"New" Nintendo 3DS/LL Announced in Japan + Custom Home Menu

[Ashkil]

The good thing about the suddenness of this announcement is that many games that have started being developed, either in secret or announced, are probably going to be for the original 3DS. So even if Nintendo does end up developing exclusives, it might take at least a couple of years to actually hit the market.

 

[Marc]

From what I've read, this sounds like the combination of the regular 3DS/3DSXL and the Circle Pad Pro with an upgraded CPU and microSD card support. The custom home menu sounds cool too.

For anyone who is interested in some pictures, here you go :

Front view :

Back view (flipped) :

It sucks a bit that you wouldn't be able to play the exclusive games for the new 3DS on the old 3DS, but what can you do? At least it's better than Xenoblade Chronicles not getting a remake. Yeah, I heard that Xenoblade Chronicles is one of the exclusive games that will be available for the new 3DS systems. That also got me a little pumped up because it's a Wii game that I've always wanted to get/play. I've heard a lot of good things about that game,

Hopefully there is an exchange program like @D4rkDragon mentioned (which I highly doubt, but there should be game stores that you can trade it in or something) or at least some sort of discount offer for people who already own a 3DS system. That is, if the new 3DS and 3DS LL systems are indeed coming to North America and Europe.

I also hope developers don't drop support for the 3DS though, just because there is a new, more powerful 3DS, I want to continue seeing major game releases for the current 3DS/3DS-XL/2DS systems,

There's even a rumour saying that you'll be able to transfer files to a PC without even removing the SD Card from your 3DS.

I heard that it'll have a feature that allows the user to transfer media files to and from a computer.

 

[D4rkDragon]

While waiting and deciding if you want to upgrade to the New 3DS, here's a non-exhaustive list of plates for the New 3DS:
http://www.nintendo.co.jp/3ds/new/kisekae/index.html

There's 38 plates on the page, but there will be more when the thing will be released I guess. Oh, and plates can only be applied to the New 3DS. No plates for XL models.

Still the design looks weird, and if they want me to buy a N3DS, they'd better make a plate of my Special Edition 3DS XL. I, finally, still care too much about it.

 

[18]

Well, the microSD card part is good at least, because 32GB SD cards are hard to find (at least in my experience) and even when I asked Maw and Paw for one from America the best to be found was a 32GB microSD card with an adapter. It works well, but yeah, without the hassle and fear of adapters corrupting the data it's better. I'd actually have viewed all these as welcome additions, even if I won't be upgrading, if it weren't for the fact that the New 3DS will have exclusive games, great ones like Xenoblade. That's just plain offensive.

 

[Ashkil]

It's been confirmed that the N3DS is coming to the west. However it has been announced that it's only out 2015 in North America and Europe. No specific date has been given.

 

[Goten4]

Anyone know if this one can still play NDS games?

 

[TheYESDragon]

As long as we get the majority of the good games still coming out for the normal 3DS, I'm content. I'd be happy if they give us like a free game for this but that's like not going to happen which is fine to be honest.

 

[Policroll]

It's true that the newer 3ds'es are cheaper, though I don't know if I want to exchange my precious aqua blue 3ds for an N3DS
It really sucks... but remember that the newer 3ds will release after 2015, this was said by a Nintendo worker(I don't know the English word for it so for those who speak Dutch, woordvoerder)

 

[Marc]

Anyone know if this one can still play NDS games?

It can play DS games but games like Pokemon Diamond that has features such as Pal Park (that requires you to insert a GBA game into your DS) are not compatible from what I know (I think).

Other games such as Pokémon Tretta Lab that requires additional hardware are also not compatible :

Here is a list of games that are not compatible - http://www.nintendo.co.jp/ds/series/dsi/feature/index.html

 

[Goten4]

It can play DS games but games like Pokemon Diamond that has features such as Pal Park (that requires you to insert a GBA game into your DS) are not compatible from what I know (I think).

Other games such as Pokémon Tretta Lab that requires additional hardware are also not compatible :

Here is a list of games that are not compatible - http://www.nintendo.co.jp/ds/series/dsi/feature/index.html

The only game I care about is if the download play will work with Super Mario 64 DS. I have Pokemon Platinum, but what is Pal Park?

 

[Reece]

I really wasn't expecting Nintendo to release another 3DS Model so soon. I honestly like the entire design of both sizes (LL and regular), it looks amazing, with the Circle Pad Pro, and the changeable shells (for the regular N3DS), and the ZR, ZL buttons (which I think would come in handy). I don't really care for the "extra 3d" or the Amiibo feature, seems pointless (IMO). But I don't know... My body is not ready for this, it sucks that the New 3DS would get exclusive games though, kind of makes the other 3DS users feel like they must get this new portable console, and the 3DS/XL is outdated.

I agree with Marc, I hope that the developers don't drop 3DS support, but I have a feeling that they will, the exclusives like Xenoblade Chronicles are only the beginning (I feel), I think they'll just slowly drop support, but by the time they drop support the 3DS would have a large enough library, so I won't mind..

It took me a while to figure out what to say, I'm just speechless. Overall, I'm happy to see Nintendo taking a step into the future, even if it is too soon, everything we wanted is in the New 3DS. I want one now

EDIT: I forgot to mention Custom Home Menu, which I LOVE! I'm elated that the 3DS gets the update to do that too.

 

[Artisan]

The only game I care about is if the download play will work with Super Mario 64 DS. I have Pokemon Platinum, but what is Pal Park?

Pal Park means transferring Gen 3 Pokemon to Gen 4.

I like that it supports new higher quality games but honestly I can only blame Smash for this. Why didn't this come later rather than sooner? I wanted to be content with what I have and squeeze as much out of my handheld as possible with all the great games that it can support. Sure I probably won't want to play Xenoblade Chronicles right away because of Smash but like KIU it came out (granted it was a while) after SSBB so it would get more sales. Sure it is innovative and sure it has great features and is a must for serious gamers (heck it is starting to look like Wii quality already), but really Smash isn't even out yet.

It is great Nintendo is doing this sooner (but dang you released the 2DS and XL already isn't that much) because you don't want anyone to get the low quality systems if you don't have to as a gift for the holidays. There is definitely going to be a bundle for the system though because you have all the awesome high quality exclusive titles you can get for it...

I think this is for the better in order to extend the life of the 3DS library and to get a little more cash in Nintendo's pockets so they can afford to ship them across the seas and make more Game Cards/Discs/Systems. Profit can be in the timing.

Oh and look at those fancy plates, they definitely look like selling gamer-computer material. o.o

 

[Marc]

The only game I care about is if the download play will work with Super Mario 64 DS. I have Pokemon Platinum, but what is Pal Park?

Pal Park means transferring Gen 3 Pokemon to Gen 4.

Actually, Pal Park might just not work.

 

[nicklesimba]

Custom home menu looks so hype.

 

[SilverOwl]

This whole thing bothers me. I knew that nintendo would upgrade the 3ds, but why so soon? The thing that bothers me the most is that i think after some time, that companies will just drop the current model and only make games for the new model. I recently just got a 3ds xl, and i really dont want to purchase another system so soon after getting mine.( i know it might be like a year til it comes out here).
I only hope they still make the games for the current model, if they dont, then i will have no choice but to eventually get the new model

 

[MMMs]

I feel like a test rat for nintendo when they released the new 3ds >.> Well to me, Nintendo is just testing the "Prototype" 3DS
to see if it gains popularity lol I bet that the new 3ds was supposed to be the 3DS they originally planned and they're just waiting for the right time for them to release it to get more profit lol Anyways, regarding to the new 3DS, the exclusive games feels like the DSi all over again but with better graphics which is kind of a bummer since I just got my 2DS this year >.> They could've released the new 3DS at sometime like 2016 to give the newer owners a chance to enjoy the XL and 2DS for at least 2 years so they wont feel they wasted cash for a weaker version of the 3ds >.> @Nintendo, gives us a break will ya >.> lol

 

[FLCL]

I'm a little disappointed that games will still only be 240p....but more RAM and a Xenoblade Chronicles port, so I guess its nice.

 

[BrianXcalibur]

hmmm im feeling abit confused.. hahaha.. i dont think the graphics upgrade was THAT significant..
even when they are being compared side by side.
but the ability to transfer data, and others seems to be a good sign. and the xenoblade port hasnt intrigued me.. the graphics downed badly too. And the extra controller doesnt seem to be a useful addition for a non-MH fan like me

hope they still release great titles for all consoles, as sales should be damaged badly, as not every 3DS user will opt to buy a new one. not if they release some sort of campaign, but it would be impossible for those outside NA, EU, and JPN.. and i never want to part with my fresh Zelda XL

 

[Demon_skeith]

I feel like Nintendo is giving me the finger here, double the finger to anyone who went ahead and bought the second circle pad accessory which I still think is barely used.

I really don't want to buy another 3DS just to keep playing more 3DS games.


Also you know that whole Wii U issue name? Why is Nintendo repeating history?

 

[D4rkDragon]

Thinking about it, I guess that Nintendo will have to keep releasing games on the 3DS.
Even in 2016, the number of N3DS (=/= 3DS) sold would be way lesser than the number of 3DS units sold worldwide (45M, I expect 5M or lesser for the N3DS), unless they do a campaign, so, there might be a few exclusivities, but most of the developers will keep supporting the 3DS, and unless the guys at Nintendo are stupid at marketing, there will still be 1st party games on 3DS.

But I feel really sorry for people who pre-ordered the Smash Bros. 3DS XL. It isn't even out yet, that it is already obsolete (like all of our 3DS). So, unless they give people who bought them something so they might get a N3DS with the same design, it's an insult toward the customers.