New Console Wii U or 3DS XL?

[slip81]

Hi all, been away from gaming for a while, but starting to get back into it again and looking to pick up a new system. I already have all the last gen stuff, PS3 Xbox, wii, dsi, and have no interest in the ps4 or xb1 right now, so I've narrowed it down to the wii u or 3ds, but can't decide which.

There are a number of games I dig for both, with the 3ds probably having a slight edge, so guess I'm asking which one everyone thinks will be better in the future. I like the multiplayer aspect of the wii u, but we usually only have our friends by once a week, and the portability of the ds doesn't matter because I won't have a need to travel with it. Mostly this system will be played by myself at home.

As far as genres go, for Nintendo system games I'm mostly into first party exclusives, platformers and RPG's.

[Leo_A]

Personally, I've enjoyed my Wii U more.

That said, the 3DS and whatever few New 3DS exclusives there may be and the Wii U likely both have a similar amount of life left where quality software is concerned. And I'm not only saying that because of all the rumors of their future direction with a merging of their two hardware lines, but also due to when they released and their current states of health.

The 3DS line will only see extended retail software support in comparison because it's more successful and is a viable market for budget releases in comparison to the Wii U. But most of it at the moment Nintendo changes their focus will be casual software that many gamers would view as shovelware.

So just as the Wii died back circa 2012 (if not earlier for many fans), so will the 3DS despite likely enjoying a slate of releases several years past whatever date the 3DS line is superseded in.

[The Adventurer]

I've loved having my 3DS XL for the last three years, upgrading to the New 3DS XL has also been a radical experience.

It has a TON of great games (and all those DS titles too). Games that have multiplayer, like Smash Bros and Monster Hunter 4, play great.

If you're into RPGs, it has a shit ton. Mostly from Atlus.




That all said... Wii U has become a really great platform over the last year.

But my heart is still with the 3DS.

[Tanooki]

In all fairness it's an easy answer if you look at everything in the big picture on the physical media side for both releases and releases to come. I think you're grossly mislabeling the 3DS as an extended life that is filled with shovelware and budget releases because you wouldn't say that if you looked at the games. If you're after RPGs, JRPGs really you have basically nothing to look forward to with the WiiU at all, it doesn't have them though Xenoblade is about semi-close as it will come. The 3DS isn't blowing out with a lot either but what is there is good stuff between the many Atlus releases, Xenoblade for New3DS in April, Tales of the Abyss and a few others.

The thing is, if you take fanboy behavior out of it, there's not much at all on the WiiU to buy and enjoy. Third parties dumped it and put them on an island of their own for leppers after about a year. Few if any will touch it. Look at what you have coming the rest of the year -- Starfox, maybe Zelda if not delays, Devils Third(3rd party), and that's nearly about it. You have to look back, and what you have are 90%+ Nintendo staples, and the few third party games are all ports of games that were out a year before they popped up elsewhere, or just ported better on the same hardware at the time. If you care at all about non-Nintendo releases, the WiiU sadly isn't for you, it's a Nintendo fanbox because that's all you'll really be playing, Nintendo games. The 3DS/New3DS has third party support and a huge library to look back upon, plus like WiiU it plays the prior hardware so that opens up the DS library which has a HUGE pile of JRPGs which you showed interest in too. With first party games there are a heap of them on the 3DS, the staples that hit the WiiU are there already too (many marios, mario party, mario golf, starfox, smash bros, mario kart, paper mario, luigis mansion, 3 zelda games, kid icarus, and more.)

[Leo_A]

I think you're grossly mislabeling the 3DS as an extended life that is filled with shovelware and budget releases because you wouldn't say that if you looked at the games.

Reread my post ;)


The thing is, if you take fanboy behavior out of it, there's not much at all on the WiiU to buy and enjoy.

One reason that your opinion of the Wii U has taken some flak at times around here, is that you seemingly forget that it's your opinion rather than a fact.

[Cornelius]

I think they are both great. The Wii U has a lot to offer. The real deciding factor I would think is if you want to play on your TV or not. Also, it isn't clear if you are aware, but be sure you know about the New 3DS vs 3DS. The New 3DS is going to have its own library, so at this point I'd recommend going that route if you choose the portable.

[ZP3]

Please don't listen to Tanooki about the Wii U. He has seemed to make it his life mission to bash it every where he goes. If you love Nintendo games, I cannot recommend the Wii U enough. Two great marios, Zelda WW HD, DKC Tropical Freeze, Zombie U, Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate, Mario Kart 8, Smash Bros, Pikmin 3, Nintendo Land, and more are all really good games. We also have Splatoon, Mario Maker, Star Fox, Devil's Third, Yoshi's Wooly World, Xenoblade X, and Zelda U to look forward to this year. Personally, I have had a lot of fun with my friends with this platform.

[Tanooki]

Reread my post ;)



One reason that your opinion of the Wii U has taken some flak at times around here, is that you seemingly forget that it's your opinion rather than a fact.

Prove me wrong then on the WiiU please. I'm just going by what is out there and what is still listed to come. Maybe Nintendo will extract its head from its ass this June and have some WiiU orgy blowout at E3 and I'll go back out and buy a new one. I doubt it, but if they do, great. I speak in terms that sound like I'm talking of fact, but it's opinion, yet it's based on the given facts that present themselves as any good opinion should. Take a peek at the Wii U library and be honest with yourselves (any of you.)

First, remove the Nintendo and Nintendo 2nd party games, what do you have left? Outdated ports, ports with sloppy conversion so there are framerate or other issues. Or you do about a year into it get honest ports of games where attention to detail was given like COD Ghosts and the Assassins Creed IV release, but which is great for existing owners, but how does this motivate someone to buy the WiiU if they have any of the other 5 systems to get it (both PS's, both xbox's, and the PC.) Sadly now that has all dried up and gone away as EA, Ubisoft, Activision and the rest have abandoned the WiiU. Compound the sad fact there were some exclusives that lost that right (Rayman) or ported games intentionally delayed to finish other versions (Watch Dogs) going against it too. So then you're left with unique games, how many are there? What about the future? Zelda in 2015 or 2016. Starfox. Devil's Third. Xenoblade. Lego Jurassic World. Yoshi. Splatoon. Mario Party 10. Only one of those is unique to the system that Nintendo didn't make themselves or have controlling ownership over.

I wish people would stop ignoring reality on that and stop kissing Nintendo's ass while shitting all over my posts about the system. Would you all prefer I just lie and say it's a healthy system with a lot of future releases to come that command interest in buying the system for any group of people? That would be a lie. Keep looking at the arguments calling me negative or saying to ignore me, they all fall back on the same shit -- buying the system just for what Nintendo releases. If that's all you want, then it's an excellent system. If you want variety though from other game makers, it's the worst. If I was that hell bent on dumping on it I could easily write pages on their fuck ups in a nice article for the site in the column section and I think you'll notice I haven't and at this point I don't plan on it either as it would be a waste of space and effort as enough media sites and armchair quarterback writers have beaten it to death.

Clearly I don't hate Nintendo, I just pissed $200 on a New 3DS and have so far taken down one of my 3DS games as of last night I hadn't got around to (Adventure Time) so I'm not bent on their destruction. I wouldn't mind seeing their console design devision to go up in flames though as they need to get hit with some reality and make good corrections because they're going down a path to irrelevence at home. Thankfully they do know how to properly drive a handheld system and get game makers interested.

[ZP3]

That is all good and well, but you cannot, ever since the Gamecube era, buy a Nintendo Console looking for great 3rd party releases. You just can't. It isn't their audience, and third parties know that: people buy Nintendo consoles for Nintendo games.

[Tanooki]

Yes that's true, but it doesn't have to be that way. As sad as it is the Wii got far better third party support as I had that system too and I had a good split between their games and everyone else's from third parties. It just sadly lacked in lots of stuff the HD guys got, but it wasn't empty either. Also as you said, great third party releases. Wii had some, plenty enough if it matches your taste, but the WiiU doesn't even have third party releases pretty much at all, at least that are specific to the system while at least Wii did to a point. Tatsunoko vs Capcom, Fragile Dreams, Geometry Wars Galaxies, INdy Staff of Kings (which has Fate of Atlantis in full on there too), Medal of Honor Heroes 2 and Vanguard, Baroque, Tales of Symphonia sequel, Castle of Shikigami, etc.

As I said, the WiiU is great if you only want what Nintendo makes, but it's the worst system out there if you want variety and that's really it. That's why I recommended the New3DS/3DS since it was a one or the other option. When you take what there is now on 3DS, what is coming, what is also coming just for New3DS(the little we know), and then factor in all the DS stuff too (against the Wii library with WiiU) it just makes more sense.

He said he liked Nintendo stuff, platformers and RPGs. 3DS has all of those in good supply and they do cost less too.

[slip81]

Also, it isn't clear if you are aware, but be sure you know about the New 3DS vs 3DS. The New 3DS is going to have its own library, so at this point I'd recommend going that route if you choose the portable.

I did know that there was a new Majora's Mask 3DS, but didn't realize it was a new console as well, so I went online and looked it up, and that may be the way I'm going to go. I'd love to play things like the new Mario's, DK's, Mario Karts, and Smash Bros on the big screen in HD, but it looks like the New 3DS is the better choice for me right now. Though maybe when in comes down to $199 I can get a Wii U as well.

[The Adventurer]

Reread my post ;)



One reason that your opinion of the Wii U has taken some flak at times around here, is that you seemingly forget that it's your opinion rather than a fact.

Also his implication being, if you enjoy Mario Kart, Smash, 3D World, or any other tent pole franchise; you are a 'fanboy'.

[ZP3]

Also his implication being, if you enjoy Mario Kart, Smash, 3D World, or any other tent pole franchise; you are a 'fanboy'.

Yes, because those franchises are no good and are just "rehashes" /sarcasm

[Tanooki]

Also his implication being, if you enjoy Mario Kart, Smash, 3D World, or any other tent pole franchise; you are a 'fanboy'.

I never made that argument, you're fishing. My point was that unless you're a straight up Nintendo only fan (ie: fanboy) you may be off better looking elsewhere. There's nothing wrong with franchises.

[ProjectCamaro]

Let me first say that I am clearly bias as I'm not a huge fan of portable consoles so take anything I say with a grain of salt.

With that said I love the Wii U and highly recommend it, I really enjoy the games on it and am looking forward to the new Zelda and Star Fox games coming up. The game play is good and if you don't care for the game pad the Pro controller is extremely comfortable.

[dendawg]

OP, if it's in your budget then I suggest getting both systems, only with the New 3DS replacing the 3DS. That way you'll future-proof yourself against new games coming out that might use the New 3DS' capabilities. I just bought a Wii U myself and am enjoying the hell out of it. \\^_^/

[Leo_A]

Prove me wrong then on the WiiU please.

You're kidding, right? Or do you really think that your opinion of the Wii U should be taken as fact, until proven otherwise, despite the experiences of myself and others?

I don't look towards Redmond twice a day chanting praise and surely you yourself have read plenty of criticism of them from me, so the fact that I enjoy the console to a great deal pretty much disproves your proclamation that only those drunk with Nintendo Kool-Aid, blinding themselves to reality in the process, have enjoyed the system.

As far as I'm concerned, the Wii U is the place to be today and for the foreseeable future for current gen HD console exclusives. The PS4 and the XB1 have gotten off to incredibly slow starts in regard to software and look set for a good bit yet to remain the domain of slightly prettied up last gen material, with only the occasional exceptions (And of those, they're often limited at that, as seen by games like Forza 5 and The Order: 1886).

360 and PS3 are still keeping me satisfied at the moment for 3rd party experiences (And even several 1st party ones, such as Sumo Digital's fine take on Forza Horizon 2). Yet I can only experience numerous games like Super Mario 3D World on one system.

I don't think that's so foolish.


First, remove the Nintendo and Nintendo 2nd party games, what do you have left?

Contrary to your claims, I have several excellent multiplatform releases on my Wii U that are present in fine form, and only one port in the form of Wind Waker HD (assuming that you're surely not considering the Virtual Console's range of emulated classics?). I definitely went into the Wii U knowing that it wasn't the place to be for 3rd party games, but just the same, there's several excellent selections here.

And I love the Wii U's backwards compatibility, which has all but turned my Wii into a dedicated GCN these days since I much prefer how my Wii U upscales Wii software compared to my HDTV (While my sole GCN component cable is used exclusively for the Game Boy Player, allowing me to keep its boot disc in the drive so it's always set to go). I have a large catalog of Wii games that remain to be played, and this provides me with a superior picture on my current tv, while providing the convenience of automatically handling 4:3 and 16:9 material.

So there's another contributor to my fondness for the system.

[retroman]

I have and love both systems, but I can say that I do play my 3DS XL more.

[slip81]

OP, if it's in your budget then I suggest getting both systems, only with the New 3DS replacing the 3DS. That way you'll future-proof yourself against new games coming out that might use the New 3DS' capabilities. I just bought a Wii U myself and am enjoying the hell out of it. \\^_^/

I think that's what I'd like to do eventually, but unfortunately it's not in the budget to get both right now.

Having said that, I decided to go with the Ne 3DS XL and pick up a black one today, but haven't had the chance to crack it open yet. While it seems like I would have liked the current Wii U offering's right now, the 3ds came out with a slight edge in the games available department.

Though I really enjoy the original Wii, and will at some point in the future pick up a Wii U, maybe when they hit 199.99 or 250. The current price point of the 3ds meant I could get the system and a few games, instead of the system and just one game.

[Tanooki]

Leo I think the numbers of systems sold and what games are selling speak for themselves. I just base what I'm saying off that information, that's it. I think it's a lot of Kool-Aid driving the system getting some of the affection it gets, its' Nintendo after all, but no I don't think you personally are nuts on it. I just see WiiU as a dead end, an anchor on the Nintendo ship dragging it down because they can't get their act together. Maybe they will have something crazy to report at E3 this year changing that, but I don't have a crystal ball. If they can get third party developers back making games for the system I'd be pleased. You can also only get many unique experiences on the PS brand as well, Microsoft, clearly not as they have little unique there that doesn't hit the PC too.

The question I made about what's left was specifically disc based games, not virtual console and download only. I never used the WiiU's BC much other than for Metroid Prime Trilogy and Indiana Jones and by the time I lost interest in that was around time they finally let people boot straight into those games.

[The Adventurer]

Having said that, I decided to go with the Ne 3DS XL and pick up a black one today, but haven't had the chance to crack it open yet. .
Noice. Did you remember to buy a charger? Did you get a game?




Leo I think the numbers of systems sold and what games are selling speak for themselves. I just base what I'm saying off that information, that's it. I think it's a lot of Kool-Aid driving the system getting some of the affection it gets, its' Nintendo after all, but no I don't think you personally are nuts on it. I just see WiiU as a dead end, an anchor on the Nintendo ship dragging it down because they can't get their act together. Maybe they will have something crazy to report at E3 this year changing that, but I don't have a crystal ball. If they can get third party developers back making games for the system I'd be pleased. You can also only get many unique experiences on the PS brand as well, Microsoft, clearly not as they have little unique there that doesn't hit the PC too.

2014 already turned the Wii U ship around. That was made pretty clear at the most recent Nintendo share-holder meeting.

I continue to think you oversell the importance of 3rd party developers (not that they don't hurt, its just that they're not essential to a system's overall success). Also the Wii U has many third-party developers. Its just that they are mostly indie developers on the eShop.

[Tupin]

Amiibo was one of the smartest things Nintendo ever did. They should include a small plastic figurine with all of their physically released games from now on in addition to digital releases.

[Tanooki]

I think people who put all their faith in the eshop are underselling the need to have shelf space at retail on or offline with physical games to buy from the known players. It lacks that, that's really it. eShop is fine and all for existing buyers if they just want digital games, but that alone isn't going to sell a console to a lot of people.


Tupin I totally think you're onto something with that pack-in idea.

[The Adventurer]

An entire generation has been trained by Apple and Google to accept digital goods as equally valid as physical product. Maybe more so, as I imagine people want less plastic and packaging in their lives. Never mind how brick and mortar retailers continue to shrink and becoming increasingly irrelevant.


Honestly, the only reason I'm not digital only on the 3DS is entirely due to inadequate storage space. 32GB ain't really enough for very many full retail titles.

[slip81]

Noice. Did you remember to buy a charger? Did you get a game?

I did not notice I needed a charger, luckily I have one from my DSi. I didn't get a game yet, the one I really wanted was Majora's Mask, and a little kid with his grandfather in front of me literally got the last one. So maybe another store tomorrow will have a copy.

[Tanooki]

Well Adventurer, most the digital stuff I have on my android is because it was a buck, in rare cases more, but usually free because I take their lame surveys and pile up some money, and on IOS much the same. I prefer to control what I have because I keep stuff long term, longer than the company will allow me access to it because they'd like to resell it again. I know I'm not alone, and I know people who like to have no rights with their purchases are happy with that too.

slip: Pretty crappy eh? The best deal online for them is NOA's store, $5+2 shipping for a refurb adapter that's the modern one (branding on jack) for the 3DS model systems but yes the old DSi and forward stuff works too so you're fine.

[Leo_A]

Leo I think the numbers of systems sold and what games are selling speak for themselves.

What's your point though? That I'm wrong to have told him I've enjoyed my Wii U and actually preferred it over my 3DS?

I've basically said three things in this thread. First, I feel as if the 3DS and the Wii U will pretty much fade concurrently in the next few years so I don't see remaining life as a significant factor in deciding between the two. Secondly, I told him that I've personally enjoyed my Wii U a great deal and that I'm actually more fond of it than the handheld, leaving it at that.

And lastly, I told you that I feel that the Wii U is presently the place for exclusives with this latest console generation, something that I don't really see as all that debatable even if we relegate ourselves to just comparing the number of releases themselves while ignoring the merits of high quality of titles like Super Mario 3D World.

The Xbox One and Playstation 4 world is a multiplatform one. And not only that, but much of it isn't even exclusive to this pair of next-gen consoles thanks to much of their lineup also being available on the 360 and PS3 in fine form.

And that's just looking at it from a console perspective. Much of the XB1/PS4 lineup also appears on PC, where as Nintendo's output doesn't.


If they can get third party developers back making games for the system I'd be pleased.

Now that the PS4 and XB1 are out, I'd only care at this point if they're exclusive rather than multiplatform. With the Wii U's technical capabilities more in line with the Xbox 360 and the Playstation 3, I'd likely just hold off on any such titles such as Project Cars at this point for the day when I acquire the Wii U's competitors.

So unless there was a significant benefit in going with the Wii U version, such as it being on disc while perhaps the competing versions are digital exclusives, a game that would benefit greatly from a Nintendo d-pad, or just something where the technical differences simply didn't make much of a difference, I'd just as assume hold off on any such titles.

[Tanooki]

The system numbers bit isn't about you personally but the whole picture. The system is more or less a flop only being curried on by its bigger fans who picked the system up and stuck with it. They're not exactly driving new sales, just new sales of people who held out for Kart and Brawl, and they'll get another wave surely with Zelda, maybe a bump with Starfox too. That's not really a good way to drive a system if you get spurts around a solitary release. I'm not discounting they're fun or that you like the games, I do too, but the system is just there being kept on life support. The 3DS though maybe older but it's holding on in good form and gets support and not just from Nintendo. Though, I think we'll see a better picture of what support come E3 on the 3DS thanks to the revision. I think to your lastly you're partly right, but equally so also is Sony. People always pop up about the Nintendo first party stuff, I do it too, but Sony gets pretty discounted when you figure the incredible amount of IP they solely control too for all ages. MS though, it's basically Forza, Halo, Gears and little else that solely stick to the console and isn't PC-Windows ported. I don't feel the PS4 falls into being a multiplatform world, One does easily, but PS4 has so much stuff Sony only gets that won't hit MS or computers it fits somewhere in between there and Nintendo where it can stand on the goodies.

I think we both are in fair agreement to a point. I'd love third party exclusives on WiiU, I've already said that too even pointing out there was just Devils Third. I'd like to see some PS3 ports though as well as it really couldn't hurt as long as it's done right and not sloppy as hell like Watchdogs was.

[wizardofwor]

If you are a true retro gamer and don't mind a smaller screen....go with the 3DSxl. Much more to choose from in the old school aspect. I have both, but if I could only have one, it would be the 3DS.

[Leo_A]

I think to your lastly you're partly right, but equally so also is Sony.

Such as?

If I were to buy a PS4 soon, I have one true exclusive on my list in the form of Driveclub, one remastered port with The Last of Us for a last gen port that's of course unavailable on the XB1, and if I ever catch up with Killzone and decide to continue, one other exclusive with Killzone 4 that's out now. The bulk of what I want is also available on the XB1 (And frequently, also the PS3 and 360).

While I'm sure that's not everything, what all am I missing that somehow puts the PS4 on a similar footing today with the Wii U in regard to exclusives? Perhaps by the time two or three years have passed, but I'm talking about today where as you seem to be talking more about past history and what's likely to transpire when all is said and done.

But I definitely don't see it right now nor do I see it catching up in a hurry. The PS4 is solidly in multiplatform territory, with most of the experience available elsewhere.

[Tanooki]

You were speaking of last gen and this, I wasn't just focusing on PS4 which is thin. If you throw the PS3 factor in there and know much of that will see a sequel in time on PS4 it has Nintendo level potential for a lot of unique titles from many genres very worth having as Sony has a lot of great IP. Jak and Daxter, Sly Cooper, Playstation Allstar Battle, God of War, Uncharted, Last of us(sequel coming supposedly), Last Guardian if it ever stops rotting in dev hell, Ratchet & Clank, PixelJunk games, Killzone, Resistance, Gran Turismo, and the list goes.

Here's a reference of just general possibilities made in 2013 of game studios/games(IPs) that Sony owns going back to the 90s with PS1.
http://slumz.boxden.com/f13/list-of-studios-sony-owns-and-ips-1997523/

That's why I said they had the potential to stand well on their own and deliver variety and why it's not just a multiplatform box only like microsoft.

[Leo_A]

You were speaking of last gen and this

No I wasn't.

The closest that I ever brought the previous generation into this discussion was when you questioned my statement about the quality and breadth of the Wii U's library of exclusives as it stands today, and I commented at how such a large component of the PS4 and XB1 library today is multiplatform, even including several 1st/2nd party releases that have seen last gen ports simultaneously and are thus, technically multiplatform (Destiny, Forza Horizon 2, etc.).

As it stands right now and for the foreseeable future, I strongly believe that the Wii U is the place to be where exclusives are concerned. While a modern gamer surely will have little trouble justifying a XB1 or PS4 purchase today, most anyone buying both is going to be largely doing so based on the promise of tomorrow rather than today, since relatively little is exclusive to one or the other at this time and that's going to take quite a while for a change at this rate.

The same can't be said about the Wii U, thanks to a decent sized catalog of quality exclusives that can't be found anywhere else.

[Tanooki]

Sure there's little exclusive for them, and the One will be more so that way probably its whole life thanks to PC conversions (Titanfall for example.) PS4 though will have plenty before it's all done just like how you say the WiiU does from the console maker and their controlled companies when all is said and done. I'd say depending on tastes both of the WiiU and PS4 are justifiable purchases depending what you want out of a system. I just think there are far more people out there who want more than just a console makers games alone and want more choice, and that's where the WiiU falls sadly flat. The WiiU for now does have more unique Nintendo made properties on the shelf, but I can't help to think that stuff would have been more spread out if Nintendo had their way about it which is a shame.

[FieryReign]

Why bother with a WiiU? The library of games for it is pathetic. The 3ds has a nice library with alot of really good games. If you like retro-styled side-scrolling platform games and Atlus RPGs, then this is your system.

[Tanooki]

That pretty much sums it up, and I will be doing just that in a few hours as I've got the LE of Shin Megami Tensei 4 coming in the mail if nothing goes wrong. Once I saw that hard game had a big guide in the box I was all in for that instead of the standard release.

[The Adventurer]

Why bother with a WiiU? The library of games for it is pathetic.

Your definition of 'pathetic' must be pretty different from mine.

[Tanooki]

My guess his idea of pathetic probably means it's small and it's greatly centered around one publisher, the one who developed the console. Not that the games there blow, as they don't.

[rlemmon]

Hard choice. I own both and would say the wii u is a better choice if your into plattformers. Both mario games along with new super luigi are great fun. You also have donkey kong country tropical freeze picmin 3 kirby/rainbow curse and captain toad. I alos really like sonic and sega racing transformed. Alot of people hate on the wii u because of the lack of third party content. what they seem to often forget is how great the nintendo stuff is. Wicherver choice you make will be a good one both are great systems. The new 3ds is fantastic. I wasn't even going to bother until i happend to see one in person. What they did to upgrade the 3d effect is beautifull.\\^_^/

[The 1 2 P]

Personally I would go with a 3DS as it has good first and third party support and the games can be bought for pretty cheap prices if you wait a few months. Theres definitely overlap between the two systems when it comes to the first party stuff but unless you prefer gaming on a big screeen tv then I would put the 3DS ahead of the Wii U as far as my recommendation.

[Leo_A]

I think it's telling that a good chunk of Sega's 3D Classics releases are in Metacritic's top 100 3DS list.

http://www.metacritic.com/browse/games/score/metascore/all/3ds

While a testament to the strength of the source material and M2's excellence, it also tells a story about just how vibrant the 3rd party scene on the 3DS really has been.

Or maybe I'm just not representative here of the typical 3DS owner, since like the Wii U situation, it's Nintendo themselves that are largely responsible for what excites me here. It's pretty much a disappointment for me where 3rd parties are concerned, with few exceptions like Sega's 3D Classics line.

[Tanooki]

I don't think you're alone. I also don't believe given the releases the 3DS is in any way a third party disappointment. I've got around 20 games retail for it and a little over half of them Nintendo didn't make so I have a nice spread. Currently slowly plodding away on Shin Megami Tensei IV at the moment after taking out Adventure Time.

[kupomogli]

For the question, I'd go with a New 3DS over a 3DS if you decide to get a 3DS, however, as a 3DS owner, I'd actually say go with the Wii U. I'll explain my reasoning behind this.

The 3DS is a good portable, but no where near the quality of the PSP or DS before it. The best games are Lords of Shadow Mirror of Fate, Super Mario 3D Land, SMT4, Bravely Default, Etrian Odyssey series, Cave Story 3D(I'd assume based off playing Cave Story,) Shinobi, Theatrhythm Curtain Call(and this is only if you're an FF fan because it's really not that good,) Fire Emblem, and Fantasy Life. There may be some others, but most of what I've seen I'm either not interested in or a few which I could play on other consoles.

Now I don't own a Wii U, but first off, the controls. The 3DS as a controller is very poor. Even the far more comfortable XL just isn't the kind of controller that it's easy to play action heavy games, so playing Super Smash Bros, Super Mario 3D World, Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate, etc is going to be much more enjoyable than the 3DS equivalent. I played the demo of Super Smash Bros on the 3DS and then very recently played Super Smash Bros on the Wii U and the difference in control is like night and day, although to be fair, I was using a Gamecube controller.

The other thing is being a console, the Wii U has more potential when it comes to quality games just because of the different hardware. Xenoblade Chronicles X has four player co op with 32 player lobbies, pretty much White Knight Chronicles Online - Wii U version. Devil's Third, Splatoon, Toad's Treasure Tracker, Mario Maker, and then several games that have been released look like they'll be quality titles. The 3DS might have more quality software on it, but I think the difference in quality of the Wii U titles is what you should be looking at and the potential for future quality games.

If you're interested in RPGs only, then definitely get a 3DS, as other than Xenoblade Chronicles X, there's pretty much nothing on the Wii U, but if you want action games, platformers, etc, then the Wii U is a significantly better console.

[ZeroCool]

Anyone read about Gamestop putting up the MM New 3DS XL with Majoras Mask, a strategy guide, Monster Hunter and Smash Bros along with eight amiibos for $500. Suprisingly it sold out in a flash. :roll: Pretty good deal if you can muster all that at once. Oh well.