Topic: Is the 3DS the best Nintendo system since the GameCube?

Given that both the Wii and DS libraries were ripe with shovelware, and that the first party titles ranged from amazing to uninspired, it seems like the 3DS trumps both IMO. In actuality, the 3DS is like the N64, what it lacks in quality, it makes up for in quality, and many of the titles are unique experiences that you simply won't find on any other platform.

What do you think?

Except Wii and DS had more than 4 original titles worth caring about within the first year or so, so right now no. 3DS needs to continue its momentum for quite a lot longer for it to compare to predecessors, especially considering how irrelevant most of its unique features already are for most people.

Basically early 3DS days were still pretty awful and hurt it as much as Wii's terrible 2011.

I think the DS was a much better system than the 3DS and Gamecube.

Shovelware doesn't really drag down the quality of a platform. It's not like you're forced to play them, anyway.

The 3DS had a tough introductory year, but it's doing well right now, also, do you really need unique features,....dual screens, motion controls, stereoscopic 3D, who really cares at all if the games can't back them up. The nice thing is that stereoscopic 3D is totally optional while gimmicky uses of the early DS layout/stylus and Wiimotes often hurt gameplay experiences more than it helped.

Are you from an alternate universe where Nintendo never made the Wii and the DS?

It's obvious who the real winner is...

No, it's the best since the DS. The DS was a masterpiece. I would also consider the wii better than the gamecube as well.

No.
Because you forgot about the DS.

This made me laugh so hard.

Pretty much agreed, at this point in time. Even if the reception to stereoscopic 3D has been mixed, the 3DS largely dispensed with gimmicks that were crucial to gameplay. The focus has finally gotten back to proper gameplay. The first party support has been largely excellent, along with certain third-parties supporting the system quite heavily. And, unlike the DSi, the 3DS has an online marketplace with loads of excellent content.

The 3DS feels like Nintendo repenting for its years of appealing almost solely to casual gamers.

Best since the DS. Yes, the DS had a lot of shovelware, but that means nothing. The PS2 and GBA had lots of shovelware but they're still two of the best gaming platforms ever, imo.

Considering that the Wii could play all Gamecube games and supported its peripherals, I really don't understand how an argument can be made that the Gamecube was better.

Nah, DS was a lot better.

Game Boy Player.

I agree with you OP.

The Gamecube was probably my favorite Nintendo home console (extremely underrated console imo) and the 3DS is the next console than really packs a punch in terms of quality. The Wii came close but unfortunately it was riddled with motion gaming and shovelware. I still prefer the GC to the Wii. The 3DS on the other hand is an amazing console that already has a library filled with top shelf games.

The DS was top-notch. I hope 3DS matches up, but as of right now, the appeal isn't nearly as good as it was on DS.

Early DS games:
Super Mario 64 DS - one of the biggest games on N64, now portable and more to offer than the original
WarioWare Touched! - touch mini games
Tetris DS - tons of modes and cool graphics
Metroid Prime Hunters - portable Halo, starring Samus
Mario Kart DS - 3D portable Mario Kart
Meteos - new puzzle game with completely different concepts
etc...

Nintendo's IPs making the jump to 3D on portables was definitely the biggest thing, besides the touch screen, of course. DS Lite was the best thing ever... My phat DS' bottom screen was chicken scratch by the time DS Lite came out, so I used a Best Buy warranty to upgrade. Those were good times.
Also, you can't compare DS to GCN, but you can compare GCN to Wii, and Wii wins, hands down. I used my Wii for all the new games, and playing GCN in 480p. DS was in a league of its own, though.

Its getting close but is still not quite there yet I would say the DS still tops it with GCN still comfortably being my personal favorite.

I think you're vastly underrating the Wii. Yes, the Wii had plenty of shovelware. But for every clunker there was a gem. As a Nintendo gamer, I skipped the Wii entirely (was too busy PC gaming for the past decade), but now that I have a Wii U, half of my game library consists of Wii games.

Fixed. I agree the Wii is underrated a bit but its still not on the level of the GCN.