Although the 3DS appears to be on its last legs following the recent launch of Persona Q2: New Cinema Labyrinth, it still managed to get some spotlight at this year's E3 when Limited Run announced the Atooi Collection, featuring five games in one physical release
While it's clear third-party publishers are still releasing games for the system, what's Nintendo's current feelings about the device and what exactly is the fate of the system? TIME asked Nintendo of America president Doug Bowser this question in a recent phone while he was on the show floor of E3 2019. Here's what he had to say:
"At this point, we have no games to announce on 3DS at this show, and in fact we’re not really showing 3DS content here, because it is all about Nintendo Switch.
"But our 3DS business continues to do quite well. Retailers continue to support both the hardware and the software. And as long as there’s consumer demand for 3DS, we’ll continue to support it. In fact, we believe it’s a great entry point for young gamers. A 2DS at $79 with a game included is a great value proposition for a young gamer coming into the Nintendo ecosystem."
So, at this point in the life of the 3DS, the device is still doing "quite well" and the consumer demand is there for both hardware and software, but there are no games to announce for the system.
During an interview with the team from GameXplain, Bill Trinen was also queried about the future of Nintendo's 3D handheld system. Here's what he had to say:
"At E3 this year, our focus very much is Switch...partly it's just when you look at the sheer amount of content that's coming to Nintendo Switch even in just the next three to four months, we had a lot of content to cover, we filled basically a 45-minute Direct, with what I think is a pretty strong line-up of Switch games.
"I don't know if the 3DS would have driven as much excitement for that. Obviously, it's still on sale, it's still available in stores, it's still an important device for us, but we don't have any plans right now to announce any additional games for it, at the moment."
The two responses are surprisingly similar, with both Bowser and Trinen making it clear that Nintendo has no additional games to announce for the system at this point in time.
Do you think Nintendo's finally done with the 3DS? What about third-party support, do you think it will continue on? Have you bought any digital or physical 3DS games recently? Share your thoughts below.
Comments 55
I feel like now they are about to completely shift development to the Switch. There may still be some in production games that are about to wrap up for it, and no doubt it may still have a slight bit of 3rd party support heading its way. But as one of the 3ds's biggest supporters, I feel like the system is just about finished.
Makes me sad. I love the 3DS.
The way Doug and Bill both have worded their statements, I would say it sounds like maybe they have plans too release another game or 2 (probably ports) for the 3DS. They just know they will be smaller releases announced at a later date and they don't want that info to detract, in anyway, the hype for a Switch game.
Of course it’s important, it’s easy money for them!
But seriously, once Switch was released they stopped new projects on the 3DS and it showed. The games after that were already in development for awhile (except maybe a couple ports). Some people really thought they’d keep both platforms but this was inevitable.
Yeah 3DS had an amazing run but I’m glad they’re putting all their resources into Switch. Nintendo’s first party games are the backbone of their platforms and now that they don’t have to split their resources, they’re generating enough hits to compete with Microsoft and Sony again. This was a good move for them.
Technically it will still be the only place to use the old Pokémon <.< so I see that being a big stability point in its favor for a while.
I'm still hunting for Japanese & Europe Exclusive 3DS games, so I still continue to enlarge my 3DS games library.
I remember going on nintendo.com 2 years ago to go on the coming soon section for the 3ds...there was a 2020 release and it was a bootleg minecraft shooter. No bottom screen support either. Looks like it was made as a middle school project
I still play my 3DS regularly , I play Animal Crossing two to three times a week still and I still have a huge backlog of titles to play my only concern is I really hope that Nintendo don't drop the stereoscopic 3D effect I am a huge fan I would love a Switch with the ability to display stereoscopic 3D.
Looks like for the first time in 30 years, it’s officially one machine to rule them all. It was kind of obvious this would happen, the 3DS stopped getting E ticket games after about 2016 and the Switch largely fills its niche. Now, it’s a good system with a massive library (including SNES games) and a low enough price tag (both entry-fee and per game). Seeing as the Switch Mini is Fake News it makes sense to keep selling the 3DS as the budget system.
Third Pillar Pride!
I've said before that I remember seeing Game Boy Color and GBA on store shelves for years after new games had stopped. The 3DS will likely remain the budget option on store shelves for years to come. It has a positively amazing library of games.
I imagine Nintendo will narrow it down to one model and will maintain it for quite some time to come, while also selling off stock of other models. I don't think a 3DS section in game stores is going away any time soon. I could see the final model dropping as low as 100 or even 80 dollars new, with a game packed in.
Any developer within Nintendo who just came off a 3DS project is now more than likely working on Switch games. 3DS is done.
‘No games to announce but still an important device’.
They’re using one to wedge the front door open at the conference centre.
Pretty much stating the obvious. I still use mine from time to time, there are some games I haven't played yet. But I'm largely just using my Switch, because quite honestly, it's where the action is for me. I love the games I can get on Switch, and going back to 3DS usually only happens for my Fire Emblem needs or if I want to play Etrian Odyssey.
It may be at the end of its development cycle, but it will always have a place in my collection. Glasses free 3D is such a cool feature. The 3DS will always stand out as one of the most unique game systems. I love my New 3DS XL. It will remain my go to platform for Ocarina of Time, Majora's Mask, Star Fox 64, M2's Sega classics and its numerous exclusive titles.
Or more like it's dead in the water and we do not want to release any more games for it,because all of our development teams are working on games for the Switch,however we do have quite a bit of 3DS stock left to shift...so er it's still a very very important device to us.
Or am I just being overly cynical here?
Switch is better. 3DS hardware is a bit too limited. Drop the 3DS already Nintendo! lol
@Alucard83 I think they are trying to drop the 3DS but it’s so stable that it just hovers in the air with serene calm and stability
Of course Nintendo will say what they are saying.. Saying anything negative about the 3ds would be detrimental to sales and revenue.
New switch games price point is to high for a small handheld device.
I still play and love my New 3DS Regular size. I'm close to completing everything on Mario 3D Land atm.
Some of those Star Coins on the Specials were a bit tricky – such a good 100% pure fun game though. For me it's the 'pure essence' version of Mario games. 3DS is still an awesome system, and I've so many games I wish to return to on there.
Cheaper Switch revision coming soon to give all the 3DS owners a new console to buy.
"Well that's done and dusted then."
-Dr. Rick Sanchez
Play on Badge Collector EVERYDAY on both my 3DS and 3DS XL, can't help myself, it's part of my wake up schedule nowadays.
Also still play Picross 3D 2 every now and then (Even though I completed it ages ago, just going through it slowly again)
Doug will not want to disregard it as anything it still sells is no doubt profit for them. Production may have actually stopped or be at a trickle. They are basically now just selling through the last of the inventory. We might however get another 2DS bundle for Christmas with a differrnt game, but I can't see any more ganes from Nintendo releasing on the system....
That cheap 2DS pack is great for families who want to get their child a portable games machine but don't have a lot of money.
I think the best solution for a home console on a very tight budget is a PS3 though. You can get a second hand console for not much more than £50 and many great games are £1-£2 at places like CEX. Either that or a SNES Mini.
To be fair, eighty bucks for a 2DS and game is a steal. I'd contend that the 3DS library is only surpassed in quality by the Game Boy Advance. Eighty bucks for access to that catalogue is awesome, especially considering that you can pick up lots of games for twenty or less
most people moved to switch already going back to 240p handheld??? no. The Switch is a very good step up from 3DS. If Nintendo now release ocarina of time along with majora's mask on Switch we're all good
To be fair they can just stick a few more titles in its Nintendo Selects line and its evergreen titles will continue to sell at a steady rate. Until a Switch Mini or whatever is released, it's still their go to entry level system.
@Xelha Er, if Nintendo Make money - we get More and Better games. Plus 2DS is fantastic - Brilliant games library! Yay!
They might not make any NEW games for it but the system has so much games to it. So many quality RPG's, all those great DS-games. I still have lots of games I have not played or bought for the DS/3DS I want to experience. The system lives on as long as people are playing their consoles. So Nintendo might be done but us gamers are not.
I have mainly played games on my switch for the last 1,5 years I have owned it (and PS4 too). But that's just because it still feels new and fresh compared to the 3DS. If only I had more time to sink in for gaming though.
Like I have said before, the price point of the 3ds makes it exceptional value. And there’s a ton of games retailing at low prices.
My last three games were Fire Emblem Warriors, Mario and Luigi Paper Jam and Hey Pikmin. All three titles - physical - come in at £12-14 in stores or online.
For £100 it is easy to pick up a 2ds (with a pack in game and free SD Card for e-shop) and two retail games - many are AAA titles like Zelda or Animal Crossing. A bargain and from Nintendo’s point of view a no-effort way to make cash.
With the 2DS being such a cheap entry point could we get a reduced price for the games as well please. There’s a few titles I want to pick up but waiting for better prices spending $50-60 AUS on them seems silly now.
I know people have their opinions about the Switch being a "port machine", but I just wish Nintendo had enough resource to port absolutely everything from their back catalogue to it. I want to see 3DS games on the system, Gamecube, Wii, the rest of Wii U - the lot! But I don't want it to take away from new content. I'm dreaming of course, but it's allowed.
I love my 3ds, I love the cover plates on the new model and they are pretty collectable. Still play mario golf, tennis and mario kart 7 pretty much every day, plus the SEGA 3ds classics are awesome dude
The 3DS isn't getting any more first party titles is basically what they are saying. Well whatever I still play my 2DS XL more than I play the Switch. It's more of my kids' console anyways. I have plenty of games that I've bought for my 2DS XL that I haven't played yet so I'm good.
It seems Liam & even all the commenters who I read/skimmed forget 1 thing. When the Switch was 1st shown off, they were questioned about the future of the 3DS. Nintendo stated something like "Now that the Switch is announced, we can now focus on the next generation to the 3DS." Maybe not those words exactly, but they heavily hinted at working on another system to come after the 3DS. Keep in mind that they intended the Switch to be a home console with a portable gimmick. They were surprised to find out the number of users who only use it in portable mode. The 3DS is still the flagship portable console, given it's superior battery life & pocket size.
I’d expect a retirement announcement anytime now. Maybe they’ll stick through another holiday season, but yeah it’s soon time.
2DS/3DS is still a great value for young gamers. There is a HUGE library of games, with tons of great ones for $20 or less. And I’ve seen refurb 2DS units straight from Nintendo with full 1-year warranties for as low as $39. For $100 a parent could walk away with a great system and 3-4 games to get started.
Still expecting a "Frozen 2" game for the holidays as the last big 3DS game.
3DS is one of my all-time favorite systems, but it's time to let it go gracefully into that good night. It's time to release a cheaper Switch and start getting children and all those 3DS-only people to transition to the new platform.
@Supadav03 Agreed. I wonder if the new rumored models will be more like a 3ds as far as portability. then, I also wonder what the next console will be like- if they want two consoles, my guess is that maybe they have one that's strictly a console and then the Switch ends up taking the place of the 3ds.
I still play my 3DS regularly. The system has an incredible library of games. Just because Nintendo is moving on to the Switch doesn't mean people should stop playing the 3DS.
This is pretty much the tune they've been singing for some time now. The 3DS has an exceptional library and backwards compatibility, so the available software will continue to sell it for some time. That said, it's fairly obvious that the Big N is focusing their resources fully into the Switch. As much as I love the 3DS family, it also makes sense for them to no longer divide their interests.
Game retailers, at least where I live, seem to be discounting a lot of their 3DS stock to liquidate all but the most recent titles. Walmart in the US has been running massive game discounts lower than the MSRP for some time now.
Anyone know a place to still buy a new 3dsxl? Besides Ebay? I'd like to upgrade from my original 3dsxl.
I still play my 3DS and still a few games on 1st playthrough.
After almost 2 years i have almost finished Majoras Mask 3d for the 1st time (after playing OoT for 2nd time but almost 100%)
Finished Resident Evil revelations 2 months ago, played it earlier in my 3ds life but sold it and then rebought it in 2017. Replayed Metal Gear Solid 3d and finished last week for the 2nd time.
After finishing Zelda i will restart Xenoblade chronicles 3D and recently bought Metroid Samus Returns and also playing Donkey Kong Country Returns. I might buy Dragon Quest 8 3DS but otherwise those are the last games i will buy and play actively.
I deliberately play my 3ds more then my Switch because i spend a lot of Money it and before i fully commit to the Switch(which also is asking more for my attention) i want to atleast finish all games that interest me on 3DS and who also have a sequel on Switch.
I play Switch on breaks at work and my 3DS at home.
That's what i thought. Boring. (Almost) all games are better on Switch, though :3
I'm still playing all of the Fire Emblem games on 3DS.
They are basically saying they have no plans to develop more games for it in the future, but will continue to support it and keep games and systems available as it is still a seller due to its affordability and large catalogue of games.
The 3DS actually saved Nintendo, i can imagine it'll be around and supported for quite a while and honestly its a great system.
If both the WiiU and the 3DS had failed then it would be hard to tell where Nintendo would be now, i mean it would have been a clear indication that there was no market for handhelds, if the 3DS had failed like the Vita did. Would Nintendo have risked the Switch? It's tough to say.
On this topic I'm going to be picking up a Zelda themed 2DS and keeping it boxed for collection purposes.
@Firebird360 3dsxl is actually hard to find but 2dsxl is available on Amazon.
I think they stopped production of the 3dsxl because it really didn't sell as well a the 2ds model. 3d was a very gimmicky fad that nobody enjoyed passed 5 mins.
I still have 200+ 2DS and 3DS games backlogged still.
@Razer, gimmick is for the foolhardy it sold better then expected so that claims is so misleading in more ways then one.
@Razer
"3d was a very gimmicky fad that nobody enjoyed passed 5 mins."
I love the 3D effect from my 3DS XL.
3DS may be end-of-life, but I will still be playing it!!
So many cool 3DS features that never really made it to Switch:
3D. Dual Screens. Stylus (e.g. Art Academy.) Streetpass. Streetpass Mii Plaza/minigames. MiiVerse. Download Play. Swapnote. Flipnote Studio 3D. 3D camera. Virtual Console. Web browser. VR cards.
Not to mention tons of great games (including a bunch from the Shin Megami Tensei/Persona series) and even Netflix.
It would be awesome if the new two upcoming Switch hardware updates included a 3DS game slot.
isnt going to make as much more money if there are no new games coming out for 3DS sales are only going to get worse
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