Why the New Nintendo 3DS is a bad idea… And a Good One…
- desolate9
- Feb 14, 2015
- 6 min read
Why the New Nintendo 3DS is a bad idea… And a Good One…
The Gold and Silver versions of Nintendo's newest Flagship; The New Nintendo 3DS Console
Everybody is flocking to the stores today to pickup the new Nintendo 3DS Console. But didn’t we already do this a couple years ago? Oh it’s “New” so I should buy it again. Well fact is, the console is “New” with a new design, processor, memory, graphics, screens, everything is updated… Oh, and there’s now two thumbsticks, and in Nintendo fashion it is called the C-Stick. The cartridge port is moved, the lights and indicators are offset on the front edge. The screens are updated with new 3D technology, and updated resolutions for crisper lines, and more immersive environments. The characters in Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate look amazing, even on yesterday’s console. But when I loaded today’s, playing on the updated system was in serious need of a comparison, which I would’ve gladly done if I could. In other words, go see for yourself… Buy the game, play for two days on your old one, then go to your local #GameStop, or (live in Cinci?) you could go to MINE! But either way you will get the opportunity to save on the “New” console, and experience it for yourself… But enough about the console, and my ramblings, I’m here to prove a point, and point something out…
When a company releases a new version of a console with updated features, they always assume it is either going to function with everything in the generation prior to the update and so markets it as such. However as Microsoft learned in the initial Xbox Generation, when Halo 2 came out, and some people, myself included ran into the issue confusing everyone. But most of us never yet considered online a feature yet because of safety (and availability of broadband internet), and so we were locked out of our new game features because we weren't “online” (ie, plugged in with “broadband”). I thought it was an issue with my console, and bought a second one… How dumb did I feel when my friend told me he just plugged his into his internet and it updated and he could play on his old console. I could’ve just took it to his house in Bowling Green, Ohio. However Microsoft was chastised for not openly sharing this information, and leaving consumers in a panic and confused. Thus forcing many to buy new consoles, giving Microsoft a financial edge late in the fiscal year. Granted, online and broadband has since skyrocketed, largely due to gaming online, and has became more available (even in rural areas like we grew up in). The console update became the norm. Now two generations have gone by, and a third one launched without the same mistake being repeated. That is until today, the launch of the New Nintendo 3DS Console.
That is the Nintendo 64 version on the left, and the New Nintendo 3DS on the right with Majora's Mask
I was excited that new consoles were coming, I had heard about them in the middle of the year in 2014, and I was silent (always have been of secrets from the inside) and waited. Until one day, my 3DS breaks, and I need to replace it. So I shopped around for price, and realized the new Retro Themed 3DS (See it here) was available, I decided against a used one, and just bought this baby. And I thought I would be happy, until the surprise announcement on December’s Nintendo Direct, only weeks after I bought my new console. Now there is a “New” Nintendo 3DS coming in February, same day as the inevitable remake of The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask 3D and Capcom’s 4th main installment of the Monster Hunter Series; Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate. Now both of these games will operate on the old Nintendo 3DS systems, but are designed to take full advantage of the updated capabilities of the New Nintendo 3DS Console.
Now the console feels great, and controlling the C-Stick reminds me of the IBM Mouse “Nub” that is still found in many Lenovo laptop PC’s. But feels nothing like it once it moves. Fluid and responsive, this is a nice and NEEDED change to the console. And graphically, you do notice a different big-time and you can see with Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate how it could be mistaken at times for its Wii counter-part. You can also see the speed steps up a notch, and aside from the obvious design changes, the big winner is the fact that with motion-tracking technology that focuses on your eyes, 3D viewing becomes remarkably more consistent and much more appealing to the eyes. I can’t comment on long-term play sessions compared to the old Nintendo 3DS, just because I haven’t had one long enough yet. And with the announcements of so many more games to utilize the newer specs, it’s hard not to imagine wanting to see what’s next. And as with The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask, I am sure we will see more games down the line. With the announcement of The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess being next to get the “3D” treatment from the series, and the Nintendo Wii Exclusive Xenoblade Chronicles is getting the 3D treatment this year and will “require” the New Nintendo 3DS according to GameRant.
Shulk - Our feature Amiibo Exclusive from GameStop, and Star of Xenoblade Chronicles (3D)
Which begs the question, if we are going to require the new console eventually, what is the purpose for the previous device? Is Nintendo considering the Apple route and making devices disposable year after year? Sure we will have “versions” but imagine the confusion at retail! I hope this is just a concern, but I’m worried that my “New” Retro Themed 3DS was a waste, because I now have to make a drop on a new 3DS to play Xenoblade Chronicles 3D? I never bought it on Wii cause of the problems with price and rarity. So I am one of those gamers who are very excited to check it out. But with concerns now that I may go out and buy the console in April, and get the game. Will my console be obsolete? I just wonder if they should have continued making games as they were, and plan a new console all together? Think about it, Nintendo has basically just made all of the previous 3DS consoles obsolete once April hits, and games start “requiring” the upgraded console.
I for one, am not going to rush out, but if I have to buy it to keep playing, fine. But should I be okay with it? Should I keep buying Nintendo Consoles Annually? I guess I would have to ask the Apple faithful who wait in line to buy new iPhones every year. Nintendo is making a good move by prolonging the existence of the console, and showing their movement from the TV version of the 3DS; the Wii U, to the powerful portable we have ALL wanted it to be. Imagine a day when we could play games with the kind of fidelity and quality we expect from Nintendo without feeling “portable” or “watered down” because of ability of the device. That day is here, and it is the New Nintendo 3DS…
The New Nintendo 3DS featuring the responsive "C-Stick" and Eye-Tracking 3D
But why not just hold it back for a few more months, build a launch list including games like Xenoblade Chronicles 3D, which require it, and name it something else entirely?
How about the Nintendo Mii? I like that just because your 3DS is already portable, and personal, like your Mii. It would be a great play on words, and reference a mini version of Wii at the same time… Would have made more money, had a better hook to sell, and probably more stock to keep people happy at launch instead of the sell-out fiasco we have now.
So please Nintendo, let’s not make this mistake twice… I would've thought you learned from Microsoft over a decade ago, but apparently it is true… History is forgotten.
P.S. Oh and pick up an extra power adapter, because they didn't put one in the box. Must've figured you had nineteen already since the SAME plug has been used since DSXL... Check your bins guys, you probably have one laying around...
Don't forget one of these when you buy the New Nintendo 3DS
P.S.S. Follow me on Twitter at the links below for more information coming in the following week of a very awesome giveaway featuring a copy of Xenoblade Chronicles 3D for the New Nintendo 3DS and a [Sealed] Shulk Amiibo from GameStop; so you can experience the new game with the bonus content it was meant to have.
Follow me on Twitter @TheDesolate_9, or on Facebook and Google+ at Desolate_9. Stay tuned to here on Blogger, and on my YouTube Channel for more great content and stuff. And while it is more of a landing page right now, check out www.dez-net.com for more info on upcoming videos, media, books, blogs, my movies and more!
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