Nintendo 3DS $249.99 - 3/27/2011 - Pre-order at Amazon, Best Buy, GameStop, etc

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Celsius

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Amazon: Black - Blue - Games
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Best Buy: Black - Blue
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Walmart: Black - Blue







[IMG-L=5838]20580[/IMG-L][IMG-L=5838]20579[/IMG-L]

Launch Date March 27, 2011

Price $249.99 MSRP*




Included in Hardware The following is included in the hardware set:
  1. Nintendo 3DS system
  2. Nintendo 3DS charging cradle
  3. Nintendo 3DS AC adapter
  4. Nintendo 3DS stylus
  5. SD Memory Card (2GB)
  6. AR Card(s) (view the cards using the outer cameras to play supported AR games)
  7. Quick-Start Guide
  8. Operations Manual (including warranty)


Characteristic Features
  1. 3D screen, enabling 3D view without the need for special glasses and the ability to adjust or turn off 3D effect with the 3D Depth Slider.
  2. Stereo cameras that enable users to take 3D photos that can be viewed instantly on the 3D screen.
  3. New input interfaces including the Circle Pad, motion sensor, gyro sensor
  4. SpotPass, a feature that lets Nintendo 3DS detect wireless hotspots or wireless LAN access points and obtain information, game data, free software, videos and so on for players even when the system is in sleep mode.**
  5. StreetPass, a feature that lets Nintendo 3DS exchange data automatically with other Nintendo 3DS systems within range, even in sleep mode once this feature is activated by the user. Data for multiple games can be exchanged simultaneously.
  6. Convenient features that users can access without stopping game play such as the HOME menu, Internet Brower, Notifications, etc.
  7. Plenty of built-in software such as the Nintendo 3DS Camera, Nintendo 3DS Sound, Mii Maker, StreetPass, Mii Plaza, AR Games, Activity Log, Face Raiders, etc.
  8. Nintendo eShop where users can view trailers, software rankings and purchase software.
  9. System Transfer which enable users to transfer already purchased software from one Nintendo 3DS system to another. DSiWare purchased for the Nintendo DSi or the Nintendo DSi XL can also be transferred into a Nintendo 3DS system.***
  10. Compatibility functions where both new software designed for Nintendo 3DS and most software for the Nintendo DS family of systems can be played.
  11. Parental Controls which enable parents to restrict game content by ratings as well as use of specific wireless connectivity, 3D functionality, etc.****


Size (when closed) 2.9 inches high, 5.3 inches long, 0.8 inches deep.

Weight Approximately 8 ounces (including battery pack, stylus, SD memory card).

Upper Screen Wide-screen LCD display, enabling 3D view without the need for special glasses. Capable of displaying approximately 16.77 million colors. 3.53 inches display (3.02 inches wide, 1.81 inches high) with 800 x 240 pixel resolution. 400 pixels are allocated to each eye to enable 3D viewing.

Lower Screen LCD with a touch screen capable of displaying 16.77 million colors. 3.02 inches (2.42 inches wide, 1.81 inches high) with 320 x 240 pixel resolution.

Cameras One inner camera and two outer cameras. Resolutions are 640 x 480 for each camera. Lens are single focus and uses the CMOS capture element. The active pixel count is approximately 300,000 pixels.

Wireless Communication 2.4 GHz. Enabling local wireless communication among multiple Nintendo 3DS systems for game play and StreetPass. Enabling access to the Internet through wireless LAN access points (supports IEEE802.11 b/g with the WPA™/WPA2™ security feature). Recommended distance of wireless communication is within 98.4 feet. This can be shorter depending on the enviromental situation. WPA and WPA2 are marks of the Wi-Fi Alliance.

Input Controls Input controls are the following:
  1. A/B/X/Y Button, +Control Pad, L/R Button, START/SELECT
  2. Circle Pad (enabling 360-degree analog input)
  3. Touch screen
  4. Embedded microphone
  5. Camera
  6. Motion sensor
  7. Gyro sensor


Other Input Controls Other input controls are the following:
  1. 3D Depth Slider (enabling smooth adjustment of the 3D level effect)
  2. HOME (HOME button brings up the HOME menu)
  3. Wireless switch (can disable wireless functionality even during game play)
  4. POWER button


Connector Connector includes:
  1. Game Card slot
  2. SD Card slot
  3. Cradle connector
  4. AC adapter connector
  5. Audio jack (stereo output)


Sound Stereo speakers positioned to the left and right of the top screen (supports virtual surround sound).

Stylus Telescoping stylus (approximately 3.94 inches when fully extended).

Electric Power AC adaptor (WAP-002 [USA]). Nintendo 3DS Battery Pack (lithium ion battery) [CTR-003].

Charge Time About 3.5 hours

Battery Duration When playing Nintendo 3DS software about 3-5 hours. When playing Nintendo DS software about 5-8 hours. Battery duration differs depending on the brightness setting of the screen. The information regarding battery duration is a rough standard. It can be shorter depending on what functions of the Nintendo 3DS system are used.

Game Card Nintendo 3DS Game Card. The size is approximately the same as Nintendo DS Game Card.
 
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$250 seems a bit steep when you can get a 360 for $200. Most of the good looking games are rereleases too. I think I'm gonna wait til it hits $199 or less and better games come out before I pick it up. Also it seems that most people turn off the 3D effect because they get tired or ill so what's the point in the end?

I'm kinda sick of Nintendo gimmicks. I just want a sleek adult looking device that has a 16:9 sliding touch screen, dual analog sticks, and can playback all sort of media and that has great graphics and top publishers making home console caliber games for it. This PSP2 concept is exactly what I want sadly the PSP2 won't look like this at all and the reported touch panel on the back of the system worries me to be honest

pspconcept.jpg


It's sad that game companies are being outdone by apple and android phone makers. I just want something sleek and versatile like that but without a phone.
 
Thanks. In for pre-ordering the black version.

Blue version looks nice too, but I'm a fan of black bezels to add perceived contrast to the image. $250 is fine by me if there are good launch games. I'm interested in how the tech will turn out.
 
[quote name='dafunkk12']Pre-ordered an Aqua Blue one at Amazon for no tax and free shipping. Fingers crossed that they'll get it early and ship so it arrives on street date.

Then decided to put in an in-store pick-up order at Best Buy just in case to they some promotional giveaway shenanigans. Truth be told, I think that unless Amazon ships early, I'll cancel it and pick up on day-one at Best Buy. RZ certificates will more or less nullify the taxes.[/QUOTE]

The Sunday release is exactly the reason I'm going with Best Buy for this. Wouldn't have it until late on the 29th with one day shipping from Amazon. Of course, I'll probably just end up canceling anyway.
 
I pre-ordered a black 1, I really want to see this thing for my self, also you show OoT & Snake Eater (2 of my favorite games of all time) running on it you have me sold. I just wish it came in Purple like the pictures from E3(but those colors never come out @ launch anyway).
 
[quote name='ssjmichael']^if that came out, it'd have a 10 minute battery life[/QUOTE]

*has never understood the mass hysteria around battery lives*

Who really cares though? Honestly most polls I have seen show that gamers use their hand-helds in two ways, either inside their house like any other game or in quick spurts while out in public. If the system had a few hour battery life it would be good enough to use at home or take out with you and play for 30 mins here 30 mins there when you can find time. It would even be good enough for people that have commutes on trains and what not.

Who really needs a 10+ hour battery life? If you are playing that long then chances are you are near an electric outlet you can charge anyways.
 
[quote name='roymustang']$250 seems a bit steep when you can get a 360 for $200. Most of the good looking games are rereleases too. I think I'm gonna wait til it hits $199 or less and better games come out before I pick it up. Also it seems that most people turn off the 3D effect because they get tired or ill so what's the point in the end?

I'm kinda sick of Nintendo gimmicks. I just want a sleek adult looking device that has a 16:9 sliding touch screen, dual analog sticks, and can playback all sort of media and that has great graphics and top publishers making home console caliber games for it. This PSP2 concept is exactly what I want sadly the PSP2 won't look like this at all and the reported touch panel on the back of the system worries me to be honest

pspconcept.jpg


It's sad that game companies are being outdone by apple and android phone makers. I just want something sleek and versatile like that but without a phone.[/QUOTE]

And yes you hit it dead on. Dump any gimmicks and just give me a hand held with a good format, good connection to PSN(or better yet integrate it with the PS3 itself), decent graphics capability, two analog sticks and a good sized screen that does a decent job reflecting lighting and I am thrilled.
 
[quote name='MSI Magus']Who really needs a 10+ hour battery life? If you are playing that long then chances are you are near an electric outlet you can charge anyways.[/QUOTE]

Heh, pretty much what I was thinking -- though a 10 minute battery life would be a problem. ;)
 
haha at people saying a PSP 2 would cost at least $250 , no way.


if the rumored specs and features are true, i'd say $350 at the minimum, rip to our wallets, i can't wait til next week when they show it, hype

I read on some forums that people are creating alt accounts to buy multiple 3DS from amazon, ebay will be flooded .

got my blue 3DS pre order in at 10 am :D
 
For those wanting to go the gamestop route. Tomorrow or Friday gamestop should have color choices available. I preordered mine at gamestop and well I called to confirm so I can pay off my system and they said it's not in the system yet. Since it comes out on sunday I am gonna camp the fucking gamestop at like 8 AM so I can be sure they don't pull shady shit.
 
Hmmm... I'm probably going to wait on the inevitable redesign about a year after launch. It'll probably have a better battery life (and yes, I'm away from an outlet that much of the time :p) and maybe a lower price point.

Unless, they come out with a game that falls into the "super awesome" category. Final Fantasy 6 remake, I'm looking at you....
 
[quote name='Sir_Fragalot']For those wanting to go the gamestop route. Tomorrow or Friday gamestop should have color choices available. I preordered mine at gamestop and well I called to confirm so I can pay off my system and they said it's not in the system yet. Since it comes out on sunday I am gonna camp the fucking gamestop at like 8 AM so I can be sure they don't pull shady shit.[/QUOTE]

I'll never pre-order with Gamestop again after they messed up pre-orders a combined 3 times for me at 2 different stores. I was especially pissed when they didn't "have" my RB2 band kit on release day. That's what you fucking order in advance for, to be sure that you have it on it's release! One store didn't have my pre-ordered game until 3 days after release date, that's just ridiculous and shied me away from them for good.
 
[quote name='Armads']Do you have until a couple days before release to cancel your preorder?[/QUOTE]

Yes, it doesn't charge until they ship. Sometimes they ship two days in advance of release date, sometimes it's the day before.
 
[quote name='khoido']I don't know if this has been asked yet but will amazon charge you for the full amount right away?[/QUOTE]

They charge once it has been shipped.
 
[quote name='Trance Addix']Yes, the refund happens instantly.[/QUOTE]

[quote name='khoido']I don't know if this has been asked yet but will amazon charge you for the full amount right away?[/QUOTE]

Nope, not until it ships
 
Not sure if this has been asked, but with this being a Sunday release, does that mean Amazon won't have them out until Monday? If that's the case, I'll pass and get mine in store. Now if Amazon can get it to me on Saturday or somehow get it on Sunday, I'll go with them.
 
[quote name='theking20']haha at people saying a PSP 2 would cost at least $250 , no way.

if the rumored specs and features are true, i'd say $350 at the minimum, rip to our wallets, i can't wait til next week when they show it, hype

I read on some forums that people are creating alt accounts to buy multiple 3DS from amazon, ebay will be flooded .D[/QUOTE]

It's funny that people still play the "eBay Hoarders" card in the same sentence as "overpriced" system launches.

You don't think the manufacturers have gotten wise to eBay in the past decade?
If you are delivering a product that is in low quantity and high demand how do you solve it?
Let me count the ways.

4) Hold off releasing until you can manufacture enough units to exceed first quarter sales forecasts + ebay speculators.
3) Release in MARCH instead of October, plenty of time to deliver more for Christmas rush.
2) Release simultaneously internationally, prevents grey/black market export sales losses.
1) JACK UP THE PRICE!!!! Sell every unit at greater profit.

Solution, no aftermarket!

If it's under-priced, the market will make the correction (eBay).
If it's over-priced, the manufacturer reaps the profits AND has room for price reductions.

This is econ 101. Supply and Demand.
You think the PS3 launched at $600 because it HAD to?
Sony wants the profits to go in THEIR pocket, not eBayers.
Nintendo doesn't "print money" because they are stupid businesspeople.
Neither does Apple... etc.

Off topic....
A similar comparison in the motorcycle world.
The Kawasaki Ninja 250R.
From 1987 to 2007 (20 YEARS) it NEVER changed. MSRP in 2007: $3000
in 2008 a complete remodel to look like the 600 race-bikes. MSRP: $3000
Demand was so high the DEALERS marked it up to $4000 and sold EVERY ONE, pocketing an extra $1000.
in 2009 guess what? MSRP was RAISED to $4000... Guess who pockets that $1000 now?

Want another one, look back 2 years at the Prius... Some sold for $10,000 over MSRP! WTF!

Due to Electronics Manufacturers controlling MSRP at retail (which is a whole other can of worms)
Gamestop, Amazon, Walmart, BestBuy, etc. cannot artificially inflate the price like eBay resellers.
So they "bundle" instead. It's all the same thing.

Just Sayin'.
 
There will be no "eBay hoarders" for this console, and it will be easy to find on release day. It's an expensive, unproven handheld, released during an off peak season, same as the original DS, and the original DS was NEVER hard to find at any point, it was always readily available.
 
Meh, gonna throw down a reserve at Gamestop to secure myself tommorow (No more procrastination). Aside from that, im hoping somewhere else steps up thier game with a good release deal.
 
[quote name='spmahn']There will be no "eBay hoarders" for this console, and it will be easy to find on release day. It's an expensive, unproven handheld, released during an off peak season, same as the original DS, and the original DS was NEVER hard to find at any point, it was always readily available.[/QUOTE]

Ah hahaha. Famous last words. Watch how long the Amazon preorders last.
 
[quote name='gkrykewy']Ah hahaha. Famous last words. Watch how long the Amazon preorders last.[/QUOTE]

AHhhh preorders. The secret weapon of the video game industry.

KNOW EXACTLY HOW MANY UNITS YOU NEED TO SHIP TO EACH DESTINATION MONTHS BEFORE YOU SHIP A SINGLE UNIT.

Perfect delivery. Perfect sales numbers. Perfect press release.

I wonder how many other businesses envy this model?

Why you think they push pre-orders so damned heavily?
Back-end incentives you can count on it.
 
[quote name='dgwillia006']Meh, gonna throw down a reserve at Gamestop to secure myself tommorow (No more procrastination). Aside from that, im hoping somewhere else steps up thier game with a good release deal.[/QUOTE]

Yeah, a strategy that saves you $15-$20 sales tax really needs another promotion.
 
[quote name='spmahn']There will be no "eBay hoarders" for this console, and it will be easy to find on release day. It's an expensive, unproven handheld, released during an off peak season, same as the original DS, and the original DS was NEVER hard to find at any point, it was always readily available.[/QUOTE]

Yeah I agree, especially about the cost -- seems too expensive to be in short demand. I also have doubts about the initial software support, so I'll just wait to see how many quality games are actually released.
 
[quote name='jaredstorm']I preordered. What the heck!

If I don't want it later, I can cancel it. Atleast I have a number in line now. :)

 
[quote name='utopianmachine']Yeah, a strategy that saves you $15-$20 sales tax really needs another promotion.[/QUOTE]

Legally you're required to pay that sales tax when you file your taxes every year.
 
I have to admit that even though I like my DSi, I'm starting to think about getting a PSP2 instead, obviously depending on how it looks. I don't have any PSP, so it might be nice to have one of those to go along with my DSi. Of course it's all subject to change. :)
 
[quote name='teknomedic']If PSP2 is BC with PSP then I'll buy on day one, but if not... I'll wait.[/QUOTE]

Rumor has it that it won't have UMD support, which kills it for me. I have no interest whatsoever in a download-only console.
 
[quote name='arcane93']Rumor has it that it won't have UMD support, which kills it for me. I have no interest whatsoever in a download-only console.[/QUOTE]

What? Maybe that just means there will be another physical medium? I can't imagine that they would go download only after the PSP Go failed so miserably. (I think.)
 
Yeah, I've heard that it will be a new format (not sure if that means download only)... so I'm crossing my fingers that while it won't be "UMD", that it will still accept old UMD games.

If not, I'll just wait to pick one up like I did with PSP.
 
bluMD believe

but i heard that rumor too, it would be so terrible, since those DD games on the psn network rarely drop in price/ go on sale
 
[quote name='teknomedic']Yeah, I've heard that it will be a new format (not sure if that means download only)... so I'm crossing my fingers that while it won't be "UMD", that it will still accept old UMD games.

If not, I'll just wait to pick one up like I did with PSP.[/QUOTE]

maybe the new format will be something like UMDs where the disk is blu-ray tech, that would allow UMDs to be inserted

a Blu-Ray disk the size of a UMD should still hold 15-20 GB, which is more than enough for a portable
 
What do you guys think, I bought the red dsi xl bundle a week ago. Should I return it and buy this 3ds instead or just keep my red dsi xl? TIA
 
With how stupid Sony have been with SO many things lately. I really wouldn't be surprised if it's download only. The PSP Go failed, but they still went there. I think it was a glimpse of what's to come. That means no $ from me!!

I'm torn on the 3DS though. I really want one, and a few of the launch games look awesome, but I KNOW there will be a better version. This isn't a huge deal, but the battery life is SO bad on these that it may be worth the wait. Hard to decide.
 
If Sony needs to learn anything (especially in the mobile market) it's that BC is almost required.

For me personally though BC is pretty important. I would have waited on buying a Wii if it wasn't BC with Gamecube... and I bought a DS lite vs DSi because they removed the BC with GBA. I also bought a 60GB PS3 because of BC... but then bought a 2nd 60GB PS3 due to them removing BC in later models.

One of the selling points on 3DS for me is that it's BC with DS games. Again... that's just me though.

As for the topic... I pre-ordered a Black for me and a Blue for the Mrs at BB. ;)
 
[quote name='coolrust']What do you guys think, I bought the red dsi xl bundle a week ago. Should I return it and buy this 3ds instead or just keep my red dsi xl? TIA[/QUOTE]

Personally?... I'd return it and pre-order a 3DS. You'll get everything the DSi has plus more on 3DS.

Unless there's a game you just have to play RIGHT NOW!!!.... I'd wait. 3DS comes out in just 10 weeks, so you won't be waiting long.

Plus if you still need a DSi later, you just know prices will start to fall. ;)
 
[quote name='Zaku77']With how stupid Sony have been with SO many things lately. I really wouldn't be surprised if it's download only. The PSP Go failed, but they still went there. I think it was a glimpse of what's to come. That means no $ from me!!

I'm torn on the 3DS though. I really want one, and a few of the launch games look awesome, but I KNOW there will be a better version. This isn't a huge deal, but the battery life is SO bad on these that it may be worth the wait. Hard to decide.[/QUOTE]

Same here, on both points.

I thought about waiting on 3DS too, but figured that "yes" there are games I will buy at launch and "yes" I'm concerned about how Nintendo might "improve" the 3DS later. They always seem to find ways to add a few cool features while at the same time removing a good feature.

Plus I figure the hacking community will find a way for homebrew on the first release... while they might not be so lucky on later hardware releases. ;)

Also.... this is the first portable release with Nintendo that I didn't think the first release design or "look" was a pile-o-crap. (like DS Phat)
 
That is true, the DS Phat was so ugly. I actually JUST got a DS Lite from Walmart for 75$ like a month ago. I've had my Phat since launch and play a LOT of DS games. I've been suffering for a while lol
 
[quote name='teknomedic']Personally?... I'd return it and pre-order a 3DS. You'll get everything the DSi has plus more on 3DS.

Unless there's a game you just have to play RIGHT NOW!!!.... I'd wait. 3DS comes out in just 10 weeks, so you won't be waiting long.

Plus if you still need a DSi later, you just know prices will start to fall. ;)[/QUOTE]

If he had a regular DSi, I'd agree with you... but until we get some kind of 3DS XL, the DSi XL is going to be getting a lot of playtime on my end due to its screens being substantially bigger than the 3DS's...
 
[quote name='wampa8jedi']If he had a regular DSi, I'd agree with you... but until we get some kind of 3DS XL, the DSi XL is going to be getting a lot of playtime on my end due to its screens being substantially bigger than the 3DS's...[/QUOTE]

oops.. I missed the "XL" part... that does make it harder choice. Hmmm... but I would think that the XL prices will drop when 3DS releases. Maybe not instantly, but within a year.

I would be all over an XL myself if it supported GBA games. Oh well. :)

I wonder if a modder/hacker could take a GBA slot from a Lite and mod an XL to play those games... hmmmm...
 
[quote name='confoosious']What? Maybe that just means there will be another physical medium? I can't imagine that they would go download only after the PSP Go failed so miserably. (I think.)[/QUOTE]

Maybe. I hope so. On the other hand, Sony may feel that they have the leverage to force the issue with an entirely new console. With the PSP, there was no reason to buy a PSP Go because all of its games (along with UMD games) could be played on a regular PSP as well. If the next-gen system only supports downloads, there will be no choice for people who want it.

My fear, honestly, is that we're going to see all game consoles (including the home consoles) go that way within the next generation or so. If that happens, bye-bye cheap game deals! :cry:
 
[quote name='arcane93']Maybe. I hope so. On the other hand, Sony may feel that they have the leverage to force the issue with an entirely new console. With the PSP, there was no reason to buy a PSP Go because all of its games (along with UMD games) could be played on a regular PSP as well. If the next-gen system only supports downloads, there will be no choice for people who want it.

My fear, honestly, is that we're going to see all game consoles (including the home consoles) go that way within the next generation or so. If that happens, bye-bye cheap game deals! :cry:[/QUOTE]

I'll vote by never buying a console/handheld with download only option until they pry physical media from my cold dead hands.
 
A download only hand held already exists and its incredibly successful- the ipod touch. Apple's proven it can work, but the key is the cut throat app store environment that makes pricing extremely affordable. I think part of why the go failed was due to the lack of backwards compatibility and lack of games on the playstation store(a lot of UMD games are not in their). If they start fresh with a new console they won't have that problem. But, I really doubt Sony, or Microsoft and Nintendo for that matter, will ever have a store with such low prices as apple's.

I know people will dismiss apple as not being a real system, but thats just no longer the case. Gameloft and EA are releasing legit stuff all the time for very cheap. Nintendo themselves recognize and acknowledged the threat.
 
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