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Nintendo 3DS: A Comprehensive Review
By: Paris Dunst

The long awaited Nintendo 3DS arrived earlier this year and fanboys and girls around the world couldn’t be happier.  This powerful new handheld brings a huge feature into the realm of gaming, glasses free 3D.  This great feature allows a brilliant immersion of the player into their game and really redefines “playing” a game.  The system has been around for a while now and yet the jury is still out on whether or not the 3D technology is more a hassle than a feature.  The best part is, it doesn’t matter. With the ability to turn the 3D on and off via a nifty slider bar, each and every owner can play their games in the most comfortable manner for them. Personally, I find the 3D to be spectacular.  When viewed correctly it no longer feels as if you’re viewing a screen but rather that the game is actually taking place behind a thin sheet of plastic keeping you out.  Many people speculated on the precision required to see the 3D effects to their fullest potential and rightly so. Their largest concern was with the narrow viewing angle to effectively see the illusion.  After its release, it seems to be the general consensus that this is not an issue. As when playing a handheld console, people are not radically changing their perspective on the screen. All in all the 3D is a smashing success, but how does it compete with other handhelds on or soon to be on the market?


Currently, Nintendo’s main competitors on the handheld front are Sony with their Playstation Portable franchise, and smart phones. While I won’t go into detail about either of these two, it should be noted that in the past, Sony’s handhelds have been more powerful than Nintendo’s, and that smart phones do have an enormous user and developer base.  With the 3DS, Nintendo attempts to reclaim its position as the undisputed leader in handheld gaming.  The new system is powerful, very powerful, much more powerful than any previously released handheld.  It has to be to support the 3D feature. We now have games with very nice graphics appearing on a Nintendo handheld and not just in cut-scenes.

Nintendo has also reached further on the internet ground, expanding on what had previously been done with the DSi. Like the DSi a 3DS user can browse the internet, shop for retro games or even new games custom tailored for the device. Unlike the DSi, games can now receive updates (via SpotPass) which either includes bug fixes to eliminate in game glitches or content expansions allowing for much more gameplay of your favorite titles. For example Dynasty Warriors Chronicles has employed several updates which included new items and missions continuing the storyline and overall adding to the length of the game, something previously unheard of on Nintendo’s handhelds. Just this concept alone fills me with a bright outlook on what we may see on future titles, I’m very excited.

Nintendo has really knocked the ball out of the park with the 3DS. The system itself is sleek, comfortable, and a great gaming machine. The best part is, if for whatever reason you don’t already own one, there’s good news!  Recently Nintendo announced an unprecedented price drop on the 3DS reducing its MSRP from $250.00 to $169.99! This is incredible coming from Nintendo and really makes it hard to pass up on the purchase of such a great device. Also, to alleviate any feelings of being cheated, Nintendo also announced their “Ambassador Program” for those of us who already purchased the 3DS before its unexpected price change. This program will provide FREE games to those who connected their 3DS to the internet at least once before the price drop was instated.  The list of games to be given remains incomplete but it has been confirmed that there will be ten games for both the NES (Nintendo Entertainment System) and the GBA (Gameboy Advance) to be available for download starting in September and in the future respectively. Games mentioned include Super Mario Bros. 3, and Metroid Fusion, just to name a few.

With this surge of positive information pertaining to the 3DS it gives me something I never really got from my Nintendo consoles, expectations. I’m not just talking about waiting for a new game to release. No, I’m referring to the fact that there is so much still undone on the console that, when it is, we’re all going to be in awe. Remembering back to the original DS, the starting lineup of games was really far from appealing. They gave us the remake of Super Mario 64 which was wonderful. Also, the new Metroid Prime Hunters title kept us Metroid fans very happy. However, it took a bit of time before the big companies like Square-Enix, Ubisoft, and Atlas really began to take off on the system. If you owned a Nintendo DS as an early adopter did (like me) you know that the first generation of touch screen games were very gimmicky and had only a novelty quality. It wasn’t until roughly a year after it’s release that we saw games using the touch screen in creative, and very entertaining new ways. The same goes for the Wii with its motion controls and same will go for the 3DS.  There are so many untapped resources as of yet on the 3DS that I wait with high expectations for the great things to come. They will come, they always do.

Final Score: 100%

Today is the last day to grab 20 Free NES/GBA eShop Games!

Gamers whom already own a 3DS should remember that today is the last day to sign in to the eShop to become a Nintendo 3DS Ambassador. You have until midnight tonight to get in there to make sure you get your 20 free NES/GBA games.

Those whom don't have a 3DS can take advantage of the Price Drop which will be in effect after midnight! $169.99 is a fantastic deal and should convince those on the fence to climb down the other side and join the fun.

Wal-Mart Selling the Nintendo 3DS at Reduced Price Now!

Reports from a variety of Twitter uses and other gaming outlets are confirming that some Wal-Marts are indeed selling the Nintendo 3DS for $169.99 right now! Meaning that you could buy it at the reduced price and still be eligible for the free virtual console downloads. However, if you want to get the games along with the reduced price you need to act fast as you only have until 11:59 Thursday evening to take advantage of this little loophole.

Good Luck, but remember to call your local Wal-Mart first; there is no confirmation that every Wal-Mart is holding this sale.

Nintendo 3DS Ambassadors Eligible for Club Nintendo Coins

Not only is Nintendo giving 3DS Ambassadors 20 free Virtual Console games, but they will also be eligible for Club Nintendo surveys. If the free games weren't enough of an incentive, surely this will convince some gamers to purchase the 3DS before Friday's big price drop.

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Nintendo 3DS Sales Drop 50% After Price Drop Announcement

One week after Nintendo's price drop announcement sales numbers show that the Nintendo 3DS has dropped 50% from the week before. I think this is what we have been expecting. Gamers are clearly waiting for the price drop to happen. It is a bit disheartening that more gamers aren't jumping on the 20 free games, but I guess an extra $80 is the more attractive deal.

At least it's selling better than the PSP Go...

1. PSP: 36,659 (LW: 26,854)
2. PS3: 20,704 (LW: 23,343)
3. Wii: 18,232 (LW: 17,114)
4. 3DS: 16,415 (LW: 31,826)
5. DSi LL: 5,267 (LW: 5,258)
6. DSi:  4,625 (LW: 4,921)
7. 360 1,616 (LW: 1,546)
8. PS2 1,594 (LW: 1,475)
9. DS Lite 138 (LW: 155)
10. PSP Go 7 (LW: 14)

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Developers Relieved About Nintendo 3DS Price Drop

Some developers have outright canned certain games, and others have delayed titles in a wait and see situation. Now, however, it seems that developers are relieved that the hardware has dropped in price with the belief that this could change things around for the handheld device.

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Satoru Iwata Sends Apology Letter to Early Adopters of the Nintendo 3DS

As everyone is well aware of by now, Nintendo announced a dramatic price drop for their Nintendo 3DS handheld only a few months after its release. Concerned that early adopters would lose their trust in the company, Nintendo immediately began an Ambassador program to begin reconciliation. Nintendo 3DS Ambassadors would be gifted 20 free games for their loyalty.

Currently, only Japanese Nintendo 3DS owners are receiving this letter. Here is the letter in its entirety:

To Those Customers Who Bought A Nintendo 3DS Before The Price Change

Greetings, everyone. This is Satoru Iwata from Nintendo.

Thank you very much for purchasing a Nintendo 3DS.

We have just announced a price drop for the Nintendo 3DS system effective on August 11 [August 12 in North America].

In the past, there have been price drops for video game systems some time after their release in order to broaden the user base further. However, never before has Nintendo chosen to issue such a dramatic price drop less than 6 months after a system release.

We are all too keenly aware that those of you who supported us by purchasing the 3DS in the beginning may feel betrayed and criticize this decision.

This unprecedented timing for a price cut is because the situation has changed greatly since we originally launched the 3DS. We decided it was necessary to take this drastic step in order to ensure that large numbers of users will continue to enjoy the 3DS in the future.

If the software creators and those on the retail side are not confident that the Nintendo 3DS is a worthy successor to the DS and will achieve a similarly broad (user) base, it will be impossible for the 3DS to gain popularity, acquire a wide range of software, and eventually create the product cycle necessary for everyone to be satisfied with the system.

Those customers who purchased the 3DS at the very beginning are extremely important to us. We know that there is nothing we can do to completely make up for the feeling that you are being punished for buying the system early. Still, we would like to offer the following as a sign of our appreciation to you.

[3DS Ambassador program details]

We feel a strong responsibility to develop the 3DS as a platform -- to ensure that, in the end, everyone is satisfied; we will make every effort to do so.

Additionally, we know everyone is waiting for Super Mario 3D Land and Mario Kart 7. They are scheduled for release in November and December, respectively, so we ask for your patience until then.

Thank you again, and we look forward to your continued support.

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Amazon.com Lowers Nintendo 3DS Price + Pre-Orders up for $169.99 3DS

Looking to get a deal on the Nintendo 3DS early? Well, Amazon.com has went ahead and lowered the price on both the Cosmo Black and Aqua Blue Nintendo 3DS.

Buy a Cosmo Black 3DS for $225.00
Buy an Aqua Blue 3DS for $223.00

Pre-orders for the newly priced Nintendo 3DS consoles are also available at Amazon.com.

Pre-Order a Nintendo 3DS at $169.99 Here

The Sun Heating up Nintendo Fans Again, Claims that Dizziness the cause for 3DS Price Cut

The Sun has previously published claims of users experiencing headaches and dizziness following play sessions with a Nintendo 3DS. Now they are claiming that these bouts of dizziness is the cause for the Nintendo 3DS price drop. As we all know, this is the furthest from the actual truth. Nintendo is seeing reduced sales across the entirety of their current offerings which has resulted in a poor financial performance for the three month period ending June. Not necessarily due to dizziness.

As a gamer, I have previously atoned to the fact that I experience headaches after long sessions no matter the console. This can include watching movies and TV, as well as browsing the Internet. In fact, after visitng The Sun, I can say that it does indeed make me nauseous.

Nintendo 3DS will be Sold at A Loss Following Price Cut

Due to some financial troubles, Nintendo shockingly announced a price drop for its 3D handheld on Thursday. Revenue dropped about 50% (¥25.5 billion/$328 million) for the three month period ending in June 2011. Sales are down all across the board and not just on the Nintendo 3DS front. Wii sales are down 49% compared to this quarter of last year; Nintendo DS sales were down 54%. Software for the Wii and Nintendo DS respectively were down 52% and 46%. Not incredibly surprising considering the lack of quality content Nintendo has provided as a first party company so far this year.

Following the price drop, Nintendo 3DS handhelds will be sold at a loss. To make up for this loss, Nintendo president, Satoru Iwata will be taking a 50% pay cut. Satoru Iwata and his board of directors hold themselves accountable for the poor financial performance, which will also see a 20%-30% pay cut for the board of directors.

Nintendo shares also dropped 12% following the release of its financials. Former Nintendo president, Hiroshi Yamauchi, has reportedly loss about $300 Million with regards to his 10% stock in the company. This may seem like a doom and gloom situation, and it most certainly can be, but Nintendo is definitely ready to bounce back. Cutting the 3DS price will no doubt increase sales for both the hardware and software alike. Not to mention the great first party lineup coming this fall including: Super Mario 3D Land, Mario Kart 3D (MK7), Kid Icarus: Uprising, and Star Fox 64 3D.

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More Info on the Nintendo 3DS Ambassador Program

• These games will be 2D games and not part of the 3D Classics Series
• 3DS Ambassadors can download NES games starting September 1st
• NES games will have additional features when released to the public later this year
• Updated Features will include:
• Digital Manuals
• Multiplayer Simultaneous Play
• 3DS Ambassadors can download updated versions of these games when released to the public
• Currently, Game Boy Advance games are only slated for 3DS Ambassdors; Late adopters may not have the opportunity to purchase GBA games in the future
• GBA titles are slated for a 2011 release
• More details on the Nintendo 3DS Ambassador Program (such as a full list of free games) to come later in the year

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Current Nintendo 3DS Owners to Receive 20 Free eShop (NES & GBA) Games

If you currently own a Nintendo 3DS then you are eligible to become a Nintendo 3DS Ambassador. What is a Nintendo 3DS Ambassador? A Nintendo 3DS Ambassador is a Nintendo loyalist that has purchased a Nintendo 3DS before the price drop, and connected to the Nintendo eShop at least once before August 11th 11:59 P.M. EST. Afterwards, Ambassadors will be eligible to download 20 free games (which include 10 NES games and 10 Game Boy Advance games) for buying the handheld early.

Basically this is Nintendo's way of gaining loyalists' trust back after announcing the $80 price drop on the Nintendo 3DS. Prospective owners get a great price reduction, and current owners get about $100 worth of free games. What games should Nintendo 3DS Ambassadors expect to download? Here are a few titles that Nintendo name dropped in their press release:

NES Games

• Super Mario Bros.
• Donkey Kong Jr.
• Balloon Fight
• Ice Climber
• The Legend of Zelda

Game Boy Advance Games

• Yoshi's Island: Super Mario Advance 3
• Mario Kart: Super Circuit
• Metroid Fusion
• WarioWare, Inc.: Mega Microgame$
• Mario vs. Donkey Kong
  

Nintendo announces a Nintendo 3DS Price Drop (Now $169.99) + Free NES/GBA Games for Current 3DS Owners

NINTENDO 3DS PRICE DROPS TO $169.99, AS GREAT VALUE AND NEW 3D GAMES COME TOGETHER

Star Fox 64 3D, Super Mario 3D Land, Mario Kart 7 and Kid Icarus: Uprising Prep Nintendo 3DS for a Strong Holiday Season

REDMOND, Wash., July 28, 2011 – Nintendo of America today announced plans to drop the suggested retail price of its portable Nintendo 3DS™ system to $169.99 in the United States, as new games based on some of the world's most beloved video game franchises head to the system. The new price, down from the suggested launch price of $249.99 and effective Aug. 12, makes an outstanding value even better and sets up a strong holiday season for the system.

"For anyone who was on the fence about buying a Nintendo 3DS, this is a huge motivation to buy now," said Nintendo of America President Reggie Fils-Aime. "We are giving shoppers every incentive to pick up a Nintendo 3DS, from an amazing new price to a rapid-fire succession of great games."
Nintendo 3DS has the strongest software lineup of any video game system this holiday season and the new price now opens up the glasses-free 3D experience to many more consumers. Building on the popularity of The Legend of Zelda™: Ocarina of Time™ 3D, which launched June 19, the upcoming game calendar is a Who's Who of iconic video game franchises. Star Fox 64™ 3D arrives on Sept. 9, followed by Super Mario™ 3D Land in November, Mario Kart™ 7 in December and Kid Icarus™: Uprising during the holiday season.

In addition to great games, Nintendo 3DS has a host of attractive features* that make it the must-have video game system this season:

• The new Nintendo Video™ service automatically delivers short 3D videos from the worlds of music, comedy, animation and Hollywood.
  
• A free application allows Netflix members with unlimited streaming plans to instantly watch TV episodes and movies streaming from Netflix.
  
• The Nintendo eShop is a digital store for Nintendo 3DS owners that provides access to a wide variety of downloadable content, such as original 3D software, classic games that have been re-mastered in 3D called 3D Classics, Game Boy™ and Game Boy Color "Virtual Console" games in their original 2D glory, and more than 350 Nintendo DSiWare™ games. Visitors can also view video game trailers, screen shots and product information for games, including those available at retail locations.

Since Nintendo 3DS launched in the United States on March 27, more than 830,000 people in the U.S. alone have purchased one to enjoy 3D visuals without the need for special glasses. These Nintendo 3DS owners represent some of Nintendo's most loyal customers, and Nintendo is rewarding them for getting in on the action early with 20 free downloadable games from the Nintendo eShop.

These free games are available to anyone who owns a Nintendo 3DS system and uses a wireless broadband Internet signal to connect to the Nintendo eShop at least once before 11:59 p.m. Eastern time on Aug. 11. These users will automatically be registered in the Nintendo 3DS Ambassador program. The program contains two elements:

1. Starting Sept. 1, Nintendo 3DS Ambassadors will be able to download 10 NES™ Virtual Console™ games at no charge and before they are available in the Nintendo eShop to the general public. These games, including Super Mario Bros.™, Donkey Kong Jr.™, Balloon Fight™, Ice Climber™ and The Legend of Zelda™, are slated to become paid downloadable games, but Ambassadors get them early for free. Once the paid versions of the games are posted to the Nintendo eShop later in the year, the updated versions will be available to Ambassadors for download at no cost.
   
2. By the end of 2011, Nintendo will provide Ambassadors with 10 Game Boy Advance Virtual Console games. These include games like Yoshi's Island™: Super Mario™ Advance 3, Mario Kart™: Super Circuit, Metroid™ Fusion, WarioWare™, Inc.: Mega Microgame$ and Mario vs. Donkey Kong™. These games will be available exclusively to Ambassadors, and Nintendo currently has no plans to make these 10 games available to the general public on the Nintendo 3DS in the future.

More details about this program will be announced in the future.

Remember that Nintendo 3DS features parental controls that let adults manage the content their children can access. For more information about this and other features, visit http://www.nintendo.com/3ds.

*Some features require a broadband Internet connection.

About Nintendo: The worldwide pioneer in the creation of interactive entertainment, Nintendo Co., Ltd., of Kyoto, Japan, manufactures and markets hardware and software for its Wii™ home console, Nintendo 3DS™ and Nintendo DS™ family of portable systems. Since 1983, when it launched the Nintendo Entertainment System™, Nintendo has sold more than 3.7 billion video games and more than 600 million hardware units globally, including the current-generation Wii, Nintendo 3DS, Nintendo DS, Nintendo DSi™ and Nintendo DSi XL™, as well as the Game Boy™, Game Boy Advance, Super NES™, Nintendo 64™ and Nintendo GameCube™ systems. It has also created industry icons that have become well-known, household names such as Mario™, Donkey Kong™, Metroid™, Zelda™ and Pokémon™. A wholly owned subsidiary, Nintendo of America Inc., based in Redmond, Wash., serves as headquarters for Nintendo's operations in the Western Hemisphere. For more information about Nintendo, please visit the company's website at http://www.nintendo.com.

Source: Nintendo PR