With the original DS, Nintendo maintained strong sales by introducing new versions of the device, including the DS Lite, DSi, and DS XL. Initially a 3DS Lite seemed like a logical evolution for the device in the near-term, allowing Nintendo to make the device lighter and extend battery life, but given the dire state of the 3DS, that strategy may not make sense. Here's why.
They've+Got+Too+Many+3DS'+to+Sell
According to Nintendo's most recent quarterly earnings report, they've shipped a total of 1.43 million units to retailers in the United States since launch, but according to sources, the estimated number of units sold to consumers is far lower, and retailers are sitting on an abundance of stock.
Before the company can even consider putting a redesigned handheld on the market, they've got to clear out most or all of the hardware they've already got.
R&D+and+Production+Costs+Too+Much
In the very same quarterly earnings report, Nintendo posted a $290 million loss during its first fiscal quarter, which ended in June. Comparatively, a year prior Nintendo had posted a $487 million profit. Based on this data, some analysts are suggesting that Nintendo's earnings this year will hit a level the company hasn't seen since 1986.
While Nintendo has plenty of money in the bank, these kind of results lead to more conservative strategies, and investing millions in the design, testing, and producing a new 3DS is likely not a risk the company is willing to take.
New+Colors+and+Bundles+are+More+Lucrative
Designing a wholly new handheld may be costly, but changing the color or adding custom art to an existing design is relatively cheap, and when marketed properly, can be an effective sales booster.
Simply releasing a number of new color options is one way to go, but Nintendo would also be wise to release bundles of the system with its biggest current or upcoming software. Moreover, limited edition color variants or hardware with custom art are also a more cost-effective way of gaining new adopters or tapping collectors.
They+Need+Games+First
Currently, the Nintendo 3DS' software lineup is extremely limited, which is commonly believed to be the handhelds biggest problems. The system's heavy hitters, including Mario Kart, Star Fox 64, Kid Icarus Uprising, Super Mario 3D Land, and more, won't be out for months or even until next year. Without a range of AAA games available for purchase, Nintendo is going to have a hard time convincing consumers to buy a wholly new system.
It's+Too+Early
Despite the obvious improvements that could be made with a redesigned 3DS, it is far too early in the platform's life cycle for retooled hardware. Looking back at the DS, the original was out for a year and a half before the DS Lite was released -- the 3DS has been out for a little over six months.
As mentioned, there are plenty of ways the 3DS' design could be improved -- satisfying many critics' complaints and encouraging adoption -- but at this point in time it would go against all conventional gaming hardware strategies.
If you've been waiting for the 3DS Lite, you might want to reconsider. Disagree? Make your case for or against a 3DS Lite in the comments section below.