Nintendo 3DS (XL)

[shmuppyLove]

[xbl0x180]

If it's region-f***ed, then it's still a piece of s*** to me

[Skykid]

If it's region-f***ed, then it's still a piece of s*** to me

Indeed, region locking is so irritating. I spent the whole of yesterday trying to figure out which model to go for and I still have no idea. Ultimately, I'll opt for whichever region Hong Kong has been lumped with, but I can't find the info anywhere. Someone even suggested the 3DS has had no official HK release.

[Friendly]

@shmuppyLove
The much more pressing issue is

[nZero]

Have there ever been any official console/handheld revisions that removed a region-lock that was present in the original hardware release? Region-locking a handheld is a bit ridiculous, I agree, but I don't expect to see any changes in the policy from Nintendo as long as the JPY is high.

[Skykid]

Region-locking a handheld is a bit ridiculous, I agree, but I don't expect to see any changes in the policy from Nintendo as long as the JPY is high.

insightful.

I've had a few moments of clarity recently regarding the current market situation and after-market collector prices, but I never tied region locking and the supremely high Yen together. Good call.

[Friendly]

Have there ever been any official console/handheld revisions that removed a region-lock that was present in the original hardware release?

No-one expected them to remove it now; we expected them not to introduce it in the first place.

The important part is to keep bringing it up; I bet most buyers have no clue about 3DS being region-locked. Consumer outrage ftw. Maybe if enough people are vocal about it, it'll keep Nintendo from doing it again with their next handheld. (Fat chance, I know).

[Friendly]

Region-locking a handheld is a bit ridiculous, I agree, but I don't expect to see any changes in the policy from Nintendo as long as the JPY is high.

insightful.

I've had a few moments of clarity recently regarding the current market situation and after-market collector prices, but I never tied region locking and the supremely high Yen together. Good call.

Not really. Japanese consumers don't import PS3 games, either, even though they could. And they certainly wouldn't import foreign games that don't feature Japanese language options. So the easiest way to prevent imports would be to remove Japanese language files from international releases. But again, this is a non-issue because they don't buy imports anyway.

[Skykid]

Region-locking a handheld is a bit ridiculous, I agree, but I don't expect to see any changes in the policy from Nintendo as long as the JPY is high.

insightful.

I've had a few moments of clarity recently regarding the current market situation and after-market collector prices, but I never tied region locking and the supremely high Yen together. Good call.

Not really.

Sorry, I don't understand. Not really what? Not really Nintendo choosing to region lock the 3DS because it's safer financially to separate regions of distribution because the Yen is so strong it's crippling the country's economy? Surely in such a situation internalising sales to Japan and controlling costs of hardware and software across independent regions (based on fluctuating exchange rates) would be the most economically efficient option?

[Friendly]

Re-read my reply. I think you skipped the part after "Not really".

[Skykid]

Re-read my reply. I think you skipped the part after "Not really".

No I read it, although I appreciate you going back to edit it to make it more clear.

Japanese consumers don't import PS3 games, either, even though they could. And they certainly wouldn't import foreign games that don't feature Japanese language options. So the easiest way to prevent imports would be to remove Japanese language files from international releases. But again, this is a non-issue because they don't buy imports anyway.

But you're only factoring in the Japanese marketplace being diluted by importing foreign games, which I'm sure is largely non-existent. There's a much bigger picture than that when you're a global marketeer: it's much more likely that Nintendo have locked the regions to control each market, foreign and domestic, independently, because the strength of the Yen affects your entire operation as a manufacturer. Basically the same thing I said above.

Personally, I'm dead against region locking, but I think nZero is onto something with this. There's no other reason to explain the freak occurrence of region locking in company that historically has always had region unlocked handhelds (pioneered them, in-fact.)

[xbl0x180]

Have there ever been any official console/handheld revisions that removed a region-lock that was present in the original hardware release?

No-one expected them to remove it now; we expected them not to introduce it in the first place.

The important part is to keep bringing it up; I bet most buyers have no clue about 3DS being region-locked. Consumer outrage ftw. Maybe if enough people are vocal about it, it'll keep Nintendo from doing it again with their next handheld. (Fat chance, I know).

I don't think region-f***ing this thing is high on the consumer priority. Most run-of-the-mill gamers in North America aren't even aware of it. However, I was very glad to read the N3DS did terrible initially

[Friendly]

Re-read my reply. I think you skipped the part after "Not really".

No I read it, although I appreciate you going back to edit it to make it more clear.

I added the word "options". I think it was quite clear before.

Let's recapitulate. nZero said "don't expect to see any changes in the policy from Nintendo as long as the JPY is high."
To which you replied "insightful. "
To which I replied: "Not really."

The high JPY is only an issue if you are afraid that the market with the stronger currency (Japan, from where you operate) will resort to re-importing identical products you are concurrently selling abroad for cheaper prices instead of buying your more expensive local ones. This is basically what is known as "cannibalization effect" in economics. But as explained above, this is not an issue with Japanese consumers.

Of course the reason for region locking is to milk the consumers of each region to the fullest extent. It's just that what nZero wrote is not really insightful, because the high JPY is not what is keeping Nintendo from changing its policy.

[Skykid]

Of course the reason for region locking is to milk the consumers of each region to the fullest extent. It's just that what nZero wrote is not really insightful, because the high JPY is not what is keeping Nintendo from changing its policy.

Can I get Iwata's telephone number from you?

[PC Engine Fan X!]

The 3DS XL variant that'll be sold in the USA will be priced at the asking MSRP $199.99 USD according to NOA head honchos. You might recall the initial MSRP $249.99 USD tag with the 3DS' U.S. debut only to have Nintendo knock it down to it's current asking price of $169.99 USD nowdays.

It's a given that a pricedrop for the original 3DS will happen shortly when the 3DS XL hits the retailers' shelving alrighty.

It'll still have the usual Netflix player & limited mobile scan tag support as expected. The 3DS has already gone through several updated FW revisions with each one adding new features & perks to keep the current users happy & content.

PC Engine Fan X! ^_~

[t0yrobo]

I guess no second analog is a bit of a bummer, but adding a feature that many games simply won't use at this point would be a little odd (though it's kinda a last chance to do it).
Seems fine to me though, nicer looking design (the original is all over the place), better battery, bigger screen, and more comfortable for my big hands, and a decent price.

[Ed Oscuro]

see new suggested thread title ^

[Friendly]

see new suggested thread title ^

No, the complaint is valid. They should have added it. But just like selling the a/c adapter separately instead of including it, selling a separate 3DS XL analog-stick add-on will make them more money. Mystery solved.

Expect something like this soon:


Which will then lead to something like this by a third-party company:


Just like region-locking, this is Nintendo's way of saying "I love you".

[Skykid]

see new suggested thread title ^

No, the complaint is valid.

You may think so, but why is it in the thread title? There are lots of valid complaints about the Vita, yet it manages to steer clear of a negative footnote.

But just like selling the a/c adapter separately instead of including it, selling a separate 3DS XL analog-stick add-on will make them more money.

Nothing new. Nintendo used to sell their consoles in Japan without certain leads or PSU's because the ones for the previous machines would work fine.

Business is business. I don't necessarily agree with the lack of a PSU, but I always respected Nintendo's ruthless approach to protecting their bottom line while competitors spunked cash into the ether. As a first party responsible for some of history's greatest games, they're welcome to the odd shortcut if it helps them soldier through Japan's serious financial gloom.

Regarding the second analog stick, who really gives a shit. I'm happy to see them avoid another current gen 'standard' if it means we can avoid carbon copies of current gen games. If I want to play that drivel on the go, I'll buy a Vita.

[Marc]

I don't think I've touched the second stick on my Vita yet. Must admit though, I'm loathe to shell out in the Vice City Stories port because the camera in that was a ball-ache originally.

[Jonathan Ingram]

You may think so, but why is it in the thread title? There are lots of valid complaints about the Vita, yet it manages to steer clear of a negative footnote.

There may be a lot of criticisms regarding some of Sony`s pricing policies and their complete incompetence when it comes to marketing their handhelds, but there`s really only one common complain about Vita`s hardware and it has to do with the fact that Vita doesn`t come equipped with internal storage. Quite a difference from the 3DS.

Regarding the second analog stick, who really gives a shit.

Many do. It`s entirely your choice if you`ve made it a point not to play games with camera controls, but I`m sure there are more than a few people who stem from a different school of thought. I want to be able to play MH3G and MH4 and not get hand cramps from doing so.

If I want to play that drivel on the go, I'll buy a Vita.

You`re just hating now and not even bothering to substantiate your claims.

[Obiwanshinobi]

Maybe nobody in the whole Nintendo has any idea what to do with twin sticks (other than a console FPS, which is as uninspired as they get).
With Classic Controller Pro they pretty much aped DualShock and it's a fine controller, but where are the games? I can't think of a single first party effort designed with it in mind.
Nintendo guys, Apocalypse (starring Bruce Willis) will be never fully recreated with CCP (no vibrations), but it's at least a hint. There's so much more to twin sticks than slow paced first person shooters... Even Geometry Wars isn't the answer here.

[Skykid]

You may think so, but why is it in the thread title? There are lots of valid complaints about the Vita, yet it manages to steer clear of a negative footnote.

There may be a lot of criticisms regarding some of Sony`s pricing policies and their complete incompetence when it comes to marketing their handhelds, but there`s really only one common complain about Vita`s hardware and it has to do with the fact that Vita doesn`t come equipped with internal storage. Quite a difference from the 3DS.

Right, so perhaps the PS Vita thread should read: "The PS Vita Thread. Does not come equipped with internal storage."

Do you see what I'm getting at here?

[Friendly]

You may think so, but why is it in the thread title? There are lots of valid complaints about the Vita, yet it manages to steer clear of a negative footnote.

There may be a lot of criticisms regarding some of Sony`s pricing policies and their complete incompetence when it comes to marketing their handhelds, but there`s really only one common complain about Vita`s hardware and it has to do with the fact that Vita doesn`t come equipped with internal storage. Quite a difference from the 3DS.

Right, so perhaps the PS Vita thread should read: "The PS Vita Thread. Does not come equipped with internal storage."

Do you see what I'm getting at here?

Not really. Like much of what you write in this forum, this doesn't make a whole lot of sense. Vita didn't just get a hardware revision where a key feature that many were hoping for was left out.
And what does 3DS XL have to do with PS Vita? That's right, nothing. Thanks for bringing it up to as an example of my "bias", though. Good thing we have you as an impartial observer to fight against injustice and point out unfairness.
Oh, wait.

If I want to play that drivel on the go, I'll buy a Vita.

[Skykid]

Thanks for bringing it up to as an example of my "bias", though. Good thing we have you as an impartial observer to fight against injustice and point out unfairness.

No sweat. I'll continue to do so until your bias ceases and desists. I wonder if you even play shmups (although considering the console they reside on, I assume not) or whether you're a travelling forum salesman who uses off-topic to pitch everyone Sony products.

If I want to play that drivel on the go, I'll buy a Vita.

At which point you list all the Vita titles that don't count as examples of current gen console gaming. You can, right?

[t0yrobo]

see new suggested thread title ^

No, the complaint is valid. They should have added it. But just like selling the a/c adapter separately instead of including it, selling a separate 3DS XL analog-stick add-on will make them more money. Mystery solved.

Expect something like this soon:


Which will then lead to something like this by a third-party company:


Just like region-locking, this is Nintendo's way of saying "I love you".

Yup and it'll be used by less than 10 games in the systems entire lifespan .

It's an unnecessary feature that takes up a large amount of physical space and doesn't offer much value.
Also, someone explain to me where it could be put that's physically feasible, not completely unergonomic to use, and doesn't fundamental change the systems design.

[Jonathan Ingram]

It's an unnecessary feature that takes up a large amount of physical space and doesn't offer much value.

It`s comments like these that make me think that some people here have either skipped a few generations of gaming or play only shmups, 2D stuff and nothing else. I mean, seriously... second stick an unnecessary feature?

Yup and it'll be used by less than 10 games in the systems entire lifespan .

There are already 7 games that support CCP. Some of them are 3DS` biggest third-party titles, namely Monster Hunter 3G, Resident Evil: Revelations, MGS: Snake Eater 3D and Kingdom Hearts 3D. MH3G is a pain in the ass to play without CCP, RE: Revelations benefits greatly from it and Snake Eater is just completely unplayable without it(even with CCP it`s only barely playable).

A version of CCP for the 3DS XL is an inevitability. Monster Hunter 4 is going to sell millions when it comes out and there are going to be lots of pissed off players if Nintendo doesn`t provide them with a suitable way of playing the game. Capcom isn`t going to be happy either.

[Skykid]

A version of CCP for the 3DS XL is an inevitability. Monster Hunter 4 is going to sell millions when it comes out and there are going to be lots of pissed off players if Nintendo doesn`t provide them with a suitable way of playing the game. Capcom isn`t going to be happy either.

There is a lot of 'speaking for the masses' going on here. Objectively keep in mind that without a second analog stick, the sales of the 3DS have been going from strength to strength, with 20 million units shipped so far. There were even reports it outsold the original DS in the first eight months of its release (source).

It's already quickly cementing itself as the current gen's leading handheld console, and that comes about by people voting with their wallets. Personally I've been hesitant until now, but it's amassed enough titles I want to play and cemented it with a redesign I'm interested in.

It might not provide a stellar game of Snake Eater, but judging by the sales figures no-one seems to care.

[UnscathedFlyingObject]

The 3DS does not need a second analog stick to sell 3DSii because Mario + Pokemon is pretty much all Nintendo need. However, having a second analog stick would make a lot of games less awkward to control, ie Kid Icarus Uprising.

[Jonathan Ingram]

There is a lot of 'speaking for the masses' going on here. Objectively keep in mind that without a second analog stick, the sales of the 3DS have been going from strength to strength, with 20 million units shipped so far. There were even reports it outsold the original DS in the first eight months of its release (source).

It's already quickly cementing itself as the current gen's leading handheld console, and that comes about by people voting with their wallets. Personally I've been hesitant until now, but it's amassed enough titles I want to play and cemented it with a redesign I'm interested in.

It might not provide a stellar game of Snake Eater, but judging by the sales figures no-one seems to care.

Red herring. The sales of the 3DS have nothing to do with the subject. It likely would`ve sold just as well with a just a d-pad and no analogue sticks at all, but that neither proves anything nor makes the d-pad a superior control method. The PS2 outselling the Xbox eight times over didn`t suddenly make the latter`s integrated online service and built-in HDD unnecessary features.