know we're on the same page.

But, ya know, with this, it's Nintendo.

They're always the most resistant to acknowledge the significance/importance/impactfulness of anything outside of their own current hardware/software development & marketing strategies.

Sometimes it works for them. Most times it does. This might be the time it doesn't ... it's a wait and see really. I don't think that things will ever be the same as they were prior to iOS and Android entering the fray, but as an enthusiast I'll take what I can get while the gettin' is still there to even get from Nintendo and Sony in terms of traditional portable gaming.

[Bojay1997]

While your older Macbook now has an inferior screen it wasn't substandard upon release like many Nintendo portables from the past decade. I'm sure Apple doesn't have a perfect record, but they're extremely solid within the context of smartphones and tablets. I have an iPad 2 and have no interest in the latest version since Apple released a product with few shortcomings to begin with. It's tough to make the same claim about Nintendo portables, and GBA is probably my favorite portable device, period. It's just a shitty practice, and their competitors (especially Apple) are clearly taking a different route. More than that, the competition is winning in terms of market share. That is, if you believe Apple and Google are competitors.



Nintendo is up against fierce competition where the tech is fairly cutting edge and the prices for software are remarkably consumer-friendly. What worked in the past doesn't seem to be working as well in the present.

Well, I have lots of friends who are not so happy about the fact that unless you have an iPhone 4S or an iPad 2 or newer, iOS 6 either won't work at all or will have more limited functionality. I just recently got the new iPad, so I am well aware of its charms. Of course, a new iPad is a minimum of a $500 device plus you are locked into Apple's store system guaranteeing them even more revenue. Sure, the software is cheaper, (although on the gaming side it also seems to have a lot less depth - I haven't yet found a game on the iPad that I would sink 10-20 hours into like some on the 3DS and DS before that) but the hardware is at least 2.5X the cost and that doesn't even factor in things everyone buys like cases, screen protectors, and other peripherals.

Yes, the iPhone and iPad have always been polished, but Apple is taking an increasingly aggressive approach to forcing people to updgrade their hardware if they want the current software to work. That's very different than the old days when I kept my G4 working for almost a decade and Apple kept supporting the older OSX versions.

The 3DS seems pretty polished to me. This is just a larger screen for people that want it. The hardware is unchanged other than that and all 3DS games work with the new XL. So, please explain to me how this in any way impacts you as a user and why this is a terrible thing that Nintendo is doing to you?

[RCM]

So, please explain to me how this in any way impacts you as a user and why this is a terrible thing that Nintendo is doing to you?

I never said it was a terrible thing. Living with AIDS and herpes on your face is a terrible thing... It's just a shitty practice that shouldn't be acceptable in today's market. Sony brought out a brilliant handheld in terms of tech and design for about the same price. Why can't Nintendo? Hell, why shouldn't Nintendo? It's 2012, where's my second analog stick? Where's my multi-touch screen?

I'm sick of being burned by Nintendo's substandard hardware, and in this generation the software hasn't really appealed to my interests either. I guess we can agree to disagree on this.

[Bojay1997]

I never said it was a terrible thing. Living with AIDS and herpes on your face is a terrible thing... It's just a shitty practice that shouldn't be acceptable in today's market. Sony brought out a brilliant handheld in terms of tech and design for about the same price. Why can't Nintendo? Hell, why shouldn't Nintendo? It's 2012, where's my second analog stick? Where's my multi-touch screen?

I'm sick of being burned by Nintendo's substandard hardware, and in this generation the software hasn't really appealed to my interests either. I guess we can agree to disagree on this.

So, your position is basically that the 3DS/XL should offer at $170/$200 what the Vita offers for $250? Essentially, your complaint is just a general anti-Nintendo attack and has nothing to do with this announcement at all, correct? My iPad doesn't have a stick. Does that mean I shouldn't ever buy another game for it? Does that mean the iPad is terrible for gaming? It's 2012? What was Apple thinking?

I agree with you that a second analog stick would have been nice and that the add-on is kind of jackbuilt and not super ergonomic, but it's not a mandatory item for a great handheld and it doesn't prevent me from enjoying the library of games I have on the 3DS. It also has nothing to with this particular revision which is simply a larger screen for $30 more than the regular model.

[RCM]

So, your position is basically that the 3DS/XL should offer at $170/$200 what the Vita offers for $250? Essentially, your complaint is just a general anti-Nintendo attack and has nothing to do with this announcement at all, correct? My iPad doesn't have a stick. Does that mean I shouldn't ever buy another game for it? Does that mean the iPad is terrible for gaming? It's 2012? What was Apple thinking?

I agree with you that a second analog stick would have been nice and that the add-on is kind of jackbuilt and not super ergonomic, but it's not a mandatory item for a great handheld and it doesn't prevent me from enjoying the library of games I have on the 3DS. It also has nothing to with this particular revision which is simply a larger screen for $30 more than the regular model.

3DS was $250, and if Nintendo had their way it would still be $250. It's not an anti-Nintendo attack, and if it is you must be a Nintendo apologist. But let's be real and acknowledge I'm not anti-Nintendo for the sake of being anti-Nintendo, and you're not an apologist for the Big N. I'm just giving credit where credit is due, and Nintendo undoubtedly can and should do better. They have a history of releasing substandard handheld hardware, and because of that I no longer support them out of the gate. I'm reasonably optimistic they will eventually get it right, and when they do I'll drop some cash and buy a 3DSi XLL or whatever it will be called.

[kupomogli]

stuff

Almost all of Nintendo's revisions on their handheld systems are all major revisions that more than likely get their fanbase to go out and purchase the later revision. Unless you want to get fucked over by Nintendo's practices, you either don't enjoy many of the games that are released on their systems and purchase only the very last revision to get the best deal, or you enjoy their systems and wait until a final revision so you can get the best version of the portable. It's bullshit. PC gamers pay less staying up to date than Nintendo fans do at enjoying Nintendo consoles.

If you were a PSP owner that owned a 1000, about the only revision that makes any major difference that you have to own to get the superior version was the PSP2000 or 3000. The 3000 has a microphone on the PSP. I must have it!!!! No. The tv out on the 2000 was all that mattered. While the Wonderswan and Neo Geo Pocket had Color versions like Nintendo did with the Gameboy Color, there are the Game Gear and Turbo Express Portable that offered the full experience without having to purchase a second revision. Sure both the Game Gear and Turbo Express Portable suck battery life harder than a porn star sucks a dick, but you didn't have to go out and purchase another portable to make up for the short comings of the one you originally purchased like every Nintendo portable ever.

[Tupin]

Sure both the Game Gear and Turbo Express Portable suck battery life harder than a porn star sucks a dick, but you didn't have to go out and purchase another portable to make up for the short comings of the one you originally purchased like every Nintendo portable ever.
So if a company puts out a horrible product, it's better for everyone to just use a piece of crap rather than bring a new one to market out of company pride/consumer trust? If this were true, all of Apple's mice would still be circular.