Nintendo 3DS - Date, Price

[VirusType2]

"Nintendo Co Ltd said on Wednesday it would launch a 3D-capable version of its DS handheld game console in Japan on February 26 and in the United States, Europe and Australia in March, missing the crucial year-end shopping season.

The new DS, which can be used to play 3D games and watch films in 3D without special glasses, will cost 25,000 yen ($298) in Japan, the company said. Nintendo did not reveal the price for the U.S."

http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE68S0NU20100929?type=technologyNews


Surprised about the price. Maybe it will be less expensive in the US, but perhaps not in Europe.

Not interested at that price. I expected something closer to $199.99. At $298, that's getting into the territory of a 24" 3D 1080p monitor.

 

[Gargantou]

I hope Europe gets it in March too, or I'm gonna be pi-i-issed!

 

[VirusType2]

At $298, that's getting into the territory of a 24" 3D 1080p monitor.

I overlooked the fact that you need to spend around $150 for 3D glasses for the monitor.

Still, $298 is too much for my passing interest in the technology. Anyway, I still hope they have some killer apps so they can try and convince me.

 

[Warped]

I wish I had more time to play my NDS, I've been playing GT on the PSP. anyway this system looks sweet, I may trade in once March rolls around

 

[VirusType2]

I hope Europe gets it in March too, or I'm gonna be pi-i-issed!

I found more information. (updated OP)

It will be launched in the United States, Europe and Australia in March. Details are yet to be announced, said Iwata.

 

[Gargantou]

Thank you, VT2!

 

[Avoidist]

I'm willing to pay that price if the 1AUD = 1USD rate stays where it is, and our video game stores don't ramp up the price to the old 1AUD = 0.50USD rate they have been deluding themselves on for the last 6 years or so.

Seriously, they charge around $110 for new release triple-A Xbox 360 and PS3 games here. They're phenomenal bastards.

 

[VirusType2]

I don't want to get too far off topic, and I'm sure you've been asked this before, but why not order from overseas? Air shipping is like $20 or 30 (I think) .. so, you could buy a game from the US for $49.99, and then have the game delivered to your house for a total of $69.99. Beats $110. I mean, who would pay $110 for a video game?

 

[ríomhaire]

Looking forward to OoT 3DS and a few others. Probably won't get it on release day, as I won't have the money. But I will be getting it.

 

[Avoidist]

I don't want to get too far off topic, and I'm sure you've been asked this before, but why not order from overseas? Air shipping is like $20 or 30 (I think) .. so, you could buy a game from the US for $49.99, and then have the game delivered to your house for a total of $69.99. Beats $110. I mean, who would pay $110 for a video game?

Well, the trick is to buy games while they are on special, they can typically go down to that $70-$90 region at launch if you know where and when to shop. It's also worth pointing out our dollar has only just recently jumped up to near parity, before it was hovering around the 88c mark. There may also be regional restrictions as well, I haven't bought enough console games personally to motivate me to investigate this yet. Steam in particular is wonderful for pc games, since about half the games haven't had their price modified.

Anyway, back to the 3DS. I'm a bit surprised it will be hitting the market so soon to be honest, and the global release date is fantastic news for us down under (see SSBB for an example of how bad Nintendo has been in that regard). 2011 looks set to be a huge year for Nintendo and the gaming world in general.

 

[VirusType2]

(see SSBB for an example of how bad Nintendo has been in that regard).

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SSBB

That doesn't seem too bad, if the wiki is correct

3, almost 4 months later - like Europe.

Could have been worse...

Twenty-seven months after its original Japanese release, the game was released in Korea, on April 29, 2010.

 

[Naph]

Idiots buy games and consoles from retailers here. Only idiots.

 

[Warbie]

Please be region free! If not, it'll be hard to choose between a UK and US machine.

Either way, day one purchase :bounce:

 

[Paulaner]

$298 is a bad joke.

 

[VirusType2]

Please be region free! If not, it'll be hard to choose between a UK and US machine.

Either way, day one purchase :bounce:

If you like Football/Soccer you better stick with the European version. Otherwise, you'll probably find a lot more games for the US version - though many of them will be crap or based on US television shows, etc. (redundant)

 

[Warbie]

I'm mainly worried about release delays to the UK. Nintendo have been much better with the Wii, though, so I may just go for a local nachine.

 

[kupocake]

Hmm... I'll wait for the price cut. This thing is going to be sickeningly close to £300. They'll find a way.

3D virtual console could be interesting though.

edit: Hey look, it'll synchronise our menstrual cycles too.

 

[jimbo118]

http://www.eurogamer.net/videos/metal-gear-solid-snake-eater-footage

want.

 

[BabyHeadCrab]

Wow I actually have to buy this, they're remaking OoT

 

[Gargantou]

http://www.eurogamer.net/videos/metal-gear-solid-snake-eater-footage

want.

Me too, most likely getting a 3DS.

 

[StardogChampion]

No way I'm paying more than £200.

 

[Gargantou]

No way I'm paying more than £200.

Stop being so greedy and open your wallet to Nintendo, dawg!

 

[ríomhaire]

Some footage of a bunch of games.

And some OoT shots:

Is hotlinking from Nintendo allowed?

 

[BabyHeadCrab]

I came

 

[Warbie]

Goddamnit - they're going to make me buy the same game, again, for the 3rd time!

Possible goty for 2011

 

[Nabobalis]

As much as I loved OoT, I do think it is time to stop remaking the same game. I want new ones god damn it.

I want a new starfox too!!!!!!!!!

 

[Warbie]

As much as I loved OoT, I do think it is time to stop remaking the same game.

Yeah yeah - you'll buy it anyways

I want Starfox too (you obviously don't wish they stopped remaking the same games!)

 

[Stigmata]

Updated graphics resources? In my OoT? It's more beautiful than I thought.

 

[DEATHMASTER]

Indeed Stigy Studmaster, indeed.

 

[VirusType2]

Hmm... I'll wait for the price cut.

This is just a thought, but maybe they are trying to make one more huge push sales of the good old DS, by corralling everyone with a high priced 3DS.

Just picture it: "$298? Well, no sense waiting for the 3DS then, let's just pick up one of these $100 DS's. Look! It's got new games - it's still relevant!"

Remember, they only announced the 3DS because they had too. (so many leaks)

EDIT: Further, if they release it in March, they'll have 6 months of sales at $298 - then they can lower the price as Holiday season comes around next year. Pretty perfect for them.


Nintendo cuts full-year revenue forecast by 21.4%

 

[T-6000]

Yikes, that sure is a pretty hefty price tag. My brother usually buys handhelds but I think he'll wait for a price drop (or a holiday special) before making plans to pick one up.

 

[Combine Hybrid]

$48 more expansive than piece of shit psp go.

 

[Sliver]

They should at least update the ugly world geometry in OOT. Will still buy though.

 

[VictimOfScience]

Oh man am I excited for this system. If it is $250 or less I will be getting it one day one (assuming the launch lineup is actually in place). $300 isn't really that much more but it SEEMS like a lot to pay for a handheld so I would likely wait a bit.

 

[DEATHMASTER]

Hell if I know what the price will be for us but here's something to think about:

Launch of DSi was 18,900 yen ($211 back then) and launched in the US for $179. So I reckon the price of the 3DS could be...$249-$269 if we're lucky.

 

[Bad^Hat]

Probably won't be getting this on release, as US$300 comes out to about 400 here, and that's only because the exchange rate is quite generous to us. Knowing NZ retail prices, I'm sure it'll actually go for $500, which was (and I think still is) the price of a Wii. So, yeah.

I tried finding this online with no success, but what was the price of the DS at launch in Japan? Wondering if US price is actually equivalent or if things are just more expensive over there.

Edit: Oh heh, just spotted Death's post. Well that gives me a bit of hope, but I'm still doubtful it will be less than 400 here.

Another edit: Actually, it launched for $250 here. That's a bit more inspiring.

 

[Anthraxxx]

I am getting one on day one. No excuses. I love my DSi and I will love this even more.

 

[VirusType2]

The thing I don't like about Nintendo is that their prices remain firm for years. They come down a little, but still remain too expensive in my opinion. I'm talking 10 years later, still too much. It's not that they are some kind of extreme price, I just feel it's too much. For one, the technology is usually behind the times when the thing launches, 10 years later, it's hardly even of interest.

The only Nintendo we ever bought was the SNES. We got it launch year during the holidays for $179 with a game, but that was during pretty good times when I was young and a little spoiled for Christmas. Someone gave me a NES like 10 years after it came out. It was smashed in with wires hanging out, but it still worked. I traded some stuff I didn't want to a friend for a N64. I did buy a Gamecube when it dropped to $99.99 (one of the only times Nintendo offered such a good deal), but I ended up being disappointed with it and returned it and sold all the games. It was late in the console's life and I had sort of moved on to PC games.

Why am I going on and on complaining? Well, I just think they are making a mistake. They won't sell me any software if they won't sell me a system.

 

[Nabobalis]

Yeah yeah - you'll buy it anyways

I want Starfox too (you obviously don't wish they stopped remaking the same games!)

I'm a sucker for old games that I remember fondly.


But I do hope they add/change things to the remakes, do want something new to do or kill. Just glad they have added a "joystick" I hate the D-pad on the DS XL.

 

[VirusType2]

Yeah, supposedly, the Analog stick is excellent too.