Original 3DS (Not the XL model) may be discontinued

[532]

According to vg247.com's article, it looks like the original 3DS model may come to the end of it's lifespan and development, as rumours state.

3DS units are getting increasingly harder to purchase as rumours circle that the base model has been discontinued all together.

The bog standard 3DS looks likely to be scarce in the coming months.

Destructoid has collated together a number of pieces of evidence suggesting Nintendo has decided to stop making and selling the first version of the portable hardware, most notably the fact that it is no longer sold through the platform holder’s website.

Various retailers are low on stock, both in the UK and US, and one peripheral manufacturer has flat out stated that the 3DS is no longer in production.

All this has to be taken as speculation for now, but it’s worth noting that the 3DS and 3DS XL have been officially discontinued in Japan, which suggests Nintendo is keen to migrate over to the New 3DS family instead. We expect it to follow suit in the west sooner or later.

This is a bit of a worry for existing 3DS owners, as the New 3DS offers a bit of extra processing grunt, and games designed to be played on that hardware won’t work on your original 3DS or 3DS XL; if the original 3DS is phased out, it’s likely most or all new games will require the New 3DS hardware, leaving you with the choice of upgrading or missing out on new games. Sadly, most Nintendo portable fans are used to having their hardware purchases made redundant in quick succession.

Best to wait for a Nintendo statement before we get freaked out, though; it might just be a temporary stock shortage. It doesn’t look like the 2DS or the 3DS XL (which regularly outsells the smaller model) are experiencing stock shortages.

What are your opinions on this? Do you think that the orginal 3DS model should be discontinued? What if it was? My personal opinion is that they shouldn't really discontinue the orginal 3DS right now, even if it is going to be succeeded by the "New" Nintendo 3DS/3DS XL. There are a boatload of quality games that are available for the 3DS, and even if the New 3DS will be able to play the games that have been released for the "Regular" 3DS, it still has a special place in many people's hearts (Like mine)

I just hope this is a stock shortage and nothing else, as it would be terrible to see one of the best handhelds discontinued.
source: http://www.vg247.com/2015/01/05/3ds-discotninued-north-america-uk/​

 

[3dsatackman]

Yea i hope that they do not discontinue it i like the 3ds and it was/is a awesome handheld console. If they do though i am going to buy a new one and just never open the box

 

[18]

I think they might discontinue hardware production of the original 3DS model - like the one I own. It's been four years and I guess the 3DS XL sells much more than the original model because people find the bigger screen attractive. On 3DS Pedia, it seems like almost everyone except me owns a 3DS XL

But I'm certain they won't discontinue software production (most games, system updates) for the original 3DS yet because that would be a total betrayal to early 3DS buyers. Not every game will be designed exclusively for the New 3DS. Whatever the 3DS XL gets, the 3DS will get too.

 

[dominiquet]

i am going to mad if they discontinue the original 3ds model because i have had my original 3ds model since christmas 2011 so i hope they don't do this

 

[3dsatackman]

Yea it is kinda annoying thing for nintendo to do but i guess gaming always goes forward. and Bw

On 3DS Pedia, it seems like almost everyone except me owns a 3DS XL

I have a regular one

anyway i think that nintendo is doing this for a good reason because the better ones XL and N seem to be quite a bit better and cool (the N3ds back plates look awesome ) but it is kinda sad to see a awesome handheld go.

 

[D4rkDragon]

I thought they already did (considering most of the video games stores near I live or go to don't sell them anymore) .
But yes, I can agree with the fact stopping the original 3DS production would be nice for people planning to buy one, as it would mean that they could go with the N3DS... But on another hand, for people who want a cheap, original 3DS, it means that they'll be in real trouble. And that limited edition 3DS' prices will explode even more.

 

[CJ]

I don't think Nintendo has discontinued them. They would first announce beforehand before discontinuing that very awesome handheld console. According to me, I think the sale has just reduced or something because people don't prefer a 3ds.

 

[Mikaya]

Now those who want a 3DS will have to resort to getting the 3DS XL. It's not a good move to discontinue them. It sold many units around the world, therefore, very successful.

 

[RichGamerton]

Although I would rather have a 3DS XL
(Because of my giant monster hands) I don't think the original one should be discontinued. It was, after all, meant to be dold alongside the 3DS XL, so why go back on an idea that is meant to make everyone happy?

 

[the great]

Nope, that hasn't happened according to me. As Charizard1710 said, they should have announced before doing such a big task. Then I guess people would be crazy to buy a 3ds for themselves.