The announcement of the New Nintendo 3DS Ambassador Edition promotion was a pleasant and unexpected surprise this week, offering European consumers -- traditionally the red-haired stepchildren of Nintendo's fandom -- the chance to get their grubby hands on the latest 3DS model before its official launch in that region, or anywhere else in the west, in fact.
Emails were sent out to Club Nintendo members almost at random, and more than one member of the Nintendo Life team was lucky though to get one. We dutifully placed our order and less than 24 hours later, had a shiny Ambassador Edition New Nintendo 3DS sitting on our desk -- which we've since clumsily unboxed for your viewing pleasure.
The bundle includes a New Nintendo 3DS console in white, a set of limited edition "Nintendo" face plates, a second set of Super Smash Bros. face plates, a charging dock and all the usual paperwork -- including those lovely AR cards. There's no wall charger included, so you'll have to either buy one or use an existing one.
The New Nintendo 3DS has a more powerful CPU than the original machine, and features other enhancements like better 3D viewing angles and the ability to use smaller MicroSD cards for storage. The only territories to officially get the machine so far are Japan and Australia, both of which were lucky enough to benefit from a 2014 launch. The European and North American release dates remain unconfirmed.
Have a look at the footage below, browse the photos and -- most importantly -- let us know what you think about this new system, Nintendo's Ambassador campaign in general and whether or not you too have one of these lovely consoles in your possession right now.
Comments 62
I want one... That Nintendo logo means a lot.
I dig the size. It might make me downsize from the XL to the standard.
I didn't receive the email, but I wasn't going to buy it anyway. I want it in the black version. Just a little OT: Has the black model of the regular New3DS been released in Australia too or only in Japan? 'Cause I haven't seen a black australian New3DS on any import sites so I was wondering. I hope it was, because if it didn't I'll buy an XL black instead.
I didn't get the email but my friend did so he let me use his to get it and it arrived yesterday.
AND THEN 2 MINUTES AGO I GET THE EMAIL MYSELF. FOR GOODNESS SAKE NINTENDO GET YOURSELF IN ORDER!!!!!
I'm pleased to see the screen size is a happy medium between the current regular and XL models. I want it! I'm unhappy with the glossy finish of the new XLs, so this looks like it will do just fine.
FYI, the Japanese characters say "Nintendo" too.
Got mine and reviewed it yesterday! BUT, BUT BUT BUT! My home button is/was broken straight from the box! I am so annoyed at ninty right now ): ( I can't use the 3DS at all as I can't transfer my digital games over to a 3DS that could soon be junked and replaced! So much for early access, guess I'll have to wait another two weeks to play it...
Obviously I didn't mention it in the review as that would be unfair.
Oh that charge cradle is sexy. I love the Dual Nintendo faceplates as well.
Not too keen on the charge cradle myself; it seems far too fiddly getting the 3DS to stand up in just the right position for it to actually charge, and of course as soon as you walk away it's gonna tilt and break the circuit. Nothing wrong with just plugging the AC adapter in directly.
oh, @Damo, the guys in the office didn't make you do the unboxing just to taunt you did they? For shame!
@Sakura mmm, maybe
@Lloyd_Wolven Nope, standard model is only available in white here in Australia.
XL being available in black or blue.
A few of my friends were pretty disappointed at the lack of black (and usually I would be too), but I actually really like the white model this time around anyway... The SNES coloured buttoned suit it really well and most of the current cover plates look really good on it.
For those that have the new 3DS too - had anyone managed to register with club nintendo yet.
There is no PIN and linking accounts via eshop hasnt appeared on my account shop yet, but I'm running out of time for the winter promotion and my free Kirby
Got a couple of questions for someone who has got this as got an email this afternoon... Can you register it on club nintendo, does it come with Plain face plates and what difference is with the ambassador edition stylus.
WHAAAAAAT!!! I STILL DIDN'T GET AN AMBASSADOR EMAIL!!!!!! AAAAAAAAARGH
@Hippojay
They specifically say 3ds, xl and 2ds but not new3ds so I'm not sure it'll work for the promotion.
Does anyone know how many people in Europe got an email?
@Hippojay My New 3ds - I just system transferred from my Original Launch Day Nintendo 3DS (With Ambassador Status) to my NEW imported Australian 3ds - all club membership transferred with the system
@BensonUii cheers. I saw that but I'm assuming that's because the new3ds isn't released. It doesn't even show in my account yet with the stars.
Anyway I fired an email off to them this morning, but nothing back yet.
@BenAV Ugh... Seems I'll buy an XL model then. Anyway thanks for the info.
any one out side the UK have their New 3DS dispatch out to them yet
In Australia, the New 3DS doesn't come with Club Nintendo stars whatsoever for whatever reason, so perhaps it'll be the same in Europe.
Ha ! Who needs an Email!
@Achoo Thanks. A bit disappointing though as i would have expected it to count. Oh well, not too bothered i suppose, as I wasn't going to be buying an 'old' 3ds in the promotion period anyway.
I think I'll downgrade from the XL to the regular N3DS. The size seems good enough. Plus, I'm really digging those awesome colored buttons and the faceplates.
I'm getting the black new 3ds xl, unless I get an email to buy one of these...
The size is perfect in my opinion.
The XL's screens are borderline excessive if anything... standard New 3DS seems to find the perfect balance between the original 3DS and the XL.
So comfy to hold too and looks a lot nicer than the XL (which is very plain, can barely tell the difference between it and a normal XL).
Just got my email to purchase one of these units. Not sure whether to or not though
Meanwhile, in the States...
(insert sound of crickets here)
Hope mine turns up tomorrow
I have one and I love it. I was going to wait for the XL as I have a 3DSXL but glad I didnt, this is so much more portable, looks way cooler, and the screen is just the right size. I've been playing Smash on it and it worked like a dream and could easily see what was going on...Nintendo have really nailed the design on this one.
I'm wondering if the new 3ds changes the 300 game/app limit. My current xl is full.
@MyBodyIsReggie Tumbleweed. . . .
Too little for my hands (and eyes...). XL, hurry up already!
Well I just ordered mine. Sucks I had to buy a larger sized Micro SD Card (got a 16GB for £6), but still happy with purchase.
Still going to keep my Nintendo 3DS XL Yoshi Edition. Heck, I can always use it as a spare.
Got the email & not sure if I should order it got the 3DS XL White console about a year ago & reading the specs the new 3DS does not really offer much else apart from new camera better internet / CPU & some design changes not sure it's worth £179.99.
If it's got region free 3DS gaming I might order? As mean I can play loads of 3DS games we never got over here.
I really wanted one of these but never got the email Well done to those lucky enough to buy one though!
I got email today, just placed order. To anyone who has already received their New 3DS. Did you currently have a 3DS XL? Are you happy with going to the smaller screen size?
I am not sure if I want to transfer all my digital content. Would like to hear your opinion
I hope US and Canada will get a chance to get this baby too. I'm sold anyway on the regular new 3DS but the Ambassador Edition looks pretty awesome. Can't wait to actually hold one and put it side by side with my original Ice blue 3DS.
Thanks Club Nintendo for once again providing exclusive rewards to only certain countries without any indicated reason!
Anyway,I hope it comes over to the US sometime soon.
@Ootfan98 I was worried about it as used to my 3DSXL but I'm sold on the smaller size. The image is more crisp too which is a bonus, and it's noticeably larger than the original 3DS. Give it a try and see what you think
You European people are lucky. If I ever got that email, I will downgrade in screen size for that.
@Ootfan98 As I already said before, I feel the size is perfect.
Although smaller, it seems like more of an upgrade than a downgrade from the XL's size. It's big enough to see comfortably yet the image is still nice and crisp.
I'm waiting for the New 3DS XL too come out myself.
It is coming out with the New 3DS too, right?
XL or Nothing
@turnmebackwards It's not region free.
@adamatsu @BenAv thanks for your feedback. I also heard that the 3D works better (you don't have to hold the console in an exact position as much as the original). Do you see any difference?
That's Awesome! I hope I get a 3ds XL after my exams.
If I get an email, I will upgrade due to the consoles exclusivity at the moment, otherwise its a waiting game to see how many exclusive games this is going to get over the standard 3DS. After all I upgraded to a DSI and in the end felt it wasn't worth it.
I guess no one in the US can get one still. What makes one "eligible" (aside from the ambassador status and email u receive)?
@Achoo thanks matey, all the feedback I am getting so far is that most people who had these concerns are more than happy with new screen size.
When I got the original 3DS, I thought the screen size (albeit larger than DS Lite) was too small. When I upgraded to XL there were some games where jaggies became more apparent. Hopefully the new 3DS will be the happy medium
Oh man, that comparison photo with the DS lite, that really shows I will never go to a smaller sized (New) 3DS. Way too small, especially now that I'm used to the XL. It looks so pretty though.
I didn't receive a card in the box so I can't register my new 3DS with Club Nintendo. did anyone receive a card or know how I can register my new hardware without one?
Dat charger
I'm not getting mine. Yodel has said they've delivered it, money's been taken yet the parcel isn't here.
Why can't it come out in america D;
Just ordered mine. Some of the comments on here about the screen size tipped the decision for me as I was planning on getting an XL version, having had a standard 3DS since launch, but I'm convinced this one will be just right now. And I just have to have those coloured buttons too! Special ambassador edition is a nice bonus.
I really wanted the NEW 3dsl and have anxiously been waiting for a release date in the states. I am getting tired of Nintendo's attitude towards loyal customers lately tho. I don't give a rat's about collector's editions anymore. I don't care for what feels like pitting us against each other as loyal consumers, not having the guts to explain the why's of picking who's 'special' and the machinations behind the product shortages...it just seems like nonsense to me.
It may be time to try out my son's psp (yeah, he's got a 2ds too) whilst I limp along on my 3ds xl with the missing circle pad. I am getting so I just don't care anymore.
I'm seriously annoyed at Yodel right now. Trying to chase them up, yet they can't (and won't) do anything about it. Very unhappy here
@Inkling
That sort of thing is very frustrating. I hope you get it straightened out. Good luck!
Got my Ambassador N3DS yesterday. Lots to like about it: 3D experience is much improved...no need to turn it down/off on those games where I move when I play; C-stick works well with Resident Evil; console generally quicker; screen size a nice compromise between the original and the XL; nicely redesigned and feels well made. A decent upgrade, although as someone's already said, this is probably the 3DS as it should have been released originally.
@Ootfan98 yes i never really used the 3D on the previous versions but it works perfectly now!!
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