Nintendo 3DS (XL)

[Friendly]

Oh, and the region locking sucks too stuff like Code of princess still hasn't been announced for Europe and that's one of the (very) few interesting games there is for the machine so far

It's a shameless copy of Guardian Heroes. Not even a ripoff, it's the same damn game! Look:

Bar: GH COP

Town: GH COP

Forest: GH COP

Graveyard: GH COP

Field: GH COP

Castle: GH COP

Treasure should sue Agatsuma Entertainment. I'm serious.

LOL! Thanks for the good laugh.

[Friendly]

Nintendo will be offering a 3DS XL version of the Circle Pad Pro some time this year.

Source: http://andriasang.com/con1pd/3ds_circle_pad_expansion/


Who would`ve thought!?

Me http://shmups.system11.org/viewtopic.ph ... 17#p810217
Look, my prediction only took 3 days to come true. Hahahah.

Really though, WTF? The system isn't even released yet. Why not just directly include the second stick? (Ah yes, nickel and dime).

[Skykid]

Source: http://andriasang.com/con1pd/3ds_circle_pad_expansion/

I wouldn't be seen in public with that.

I'll be sticking to games that don't require the device, which makes more sense anyway since the type of games I want to be playing won't be built around the functionality of a second stick.

[Teufel_in_Blau]

Man, suddenly the Vita isn't looking that bad. Disgaea 3, Dream Club Zero and Miku on a nice OLED is tempting. I might end up with a used DS and a Vita later. Get your shit together Nintendo and fire those useless people who are responsible for that. I don't want to get laugh out on my way to work by school girls.

[Jonathan Ingram]

Disgaea 3, Dream Club Zero and Miku on a nice OLED is tempting.
I don't want to get laugh out on my way to work by school girls.

Just make sure no one spots you playing this one. Those school girls in particular.

[ZellSF]

The most troubling thing with the 3DS IMO is the lack of proper 2D games, for example when those screenshots of the new castlevania showed up I was very dissapointed I was kinda expecting it to tip me over into buying the machine like dawn of sorrow made me buy the original DS.

Oh, and the region locking sucks too stuff like Code of princess still hasn't been announced for Europe and that's one of the (very) few interesting games there is for the machine so far

Why not just buy a US 3DS if you live in Europe? That's my plan. Not like we get cheap games or many exclusives here.

The bolded text I find the most interesting. Apparently they using some filter to make the DS and 3DS games looks smoother.

I read that, but I can't figure out how that is possible. The screens are the same resolution aren't they?

[Drum]

Why not just buy a US 3DS if you live in Europe? That's my plan. Not like we get cheap games or many exclusives here.

The bolded text I find the most interesting. Apparently they using some filter to make the DS and 3DS games looks smoother.

I read that, but I can't figure out how that is possible. The screens are the same resolution aren't they?

Lately Europe is more reliably getting Nintendo stuff than the US. NoA is awful.

Re: Code of Princess/Guardian Heroes:
Has at least one key person that worked on GH so it's not as shameless as all that. At any rate, the original GH is a pretty weak game so I wouldn't hold out hope for CoP. Just get Dragon's Crown (tho I grant Vanillaware is pretty hit/miss too).

[Op Intensify]

At any rate, the original GH is a pretty weak game

Disagreed. It's sloppier than most of Treasure's efforts but it's an amazing co-op/party game, and the story elements are handled really well with the massive amount of branching paths. The difficulty is a lot more balanced than you'd expect. Also, the changes made to the system in the XBLA version allow for some pretty deep combo/counter mechanics.

Vanillaware is just "miss." They have yet to produce a single competently designed game, and this can't be excused by the artistry of their graphics.

[Skykid]

Vanillaware is just "miss." They have yet to produce a single competently designed game, and this can't be excused by the artistry of their graphics.

Actually, the artistry of Muramasa is one of the only examples I can think of where a game was genuinely improved by its aesthetic. By no means a perfect game, but its beauty fills in a lot of the gaps.

[ZellSF]

Why not just buy a US 3DS if you live in Europe? That's my plan. Not like we get cheap games or many exclusives here.

The bolded text I find the most interesting. Apparently they using some filter to make the DS and 3DS games looks smoother.

I read that, but I can't figure out how that is possible. The screens are the same resolution aren't they?

Lately Europe is more reliably getting Nintendo stuff than the US. NoA is awful.

I'm really not seeing that. Ï can think of 4 Wii exclusives we have, two which are too early to tell if will get a US release, three which are pretty mediocre. I can think of two DS exclusives, one which is pretty mediocre.

[Drum]

What's your point?

[ZellSF]

What's your point?

No point really, I'm curious if you're seeing something I'm not.

[Obiwanshinobi]

One thing that improved in PAL territory is that most Wii games (not sure about PS3 and 360 games played on an SDTV, but this is a non-issue for me) I am or was interested in output 60 Hz. I don't mind properly optimised 50 Hz, but 60 Hz is a safer bet. Also, games like S&P2 and Xenoblade Chronicles - stuff that is of any interest for gaming Japanophiles first and foremost - coming out with the Japanese voices in PAL, yay. Published by Nintendo, of all companies. I still hold a grudge against them for what they did to Mario on the N64 and have been doing since then. To me Mario is, at heart, black & white and silent. Super Mario Land remains one of my most played handheld games. The 2D Mario platformer announced for the Wii U doesn't look bad and is probably well designed, but leaves me cold. Mario on the N64 lost the platform-selling charm if you ask me.

[Skykid]

I finally put my finger on it: you know what niggles me about the original 3DS and this redesign? It's the lack of any symbolism or notation on the lid. Pedantic, I know, but it reminds me of one of those cheap Chinese open source handhelds: it's just way too... blank.

Now I know the white definitely isn't going to be around for European launch, I'm going to have to grit my teeth until they make it available. The silver, red and blue just look rubbish to me. I don't know what's wrong with Nintendo, they did the same awful colour arrangements for the launch of the original version.

[Domino]

BUUMMMP!

Well I purchase one last Friday in order to replace the regular 3DS.

BUT WHY!!??

I only play handhelds at home and I can see better with a bigger screen. I must say the bigger screen makes a big difference for shmups like Metal Torrent. I will say that the sound output on the XL is weaker than the regular 3DS (this isn't too much of a problem for me since I use headphones anyway). Also with the bigger size the D-Pad location is better (which equals to less pain on my thumbs).

If you don't own a 3DS, only use handhelds at home, and want the benefit of the bigger screen then I say go for the XL!

[Op Intensify]

I use handhelds on the go, but only when I have a big-ass backpack to lug them around. So size isn't an issue.

I still need a really good reason to pick up a region-locked handheld, though. Definitely gonna get a Vita first.

[ZellSF]

I would say the Vita is pretty region locked too.

Yes, you can import games from another region, but you'll miss out on any DLC (including essential 0-day DLC/multiplayer implemented to prevent used games) and any digital only games. And there's going to be a lot more of both those things in the future.

And looking at the PS3, Sony might in the future just randomly decide one day that the Vita isn't region free any longer and start region locking games.

Region locking on the Vita is actually more problematic than region locking on the 3DS to me, with the 3DS I know I will have to buy US hardware and wait for it to be hacked... With the Vita I have no idea if Sony will ever region lock by hardware or if they will stick with account only.

[Op Intensify]

Yes, you can import games from another region, but you'll miss out on any DLC (including essential 0-day DLC/multiplayer implemented to prevent used games) and any digital only games

Uhh, no. Redeeming DLC pack-in codes can be done in any region, and there are several online vendors who sell Japanese PSN cards to Westerners.

But yes, there is the fear that they will eventually lock down the system with a firmware update, or future games will start being locked, probably in response to a successful jailbreak that allows piracy of Vita games.

[ZellSF]

But any DLC/Content you buy is locked to your account is it not? Sure you can get the DLC and stuff, but only from one region (your own or not). Or am I missing something about how the DLC structure on the Vita works?

[Op Intensify]

You can use multiple accounts from different regions, each with their own downloads and saves, on multiple memory cards.

Until very recently there was a trick that let you use more than one account on one card, but a firmware update killed that. People have lost access to their purchased games and save data because of it. Glad I'm waiting to get a Vita.

[Domino]

I still need a really good reason to pick up a region-locked handheld, though. Definitely gonna get a Vita first.

Except for Kokuga (which I will believe it will come to the US either retail or eShop) all games that I wanted to play on the 3DS is released here in the US. At first when purchasing the 3DS I thought there would be very few games that I would play personally. First I picked up Kid Icarus (loved it), then I picked up Steel Diver (meh), and after that I picked up Star Fox 64 (great port). The Nintendo eShop is great for digital only titles like Metal Torrent (which I played heavily nowadays), the 3D Classic remakes (which so far they were excellent), and the VC service. With the upcoming Code of Princess and the few 3DS titles that I pass on (Nano Assault), I'll be busy for awhile.

True, the 3DS isn't a perfect platform, but at the same time it's cheaper than than Vita and there's more games for me to play on the 3DS than the Vita ATM.

Also playing the DSi and the 3DS was a huge eye-opener for me on the world of handhelds. Since my living situation focus me to be on the go often I found handhelds to be welcoming in my lifestyle.

If your only real reason for not buying a 3DS is for the region lock, then I think it's pretty weaksauce reason.

[Op Intensify]

I only play handhelds at home

Since my living situation focus me to be on the go often I found handhelds to be welcoming in my lifestyle.

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[shmuppyLove]

I only play handhelds at home

Since my living situation focus me to be on the go often I found handhelds to be welcoming in my lifestyle.

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I play handhelds at home a lot too ... we only have 1 television (my delicious 27" CRT), and my fianceé watches a lot of TV, so I end up on the PC or with my DS or PSP a lot.

I also like that I can take the games with me, that way I can get more time overall on them vs the games I can only play at home.

[Skykid]

Sexy Time:



First impressions:

Screen is fantastic. Depth of 3D works so much better now there's a wider field of vision for it, and it looks great. Any fears about upscaled resolution are put to bed - everything looks crisp and so much better than on the original device. I play with the 3D just under max (as I find max reduces resolution by a touch) and don't suffer from headaches/eyestrain or anything.
I find the d-pad buttons a bit small, can be kind of achy if you play for 1/2 an hour, but not too serious. The analog works well for most games, Mario Kart included.

DS games still look much better on the DSi XL. When upscaled to full on here they're blurry, and if booted up in native resolution they're not as large or impressive as the DSi.

Build quality is good, nice and solid. Screen protectors required of course. Speakers are really good in terms of quality, although not that loud if you're playing outdoors or in a noisy area.

Enjoying all the interface stuff, v.simple with tons of features, and the Spotpass/streepass thing works much better than I imagined.

Kid Icarus is good but not great. Controls really are an issue there, as discussed earlier in the thread (this game makes me understand the need for circle pad pro support.)
Mario Kart is really solid fun, even if I'm beginning to feel it's getting hackneyed now (and it's a bit easy.)

[Despatche]

People who want that stupid second pad should absolutely be punished for it. I really appreciate that Nintendo is going to nickel-and-dime people over it, and I hope it dies quickly anyway.

[Skykid]

People who want that stupid second pad should absolutely be punished for it. I really appreciate that Nintendo is going to nickel-and-dime people over it, and I hope it dies quickly anyway.

I'm partly with you, but Kid Icarus could have been an incredible game of skill with a different control setup.
It's far from bad, but the stylus for camera and aiming simultaneously is not optimal by any stretch. It should have been a Wii game tbh.

[Domino]

I only play handhelds at home

Since my living situation focus me to be on the go often I found handhelds to be welcoming in my lifestyle.

?????????????????

I don't own a TV and I'm not planning to get one anytime soon. I can play the games at work and play at home.

Kid Icarus is good but not great. Controls really are an issue there, as discussed earlier in the thread (this game makes me understand the need for circle pad pro support.)

I thought Kid Icarus wasn't too great until I got more into the game. After a while you will get use to the controls and realize that you don't need a second circle pad. I found the game to be funny as hell.

[MX7]

I'm really looking forward to getting a 3DS XL now I'm employed again.

Siding with the idea of getting a US model, as it would be shitty if EOIV or SMTIV didn't end up coming out in Europe (still strikes me as bizarre that Strange Journey never came out over here)

Any recommendations on where someone in the UK should get a US 3DSXL from?

[mesh control]

Picked a XL yesterday afternoon after realizing it fits my living situation well. I've played ever iteration of the DS, except for the XL and wasn't expecting something so monstrous. My wrist started cramping badly after an hour of play, but other than that I have no complaints. (I have bad wrists and fairly large hands)

I'm actually not sure what game to get next, as in nothing looks too enticing (yet). I'm far beyond mislaid with games anymore, I don't know what to look for. :/

Are there any Strategy games out or are going to be released soon? Or perhaps, DS strategy games (besides Advanced Wars) I should look into?

[Op Intensify]

Or perhaps, DS strategy games (besides Advanced Wars)

Over 11 years later and people still can't get it right. It's Advance Wars. Game Boy Advance.

And no, the 3DS really has nothing worthwhile in the way of strategy at the moment, except for possibly the top-down Tom Clancy Ghost Recon game.