243 replies to this topic

[Daniee]

I'll be holding off for a little while. None of the launch games interest me except maybe Super Street Fighter, plus Pokémon Black/White comes out just before it and I think I'll be playing that for a while. I'll probably keep a close eye out for any potential sales or trade-in deals and nab it as soon as I see a good one. It's very tempting to get it sooner, though...

[Mik3]

$250?


O_O

Nah... rather buy a nice little stack of PS3/Xbox games for that price. I mean, they got the fanboys to buy it, but thats too much for me.

[Kyuudaime]

Mine too. XD It's the 27th of March for me. You?



That's a good point. The 3DS looks great, but is expensive for a handheld. It's not just an Xbox, you CAN buy a PS3 Slim for the 3DS's selling price of £230!

I'll still want to get one, but only if I can get it from my workplace (10% staff discount) and I have the spare cash. If I'm short on it, I can wait. After all, there are more important things like food, rent and bills!

Your birthday is right on the NA release date. Lol
Mines the 14th of April.

Oh and ad MGS3 to that list, that was another major one that slipped my mind.

God I loved that game on the PS2, it was just awesome.

[harry4e]

$250?


O_O

Nah... rather buy a nice little stack of PS3/Xbox games for that price. I mean, they got the fanboys to buy it, but thats too much for me.

You think $250 is bad, we are once again being shafted in the UK with thr r.r.p of £230, which on todays exchange rate works out at $368US though more realisticly around $345-350 in recent months. With the exception fo the 3D capabilities the consoles power is poor to say the least, I think my Samsung Galaxy S has a more powerful CPU/GPU combo. But no doubt it will be sold out for months after release, Nintendo know how to hype a fad, and 3D is definitely the latest fad.

[Smiter]

I've preordered a Nintendo 3DS! I suddenly remembered I had enough Nectar points to get £46 worth of Amazon vouchers, bringing the price down to £156. I also got Pilotwings Resort with it, hopefully that'll be a launch day game.

I'll be selling off my DSi and PSP, so that should hopefully bring in the bulk of the 3DS cash.

[Dreamer]

A Dream come true! --Click here to view--

Man i wish this was real, i would first day buy one.

[Mik3]

A Dream come true! --Click here to view--

That is pretty hot

[Smiter]

A Dream come true! --Click here to view--

Man i wish this was real, i would first day buy one.

So would I. XD; I was really resistant to the idea of buying Ocarina of Time again, but it would be nice to experience it in 3D. Maybe I'll get it for this Xmas if it's out by then. In the meantime, Pilotwings Resort and Super Street Fighter 4 should satisfy me.

Speaking of Super Street Fighter 4, here's some info on how its StreetPass mode works (Figurine Battle):

Playing the game in any mode will accumulate Figure Points, which are used to play a slot machine that spits out a figurine into your collection. You can also purchase Figure Points with the Game Coins collected as you walk around in the real world using your 3DS console as a pedometer.

There are seven figures for each character, making a total of 245 statues to collect, each with their own unique statistics. You can trade figures with other players too, and judging by the number of times producer Yoshinori Ono referenced Pokémon in his speech in January's Amsterdam 3DS event Capcom is keen to get players trading to complete their collections.

When it comes to battling, you have to set up a team before you can take on any opponents. Each statue has a level from 1 to 7, and when choosing your five fighters the combined level total must be 20 or less, so don't think you can set all your top-level fighters to win every time. After selecting your combatants, you can boost their attack, defence and speed statistics with a preset number of points, making up for any weaknesses or piling them on top of a strong character to blitz your opponent.

This strategic element could bring extra longevity to the title, which already looks to be one of the 3DS's must-haves upon release.

Yup, definitely going to be carrying my 3DS around with me for this. >D Nintendo have also said that the 3DS has a Streetpass game called "Streetpass Quest" preinstalled. There weren't any details around what exactly it is, but it seems to involve interacting with other Miis as you pass them.

In other news, Miyamoto is busy making a brand new Super Mario Bros. game for the 3DS, and it's expected to be unveiled at this year's E3. Inevitable, but still good to hear.

[Sakura Blossoms]

I have to admit after watching this feature on tv just now:



I became more intrigued with this new system. Coupled with the fact that Gamestop is running this trade-in promotion:

http://www.gamestop....ialty/tradeins/

And it almost makes me want to get one at launch...but I'll still wait until the price drops to at least a little below $200, whenever that is...and I'll also be saving up for the NGP =3

[Smiter]

Cool. Wow, getting both the 3DS and NGP will be a huge drain on your wallet. XD;

I'm going the opposite way, when the next generation of consoles rolls around, I'll either get just one console or just game on my PC (Steam FTW).

The 3DS is dropping in price all the time here, good old retailer competition. It's now £197 at Amazon (down from the original £220), and using my Amazon vouchers it's just £151. :3

The European launch titles have also been confirmed by Nintendo:

PilotWings Resort
Super Street Fighter IV 3D Edition
Nintendogs + Cats (all three editions)
Samurai Warriors: Chronicles
The Sims 3
Pro Evolution Soccer 2011 3D
Super Monkey Ball 3D
Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon: Shadow Wars
Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell 3D
Rayman 3D
Asphalt 3D
Lego Star Wars III: The Clone Wars

Already got Pilotwings preordered, and might get SSF4 as a birthday gift. Dead or Alive: Dimensions isn't on the list, but retailers still list it as a launch day title so there might still be a chance of it coming out then?

The 3DS hype is starting to kick off a bit here. The store where I work has put up massive kinda-home-made 3DS decals on the front windows. XD The Nintendo character decals were bought from a shop, but the 3DS was made from stratch.

[Kyuudaime]

I think I'll try to get both as well.
D:

[Sakura Blossoms]

Cool. Wow, getting both the 3DS and NGP will be a huge drain on your wallet. XD;

Well, I'm not sold on the price of the system, so as I've said I won't be buying it until the price drops. And the NGP won't be coming out for at least another year. More than enough time to save up.

[Dreamer]

Ocarina of Time Update

Looks like Master Quest will be available for Ocarina of Time.

In other news i think RE Mercenaries will be a good online multipllayer shooter for 3DS



Hopefully we'll get more news on RE Revelations.

Edited by Dreamer, 08 March 2011 - 12:49 PM.

[Smiter]

Ocarina of Time Update

Looks like Master Quest will be available for Ocarina of Time.

In other news i think RE Mercenaries will be a good online multipllayer shooter for 3DS



Hopefully we'll get more news on RE Revelations.

I'm definitely looking forward to OoT on the 3DS. I've only played the beginning of Master Quest, and it's been years since I last finished OoT, so it should feel both fresh and nostalgic at the same time.

Two more weeks on Friday, then I'll finally get my 3DS! I changed my preorder to the shop where I work, as it works out cheaper overall. The Amazon vouchers have almost completely paid for Pilotwings and SSF4 by themselves. I just need to find out whether we're doing a midnight launch or just opening at the normal time. I'll be on holiday then, so I'll be queueing up 30-60 mins before it starts. XD

I'd better bring a good book or game along for the wait...

Dead or Alive: Dimensions is really tempting me as well, but I'm trying to resist it as I already have two games on preorder. I have never before seen ANY launch line-up that has tempted me to buy three games!

[Cloud]

Not sold on the price or the games so far. I'll stick with my PSP for a while... still waiting for Dissidia 2.

And the NGP.

[dl316bh]

I don't usually buy stuff like this for a year or two anyways, to let the price drop. Even if I wasn't like that, though, I'd probably wait this out. Want to see what's what with the 3D before I make any purchases, like if it does damage to eyes or whatever. I'm not the kind of person to take "breaks" every fifteen minutes to a half hour - because are you kidding me? - so if this thing is prone to causing damage from regular use I'm going to skip it outright, my interest in 3D be damned.

But yeah, even if none of that were the case, the launch titles would make me hold off - I think Nintendo is allergic to having a decent launch lineup for their systems.

[Kyuudaime]

I don't usually buy stuff like this for a year or two anyways, to let the price drop. Even if I wasn't like that, though, I'd probably wait this out. Want to see what's what with the 3D before I make any purchases, like if it does damage to eyes or whatever. I'm not the kind of person to take "breaks" every fifteen minutes to a half hour - because are you kidding me? - so if this thing is prone to causing damage from regular use I'm going to skip it outright, my interest in 3D be damned.

But yeah, even if none of that were the case, the launch titles would make me hold off - I think Nintendo is allergic to having a decent launch lineup for their systems.

Ahh... that 15 minute rule, I almost forgot that existed.

Although Nintendo says Adults should do no more than 30 minutes at a time with the 3D mode... which you could just turn it off with the slider but that would still be fairly annoying.

Honestly, I think this mostly applies to people who aren't used to viewing things that can be a little straining... so I think people who are used to viewing screens will be mostly fine. Plus I've read a few comments here and there where people who have used it don't feel any strain to their eyes.

Edited by Kyuudaime, 12 March 2011 - 04:18 AM.

[Smiter]

But yeah, even if none of that were the case, the launch titles would make me hold off - I think Nintendo is allergic to having a decent launch lineup for their systems.

That's pretty harsh, there are some good games in the 3DSlaunch line-up, certainly better than other launch line-ups have been. Of course, they won't be to everyone's taste, but it isn't a bad start. Definitely enough to keep some people occupied until some big titles come out later in the year.

I agree about the 15-minute rule, it should be OK as long as you're not straining your eyes. I mean, we keep hearing things like how we should take breaks every X minutes while watching TV, playing games, or using the PC.

[Sakura Blossoms]

I don't usually buy stuff like this for a year or two anyways, to let the price drop. Even if I wasn't like that, though, I'd probably wait this out. Want to see what's what with the 3D before I make any purchases, like if it does damage to eyes or whatever. I'm not the kind of person to take "breaks" every fifteen minutes to a half hour - because are you kidding me? - so if this thing is prone to causing damage from regular use I'm going to skip it outright, my interest in 3D be damned.

Honestly, I think this mostly applies to people who aren't used to viewing things that can be a little straining... so I think people who are used to viewing screens will be mostly fine. Plus I've read a few comments here and there where people who have used it don't feel any strain to their eyes.

Funny you should both say that:

New warning issued for 3DS

Also a pretty interesting read:

Nintendo backs away from 3D only --Click here to view--

Nintendo enjoys creating hardware that offers new ways to interact with games, such as the Wii's motion controls, or the 3D screen of the upcoming 3DS. The problem with the new portable is a distressing one, and it may become increasingly apparent as time goes on: not everyone can see the 3D images. That means that Nintendo's ability to create games that rely on that central mechanic is limited, unless they want to alienate a portion of their audience. This is the rare case of a company launching with a new technology it seems unwilling to use to its fullest capabilities.

The press was able to play game demos at the last E3 that relied on your ability to see depth in order to proceed, but now those concepts have disappeared. "We want to get software out to as many people as possible, and there are some people who just can't see 3D," Nintendo 3DS producer Hideki Konno told Wired's GameLife. "We're moving away from any stance that says if you don't use the 3-D functionality you can't play this game." This creates an important distinction between 3D that is used for aesthetic purposes and 3D that is used to give the player information or to use to solve puzzles. By forcing all games to work in both 3D and 2D modes, and not using 3D that's inherent to the gameplay, no one will be able to truly take advantage of the technology behind the 3DS.

Current 3D technology doesn't work for the small percentage of the gaming population that has issues processing stereoscopic images. Having eyes that aren't properly aligned, or suffering from astigmatism, means that you either can't see images in 3D on a screen or they cause significant strain and discomfort.

When looking at a normal image, both eyes focus on the same object, and the distance between your eyes is used to help your brain work out the distance to that object. 3D presents something of a hack in that you're looking at two different images, and your eyes must work to bring them together in order to create the illusion of depth. This isn't how our eyes, nor our brains, were designed to judge distances, and it leads to strain and, in some cases, headaches. Even when playing 3DS games that use 3D well, you can feel how hard your eyes are working to maintain the illusion.

When the system is released on Sunday, you can test how your brain switches between the faux-3D of the 3DS and the real world: try to play a 3D game in a moving car while someone else drives. Then, without giving yourself a moment to relax your eyes, look up from the screen into incoming traffic. I tried this a number of times, and my brain tended to freak out, struggling to figure out how to focus my eyes in order to see "real" depth in the physical world.

Even with eyes that work well, many gamers are going to be turning the 3D effect off and on as they play to decrease eye strain, making games that truly take advantage of the 3D technology a challenge to produce. This is a significant issue for Nintendo, akin to the company launching the Wii while saying games that rely on motion control are a bad idea. If Nintendo is unable, or unwilling, to leverage everything 3D can do for gameplay, the technology will remain a gimmick, simply layered over standard portable games.

Our hope is that someone is willing to go all-in with a 3D title that creates new gameplay ideas or mechanics that rely on the sense of depth the system delivers, instead of shoe-horning 3D effects into existing games. Nintendo as a company is relied upon to show mastery of its own hardware; if it's backing off from 3D that helps in gameplay, we can expect third-party developers to do the same.

[Smiter]

I've been a 3DS owner for a few days now, so here are my quick impressions.

Nintendo 3DS System --Click here to view--

So, how does it look and feel?

I got the Aqua Blue system, as I wanted it to stand out from my other gadgets/systems. It's actually a blue-green colour, and I feel it could have looked nicer in a deeper blue shade (like electric blue). I like how the top screen is framed in black, as it helps the graphics pop.

The build feels nice and solid, the circle pad and buttons feel responsive, but the d-pad does feel awkward for my big man-hands. The three Select/Home/Start buttons at the bottom of the touch screen feel awkward to push in. On the upside, it does reduce the risk of accidently hitting those buttons while playing a game, but it does make pausing a game feel a little awkward.

The stylus placement is terrible! It's hard to pull it out of the back of the system, so I tend to either leave it (or a spare stylus) on a nearby surface, or use my fingers instead.

On the whole, the 3DS feels comfortable and good to use, but it isn't perfect. I'm sure that Nintendo will iron out some of the niggles in the inevitable 3DS Lite/XL/Turbo.


What about the screens?

The screens are excellent, very sharp and colourful. The first time I used the 3D setting, I was truly amazed. It's like the back just drops away from the screen, giving you an inch or two of depth. It's not easy to describe, but everything feels so sharp in 3D. Personally, I found it easy to relax with the 3D, and I didn't get any headaches. There was one weird effect I had though - one time after using the 3DS, I switched my PC on to check the e-mail. I could feel my brain trying to translate the PC screen into a 3D display, and I thought I could faintly see some parts standing out.

It's only happened once, and I feel like I've already got used to the 3D. Of course, it varies from person to person, and even from game to game. For example, I can enjoy the 3DS' pre-installed software and Super Street Fighter 4 on full power 3D, but Pilotwings Resort feels overwhelming and is hard to focus on. For that, I use the 3D slider at 25-50% so it feels comfortable.



The pre-installed software

Quite honestly, I'm amazed at how much there is to do with the 3DS' pre-installed software. They showcase a lot of the system's potential with StreetPass and Augmented Reality. I have yet to find anyone on StreetPass, but I do live in a small town and it's early days in the system's life.

I do like the pedometer function. Walking with the 3DS in sleep mode awards you up to 10 Play Coins a day, and you can hold a maximum of 300 Play Coins (about a month's worth) at any one time. So far, you can use Play Coins to buy AR games, puzzle pieces in Puzzle Swap, hire mercenary cats in StreetPass Quest, and trade for figurines in Super Street Fighter 4.

Because of the Play Coins and StreetPass, I feel a lot more inclined to take my 3DS out and about with me, than I ever did with the DS.


What's the online like?

Ah, now there's a sticking point. Nintendo has improved it from the DS, but there is still a way to go. You only have to input a single Friend Code to add someone, and you can play with them on any online game without the need for additional codes. In fact, if you meet up with a fellow 3DS user in your local area, you don't even need to input a code - just get your 3DS systems to communicate with each other and that's it!

However, there are no ways to message your friends. All you can do is type out a VERY short status message that pops up above your Mii. This means that, if you want to arrange an online game, you have to do so via other means (forums/e-mails/instant messager etc.). Both the Xbox and PS3 enable you to send messages and invites, and that is something Nintendo should have enabled the 3DS to do.

Also, adding a friend to your system does not add their Mii, even though it shows up on their Friend Card. If you want their Mii, you need to ask them to put up the QR code for their Mii. Again, this means relying on forums/e-mail/IM...

Of course, the online capabilities of the 3DS can be improved in software updates. The question is, will Nintendo be willing to do that? After all, they are known for dragging their feet on this issue. ; The Xbox and PlayStation have established very solid online communities, and Nintendo should have been able to step up to that level.


Conclusions

I'm very happy with my 3DS system and games, but it could be greatly improved. The 3D, StreetPass and AR have a huge amount of potential and it will be exciting to see what the future holds for the system. But that's just it. Right now, it's just potential, and it's up to Nintendo and the third parties to deliver the goods via updates and games. Give it a year or so, and I'm sure the 3DS will be a much more compelling purchase for people as the system should have matured, and the eShop and film/TV services should also be out by then.

I spent too long typing this up, so I'll deliver my SSF4/PilotWings impressions in the review thread another time... XD;