170°

3DS XL Looks Gorgeous, Doesn't Need Another Circle Pad

Chris Buffa (Modojo): Nintendo's recent unveiling of the attention-grabbing 3DS XL wasn't much of a surprise, really. There were rumblings of a redesigned 3DS months before the system's debut. That said, those rumors didn't make the handheld less exciting. In fact, I'm downright giddy at the thought of rushing to the nearest retailer and handing over $199 for one of these babies, not only because I love 3DS, but also because I'm a proud DSi XL owner. Anyone who owns this supersized version will tell you that the bigger screens make a huge difference; those who own both an iPhone and iPad would probably agree on the mobile side.

gaffyh4752d ago

I have to agree, if it had the second circle pad, I would definitely consider buying. Without it, I see this as a waste of money when Nintendo eventually does a revision with the second circle pad, most likely next year.

darthv724752d ago

especially if they increased the overall size of the unit. It makes perfect sense to have added a 2nd circle pad.

To me i see a missed opportunity on the part of nintendo. with the inclusion of a 2nd pad there could have been an increase in dual pad support in games for the 3ds as well as cross play between the wii-u.

If anything, nintendo could have adapted the new 3ds to act as a controller for the wii-u seeing as it would be touch, w/camera, have the right number of input buttons and most of all...a 2nd pad.

I like my 3ds and a 3ds with a bigger screen is an obvious upgrade but a 3ds with a bigger screen and no 2nd pad is.....pointless.

SteamFrostedEgg4752d ago

As I've said before, this is another iteration of the same handheld.

Adding another circle pad to a new version of the same handheld is counter productive for developers. It would confuse customers when buying games.

Haha1234752d ago

No thanks, I dont want this handheld clustered with shooters :)

maniacmayhem4752d ago

The DS had a more than an impressive library of games and all without the use of a second analog.
Games built specific for the system should be okay. The 3DS is a great piece of hardware.

bwazy4752d ago

This will be a lovely peace of hardware to carry around in your pocket.

If you could.

Lucretia4752d ago

only an idiot would say it doesnt need another circle pad, that or just a fanboy.

if a game like monster hunter needs it, then the system needs it. the a standard in todays gaming world, so since its missing its automatically behind.

besides, the freakin dsi came out with a camera and it didnt need one, so lets get something that "we dont need" but we actually do need.

3ds didnt need a bigger screen, it needed another analog. im sure the fanboys think the gameboy didnt need color either right?

123_3214752d ago

Circle Pad Pro XL, coming soon?.

Show all comments (31)
470°

Nintendo Switch 2 sales shatters records, most-sold console in 24-hour period

The Nintendo Switch 2 has set a new record by selling over 3 million units within 24 hours, tripling the PlayStation 4’s previous launch day sales.

Read Full Story >>
tweaktown.com
Jin_Sakai19d ago

Crazy. Switch 2 is going to do very well.

darthv7218d ago (Edited 18d ago )

No doubt, but.... the current price is out of the realm of the average parent / kid to buy like the SW1 was. So this launch achievement is from those of us with more disposable income.

The number of SW2 specific titles pales in comparison to the variety of SW1 games that get a performance boost right out of the box on this. And like the SX and PS5 before it, you can bet the majority are going to be using it as a means to better enjoy their existing titles that can benefit.

This may have been quick out of the gate... so was the WiiU. I quite enjoy it for what it is, but am keeping my expectations in check.

GenoPurpel18d ago (Edited 18d ago )

The Switch 2’s price point is great and fine and it’s still cheaper than the current gen of consoles aside from the Series S.

The only place I think they will fall short is their software sales, which also in turn may affect the hardware sales but not significantly. Parents will be fine paying for the system for their kids, but one look at an $80-$90 price tag for a single video game, that is where a lot of people will draw the line. Maybe not so much the people who are in the “willing to pay because I buy deluxe editions anyway” crowd, but for parents specifically, more sacrifices are gonna need to be made in their choices of gifts for their kids.

OtterX18d ago

As a parent of 3 with a very modest income, it was very affordable bc I already had an immense library of games, and the Mario Kart bundle came out to only about €50 more than a standard bundle. Both Zeldas were upgraded w Family Expansion Pass that I already had. Many games were upgraded for free. The only additional game I bought was Fast Fusion for 14.99 which was a great purchase!

Killer2020UK18d ago

People seem to forget that the Switch was $299 at launch which in today's money is roughly $400. That makes the Switch 2 a $50 increase when inflation is taken into account compared to the original.

Yes, people have less spending power on average compared to 2017 (Switch launch year) but this is not the MASSIVE price hike that people are making out Nintendo to be doing.

raWfodog18d ago

“No doubt, but.... the current price is out of the realm of the average parent / kid to buy like the SW1 was. So this launch achievement is from those of us with more disposable income.”

It could also be many people rushing to buy to avoid any possible tariff hikes in the future, but I think it’s still a good sign that many people still want physical consoles. Congrats to Nintendo! I’m not getting one at this time though (unless I get it for a Xmas present for one of my kids).

+ Show (1) more replyLast reply 18d ago
1Victor18d ago

Congratulations Nintendo on finding the happy medium between their weak console and their invincible handheld plus learning from Sony and clearly defining the new console from the old unlike their Wii and Wii U just add a higher number simple yet effective 👍👍

victorMaje19d ago

Are people that keen on $90 games?
Is it true some remasters will also be $90?

DankSinatra18d ago

Tell me you don't research without telling me you don't research.

victorMaje18d ago

Nope. I didn’t research, I don’t own any Nintendo consoles and I had read on here something about $90 games on switch 2, so I guess it’s good now, people can calm down. Have a nice day :)

1nsomniac18d ago

I bought the Switch 2 I won’t be buying games at MK prices. I don’t ever pay over £45 for my games. Even my Nintendo switch exclusives I never paid more than £33 for.

franwex18d ago

I think the typo you put was meant to be $80.
Anyway, the answer to those questions seem to be yes.

victorMaje18d ago

Looks like I’ve been enlightened about the amount. Happy to see it’s not $90.

Sgt_Slaughter17d ago

Don't get your news from clickbait TikTokers/YouTubers, only go to the source (Nintendo) or reliable new outlets like IGN.

No game is $90 on the Switch 2, and they will never go there. Most games will be under $80, too.

+ Show (4) more repliesLast reply 17d ago
gold_drake19d ago

cool
wasnt expecting it not to sell well

Profchaos19d ago

Its crazy that it's both the highest selling console on day 1 and people can walk into a store and buy it with no pre order

Ashunderfire8618d ago

Yup while I was waiting in line from Best Buy for Switch 2, like I did for Switch 1 back in 2017, every waiting 12am was going to get a Switch 2! I was in the no preorder line too!

My friend manage to get 4 Switch 2s at his GameStop store, that was lowkey not busy at all. Got them all for himself and his family. Super easy to get a Switch 2 over PS5.

Profchaos18d ago

The struggle to get a ps5 was real had mates wait over 2 years for stock i got lucky and got it day 1 but still

Ashunderfire8618d ago

I know and I also struggled getting a preorder for the PS5, when Walmart, Best Buy among other retailers open their preorders a day early before most of us realize it. I got my PS5 launch day thanks to YouTube Live Streamer Jake Randell. He helps people get preorders and launch consoles.

Neonridr18d ago

the PS5 also released during a global pandemic.

Ashunderfire8617d ago

It’s funny how I got disagrees for speaking the truth for what I experienced getting the Switch 2. Nintendo had more copies of Switch 2 than Sony for the PS5.

Don’t be butthurt about this very fact. People on here disagreeing with crazy reasons lol

+ Show (1) more replyLast reply 17d ago
hiawa2318d ago

Doesn't that mean Nintendo made sure they had plenty of stock available at retail.

Profchaos18d ago

Yeah it's nice to see they prepped for it

adamwparker18d ago

Yeah, I remember reading an article over two years ago with Nintendo stating that they were going to do all that they could to make sure their next console didn't have the PS5/XBox reseller swiping /no stock fiasco happen to them.

Looks like they made sure production met demand. Refreshing to see that the reseller thing didn't trend and I hope a lot of people who bought multiple units for the sole reason to resell then at $1000 are now stuck with them.

jznrpg18d ago

It also means there isn’t a chip shortage when PS5/Xbox came out during pandemic

gold_drake18d ago

to be where fair, we had a current gen come out during covid ha

repsahj18d ago (Edited 18d ago )

I remembered I tried 7 pre-order events during the PS5 launch. I gave up and ended up buying 1 from a scalper. But now, I already secured 1 pre-order Switch 2 unit in my country very easy and without problems.

Neonridr18d ago

kudos to Nintendo for ensuring a healthy amount of stock.

+ Show (3) more repliesLast reply 17d ago
Terry_B19d ago

Unlike the Switch 2 , the Playstation 4 was not sold on the same day in most regions.

18d ago
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80°

Nintendo Has Confirmed It Will Be Attending GamesCom 2025

Company skipped last year's event.

Read Full Story >>
nintendolife.com
Obscure_Observer38d ago

Not surprising at all.

I mean, they´ll be releasing a new console in a few weeks.

repsahj37d ago

I hope they show new Switch 2 exclusive games.

130°

Nintendo Predicts to Sell 15 Million Switch 2 by March 2026; Switch Has Sold 152.12 Million Units

Nintendo has announced its financial results for the full fiscal year, alongside an update to Nintendo Switch shipments and more data, including a prediction for Switch 2 hardware and software.

Read Full Story >>
simulationdaily.com
gold_drake50d ago

well, the switch 2 has two holidays in the us, thanksgiving and Christmas.

so id say its fairly possible. the rest of the world will also grab them

Abriael50d ago

Yeah doesn't seem out of the realm of possibility as long as they have enough supply.

Si-Fly49d ago

Do people buy each other games consoles for Thanksgiving? I’m in Europe and always assumed it was just Christmas where gifts were exchanged.

Skate-AK49d ago

I don't think it's so much Thanksgiving, but that Black Friday is the day after.

darthv7249d ago (Edited 49d ago )

That time is often referred to as the start of the Xmas shopping season. For the last few years, retailers would do 'black Friday' deals at various times throughout the year. While many still prefer to start their shopping in the mid to late November, others will just buy when they feel the time (and prices) are right for them.

gold_drake49d ago

i guess its more black friday, should have been more clear ha

GotGame81848d ago (Edited 48d ago )

Thanksgiving kicks off the Christmas Holiday.

+ Show (1) more replyLast reply 48d ago
49d ago
Agent7549d ago

Switch and Switch are a different kettle of fish. A sell out at launch by the diehards, strong sales, then the non diehards will be put off by the £75 ($99) games, including the stupid download cards which are topping £65 ($85). Not rocket science to work out how the Switch 2 is going to pan out. The PS5 has sold well, but games at £70, sales have been low. As game sales drop, prices will rise. Sony could knock out all their games for £40 and still make a killing selling more games. There's no denying that a gaming crash is looming.

Rancegamerx49d ago

I agree, I don't see the Switch 2 selling anywhere near the numbers that these predictions suggest or what the general buzz is implying. While the initial sales will likely be strong, driven by diehard fans, I anticipate a gradual decline. It may not drop off immediately, but over time, sales will inevitably taper.

PRIMORDUS49d ago

Not paying for something that's not worth more than the price it was advertised, which is $449 - $499.

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