The New 3DS is Nintendo's Next Big Mistake

CCC Says: "Nintendo has lost its mind. The company has just gone crazy. There is no other explanation for their horrible marketing decisions as of late. First, it flubbed the Wii U and turned it into the red-headed, fish-head eating stepchild of the console family, and now it's dead set on releasing a new version of the 3DS, only four years into the handheld's life cycle, called the New 3DS."

[choujij]

So this is essentially a backwards compatible successor to the 3DS? I'm a huge Nintendo fan but I think this is going to cause a lot of consumer confusion. At first even I thought it was just another model.

I also don't get why they feel the need to do this so suddenly?

[iamnsuperman]

I don't see confusion as the big problem. The issue is going to lie with developers. Developers are not going to make games for it specifically (not until it gets close to current 3DS figures). It adds new buttons that no game is going to support. Nintendo can't afford to make games specifically for it since it will leave a bitter taste in consumer's mouth. The 3DS is barely three years old. Once developers make games with the most popular device in mind it starts a vicious cycle of then people buy that over the new one (you can't just add a new control scheme half way through. All developers need to use it from day one)

I can see what they are trying to do (replicate what the mobile world is doing). But they have ignored why that works. The input is the same, people buy mobiles very often (2 year contracts) and each little jump between each device (which are many in number) isn't much (except every other iteration) which means games can be supported over a great range of devices (which means the evolution of mobile games is incredibly slow since they have to accommodate older devices). They have essentially stalled how games will be developed on handhelds

[darthv72]

Well...it could be like the gameboy color. That had games that were made specifically to take advantage of the color ability while also being limited on the previous gameboy.

Devs can make games that support both on one game card. If the game detects the presence of the extra buttons then it works as such. if it doesnt then it plays like a regular 3ds game.

it presents an interesting challenge but one that some will take on to see if they can do it. others...probably not. But it does fall in line with nintendo's handheld process of improving on the initial idea while staying compatible with the former.

[NewMonday]

this just proves Nintendo will announce a WiiU successor next year

[jholden3249]

Pretty simple really. Like the PC, you can make your games with two settings. Ultra setting for those who have the new 3DS, and normal setting for everyone else.

And the more advanced hardware will allow games that otherwise couldn't run to be brought to the system, such as Xenoblade. This doesn't hurt you or anyone else. All it does is give us more options. If you so desire to play this game on hand held, you will now have the option to upgrade and play it. That's one more game to play then we had yesterday, and in my book that's a win-win.

[thehobbyist]

You are so wrong. Games are already using those buttons. And typically the games to use those extra buttons are some of the 3DS' biggest sellers/best games:
- Resident Evil: Revelations
- Monster Hunter 3 + 4
- Metal Gear Solid 3D
- Xenoblade Chronicles
- Super Smash Bros for 3DS
- Kid Icarus: Uprising

[Magicite]

this new DS looks so advanced in comparison to original 3ds, that it almost seems like next-gen handheld.

[wampdog29]

@LogicalReason: it's sad you only look at extra buttons to say if it's next-gen or not. You realise they doubled the RAM, added 4MB of Video RAM, increased the CPU/GPU speed, added a tracking camera to allow 3D to be viewed from any angle, a surrounding light sensor in order to auto-adjust the back-light of the screen AND added much needed buttons..... I'm also assuming they added wireless-N support due to the faster download times (contrary to popular belief, the faster CPU wouldn't help this).

[Big_Game_Hunters]

I don't see the issue. They've done this for every handheld.

[Sly-Lupin]

Basically, it's a half-generation leap forward. It has enough of a hardware upgrade that new games will require it to play, but not enough of an upgrade for consumers to tell a difference.

Basically, it's Nintendo wanting its consumers to buy their products multiple times.

Like if the old Expansion Pack for the N64 was sold as a separate console. It's incredibly asinine and anti-consumer.

[shadowraiserx]

I am gonna buy this ,I never used the RE revelations extra stick ,at least they are making some changes.

[lizard81288]

It reminds me of the DS & DSi.

[jholden3249]

It's a 3DS. And it's a newer version.

The name is called "NEW 3DS".

Not seeing the confusion here. In fact, that's about as straight forward as it gets. And if you'll take notice, Nintendo is making a decisive shift toward the core gamers again. They said as much in the Edge interviews, and their recent actions with MK8 DLC, new 3DS and Xenoblade announcement bare proof of that.

The recent concern of consumer confusion was only brought about due to the intermingling of the casual market. With Nintendo now all but abandoning that segment and focusing purely on those who habitually play video games, I don't think their target market is going to be confused in the slightest anymore than PlayStation or Xbox fans are confused with hardware successors and iterations.

Layman's terms- Nintendo is back to chasing the core gamer, and the core gamer doesn't get confused. But any potential remaining customers who are ignorant will surely see NEW 3DS for exactly what it is, a new iteration of the 3DS.

[crazysammy]

From someone who works in video game retail consumer confusion is all very real and this will cause more of it. Especially with used stores you have people asking for the 3DS. The word "new" usually refers to condition not a different iteration. Why not call it the 3DSi? At least it would be consistent marketing. Sadly like the WiiU name that confused many customers this could do the same thing. Even with a huge marketing push I don't see the average customer understanding. Again just based off of my experience with these customers over the last 14 years.

[bass4g]

it's like the dsi was to the ds. Only it includes the circle pad pro attachment and the soon to be released amiibo attachment. Like the dsi they changed some of the internal workings so technically you can get games that would only work for the new 3ds but it is highly unlikely it'll ever happen. The dsi added a camera and more ram/pricessing power for the ui. There's only one game that I can think of that was exclusive to dsi and that was a downloadable game that used the camera on it. This is exactly the same thing.

[3-4-5]

* This is awesome.

* Now Dev's can make FPS games for the 3DS, and older versions can still use the buttons or you can by the analog pro adapter or a new model.

3 options = win.

I like the old school SNES controller style button colors as well.

* Once again, this is a good idea, that most people will hate on because they don't fully comprehend it.

[biglittlesps]

Developers need install base to make games and also there are no 3rd party developers doing FPS games in portable and they are just indie games. Also the new games made for new 3DS won't work in old 3DS because there is diff in hardware between new 3DS and old 3DS in RAM and CPU power.

[3-4-5]

Your so wrong man. Don't you read ?

* NEW 3DS games WILL work with the old models.

It's ONLY Xenoblade Chronicles that needs the new 3DS because it's such a large game, it wouldn't run otherwise.

* How can somebody read Facts, and then interpret them incorrectly?

Do you people read or think?

[HumanatPlay]

I found out about this Gamespot, don't see why they can't release new hardware. I wish Sony would have the courage to stand by the Vita the way Nintendo stands by the 3DS and tries new things with their hand held.

All in all I think one more addition to the DS line is good for prospective customers. The shoulder buttons will be used in time, I wish Sony addressed the shoulder button issue when releasing the new Vita.

[mikel1015]

All they really need to do is change the name to Super 3DS or 3DSi or 3DS+ for consumer confusion. The DSi didn't cause death and destruction to the DS, so why should this one be different? The Dsi could play games the regular DS could not.

[Beetey]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wik...

Here is a list of all the DSi games that couldn't be played on the DS. This should be proof enough that the situation is much worse than it was when the DSi was released.

[darthv72]

that's interesting. i didnt even know there were DSi specific game cards. DSi to me was all the downloadable stuff. the DSi-ware as it was called.

it was a better DS and when the 3DS came out...that too was an even better DS/DSi.

[bass4g]

And most likely there won't be many games that only work for the new 3ds either.

[Kavorklestein]

I think this is kinda cool actually. It makes me think of the best of both worlds of a 3ds, and a Wii U gamepad controller.

I think it's good that the touch screen and dual screen stuff is still in there to support older 3ds titles, and having extra buttons is cool- perhaps they will allow Smash Bros on 3ds to take advantage of the new buttons that are available?

Not really mad about this one, because Nintendo has ALWAYS been the type to re-release handhelds or new renditions of handhelds every couple years. At least THIS seems like a bigger step forward then just a slim or XL version of the same damn thing lol and if it play all the older games, what is there to complain about? Honestly folks, it's NOT a huge deal.

[DryBoneKoopa85]

Here we go... knew this wasn't going to take long. Nintendo sucks yeah yeah yeah. Nintendo can't doing anything right yeah yeah yeah... Same old S*** just another day.

I for one am excited for the new 3DS. Opens up a bunch of new possibilities for Nintendo. For instance Xenoblade Chronicles. A game like that would not be able to fit on a small little cartridge unless Nintendo could upgrade the hardware. Also this version of the 3DS is adding in NFC for popular games like Skylanders,Disney Infinity, and soon to be Nintendo's own Amiibo figures.

How come Sony can release a new model of the Vita with them changing the screen and other things about the handheld but as soon as Nintendo comes out with a new and improved 3DS its considered blasphemy. This industry walks a very crooked line of double standards.

[Majin-vegeta]

Wasnt the vita more of a downgrade?Also you cant compare both unlike the new 3ds all vita games still work on both models.Wanna play Xenoblade on your old 3ds??Good luck spend the cash to upgrade.

[wonderfulmonkeyman]

That's because the new vita isn't a substantial power upgrade over the psp.
The 3ds xl will have a much better cpu that will do great things for games designed around the hardware and will likely have other tech improvements,too.

[iamnsuperman]

@wonderfulmonkeyman

And what games are you expecting to do that? Nintendo first party might but the third party developers won't. Remember the old 3DS (which has a lot of units sold) can't do said stuff the new one can. Unless Nintendo is planning to release another pokémon in a year or two I don't see why a lot of consumer will jump across (asking them to put down another 200 or so for a system that will play a relatively few games compared to the system they already own). It is like the half next generation which could make consumers loose confidence in future handheld devices. They buy this and a new generation comes out in what two years? Then two years after that a newer one? Who knows since they have made this move

[darthv72]

Sony did make improvements to the psp 2000 in comparison to the 1000. Most notably was doubling of the internal ram.

Games released after that point took advantage of that extra memory as well as the features like UMD caching. The newer games still played on the older 1000 but did suffer a bit from performance differences.

[jholden3249]

Yeah but how is that in any way a bad thing? If you don't upgrade, you won't be able to play that game. But you never would've been able to play it anyways because the game can't run on the hardware as it stands. So basically all this is doing is giving us options. If you SO DESIRE, you can upgrade and play the game. But any games that only play on the new iteration, are going to be games that never would've ran on the original hardware anyways. So what's the problem? Why would anybody be against having the option to upgrade and play a game that you otherwise would have never been able to play? I mean it's not like you have to do it, it's your choice.

And future games that take advantage of the hardware power can do so in a way that the game is playable on both new and old systems, for games that are able to run on the status quo hardware.

It's just a new iteration of 3DS, one we all knew was coming. Only this particular iteration has the added benefit of playing games that up until this point, weren't able to run on 3DS hardware. Which is a huge incentive. If you upgrade, not only do you get the new features but you get access to new games as well. How is this a bad thing?

If you decide not to upgrade, nothing changes for you. All future games are still going to be playable on the system. Any games that won't be playable, never would have been able to run on the hardware in the first place, so you're losing nothing.

Wanna play Xenoblade on 3DS? At least you have the option to do so now, whereas if they never made these new iterations, the game would've never made it to the handheld.

I just don't understand how someone would complain about being given the option to upgrade and the option to access games that can't run on status quo hardware.

[iamnsuperman]

Sony made the device cheaper by removing a better type of screen with a less good one. But the input is the same just not as beautiful too look at. Nintendo has gone the other way about it. Adding functionality. This has never worked in the past. Developers are reluctant to jump across (especially with a not her stick which is something you just don't patch in) because it is a fundamental change. If they don't use the advantages of the new system why would consumers buy it? They have gone the wrong way. They should have waited two years and made a proper next generation. This is a half step on the same ecosystem

[darthv72]

The circle pad pro when paired with a game that supports it...works.

Take that same game and use it without the CPP and the game still plays but the control is adjusted for the lack of the CPP being present.

its not a patch its just the way the game is programmed to see if its there or not.

[SilentNegotiator]

Here we go...an angry Nintendo fanboy that takes every piece of Nintendo criticism with hostility. And gracefully bringing Vita into this...comparing Vita's screen change with changes that could potentially segment the 3DS userbase.

[Revengeance]

Yes because it's okay to cause consumer confusion with this and when the consumer buys games that don't work on their 3DS it's not Nintendo's fault. So then they realize they have to buy a BRAND NEW 3DS just to play these games. Yeah Nintendo is definitely not in the wrong.

/s

Instead of being a fanboy and defending Nintendo at every corner why don't you try looking at the negatives for once.

[EcoSos3]

Most people were crying as to why Nintendo didn't add a second slidepad to the 3ds and now that they are doing that you people are still mad at them for doing so. Make up your mind already, looks like its true it doesn't matter what Nintendo do people are still going to hate on them.

[ArtificiallyYours]

It has a significantly broader controller layout. A second nub and adding Z-Buttons is a considerably larger upgrade.

I root for all the hardware available, but there needs to be an upgrade program to compensate for very recent XL/2DS owners.

[voodoochild346]

This is more of an integration of the circle pad pro into the 3ds. The only issue should be the exclusive games that take advantage of the extra power new 3ds has. If you wanted the extra pad and buttons you could have bought the $20 accessory a long time ago.

[thehobbyist]

"but there needs to be an upgrade program to compensate for very recent XL/2DS owners."

You really don't think that there won't be a trade-in offer from places like Best Buy and Gamestop to get more people to upgrade to n3DS?

[isarai]

I think the issue is that it's closer to an entirely new handheld as it has quite a bit of new features including more power (meaning games for "New 3DS" will most likely not work with peoples current 3DS) Now normally that'd still be great news, but Nintendo are making it confusing with the "New 3DS" name as it all sounds too familiar and most people will not know there's a difference, they're just going to think it's a DS to DSi type situation when in fact it's a whole new thing. It's going to be the Wii U reveal all over again, only maybe even slightly more confusing.

[jholden3249]

I think you and I both know from observing how they handled the 2DS, that Nintendo will post huge broad letters on any game only running on the new 3DS. Huge letters that says only runs on new 3DS.

And keep in mind, the segment of the market that would normally get confused about this sort of thing, is officially no longer Nintendo's target market. According to Nintendo through both their words and actions, they are going back to focusing on the core gamer and are abandoning chasing the casual market on dedicated gaming systems. Plus I don't think people are as dumb as many make them out to be. If the game says only runs on new 3DS, does not run on 3DS, I'm pretty sure people are intelligent enough to figure that out.

[bass4g]

It IS the DS to the DSi. The DSi also had exclusive games and added features, like the camera and also had more power than the DS. Technically there were games for the DSi that were not available for the DS. In fact all the features that are being added (apart from micro sd support) can be added to the 3ds using attachements (the circle pad pro adds extra buttons as well and it's getting an amiibo attachment). The only difference between the 3ds and the new 3ds that can't be replicated is the small increase in processing power and chances are that for 80% of games that won't matter. Like it didn't matter for most DS games. Also even if they do decide to fully turn this into a half jump it's not like there isn't any precedent. Do people not remember the gameboy colour? That was a half jump. There were games throughout the GBCs lifespan that could be played on both the gameboy and gameboy colour and there was a lot of games that you could only play on the GBC, they even came with a chart on the back that told you whether or not you could play the game. It didn't kill the line and it didn't as far as I recall lose nintendo a lot of money.

[LucasRuinedChildhood]

Nope, you've used a straw man argument - you've built an argument by misrepresenting what others have said and you've ran with it.

People are complaining that their 3DSs have essentially been made obsolete since they won't be able to play certain newer games, and they'll need to buy an additional 3DS to play them. You've focused on one of the smaller revisions, which people aren't particularly irritated about. Besides, anyone who may have complained about that were only annoyed that it wasn't included in earlier versions/wasn't included at launch, which is an attempt to make people buy another system, as seen with the New 3DS.

[SilentNegotiator]

Yeah...three and a half flippin' years ago. How many games are going to support "New 3DS" when 45 million (being generous, let's say 44m after Circle Pad pros) can't use a second circle pad?

Dual circle pads could have been standard if Nintendo hadn't made the same mistake as PSP, but now it's too late.

[ritsuka666]

The same happened with the DSi and it having its on store. Don't think its is mistake for Nintendo.

[Dudebro90]

If they pull the current 3ds and 3ds XL, which looks to be their plan, then who cares?

Its the gameboy color all over. Some titles will take advantage of the hardware bur has to deal with the smaller install. Most will just make games for the 3ds.

[imXify]

Gameboy -> Gameboy Color
Gameboy Advance -> Gameboy Advance SP
Nintendo DS -> Nintendo DSi
Nintendo 3DS -> New Nintendo 3DS

I see a cool pattern here, so what's wrong ?

[isarai]

See that's the issue right there, it's not the same as just some tweaks/improvements it's an entirely new handheld with more power than the 3DS, so "New 3DS" games won't work on 3DS

[imXify]

Really ?

Ohhhh....

That sucks.

[TongkatAli]

Yeah, it's a completely new handheld. Take the new 3DS games when they come out, put it in the first model or XL. It will prove my point.

[Summons75]

Okay....what's your point? Did you cry when 3DS games wouldn't work on the DS or the GBA game on the Color? I didn't think so. It's more powerful so we can get bigger and better games like Xenoblade, it's adding in an NFC so we don't have to have some stupid add-on while at the same time taking the requests from fans like having a second stick. While the name is odd and will most likely change in the west, it's very clearly a better 3DS that is going to have better games. Did people cry when Sony announced the Ps4, NO. Did people complain when Sony made better PSPs that were slim, NO. Did people cry about the 360 getting a slim that improved the system, nope. Bloggers need to get off this "let's complain about everything Nintendo" because the only ones spreading the confusion and making misinformation is THEM because they are insecure about a great announcement.

[NukaCola]

See this was what confused me. It's a new 3DS but marketed as another model. Now all those 3DS owners won't be able to play newer games on their older systems? Nintendo will have to make adjustable graphics within every game and will still gimp those extra features that require harder process power. That you can't fake. This all seems like a poor decision. What if Smash Bros is this launches bundle? Would Nintty straight alienate millions of users?

[elazz]

The problem is that there'll be games that can't be played on the old 3DS model and only on the new one. But for now we don't know how that is going to turn out. Will be confusing for consumers in stores perhaps.

[imXify]

Now I don't know if I should get a normal 3DS with Super Smash or wait for the new one.

Good quality bait Nintendo. They got me. :V

[darthv72]

Original Gameboy -> Gameboy Pocket -> Gameboy Color
Gameboy Advance -> GBA SP -> GBA Micro
Nintendo DS -> DS Lite -> DSi / DSiXL
Nintendo 3DS -> 3DSXL -> New 3DS / 3DSXL

Each new system has maintained a level of compatibility with the previous entry while the improvements to the hardware is geared towards its own releases.

[lunatic0001]

People seem to forget that Nintendo has always done this...hell dsi had games that original Ds couldn't play...shows you how young the people on this forum are

[BiggerBoss]

@lunatic. DSi had 5 games that the original DS couldn't play. 5. That's all.

Personally, I think this should be considered a new handheld altogether. More powerful hardware, different controls, games not playable on 3ds, sure sounds like a new hh console to me

[voodoochild346]

@BiggerBoss
That list of 5 doesn't include the dsiware games you couldn't play on ds lite or the original. I think people should be mad about the exclusive games on this new 3ds like Xenoblade. Nintendo should have some kind of trade in program since there is no reason for the previous models to exist now.

[LonDonE]

But in this case you are wrong!!
First it was 3DS, then people upgraded to 3DS XL, then we got the 2DS, and now the New 3DS! WTF???

Going from game boy to game boy colour is fine, but this is ludicrous! 4 iterations is taking the biscuit!!
Am sorry but this is MILKING YOUR FAN BASE!!!
and Nintendo should be ashamed of themselves.
It makes me scared, imagine in the future if consoles went down a similar route? constant upgrades etc YIKES!!! NO THANK YOU!!

They should of left it at the 2DS/3DS XL the fact older users will practically have to upgrade to be able to play specific games is taking the biscuit!
Vote me down all you want people its just my opinion! hence why i NEVER BUY A Nintendo hand-held at launch! i always wait for the 2nd or so iteration which inevitably comes! and faster then usual nowadays it would seem.

[darthv72]

just think of it like the current iphone. there is the regular 5, the 5c and the 5s

Whatever the improvements are was enough to warrant a new release. and people will buy it. that's just the way it goes.

you dont have to be a part of it now...you can join the rest when you are ready. But hopefully before the nintendo 4DS.

[Kevlar009]

The 3DS XL was expected since they always have an improved model after the first version. 2DS was designed for kids or consumers who didn't want to spend as much money. New DS is to encourage games with more power to come to the 3DS, and to attract those who didn't think the normal 3DS was powerful enough.

It's alright to be bummed about the New 3DS, but the other versions aren't bad at all.

[voodoochild346]

Gameboy to color in some ways was worse than this. The color was not only better in every way possible but a large number of games came out specifically for the Gameboy color. With this the majority of games coming out will be compatible with the old systems. It will just detect the control compatibility and adjust accordingly the same way the circle pad pro works.

The only real issue is the ports and exclusive games that will take advantage of the cpu bump. Anyone who has a 3ds and happens to be a Xenoblade has to be mad right now.

[SilentNegotiator]

SP doesn't really compare to Color and DSi.

[Paprika]

The 3ds destroyed the market, even the powerhouse.... absolute monster of a machine... practically portable ps3 couldn't compete and was literally laughed away from the market "sorry, I love you vita... :("... why are Nintendo confusing there own market by bringing in this addition? Why waste funds now when the 3ds is creating money.... its not worth it IMO... just focus on new games and ip's

[KonsoruMasuta]

Do you read the things you type before you click "add comment"?

Holy cow!

[ShowGun901]

I don't think ive heard from any 3ds owner about how its lack of power was dissappointing them... they seemed to be getting along just fine with their 3ds! it seems like nintendo is trying to fix something that isn't broke.

[darthv72]

obviously they wouldnt fix it if it wasnt broke but they can improve it where they see fit.

there is a difference.

[ShowGun901]

there is a difference... this can play games the 3ds cant, meaning its technically a new system thats backward compatible. thats not an impovement, its a replacement. how successful it is remains to be seen.

[lunatic0001]

Did people forget that this has happened before with the Ds and dsi...some games can only be played on dsi but not ds...it worked out well for them...might upgrade my 3ds and not my phone this time around haha

[jonboi24]

Yeah but the DSi never got any major exclusive games just a bunch of digital games and a small amount of retail games. There are so few DSi ecclusive game cards, in fact there were only 5 of them.

[DarkLord1003]

Let the doom and gloom begin

[DJ]

Weird, why not just keep the CPU specs the same? This is only going to confuse and frustrate the average consumer.

[KonsoruMasuta]

The improved CPU won't just be useful in games, though. There isn't a problem with it.

I think the biggest problem is the exclusive games for this new revision.

[jonboi24]

Doesn't the new Xenoblade port take advantage of the new CPU and specs?

[KonsoruMasuta]

@jonboi

Yeah, it does. That's where the problem comes in.

[TongkatAli]

Nintendo fanboys tricked me to get the first model, then XL came now this. Worse fanbase ever, nothing they say lives up to the hype.

[Kevlar009]

They tricked you into what Nintendo has done with every handheld, introducing more refined models? Should do some research and have some wits about yourself when you take in information, it will help you as you go through life.

[PlayableGamez]

So an improved CPU still counts as a current 3DS?

[Beetey]

You're blaming the fanbase for this?

[jcnba28]

Nintendo fanboys tricked you?

I've heard it all now LOL!

What is the problem? If you want the new 3DS then just sell your old one.

Nintendo always upgrades their handhelds. Look at how many DS's there were.

[SilentNegotiator]

Did they beat you over the head with a sock full of quarters, take your money, and leave you with a 3DS, or was it more of a hypnosis thing?

[jcnba28]

Just look at all the trolls in the comments. It's the 2DS all over again. Hilarious LOL!

[HappyWithOneBubble]

3DS is already doing great so I don't get this move. Better than the 2DS idea at least.

[jcnba28]

Exactly Nintendo have owned the handheld market since day one.

They can do what ever they like lol

[-Foxtrot]

"They can do what ever they like lol"

Yeah because blind people like you let them

If anyone else did this they would be getting worse feedback then Nintendo are

[darthv72]

@fox, i didnt hear people complaining about the PSP and all of its variations. And there are 4 of them.

[-Foxtrot]

@darthv72

Yes because the redesigned PSPs Sony did had different, improved specs and added buttons needed for future games finally rendering the old designs useless

...

...

Oh...wait

[jcnba28]

@Foxtrot The only one blind here is you.

[colonel179]

Why did they put the buttons in colors like the SNES controller in the normal 3DS but did NOT put them in the 3DS LL? Dammit!

[CRASHBASHUK]

I agree why didn't they add this stuff to the next DS will most likely be called Nintendo HDS

[LightDiego]

I bought the 3DS when they released it in my country, now three or four years later it's already obsolete? Terrible move by Nintendo, 3DS is doing fine and doesn't need a new hardware now.

[Ck1x]

People are so dramatic! Nintendo did not say the hardware is obsolete and developers aren't going to just up and abandoned the cash cow that is the current 3ds model.

[thehobbyist]

"Now 3-4 years later it's already obselete?"

I didn't see people making this complaint with the 7th console generation. Everyone was raring to go to get their 360's and PS3's and Wii's. Despite having gotten their Xbox, PS2 or Gamecube just a few years prior.

Funny how the attitude on that's all changed.

[johny5]

What is better about his new version? Is the GPU and resolution better?

Does it have better battery life? Can it play both DS and 3DS games?

[Ck1x]

Well they didn't confirm anything about the gpu, but the previous 3ds model cpu was designed to be in sync with the gpu and I believe that they are designed as a SoC. So many are speculating that the gpu may have gotten a clock increase along with the cpu to keep that ballance.

:Faster CPU
:The RAM has doubled
:VRAM is almost double
:Bigger screens
:Custom shell designs for nonXL models
:Better battery life
:Better 3d viewing from all angles
:Same screen resolution
:C-stick(2nd analog)
:ZL and ZR trigger buttons
:NFC built-in
:Micro SD cards
:Plays DS and 3DS software
Sums up majority of the changes

[NintendoSonyfan]

I am mixed on this news. On the one hand if there are tons of games released exclusively for this, and regular 3DS games fall off then that is bad. But we may be reading too much into their intent with this new system.

Sure it will probably have it's exclusives like Xenoblade. Maybe the exclusives will mostly be made up of Wii games that the regular 3DS can't handle? Or maybe there will be a lot of games that can play on the regular 3DS, but have the ability to also take advantage of the beefed up specs and controls? What I would like to see from this new system is the ability to use it as a secondary gamepad for the Wii U. Could this be the start of a Fusion? Probably not, but if the price is right I will upgrade to this when it releases.

[SpiralTear]

That's an interesting point. Perhaps this has something to do with Nintendo aiming to unify the ecosystem surrounding their consoles and handhelds. Curious...

[Kevlar009]

I think they recognized the 3DS was too underpowered to satisfy certain gaming desires, the type of games you could download/import from a mobile store. Someone might say "I like the 3DS but it can't play the games I like". Or "I really like the higher end games you can get on an App Store but the 3DS can't support it".

Nintendo recognized that the 3DS wasn't offering enough outside of 3D and wanted to modernize it. People said the 2DS was gonna ruin the 3DS but it didn't happen. As of now we don't know if all Mario, Zelda, Atlus and Intelligent System games are only coming to NEW 3DS. It provides incentive to a company like Capcom to have a port of RE Revelation 2 because they won't need to sacrifice or adapt the console design of the game.

Time will tell but I don't think it will provide a major blow. We won't see a Western release until next year, and even then there will need to be a large number of crucial games that miss the normal 3DS.

[Ck1x]

Why are people being so thick headed about this? These new models will eventually replace the current systems and the current 3ds' on the market will be compatible with majority of the software in development.

My guess is that Nintendo will develop New 3ds titles and software that is compatible with all models, but receive a added benefit on the more capable hardware.

[colonel179]

Nintendo is making a mess with the 3DS. They release a 2DS which has confused people, because they don't know if it's the same and if it can play the same games. Now they launch the NEW 3DS, which will confuse people because they will start to release games exclusive to the new handheld.

In Japan, there will not be much problem, because they buy anything DS. I can already see millions of sales for this console, but nonetheless, is confusing for the average consumer. I can already see a parent trying to buy a 3DS for her kid on christmas:

"But what's different, if they are both 3DS"
-Well, you know this has other specs and stuff
"But will it play the same games?
-This one will, but this one won't..
"Give me a Wii U instead, this is too confusing"
-Ok Ma'am
"But this Wii U work with with my kid's Wii right"
-No Ma'am, this is another console
"So you are saying that that the games cannot be played on my kid's wii"
-exactly
"But it is a Wii too isn't it"
- [facepalms]
-Ma'am get you son a PS4 or Xbox then!

[AllAboutGaming]

Wait, the new 3DS is a brand new handheld? I thought it was just another model of the 3DS?

[Beetey]

I believe answer to both your questions is yes. It appears that it's good enough to get it's own games, but not good enough to be worth shelling out $200 to replace your old system(putting fans in a danged if you do danged if you don't situation).

It's also apparently not worth giving a halfway decent name.

[AllAboutGaming]

I'm a hardcore gamer and even I'm confused by the new name. This is going to be really confusing for casuals and parents shopping for their kids.

[rawshack]

they should have called it the ultimate 3ds.hopefully this means there will be more games like resident evil showing up

[SpiralTear]

I hope they call it the Super 3DS, because that implies that it's still in the 3DS line and can play 3DS games, but has enough new features to be worth upgrading to some folks.

[RPGrinder]

The system is a brilliant idea.

[lizard81288]

So...when did they announce New 3DS games only?

[killerluffy123]

The author of this article must have a pea size brain ...

[Good-Smurf]

This one is like DSi really so nothing confuses me here.
Wii U reveal confusing? Yes,they barely showed the console and instead they showed nothing but a gamepad the majority of the video.
This is a New and improved 3DS what's so confusing about it?
Still don't get about people who buys a new iPhone every 9 months no questions asked.
Nintendo did this in 2 years time yet people complain about it...

[Donnywho]

Nintendo has been selling handheld gaming consoles for 25 years. They're pretty good at it...

[Macdaddy71]

1st I just stop buying Nintendo crap, I have bought two 3ds systems, n if the newer games for this new system not going to play on the two 3DS I have for christmas gift they are Going Back tomorrow!!!, wish I could return sons 6 month old one...
2nd I'm not support Nintendo to only have 4 yrs in on the 3DS n they change it so much the games won't play on older system, that would be $400.00 for both
So I'll just buy the kids I had the two 3DS for a Ps4 or X1 for same price!!!
3rd I would rather see them upgrade the WII U they a whole lot less gamers to piss off..lol..Fact
4th goes to show Nintendo is looking to try n sell more handhelds to make up for the lost they taking with Wii U... They just don't want us to think the Wii U isn't doing good..
5th when 3ds hit the 6 or 7 year mark are you going to F---k us gamers with a all New handheld!!?? Looks like the kids will get ps4 or X1

6th... Sorry Nintendo but I'm done you just lost my trust for a long While!!!

[Jag-T1000]

Yes, we all need to upgrade because Mario graphics are so demanding.

[R00bot]

I can see why some people are upset, but as someone who is yet to purchase any 3DS system at all yet, this is great news.

[JSDude1]

That's what the "experts" have been saying since FOREVER, and Nintendo has proven them wrong everytime (with exception being a few failures that didn't "kill" Nintendo or force them to go 3rd party like Virtual Boy, or to a lesser extent their current predicament with Wii U!

[DougLord]

Terrible upgrade. The Xbone gets flak for being only 6x more powerful then 360 while PS4 is closer to 10x more powerful then the PS3. This is just a 2x upgrade. X bone and PS4 took memory from 512k to 8gb (16x), this is just 2x. You won't be able to see the improvements. This thing is so far behind the Note 4 and IPhone 6 it's not even funny. Nvidea needs another Shield with a 64bit K1 to show Nintendo how it's done.

[R00bot]

This isn't a new system, it's like the DSi compared to the DS. Same system with improvements and some exclusives.

[daclynk]

i don't see why this is a mistake when the New 3ds is simply just the old 3ds + circle pad pro + amiibos peripherals all in one. there is nothing new at it just the CPU boost. why are people pissed at this. Nintendo is not degrading the system unlike Sony who removed the LED from the PS Vita i didn't see anyone complain but Nintendo, noo people will as always have something to complain about. go ask Sony why they PS vita tv. to play vita games with the duo shock 3. so dumb.

[TimeSkipLuffy]

The problem for most is that there are going to be games exclusively only for that new 3DS and ppl are forced to buy the new system if they want to play those games.

But I think BigN does the right thing in some way. Hardware is getting better and better each year. And from time to time you need to upgrade your hardware because development doesn't stay still. Game devs are always go with the new tech why handheld and consoles stay behind for years.

[eworthington0]

I so dont care If people are confused or whatever. I know exactly what it is and I know I want it.
Cant wait.
Leave me alone.

[daclynk]

i think the internet is getting dumbest for not seeing the picture. and why are you mad about this if i may ask? saying thing without doing research. this is not like ds to dsi xl you know. do some research first b4 talking trash.

[RPGrinder]

This is a DSi like upgrade and people are flipping out because they have no clue what they are talking about

[TimeSkipLuffy]

I think it would have been better to release a complete new DS with backwards compability and a new name. Introduce it as a completely new handheld with even more power and features.

[mrbojingles]

So you're saying release the "new" 3DS with a small bump in CPU speed, only 128MB more RAM and only 4MB more VRAM as a next-gen successor? No, this is GBC/DSi stop gap. I'd hate if this was the next-system.

Reasonably we're going from Dual Core 266mhz CPU, 128MB FCRAM and 6MB VRAM to maybe 400Mhz CPU, 256MB RAM and 10MB VRAM. And its still 240p.

I don't know about you but I'd rather the 3DS successor be rocking Quad Core 1Ghz or more, 1GB-2GB DDR2/DDR4 RAM, and be at least 480p at minimum, ideally 640p.

[NXSwitch]

So let me get this through my mind. She has no problem putting down $600+ on apples products but when it comes to Nintendo handhelds she get a fuss over it. I know I'll be buying it as I clearly see its a big improvement over the old one. I'm sad she never really knew that the 3d effect has tracking now so you can't lose the image. She clearly spoke to soon and I will be lmao once this thing flies off store shelves around the world.

[Ck1x]

This is my thoughts exactly! Where were everyone screaming brand confusion over the iPhone 4 and iPhone 4s?

[Apocalypze]

The only problem it has is the name branding , everything else is fine , but the again we always have to find something to critique about and people jump on the bandwagon of criticism

[GoPanthers999]

Unless they release a new handheld with better graphics that is backwards compatible, then this is pointless. I have owned a Wii U for 2 years now, love the console, but there is no way I buy their next full size console for 2 to 3 years after release. Nintendo need to get a new gameplan.

[ICANPLAYGAMES2]

This doesn't bother me in the least, I already own Xenoblade Chronicles on the Wii, and if it becomes something that I want to get later (provided I have the means to do so), I will address this then. This really only bothers whiny crybabies that have to get every incremental upgrade that shows up (mostly just game "journos"), I suspect most normal consumers just get what they can, and become content with it. For the rest of you, continue your pouting, and look on in envy I guess (or just get the damn thing, just STFU about it).

[Miacosa]

Could be the 3DS is great but it is entering the latter part of its life cycle and splintering the install base with a mid-step upgraded console that isn't quite the next thing could be a mistake similar to the WII U. While a nice system it does get locked out from the more demanding titles that have been announced recently.

[mrbojingles]

I don't get it. Have people forgotten the CPU/RAM enhanced Game Boy Color and DSi? Or the yearly Android/iOS upgrades? Why is it so bad when Nintendo does it in 4 years? You don't have to buy it and only a few games will be exclusive to it. The price isn't higher, etc.

[NintendoSonyfan]

Funny how every product is one of Nintendo's "next big mistake"s but they have survived and flourished for longer than any other console maker, and are possibly set to push another console out of the race after this generation.