Yesterday, a select bunch of lucky EU Club Nintendo members got the Nintendo equivalent of a Golden Ticket from Willy Wonka -- an email inviting them to purchase a special New Nintendo 3DS Ambassador Edition before the console launches in Europe.
Nintendo stated that consoles would be shipped within 3 to 5 days, but it would appear that the company was just being cautious, as units have begun arriving today -- less than 24 hours after the email was originally sent.
We've had reports that buyers who paid extra for next day delivery are getting their shiny new systems today, but we've had other buyers emailing in stating that they picked the "free" delivery option, yet their consoles are currently in transit -- suggesting that they too may be on the receiving end of a New 3DS before the day is out.
Did you order a unit, and has it arrived this morning? Let us know by posting a comment, and send us an email with a photo of your system and we'll add it to this post.
UPDATE: Reader Marti kindly has uploaded an unboxing video to make us all jealous:
[source eurogamer.net]
Comments 126
Gross sobbing
I hate each and every one of them.
No email for me, a loyal purchaser of pretty much everything Nintendo have ever produced. And this is how they (don't) repay me?
DO YOU NOT KNOW WHO I AM?
rage
Yep, got mine today too!
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=759395400808746&set=gm.762948983788679&type=1&theater
@deKay I share your pain.
Hopefully there's some NA hookups then. I'm an ambassador! I still have the little ambassador icon on my 3DS!
Nobody knows how to destroy a loyal fanbase quite like Nintendo!
I'm expecting mine to be delivered to my workplace within the hour!
https://twitter.com/Moose_4/status/552791133978628096/photo/1
I am really happy with it. Like the cover plates a lot.
Please just hurry up Nintendo and confirm the UK release date!
Don´t understand, why I didn´t receive the opportunity. I have everything of Nintendo and thanks to the Nintendo Network, they knew it. Damn....
I'll keep thinking on the positive side, that I saved 200€ (since with the mail I would have bought this and the XL version probably), but... yeah, hard to not sobbing a little
Anyway congrats for the lucky ambassadors, have fun ^o^
Very exciting, I've come to arrangement with someone on Miiverse to order for them, as I'm unfortunately not in a position to take advantage of the offer from Nintendo myself, but good luck to them and at least I know it's going to a genuine fan
@deKay me too! whats happening! but i not from uk so thats probly it. oh the lameness
Hopefully mine will also arrive soon. I only had 1 option of delivery (which was 6 euros).
Honestly I wanted the original colourfull package, but this ambassador package is more special xP
@RupeeClock Me too. According to courier, they are on delivery number 33 and I am number 36.
Mine has arrived!
I look forward to unboxing this puppy when I get home.
You guys are lucky. NA has no mention yet of New 3ds.
Me right now:
Peter is currently making delivery number 42, you are delivery number 51.
If anybody is interested in just the New 3ds let me know. I've already imported from AUS so just interested in the plates and cradle. Will sell the 3DS for the rrp given by Nintendo of £155.99
@MouldyK how exciting lol, enjoy!!
Just placed my order. Hoping i will have it tomorrow. Also very curious when the release date will be. Because yea, how big of a advantage do we got here?
A nice piece of hardware, I must say! Let's see if I can organize the money somehow (a friend allows me to order in his place, since I didn't get a mail).
"Peter is currently making delivery number 46, you are delivery number 51.
Peter is approximately 15 minutes away from you.
You can watch Peter's progress on our map."
Peter, hurry the hell up! I've seen you driving around Charlton all morning! Hell, you've been right next to my round a couple times! Sort yourself out!
Peter is currently making delivery number 48, you are delivery number 51.
^-- -prepares his body-
Whilst I didn't get the email, two of my friends did and one gave me his spot as he wanted the XL.
Personally, I think Nintendo really dropped the ball. They should have done like they did with the original Phat DS 10 years ago and made it available to buy from their store for a price plus a certain number of stars. Leaving the selection criteria hidden has just created bad blood.
Another friend of mine, whom I consider one of the biggest Nintendo fans out there, didn't even get the email. The whole thing just really demeans the fans who didn't get it.
For Shame Nintendo! For Shame!
Honestly, right now there really isn't much this system adds to the gameplay experience. If you're used to the 3DS XL, it's a downgrade on screen size. I know that the system has faster loading times and will have exclusive games and features in the future, but right now there really isn't any rush to get one.
Mines 10 mins away according to the tracking website. I paid for next day delivery and ordered it at 7pm I didn't realise they would still ship it at that time. So excited! I also managed to get pokemon ORAS early when I preordered from Nintendo.
Best place to order screen protectors from?
I have never imported anything before so I have no idea where to look. Cheers
I not normally a social media guy, but stuff it:
https://plus.google.com/photos/100371767753103146126/albums/6101583072107673985
@G0dlike I'm very interested, how can I contact you?
@deKay exactly the same here!
Still on the fence, wish there was the option for the xl
Ugh, need to get a bigger MicroSD card..8 months after I got a 32GB SD Card.
GAAAAH! I WANT ONE. NOW! NOW! NOOOOOOW!
(To a degree) I want this to come to the US. Maybe I'll be lucky and get an email...
EDIT: Hmm.. I can wait. Especially for the New 3DS XL.
@manu0 probably best to add me as a friend, username in signature
I really wish Nintendo wouldn't do these promotions for select or "most loyal" customers because people are bound to be left out and feelings hurt or anger ensures. They don't specify what their criteria is, so it's always left up to wonder. It's a quick way to delight a few but tick off many many more.
@G0dlike Hm, I don't see any button to add you as a friend on NL, which signature do you mean?
NNOOOOOOOOO!!! I missed it I'm getting mine tomorrow though!
Man.. If this whole thing happens in the US, I will have my fingers crossed I'll get lucky.. Unfortunately no word on when we will be getting these makes me a tad sad, but it'll be worth it in the end.
@NintendoMaster That may be, but:
1) I need a second 3DS anyway. I intend to give my current one to my daughter
2) The battery life on my launch 3DS is now 90 minutes, max
3) The SD card slot intermittently stops reading SD cards
4) I don't want an XL - they're too big
5) OMG SHINY
@MouldyK My 64GB is 2/3rds full
@manu0 add me on Wii U if you can. Username is lordkieranos
@G0dlike I can't right now because I'm not at home
Can you just post your mail address here? (You can delete your post immediately after, because I will receive an email with your post when you mention my name)
Just got a mysterious package! I chose standard delivery as well.
So is the 3D better now? On the New Nintendo 3DS?
@manu0 I'm not at home myself at the moment. Would you wanna do cash on collection? That would honestly be my preferred method
I've been playing on my New 3DS XL for a few weeks now and yes, the 3D effect is absolutely much better.
@G0dlike Oh sorry, I didn't mention that I live in Germany. Is that a problem for you?
@manu0 no problem, will just have to find an alternate, secure payment method! Thoughts?
@G0dlike PayPal I guess
It's good thing I already imported a New 3DS XL, I would have been quite on edge having not received any email.
I did an unboxing http://youtu.be/oEhq8kANQes
Also found out there's no club nintendo thing with it we have to wait for an email from Nintendo to be able to register them.
I've been a stanch Nintendo fan, buying nearly all of their first party games and consoles at launch since the original Game Boy,
No email.
sadface
RAGE
(in all seriousness, well done to everyone who got one, hopefully that means they'll be launching them at retail in Europe quite soon)
Very nice for everyone that was lucky enough to get those e-mails.
Can' believe it doesn't come with pre-installed GBA games!
why look for club nintendo club paper? just use the bar code on the back of the system.
I got mine. Currently transferring from my 2DS to the New N3DS. The SD card transfer is s.l.o.w.....
My impressions are positive, mostly. I It's a beautiful system. Looks very premium.
I have noticed my top screen is actually not quite centred. The black border is a little thicker on the left and bottom sides. Also, my A button has a tiny dark scuff mark on it.
I hate the tiny stylus. It's too small.
I love the screens. Slightly larger than the original 3DS but small enough to keep the handheld small and pretty.
So happy I have this though.
Oh, an the new 3D viewing angles are super impressive. Like, really really good.
I like how CN invites you to spend more money on a system you (probably) already have. "You're so special to us, give us more money." LOL sounds like a scam to me.
I am not sad it didn't come to North America. I just bought a Wii U, so, I am not in a position to buy a Handheld.
Still waiting. It'll come on the 12th January at the latest :/
Unboxing video yusss
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dl_Xws0vvqw
Doesn't look so special or cool to me. Quite boring looking actually.
Don't know what the fuss is about really
There was nothing "selected" about this. I organise Streetpass-meetings in my state and my friend does in the neighbour state. Of our base of like 60 people 1 person got the mail, and it was someone not buying many games. This is really bad to me and shows again that while Nintendo means well, they are terribly out of touch with their fans...ennoying.
Mine arrived a few hours ago - I selected free shipping so I'm more than happy!!
The main overall impression is good:
I'm going to pop out and collect my SSB3DS from Tesco and give it a proper run though!!
@Damo Can I transfer my email to you somehow? For some reason I got the email offer but I won't be using it.
and yet again North American gamers get screwed by Nintendo on a great offer....yup, Nintendo, your presence here is a joke and fans like me are starting to move on and actually hate you cause your not catering to your loyal NA fans AT ALL!!! ><
@antonvaltaz Thanks for the kind offer but it will be locked to your Club Nintendo account - plus I can't afford one at the moment anyway
This was an illconceived promotion. It serves to satisfy only a handful of Nintendo customers, while alienating/upsetting the majority of others.
And STILL no release dates. And to make matters even less tolerable, Nintendo recently tried to explain-away the North American market with some: "they're not our best customers" nonsense.
Well done, Nintendo.
@MyBodyIsReggie
Don't all promotions, whatever the deal, leave some people out in the cold? Stop acting like you are entitled to own one of these. It was essentially a contest, and you lost out this time.
@MouldyK Keep us informed, dammit! bites fingernails nervously
@MasterBlaster Agree 100%.A lot of whining coming from people on here. I have never been selected for this type of thing or won any kind of raffle in my whole life and I enter every sweepstakes and raffle I can. Thems the brakes, move on...
And US is once again left completely in the dark. :/
Cool! The only reason I would buy a non XL is if I were to get some sort of special edition like this. But until then, I'll will be waiting for a special edition XL to be released.
Really glad for those who have have been given the opportunity to get in on this deal. But I can't deny that my saltiness is too real.
At this point, I just wanna hear if NA is gonna get in on this Ambassador program. Whether or not I'd be personally selected is secondary, but hopeful.
Could someone tell me what the retail price is on these things? If you bought either this one, or imported an XL from Australia, I want to start budgeting for it's release in the US.
If this deal comes to NoA and I get the offer, it will be a big fat pass for me.
XL or nothing.
First impressions:
Screen colours seem more vibrant than my XL.
Screen smaller than XL but bigger than orig.
Individual pixels not noticable like they are on the XL.
Feels heavy and solid. Hinge especially.
Eye tracking doesn't like my glasses.
Return to home menu is a lot snappier.
Stylus is very short, but locks place a lot better than previous models.
Edit:
Don't like the volume slider on the screen, can't adjust it mid-game without letting go of the controls.
Just ordered mine. I tried to order yesterday but my Credit card was denied. Today I got an email from Nintendo that stated they had some technical problems, they made there excuses and indicated that it would now be possible to order.
I understand when people that didn't get the invite are bitter but I think it all has to do with if you fit their criteria. I was a first day adapter of the original 3DS, I registered everything via Club Nintendo. Because of the price drop I got Nintendo Ambassador status, I downloaded all the ambassador games and the Ambassador certificate. Later I got a 3DS XL and I transferred all the games and my certificate to that machine. Most importantly of all (I think) I gave Nintendo permission to send me their newsletters. If you opt out of those you will never get any of these deals.
I think the only other perk I got from the ambassador thing is the limitless Super Smash Bros. demo codes for 3DS. At least that is how it worked for me in the Netherlands.
Even if Nintendo has more bundles available than there are interested ambassadors it would be hard to come up with extra criteria who to include next. Also bear in mind that the official launch price for the new 3DS is estimated to be around 170 EUR. So Nintendo is still up to its old tricks of getting extra money from their most loyal fans .
Got mine but not had chance to play yet. And to all the people who have sold theirs on eBay, you are not true Nintendo fans and should never be allowed to be Ambassadors again. Scumbags.
I love the salt. Never in short supply.
Why can't AMERICA do things like this.
Just got back from work... with it sitting on the table for me!!!
I love you Nintendo!
Also, just to confirm with you all, I picked free delivery. Woop!
I got mine today!
There wasn't a shipping option to select when I bought one, but ok..
Hm, did any non-UK customer get a shipment email? I've ordered mine yesterday (6€ delivery, that was the only option), and I did get a confirmation, but no shipping information.
Nice video. I'd love to be able to get a limited edition. If I could only make one request, though, it would be for a launch with no stock shortage.
Even if i had the chance to buy one of these, i wouldnt. We all know that a sexy purple MM themed 3DS bundle is right around the corner, and thats the prize im eyeing!
So.....now that a few more ppl have the new 3DS, how are you finding the c-stick? I think its pretty weak myself.
@Boshar Non Ambassadors got the offer too. That has nothing to do with it. Nintendo's "criteria" as far as the general public knows is diving into a pool of names with a bucket and scooping up a bunch of winners
I already have an import new3Ds and am using a friend's email to get this ambassador one ....I'm not trying to gloat bit I collect limited edition 3ds's... I have like 15. So to not got the email was a little odd as I have had every nintendo console at launch i early adopted the DS was a 3DS ambassador , have registered more games than most people I know and bought most of the first party Ninty titles (wii u aswell) on the UK njntendo store since it opened. I think that these special editions should go to people like me first if I'm honest so I'm confused as to what the criteria was. My two friends that did recieve the email also got the smash bros demo which I didnt - dos everyone that got this get that email too? Thy means it's the same criteria for both... I just feel a bit like nintendo have mistreated me and all the people putting them straight on ebay should be ashamed- they aren't real fans that would have loved the oppurtunity / deserved it...
@Boshar Im the same as you but I didnt recieve the email....
@Mqblank well said
And again, this has nothing to do with how big/good/huge a fan you are. Ambassador in this case simply means you get to try the system before others. It is random luck. Those claiming they have bought loads, have had a system since day one, nope, that's not why you got an email! Plenty of others in the same position did not. The original Ambassador program was a reward for purchasing early. This is not a reward of any kind - it's a lucky dip. What if their criteria is the number of letters in your name? Or whether you've downloaded a particular game? Or whether you haven't participated in other promotions? Or whether a randomiser chooses your email from a list? You're not special, you're just lucky. And if you've listed on Ebay for £500, well then you're also a bit of a mercenary. How long from seeing the email to having dollar signs spinning in front of your eyes? Or pounds at least.
Do Nintendo products sell better in the U.K. or N.A.?
[youtube:UK8-w_mODrQ]
love this xD
@TeeJay
So it was a contest featuring a random drawing then? Cool.
@antonvaltaz Can i have it please? BIG PLEASE
When I saw this news, I thought WHY Nintendo, WHY do you not love me back? Then I realized I dind't check my e-mails yet.
There it was!
A glorious love letter from Nintendo.
Expensive long-distance relation, this one. But I'm not complaining.
Regarding that unboxing video..(thanks btw)
To all us jealous U.S. fans, I don't think we'll be jealous much longer. Did you notice the "EUR" on the top right corner of the box? If Nintendo was only releasing the Ambassador Edition in Europe why would they need that printing on the box?!
Fingers crossed my theory is correct and we'll be seeing a "NA" print on our Ambassador Editions soon enough!
I got a email offering me a new 3Ds which I don't want. I want the LL one.
Should I buy It anyway for £179 and ebay it for £279? : )
Am I the only fan of Nintendo that doesn't give a crap about the new 3ds, and is super underwhelmed by it? Meh.
@Aryon
i just got a confirmation email too with Delivery: within 7 working days in the email.
I notice it was sold by Nintendo germany and Not Nintendo UK.
@jos, yup, same thing here (got it yesterday, a few minutes after ordering). We will see...
@NinjaWaddleDee Yeah...
@MyBodyIsReggie
Nintendo hasn't cared about the North American market for a couple generations now, what makes you think they'll start now?
Still a low resolution screen and weaker than most $50 phones...... Nintendo has the absolute worst hardware of any gaming company. They make great games, but are so cheap making their hardware, they use stuff that is outdated by 5 years for their "new" stuff, its horrible.
@BarryDunne
thought the new 3ds only supports 32gigs sdhc
@BarryDunne
so once it fat32 it dosent care the size sweet
@NinjaWaddleDee not at all, ive been playing Smash on the new 3DS at work (a friends console) and it isnt much of a step up from the regular 3ds imo. The c-stick (which isnt even a stick at all!) is pretty rubbish, playing Smash using it just feels weird.....wrong. It doesnt deserve anywhere near the fuss its getting. All this limited edition nonsense sending Nintendo fans into a drooling frenzy as of late makes me wonder if they are still gamers or toy collectors!
I agree. I still haven't upgraded my original 3ds yet. I'd rather use my money on actual games and content, than hardware revisions. I won't be buying a new 3ds until my old one bites the dust, or if ever. I hardly have the time or money to play handheld games anymore.
I guarantee they are going to release a limited edition New 3DS bundle for MM3D.
@deKay
What kind of card are you using? I wanto upgrade to a 64GB card but Nintendo does not seem to endorse any.
That the Mother Country would receive this before us in the Colonies is simply too much. Maybe it will be an Ambassador XL when the US finally hears about it? We would also be content if it came pre-loaded Xenoblade Chronicles. Bill Trinen are you listening?!
I'm confident that if this comes to the States I'll be getting one. ^_^ If not I'll just buy one at the store.
I haven't upgraded my 3DS to the 3DS XL yet because I know this thing is coming at some point in time... we just don't know when. I hardly play my 3DS because I can't stand that tiny screen anymore.
New 3DS XL, that's what I'm getting... whenever they decide to give us a release date. But I feel like this indicates that a European release is on the near horizon. And then the rest of us here in North America will sit and twiddle our thumbs for another three months or so.
Do they come preinstalled with Xenoblade??? OMG
@Vin Unfortunately I think Damo is right, I don't think the offer is easily transferable... I need to be logged into my Club Nintendo account just to make the order.
@maceng in my current 3DS I have a "Lexar Professional 64GB Class 10 UHS-1 400x 60MB/s High Speed SDXC Memory Card". I've just bought a Samsung EVO 64GB MicroSD for a magically incoming New 3DS
I wrote a guide on how to transfer data from one card to another (Nintendo's method doesn't copy everything) and how to use an SDXC (rather than an SD or SDHC) card: http://lofi-gaming.org.uk/blog/2013/10/25/updated-how-to-upgrade-your-3ds-sd-card-to-64gb-and-beyond/
I just realised, people are gonna be really weirded out when I unbox my Ambassador Edition with an American accent xD
i didn't know if i am an ambassador
i get the mail + a second one yesterday
but always the normal version
so no xl no order no unboxing
Some of the people on here are ridiculous. I WANT EVERYTHING AND WANT IT NOW. WAWAWAWAWA...
Just wondering: does it come with Ambassador games or is it yet another case of Nintendo's poor branding?
Just got mine this morning (before leaving for work - darn it!!). Looks and feels lovely. Going from XL to this, but like it a lot - much more than I thought I would!
One question for those other members that have already received theirs - Did you get a registration/stars with yours? I couldn't find one in mine.
@efac:
No, there was no Club Nintendo leaflet with mine either. I assume it's like the Wii U and we'll get some (when the 3DS launches properly) automatically.
@ROBLOGNICK Thank you, would have been a shame not to get them!
@antonvaltaz
Yeah, you are right, but i just want it so badly....
Well i I thought about pay in your turn, and you just would put my address instead of yours...
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