Nintendo New 3DS XL

[Lil Frier]

So we got the announcement today that the NEW 3DS XL is finally coming to America in just under a month. We're supposed to be getting it on February 13th, in four different flavors: Red, Black, Majora's Mask, and Monster Hunter 4. The first 3 are console-only and run $200, while the MH4 version includes the game installed onto the device, and will be $230. At least in the short-term, there is no release for the smaller version of the handhelds, the New 3DS, coming.

From a post I made below, in case others are curious:

There are a lot of changes, many minor, but here are some of the key points:

Changes:
--Nintendo just threw "New" in front of the consoles, as they deemed that the best way to make people forget about how confusing some people allegedly found the "Wii U" name to be.
--The new 3DS is a little heavier and larger (width, height, and depth) than its predecessor, while the New 3DSXL is a little larger overall (I think wider, but shorter and thinner) and lighter than the old 3DSXL.
--Improved CPU and GPU, which means some games (only Xenoblade Chronicles right now) will ONLY work on the new handhelds
--The N3DS has slightly larger displays than its predecessor (about 10%), while the N3DSXL's display is unchanged in size. Resolutions remain the same.
--SD cards have been swapped out for microSD ones.
--The stylus dock and power buttons are moved to the bottom of the console.
--The wireless switch has been replaced by a software toggle.

Additions:

--C-stick, as seen in the first picture (sort-of like the GameCube's)
--Two additional shoulder buttons have been added
--Facial recognition, allowing users to hold the console at greater angles without screwing up the 3D effect
--NFC support for Amiibos
--Automatic brightness, for obvious reasons
--The N3DS (but not the XL) supports interchangeable faceplates on the shell. Wikipedia says that there are 38 on-sale in Japan

What's everyone got to say about this? Images below:

 

[Lil Frier]

I just picked up a Smash 3DSXL from Target a few weeks back for $100, and never really considered using it because I figured these would be close. Now, it'll definitely find its way to Craigslist. The color options suck, in my opinion, as black and red are boring, I'm not a Zelda person, and I've never played Monster Hunter. I can't help but expect that we'll see a Pokémon iteration later this year (assuming we get another franchise installment), and we'll probably see most of the major franchises get their own versions as well (the next Fire Emblem, something Mario, maybe a Mario Kart 9 or something).

I'm also mixed on the faceplate matter. The XL doesn't allow for swappable plates, which both disappoints many of us, but also makes sense. They could have maybe made the XL in a way to support the smaller console's faceplates, by making the lid a framed piece of plastic, but it might have looked awful. Otherwise, these faceplates are a gamble we've seen fail before (remember the 360's faceplates? I had a Full Auto one myself), so they might have just not deemed it worthwhile to risk the intrigue on both systems.

Lastly, I don't know when I'll pick one up. I really only want it to play Fire Emblem: Awakening, KH: Dream Drop Distance, and maybe some of the new Pokémon, so $200 is probably a bit high for my liking (even after selling this 3DSXL I already have). I'm already looking to snag a PS3 to play Kingdom Hearts on, Dying Light is almost here, and 2015 is generally full of many games I want, so I might opt to wait until a price drop or a version I can't ignore (like Fire Emblem or Yoshi or Pokémon).

Still, it's nice that they tried to alleviate some complaints with this model, particularly the second stick and the improved 3D effects. I might have liked it more if they colored the buttons on the XL like the smaller version, but it looks pretty nice either way.

 

[ImpulsE69]

Honestly I'm f*cking annoyed at Nintendo for this. Everyone knows this is coming, yet they are pushing out all these other versions during christmas time of 3DS with games. I have a feeling this will either flop because no one buys it due to only 1-2 games actually being made for it, or they will suddenly completely stop any compatibility for new games with the ones they ARE STILL selling that have games that haven't even come out yet. Either way the consumers lose.

But then what do I really care, there's like 2 games on it I care about.

 

[dave_the_nerd]

new how? Does the screen work better than the 3DS XL I already have or something? Or is this just cosmetic stuff?

It would be nice if it were thinner/lighter.

 

[Lil Frier]

There are a lot of changes, many minor, but here are some of the key points:

Changes:
--Nintendo just threw "New" in front of the consoles, as they deemed that the best way to make people forget about how confusing some people allegedly found the "Wii U" name to be.
--The new 3DS is a little heavier and larger (width, height, and depth) than its predecessor, while the New 3DSXL is a little larger overall (I think wider, but shorter and thinner) and lighter than the old 3DSXL.
--Improved CPU and GPU, which means some games (only Xenoblade Chronicles right now) will ONLY work on the new handhelds
--The N3DS has slightly larger displays than its predecessor (about 10%), while the N3DSXL's display is unchanged in size. Resolutions remain the same.
--SD cards have been swapped out for microSD ones.
--The stylus dock and power buttons are moved to the bottom of the console.
--The wireless switch has been replaced by a software toggle.

Additions:

--C-stick, as seen in the first picture (sort-of like the GameCube's)
--Two additional shoulder buttons have been added
--Facial recognition, allowing users to hold the console at greater angles without screwing up the 3D effect
--NFC support for Amiibos
--Automatic brightness, for obvious reasons
--The N3DS (but not the XL) supports interchangeable faceplates on the shell. Wikipedia says that there are 38 on-sale in Japan

 

[mnewsham]

majoras mask edition if anyone didn't already know what it looked like.


If I were to get one, this would be the one i'd get. But I am a long time zelda franchise fan anyway.

 

[Pheran]

Apparently Nintendo felt that it needed to make its product naming scheme even more idiotic than before, because Microsoft was starting to give them too much competition in that area.

 

[Aikouka]

The New 3DSXL also doesn't come with a power adapter. Apparently, Nintendo is purely targeting this at previous owners of compatible Nintendo products as they state that you can just use your old adapter.

 

[sweenish]

In essence, they learned absolutely nothing from the DSi.

 

[Alienwho]

I have been considering getting a 'new' 3ds for months now to play all the old games I've missed since the DSlite era and to give to my wife (her favorite games are dawn of discovery and phoenix wright, any recommendations for her?).

I was able to snag two zelda additions on best buy yesterday. Hoping to sell one to offset the price of the other (I know, hate me, I suck). Am actually really looking forward to some super smash brothers and zelda.

 

[Imported]

The Zelda one is sold out pretty much. It's finally time to upgrade on my DS.. and cause I finally wanna try Xenoblade Chronicles.

 

[M0oG0oGaiPan]

not including a power cable is kind of annoying. at least make it usb.

there's supposed to be a free to play pokemon game coming out also.
http://www.theguardian.com/technolo...ted-3ds-console-and-free-to-play-pokemon-game

One of the comments on that page:

Well, as one of those who were invited by NoE to purchase the "ambassador edition" of the New 3DS a month before the European launch I suppose I better fulfil my ambassador role and spoil everyone with information:

I used the opportunity to replace my three year old original 3DS (now destined to go to a deserving family member, since it's still in good nick), and it's definitely been worth it for the larger screen, a halfway house between the original 3DS and the XL version. The shape is much more ergonomic (and begs the question why the design of the original had to be so hand-cramp inducing), using the shoulder buttons is a lot more comfortable. I'm not so sure about the new extra pair of should buttons, though, but since there's no game yet that requires their use I can't really comment on them. Same goes for the new extra analogue stick.

There is no doubt that the 3D effect has been greatly improved. I have always played with the 3D effect cranked up to the max, battery life be damned. 3D on the new console is by comparison a lot more ... subtle, natural. The eye-tracking works well (haven't tried a game that needs the gyroscope, though), even in the pitch black dark (you can just see faint glow of the infrared on the upper screen). However, the new auto-brightness I switched off pretty much immediately as it took to inexplicably dimming the screen in the middle of gaming.

It's a lot faster, particularly noticeable in loading the e-shop. One of the biggest improvements that will probably go unmentioned otherwise is to the web browser: It's now a miniature version of the Wii U web browser, with tabs and proper search options, much faster and capable.

Exchanging the face plates of the regular version is quite straightforward but requires loosening 2 screws at the back (Christmas cracker screwdriver set coming in handy) and following the instructions, using the stylus to prise open first one side of the back cover, then the other. The "New" 3DS comes with a micro SD card (as opposed to the regular SD card of the current 3DS) with only 4GB, so like me you might want to buy a larger micro SD with an adapter for your downloaded software and save files. You can then simply switch cards after the system transfer (entertainingly performed by adorable little pikmins). You got to re-use your old AC adapter or buy a new one as it's (scandalously) not included.

If you are looking for a replacement for an original 3DS I can heartily recommend the "new" version. Replacing a 3DS XL with a "new" XL ... maybe not so much, particularly if you are the owner of a special edition; but it's definitely got easier to "downsize" from an XL to a regular one. If you never had a 3DS before and want to buy one: definitely wait for the new one.

Finally, I'm very disappointed to see that Nintendo is jumping on the F2P microtransactions, match 3 Candy Crush bandwagon, a business model that I personally would rather see less often.

 

[Imported]

No swappable faceplates for the XL for what its worth. Disappointed NA won't be getting the regular size.

 

[Lil Frier]

The dumbest part about not including a charger is that GameStop's offering $100 in credit when you trade your 3DSXL ($75 for the smaller one) towards a New 3DSXL, and they require you fork over the charger, I've been told. I don't get what Nintendo is/was thinking.

 

[artemicion]

The grating thing about the charger issue is that it's totally the type of thing Nintendo could get mass produced for less than a dollar per. Seriously Nintendo?

I wonder if it's a cultural thing. Anyone familiar with the Japanese market know if it's common over there for electronics to not come with chargers? I wouldn't be surprised if the notoriously insular Nintendo is woefully ignorant of the differences in market between Japan and the US.

Nintendo always seems to be taking one step forward, two steps back. The whole reason the "New" 3DS exists is because they f-ed up the design of the original 3DS by leaving out the second analog stick and only implementing 2 shoulder buttons, breaking symmetry with console controllers. More critically, breaking ideal compatibility with Monster Hunter. So they are f-ing up the solution to their last f up. This all should be a case study in a business school class on corporate fails.

That said, I'm still buying one. Despite all of Nintendo's failings, they still make damn good games.

 

[JujuFish]

That said, I'm still buying one. Despite all of Nintendo's failings, they still make damn good games.

:thumbsup:

 

[gorcorps]

The grating thing about the charger issue is that it's totally the type of thing Nintendo could get mass produced for less than a dollar per. Seriously Nintendo?

I wonder if it's a cultural thing. Anyone familiar with the Japanese market know if it's common over there for electronics to not come with chargers? I wouldn't be surprised if the notoriously insular Nintendo is woefully ignorant of the differences in market between Japan and the US.

Nintendo always seems to be taking one step forward, two steps back. The whole reason the "New" 3DS exists is because they f-ed up the design of the original 3DS by leaving out the second analog stick and only implementing 2 shoulder buttons, breaking symmetry with console controllers. More critically, breaking ideal compatibility with Monster Hunter. So they are f-ing up the solution to their last f up. This all should be a case study in a business school class on corporate fails.

That said, I'm still buying one. Despite all of Nintendo's failings, they still make damn good games.

Considering all of their other devices have had chargers, and so has the PS Vita, I'm not sure how it'd be cultural.

 

[Lil Frier]

Considering all of their other devices have had chargers, and so has the PS Vita, I'm not sure how it'd be cultural.

The only way I would see it as such is if Japan isn't as big on used games and electronics as the U.S. is. Like, if the Japanese are more into keeping their old 3DS handhelds as collector's items or something, then adding the New 3DS to their collection, as opposed to having the GameStop mentality of a trade-up offer.

 

[artemicion]

Considering all of their other devices have had chargers, and so has the PS Vita, I'm not sure how it'd be cultural.

Not in Japan.

Nintendo additionally addressed the New Nintendo 3DS XL's lack of an included charger cable following yesterday's announcement. While AC adapters are traditionally standard-issue for North American Nintendo 3DS hardware bundles, similar packages in Europe and Japan have omitted the charger in the past.

http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/15/n...-lack-of-non-xl-new-3ds-systems-bu/#continued

 

[ImpulsE69]

It probably doesn't matter now since they are apparently sold out, but US people be aware the Majora Mask console does not come with the game (it does in Europe/Japan). Add to that no power cord and you just want to b!tchslap them.

 

[Lil Frier]

It probably doesn't matter now since they are apparently sold out, but US people be aware the Majora Mask console does not come with the game (it does in Europe/Japan). Add to that no power cord and you just want to b!tchslap them.

That one's not that bad, though. The Smash 3DSXL didn't come with the game, and the Majora's Mask N3DSXL is $30 or $40 less than the MH4 N3DSXL, which DOES come with the game.

My guess is that they realized that there is serious overlap in the community with people who want the console and the Majora's Mask LE that's coming out. As such, they thought it unnecessary to include a digital version of a game many would buy physically for the LE. In fact, I kind of like this, as one of my complaints when I got my Halo 4 360 is that I wanted to get the LE of the game, but since I got the game with the console, I had no real reason to spend the extra $100 just for the LE stuff.

Anyway, keeping that added cost off of the console's price is fine with me, because it allows folks to decide if they want the LE of the game (if you can find it, LOL), and then they can otherwise still buy the game with a same resulting price tag. They gave folks options, not complaining about that.

 

[gorcorps]

Not in Japan.



http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/15/n...-lack-of-non-xl-new-3ds-systems-bu/#continued

Interesting. We have some Japanese engineers at the mill, I'd be curious to know if this is a Nintendo thing or if it's more common there.

 

[tential]

Considering all of their other devices have had chargers, and so has the PS Vita, I'm not sure how it'd be cultural.

It's utterly irrelevant what Nintendo does in their other markets. They been doing business in America and they've been including the charger. Now, they choose not to and just say "Oh, it's cultural." It's a mass copout and a way to pocket an additional $10-15 dollars by first saving $2-3 on shipping/including it in the first place, and an additional $10-15 or so by making you purchase it at a marked up price separately.

Then there is the no inclusion of the N3DS in NA which is ridiculous. I won't purchase this XL version. I actually was seriously considering getting a 3DS and when I saw this new one recently I was excited. I really loved my PSP so why not get a 3DS? Then, I'm seeing this insanity and no.

There are tons of games I can play, I'm not in love with any series (besides Smash I guess), enough to purchase something and so Nintendo lost me until they release a normal N3DS with an adapter, or there is a price decrease.