Nintendo 3DS

[Jeff]

Today was Nintendo's big 3DS press event, the big things revealed were the price ($249.99, everyone called that) and the launch (March 27, which given the March 6 release of Pokemon Black and White, makes sense). The other big news was that the 3DS will have universal friend codes, so you don't need a different one for each game.

I don't know the European release info, I'm pretty sure it hasn't even been revealed yet.

[Blademaster]

Also, a new(ish) title has been announced: Metroid is coming to the 3DS.

This could be very good or very bad... Place your bets, folks.

[Roy Karrde]

Also, a new(ish) title has been announced: Metroid is coming to the 3DS.

This could be very good or very bad... Place your bets, folks.

Depends on if it is a crappy Multi game again.

I spent my first two hours of work today watching the Kotaku live update. So yeah... the signing at Sears is a little lacking today. Other than that DAY ONE BUY!

[PNT510]

I don't know the European release info, I'm pretty sure it hasn't even been revealed yet.

It releases in Europe on March 25th for 230 pounds in the UK and 250 Euros elsewhere.

[Jeff]

After combing the Internets, I've come across some more info. AAC and MP3 playback will be supported, unlike on the DSi, which only supports AAC. Also, Ridley/Samus cameo in DoA:

[ChobiChibi]

Thank you, Nintendo, for giving us this console before the Americans for once

Not that I can afford it... But I shall still rub it in the face of those who care :3

[Link]

I can't afford $250...yet.

But it makes me wonder how much each of the games on this thing are going to be. Anyone have any clue as to how much 3DS games are going to be?

[DarkestLight]

O.o!!!!!!!!

launch (March 27,

Birthdaybirthdaybirthday! Oh so ridiculously joyous right now!

[PNT510]

I can't afford $250...yet.

But it makes me wonder how much each of the games on this thing are going to be. Anyone have any clue as to how much 3DS games are going to be?

Nothing confirmed yet but rumored to be in the 40-50 USD range.

[Mikachu Yukitatsu]

OK, back to your Pokeball!! Thanks Jeff, you probably just made me lose another 300 Euros or so.

[Drago]

It's strange what takes one's fancy in a particular video. In my case, watching Ridley drag Hayabusa across the wall was SO DAMNED COOL.

I don't really play games that much these days, so I'll be able to wait off on the purchase. Especially considering Nintendo's history of re-releasing handhelds with better, updated versions. My non-flip GBA and clunky old DS will attest to that.

[Austrian ViceMaster Alex]

A launch date at last. I think now is a good time to buy Nintendo shares, in two months' time they will rise significantly - unless the 3DS flops which I highly doubt.

[Cammy White]

I am so excited for the 3DS Although I forgot how dodgy Nintendo's launch line ups usually are.

So far I've only been able to order Street Fighter to go with mine. No sign of Resident Evil or anything else on GAME's list that interested me. I'm desperate for Paper Mario, Kid Icarus and Ocarina, to name a few.

I know they're coming within the 'launch window' but I'm unbelievably impatient

The console and games will be really expensive here in the UK though. For some reason Nintendo have let European retailers set their own pricing, so GAME in the UK are charging £230 for the console and £40 for each game X_X

[Blademaster]

O.o!!!!!!!!

launch (March 27,

Birthdaybirthdaybirthday! Oh so ridiculously joyous right now!

You lucky fuck. My last birthday release was Metroid: Other M.

[DarkestLight]

You lucky fuck. My last birthday release was Metroid: Other M.

Hahahahahahaha OMFG Other M HAHAHA worst METROID ever XD

[Link]

Hahahahahahaha OMFG Other M HAHAHA worst METROID ever XD

Metroid other M hahahahah xfd lulz

[Telume]

Europe's getting it before us? WHAT A FUCKING RIP!

[classy_cat18]

That is really weird. Heh, Europe is getting a lucky break for once.

[Cammy White]

Ha ha, this and Pokemon Black and White are about the only time we get something first!

[Telume]

No, I don't think so. There's a couple of games we got last.

[PNT510]

Maybe a couple, but Europe is last 95% of the time.

[Blademaster]

I thought Australia was always last?

Oh wait, they just don't get the games at all. My mistake.

[Ultimate Charizard]

Dont feel to bad Telume, you may get it later but at least it doesnt cost you the Equivalent of 400 fucking Dollars.

Screw you Nintendo, screw you in the skull!

[Link]

$249.99 isn't a bad price considering that most of the stuff out there is like $200 or more. I have spoken to a couple of people I know, and most are excited about this upcoming next gen handheld that is supposed to improve on so many things the Ds and its successors lacked. I may get this when it comes out, but it all depends on if I have the cash to shell out nearly $300 on this piece of hardware. I think I may have enough money by the time March 27th rolls around in America, plus get at least one game to go along with it.

[Cammy White]

Is anyone going to a pre-release event? I'm going to one in Glasgow on Saturday where we get to try it out. I can't wait!

[Blademaster]

You got to try it out, huh?

Any juicy details for us? What did you play on it?

[Jeff]

Not yet Blade, he said this Saturday.

Anyway, this is old news, but I figured I might as well post this. The Australian price was recently announced and it's, hold on to your wallets, $350 AUD. For comparison, the Australian dollar is pretty much on par with the US and Canadian dollars right now.

[DarkestLight]

Wow Aussie gets a mean shaft up the ass.

[crown34]

Holy shit, that much?

[Cammy White]

Yeah, it's tomorrow. Not sure what there will be to try out, but looking forward top it! Will post my thoughts on it once I've tried it.

That's shocking for the Australian price! I thought we were getting a bit ripped off with the £229 price tag.

[Cammy White]

Last night's event was pretty cool. When we went in there was a 'museum' of handhelds from the original GB up to the DSi XL (think it omitted the DSLite and DSi) where we were given a little introduction and told about SpotPass and how they want it to be more than a games console, so to be used for music etc too.

We then went through to a room where they had a live action Street Fighter scene with actors playing Ken and Ryu fighting. It went to 'Time Up' as Ryu was about to do a Hadouken

We then got taken through a 'Biohazard' zone by Chris and Claire Redfield as part of a live action Resident Evil ad.

We then went through and watched a video about the different games etc, then got to play the consoles.

There were demo stands for each game, so you had to move about to try different ones. I tried out Kid Icarus, Ocarina of Time, Resident Evil Mercenaries, Street Fighter 4, Super Monkey Ball and an Augmented Reality game.

The 3D effects were great, but I did struggle to see it properly at times. For example, I played RE the first time with no problems and it was great, the depth was incredible an it really was 3D. However, I played it again later and had a little bit of difficulty, where it got a not blurry and there were 2 Claire's :/

Oddly enough, the one I noticed it most on was Zelda, I struggled to get it to work and saw 2 Link's almost all of the time.

However, I think the demo units were mainly to blame, as I had no problems with Monkey Ball or the Augmented Reality one and they were in a well lit room and I could move the console about a bit more to accommodate and viewing issues. The room with Zelda etc was very dark and you couldn't move around too much. That said, I was with my boyfriend, who didn't have any difficulty seeing Zelda :/

I'm a little concerned that I'm one of the minority who can't see it properly, but I think it will be fine due to the fact that I saw some of them fine.

I also saw 3d video demos of Metal Gear Solid 3, Paper Mario, Mario Kart and Starfox 64 which all look great!

The ones I was most impressed by were the Augmented Reality one where you take a picture of an e-card and it transforms the surface in to a part of the game, Kid Icarus Street Fighter and Super Monkey Ball.

This is a bit of a crap write up sorry, but have just done it while at work. Also sorry for any mistakes, but I wrote it all on my iPhone :/

[Jeff]

I've been hearing varying reports on the viewing angle for the 3D effect. It makes me wonder if turning down the effect gives a wider viewing angle.

Anyway, sounds cool. I definitely want to get one, I just don't know when. The fact that there's no downloadable games until May is a major bummer. Also, the only thing in the launch lineup that remotely interests me is Pilotwings. I might just wait until Zelda comes out.

[Cammy White]

I did notice that when I reduced the 3D slider the two images seemed to align a bit more, so it would probably give a wider angle as they were closer and you would notice the split less.

It probably doesn't sound it from my overview but I'm still really excited about it. Getting it on launch day but I'm gutted that we hbe about 3 months to wait until we get the games I'm looking forward to most!

The delay of the e shop has disappointed me too I'm hoping that they'll release the older Pokemon games on it, as it would eliminate the problem of the cart batteries dying and losing all your hard work.

[Drago]

For the record, this ludicrous Australian price is nothing surprising. Consider, for one thing, that video games here in Aus generally retail at $99, give or take, just as they have for the last decade.

A decade ago, the Australian dollar was worth about 50-60 American cents, so the price difference was simply a matter of a devalued Australian dollar.

Today, the Australian dollar has near-parity, and for a fleeting moment, superiority. However, game prices have not fluctuated, save for stores planting a $69-$79 price tag as a 'special deal'. In actuality, Australian gamers have been getting stiffed for years now.

The Australian games industry has remained stubbornly stagnant on their presumed value for too long now. Nintendo can stick its $350 price tag up its ass, where it belongs, thank you very much.

[Andrew]

Would you import one and just charge it with an adaptor DK? Or maybe ring Nintendo Australia saying "OH NOES I LOST MY AUSTRALIAN CHARGER...."

I'll probs get a 3DS Lite when they come out. First wave nintendo stuff is sometimes shitty.

[Cammy White]

I managed to get a bargain today. Tesco made a mistake (I think) on their website and listed the blue 3DS for £157.60 (~$250), so I ordered one there. Hope I get my deposit back from GAME, but if I don't it's still cheaper than the £220-£230 price tag.

I think it's off the website now though

[Drago]

Would you import one and just charge it with an adaptor DK? Or maybe ring Nintendo Australia saying "OH NOES I LOST MY AUSTRALIAN CHARGER...."

I'll probs get a 3DS Lite when they come out. First wave nintendo stuff is sometimes shitty.

Nahhh, I'll just do like you are and wait until they release the new, better edition.

[DarkestLight]

Yeah, even though its my bday release party, I dun think I'm gonna get one. I do have hopes they release a mother Effing GREEN ONE -.- I haven't had a green game system since Game Boy Color man...and even that was some weird ass teal hybrid.

[Blademaster]

I still want that sparkly purple bling-bling muhfucker from E3. That shit was TIGHT.

[Cammy White]

I got a call from Tesco today saying they had made an error in pricing on the website, so they've cancelled my order and refunded my payment

No cheap 3DS for me.