Nintendo's latest financial briefing took place yesterday, and it dropped the bombshell that NX won't be launching until March next year.
That means that the Wii U and 3DS will be expected to keep cash flowing into Nintendo's coffers this holiday season, although the company's estimates are conservative to say the least.
While the 3DS might appear to be on its last legs, it's clearly the system that Nintendo sees the most potential in this year, and it predicts it will shift another 5 million consoles worldwide and 55 million pieces of software. To do this, the firm appears to be refocusing its efforts on 3DS development, and has confirmed that unannounced first and third-party titles are in production as we speak:
For the Nintendo 3DS, our strategy over the fiscal year ending March 2017 will be to revitalize the platform by launching major titles, and to reach broader demographics worldwide, including females and young consumers. The installed base in Japan is fairly saturated compared to other countries, meaning there is reduced opportunity to sell Nintendo 3DS hardware to new consumers. Our efforts will focus on sparking discussion and maintaining momentum among current owners of Nintendo 3DS hardware.
Due to our wide installed base, there are many titles, including major titles, from third-party software developers. Furthermore, there are many other unannounced titles, both first-party and third-party, that are proceeding with development. As in Japan, there are many more titles planned for future release (in North America), and other unannounced titles that are currently in development.
How do you feel about the 3DS getting one last push? Do you think the machine is ready to be put out to pasture, or do you feel there's life in the old dog yet? Share your feelings by posting a comment below.
[source nintendo.co.jp]
Comments 109
The 3DS is not an old dog. I keep forgetting that too.
I think the New 3DS still has life left in it. I love that lil thing. They need to move on from the old 3DS. It's tired. They should treat the New 3DS as a separate platform especially for Indie games.
Not expecting much. They've used up virtually all of their major IPs and they don't really have time for anything major. It'd be nice if they can sneak in a 2D Metroid before the end of the generation though.
It makes me sad to think that the 3DS is so old. I love it so much, I'm totally not ready for it to be over with.
Hopefully they announce some New 3DS exclusive games. Also, where are all those Unity games?
This is what I wanted to hear.
Maintaining momentum. Ayyyy lmao.
I hope one of them is a 2d metroid game and an advance wars too, been far too long for both
I guess we'll see.
so exciting!! the 3DS has been my main gaming platform ever since I got it like 2 years ago and I haven't even played half of the games I want to play on it!
"Unannounced 1st and 3rd party 3DS in development says Nintendo".
Translation: there isn't anything else for the Wii U.
Monster Hunter: Stories. Please!!!
How is the NX releasing in March 2017 considered a bombshell? Why are people so mad and disappointed by this? It's an official release date. Stop acting entitled and like Nintendo owes you something.
@abbyhitter With on that one. All everyone wanted last year was Zelda at e3. Now we get that and its a problem.
Meanwhile on Wii U.... we can hear the crickets amidst the silence.
That's cool. Finally some good news
I would be happy with more 3DS virtual console games from the SNES and GBA. Those titles alone are worth a New 3DS, and the improved 3D stability is amazing (I used to keep the 3D switched to off on my 3DS XL).
"sparking discussion"
So more censorship then?
Nothing for wii u then!
3DS has possibly been the best gaming machine I've ever had the pleasure of owning. I just hope Nintendo replaces it with something equally amazing.
There is definitely life left in the Nintendo 3DS to me. I'd like to see at least a couple more major releases before the nail gets put in the coffin. I have plenty of games to play already that I haven't purchased, I just want the illusion of the system still hitting its stride.
I think that they should be focusing on the Wii U more; the 3
DS' lineup is already pretty solid.
You know, getting the proper and full Virtual Console working on the system alone would be a major thing imo. By now, we really should be able to play at least all the GB, GBC, GBA, NES, SNES, and VB titles on the system. Plus, ideally, it would be great to see the addition of games from the likes of the Master System, Mega Drive/Genesis, Game Gear, PE Engine, and Neo Geo stuff too. And don't drip-feed the titles, giving us one or two a month of whatever; get all the games on there asap. Open the thing up to gamers as if it were almost Nintendo's version of Netflix, with the entire library accessible out-the-gate. Nintendo should really be pushing this aspect of the system out the wahooza; it's one of its biggest USPs imo. But, this is modern day Nintendo I'm talking about, so I guess I'm asking/expecting too much.
And that's just one thing that I think Nintendo could be doing here to really give this system some serious legs.
@Bolt_Strike I'd be extremely pleased with that. As you say, they have used all of their major franchises, so it would be great to see some smaller IPs making the cut. I've been replaying Golden Sun these days, and it really makes me long for a sequel.
Even they admit the install base in Japan is saturated, might as well go out of a limb and put some of the wilder cards out.
Maybe that means they will finally announce Style Savvy 3 and Disney Magical World 2 for NA. I really want those two games. Hopefully they will announce some of these at E3
Keep them coming
Doubt there'll be a 2D Metroid so close to Federation Force on the same system. Pikmin 4 maybe? F-Zero 3D would be awesome (and possibly eye-destroying). Donkey Kong Country 6? Wario 3D Land? Punch-Out 3D? Mother 1-3 Compilation? Ice Climbers: Uprising? Super Princess Peach 2?
Advance Wars 3D, Golden Sun 4 or another Sin & Punishment would also be good, though probably not the major brands they're talking about
Isnt that some awesome news. More 3DS software while they try to forget the WiiU exists. Other than the HumbleBundle, I wont be spending one penny on 3DS this year.
Don't get excited: they had already sold the 3DS to hardcore gamers, now they are targeting the dumb and stupid gamers. The unannounced games will all be silly trivial games like Animal crossing home designer or New style boutique.
"Sparking discussion" and "maintaining momentum" are key goals in 2016." Well, the sparking discussion part is something Nintendo does very well. Maintaining momentum - Seeing how much they shoot themselves in the foot, they have little to none.
Well, they are launching Sun/Moon this year, a whole new Pokemon generation on the 3DS. That along would mean 7th gen related spin offs and probably another set of games like B2W2. Don't forget when the 3DS launched, the DS still got new games for awhile in the 5th gen titles, and I'd imagine that would be the case here. The entirety of the 7th Pokemon generation (Main series at least) on 3DS, the 8th gen on the NX or whatever the 3DS successor turns out to be.
Though sadly I fear this means the 7th gen will be another "filler" gen like gen 5 was, as in gone after 2 years.... @_@
@LegendOfPokemon I agree, but it's quite obvious they're focusing on NX and Wii U is just waiting to disappear into memories
A Golden Sun game would be nice, just a suggestion.
Holiday Wii U games - anyone?!?!?
Still waiting for Picross 3D 2 and a date for Rhythm Heaven.
....And Wii U???? If they are predicting Wii U to sell less than 1 million in the financial year, I guess, no unannounced Wii U titles then? From Nintendo anyway?
More throwaway titles? 2016 will be the ear of micro transactions and dlc for Nintendo. Zzzz
New Advance Wars, please!
splatoon for n3DS or idc
No mention of Wii U then?
"How do you feel about the 3DS getting one last push?"
I bet the many 3DS owners who frequent this site are devastated
@abbyhitter
People are entitled to feel disappointed. They are entitled to criticise Nintendo. That's the way it works.
They should've made another 3D Mario. They've got an engine and a lot of art assets to carry across.
I'm glad they made this announcement, actually. The new 3DS is my main gaming system and will continue to be so long after the NX has established itself and "gotten comfortable" in mainstream gaming. I have no plans to purchase an NX at this time, so I'm going with the new 3DS and it's great lineup of games.
Ninty would be daft to leave the 3DS without any software as it's a solid money maker.
I would say we'll get another Yokai Watch and a couple of other games translated for westerners.
I hope there's more games after so many just plunked down another $200 as a repurchase of the New 3DS. I really thought there would be more exclusives taking advantage of the souped up hardware.
I'd also like to see more sales as the system winds down. It has a huge library that I'm forced to ignore due to budget issues.
They'll be aiming for females and children.
Ironically like a sinking ship
@NewAdvent I know you're not a Pokemon fan, but in terms of big releases Black 2 White 2 came out for the DS in 2012 (in its 8th year!!), sure it was a sequel, and didn't sell as well as the other pokemon games, but it was still a major release, and yes I know the DS had 150mil systems out in the wild, but still it was a major release super late in its life cycle. So I wouldn't count nintendo out of still producing some high profile releases.
@Dezzy Did you change your avatar solely for this comment??
@nuttyriv3r well waiting is always a better way to get games on the cheap, so its not all bad, and then it will last longer! even after no more games are released.
Tell me what type of games Nintendo are releasing for females that males would not want to play.
Or better still what games do males play that women would not want to?
Whether or not the 3DS is ready to be put out to pasture, I'll NEVER get rid of it. It is absolutely the best gaming console I've ever owned (and I love N64 for what that's worth).
The new system(s) better allow backwards compatibility with 3DS eshop in some form or else it's going to hard to move on to the new hardware. I dropped/invested so much money into the eshop machine that I can never justify throwing it to the wind in lieu of a fresh start on new hardware.
Nintendo is already giving up on the Wii U.
Wii U will surely die as the NX releases.
LBX 2 and Monster Hunter Stories ! Come on !!!
I'm not surprised by this, but no mention of the Wii U? Not good... They, at the very least, need to see the Wii U off with some decent games or the fans' whose trust they've been losing recently aren't going to invest in another console.
@Moon me too
Splatoon and Mario maker for 3ds please.Also Mario kart 7 DLC.
Golden Sun, pleeeeeease.
Intelligent systems did mention a while back that they were working in a 3DS Advance Wars. I think we can see that.
@foodmetaphors YRS! 😀 This is actually happening!
Regardless of how anyone feels about it, Nintendo NEEDS to push 3DS hard this year because its their only choice. Because of thier insane NX/Zelda plan, the 3DS will be the life preserver to prevent them from sinking in 2016 and the more they can inflate it, the better. This article is encouraging in that it sounds like this year's e3 doesn't have to be a total loss and could potentially have some good reveals. Nintendo just has to put the pedal to the metal, crank them out fast, and nail the timings on the release dates.
As bad as this year is going to be for them I really hope that means 2017 and beyond will see them return to power and no longer be the laughing stock of the gaming world.
yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay!
But not Wii U then? Okay, that's what I thought.
F-Zero: Falcon Force
@NintyFan yeah same here. My New 3ds gets played the most now.
It makes me happy to see how many other people want a new Advance Wars game---those games are my favorite. I would be equally as happy with a compilation game of all the Advance Wars games as one downloadable packet (like Mario All Stars) where you could select the game. That would take up so much time by the time I was ready to play something else the NX would already be here.
It's the usual PR, nothing to see here folks.
BTW Nintendo, I'd you wanna sell more units, make me a New 2DS Micro with the simple name of DS Micro and aluminum construction with face plates.
@Bolt_Strike
They can still do an FZero Federation Force.
none of which will be playable or even seen at e3.
I'm glad to hear that about the 3DS. They're really solidifying its place as the best console of all time.
I'm eagerly anticipating the next Nintendo Direct. The briefing said a lot, but so much was unsaid as well. This article proves that.
@AVahne Don't think them saying "we have unannounced games for 3DS" can be taken as PR spin.
Anyways, come on WarioWare!
Not much left for 3DS... If you live in a (horrible) alternative dimension where Pokemon doesn't exist.
I would love a brand new Wario game to show up there!
And here is where Nintendo attempts to rectify all the bad news they gave yesterday by offering us this morsel. Unfortunately for them, I don't think their stock holders will care.
I think the 3DS will run the same course as other handhelds from Nintendo. It helps that Pokemon Sun and Moon are dropping, but I think we all expected that The Pokemon Company would draw from the existing user base.
It will be difficult to get too excited about any third party games. I can't imagine unannounced titles being anymore than a game like Snoopy Adventure or some other game that is nothing more than a commercial.
I imagine the Wii U will get another Just Dance game. Indies will probably develop for it a little longer, but at this point, I don't even know what the point is to bring Zelda out other than the fact of them just keeping their promise.
There's life left in 3DS and TONS of life left in New 3DS.
I want Diddy Kong Racing 2
Port Mario Sunshine to New 3DS or Kirby's Air Ride
If New 3DS can handle SNES it can certainly handle GBA
I wonder if they could buy the rights to port Star Wars Rogue Leader to New 3DS.
Makes sense to rely on the 3DS right now, they did it before as it's been their warhorse in rough weather. I guess we will get some new things to talk about at E3? Maybe?
i love my 3ds and dont ever think its day is done. why would you wven say that.
Personally, I'm really pleased that the 3DS is still receiving love, considering they released an updated version of the system in 2015. After replaying many of my previous games like A Link Between Worlds, the 3DS still has so much potential to impress!
@A01 no screw this generation of home consoles, they have all been a disappointment and the ps4 is the only one doing 1080p. The 3ds is the only true next gen system.
@abbyhitter Because skipping the holidays season is dumb. How many people do you think will have saved enough money to buy a brand new home console in march?
That's awesome news, since the 3DS is my favorite platform. Plus, that whole "female and young audience" demo means my type of games! Your Harvest Moons, Professor Laytons, Yokai Watches, Fantasy Lifes, Pokemons...
I'm looking forward to Sun/Moon, Ace Attorney 6, a localization of Yokai Watch 2, localization of the newest Story of Seasons, and more "play a bit at a time" games like Badge Arcade, Pokemon Picross/Shuffle/Rumble, and that new Pocket Card Jockey.
PFF, what NX?
Anyone have ideas as to what they are? We have had a lot of the series made already so they are running out of options.
I'm glad 3ds is getting more support though I honestly think it'll be out of steam by the end of next year. They really have released entries in almost every relevant franchise on the 3ds already with the exception of Wario and Metroid. To name some examples there has been a 3d mario game, a 2d mario game, a yoshi's game, 2 mario and luigi rpgs, paper mario, mario kart, smash bros, 2 sets of pokemon games with a 3rd set this year, 2 kirby games, rhythm heaven, 2 fire emblem games (technically 4 but whatever), kid icarus, luigi's mansion, star fox, 4 zelda games, animal crossing, donkey kong, mario party, and plenty of 3rd party staples like rune factory and other jrpgs. Nintendo even admitted that the JP market is saturated so I really don't see the handheld continuing for that much longer after next year (which would be 6 years total).
With that said, I feel for Wii U owners who want more software. Heck I even own a wii u but I could tell that the writing was on the wall since last fall. I'm glad I was never that heavily invested in the system. I fully expect the system to be dropped soon after Zelda NX comes out because what person honestly believes that the wii u will get that much more support with sales estimates of only 800k. Those numbers are abysmal for any company
@Dezzy You've no idea how funny I find that xD
I imagine North America will be getting that Style Savvy game that was released in Japan and Europe last year.
@RoomB31
Nope. Had this for months. Happy coincidence.
@Bolt_Strike
I can stand behind that. A 2D Metroid would be a VERY pleasant surprise.
I'm not getting my hopes up or anything, but I know for a fact they're not done with the series, even if they do skip a generation with B-list IP from time to time.
@Moeblob
Think of it as just an early push for Holiday 2017. Rather than release in Nov. 2017 for the holidays, they release 6 months prior to get a decent library together, get the word out and build some momentum.
Well, that's reassuring. Hopefully the Wii U will get some love too!
I would love to buy my nieces a 3DS each for Christmas (and upgrade myself to New 3DS) but I just can't bring myself to in case the NX renders them pointless... and they won't announce that until March.
Sadly, I just don't trust Nintendo not to disappoint me at this point so I'll probably get a PS4 instead.
@Moeblob It's not really skipping anything. If it's not ready by Christmas, it's not ready. Plain and simple. This gives devs more time to make games.
I hope so! I love my New 3DS and Metroid Prime FF is a letdown. It's not even up to par with Metroid Prime Hunters...
@JaxonH Hmm, it may in fact be what Nintendo is thinking. But I think it will probably lead the nx to a slow start in terms of sales, unless Nintendo reveal the nx details including it launch lineup before black friday, where many people tend to spend most of their money.
@Smash_kirby
Wait what? I haven't heard any news of a new Advance Wars, from anywhere, despite the series being super amazing. If it was true, surely the Advance Wars fanbase would be hyped.
Hopefully whenever a new AW comes out, it won't be as broken as Dual Strike and be in a similar vein to Days of Ruin, my favourite Advance Wars (with some truly epic music). With hopefully no DLC ..... or too much mainstream focus (I'm looking at you Fire Emblem)
There's still a lot I would love to see on the 3DS (Contra, Minecraft, Oddworld...) but if the system cut out now I would be satisfied. Though not satisfied enough to keep me from picking up an R4.
I would hope there'd be many games in development; especially New 3DS XL-exclusive ones. Give me a 2.5D Metroid and I'll be happy, Big N. The 3DS isn't that old and it would be ridiculous to believe it to be entering its final years.
@LasermasterA They were talking about it back in 2014, when they were talking about Codename S.T.E.A.M. It was something on the backburner if I remember their comments correctly. They mentioned they we working on one though. From what I have played of Days of Ruin I thought it was a very interesting game.
It's a bit too late to "refocus" on the 3DS- if anything, they should have already been focusing on the New 3DS, much in the way they focused on GBC production and exclusives/enhanced titles back in the late '90s/early '00s. They haven't been focusing on utilizing the New 3DS in a similar way, and they can't do much with just one year, so I wouldn't expect much. At least third parties have largely picked up the slack for regular 3DS support... The 3DS is Nintendo's first portable system that I have almost no Nintendo produced games for!
@IceClimbers
I only think so because it's the end of the generation, and they've said similar things at the end of the Wii and DS's lives.
@Smash_kirby
Well that is good to hear that IS still remembers Advance Wars. Days of Ruin, albeit slightly polarizing due to its shift in tone (darker, none of the fighting is fun tone from the older games), was an amazing reboot with a more balanced gameplay which had become broken by the time of Dual Strike in the trilogy. I love the series, maybe sometimes more than Fire Emblem and really want it to have a great revival.
Hopefully they remember what made it great and don't radically change the gameplay for the masses. Also I wish they won't add a huge ton of DLC...
I also want to see a Golden Sun 4, but since the 3DS is probably on its last run as well, I would prefer it to be an early entry on whatever the new handheld is (or a component of the NX ecosystem) is rather than a late entry after the successor has released.
@LasermasterA I personally want to see a collection of the first three games with a teaser to the 4th being worked on.
Also if I can do face rubbing to a neotank, day one purchase for me.
@Smash_kirby
Wait a collection of the first 3 Advance Wars or Golden Sun(s)? I want both xD
I wonder if they will continue with the more light-hearted original trilogy or the darker Days of Ruin. I would be fine with both as I primarily want this amazing series to come back, but if they go for a sequel to Dual Strike, that Dual Strike has to be fixed cause it was super broken. Days of Ruin also has potential as a sequel storywise, and maybe combat wise as long as they keep the CO powers toned down. Plus a hard mode please, although one not relying on speed capturing...
Or it would be another reboot?
@LasermasterA I meant Golden Sun, though I think they should allow for the new control options given in the New 3DS. I just want to see remastered summon sequences.
@Smash_kirby
Oh yea the summons, they were amazing the first time I played GS1 and GS2, and even more amazing in Dark Dawn. Although them being missable in Dark Dawn was painful, especially the Dream Leaf one.
I don't see which new control options though, the controls were all nicely mapped, I guess they could support the Circle Pad but all DS games already, equivalent to the D-pad.
I really really want to see a Golden Sun and this generation is almost over. As long as Nintendo gives it proper exposure and a chance to succeed, a GS4 might really help the franchise become popular again. Camelot just needs to work on the story, their (bad) dialogue and slightly spruce up the combat and the game will be amazing!
@LasermasterA Like using ZL and ZR to be mapped for more psynergy. It would be nice to see a new game but I think that getting the first three onto the original platform they were intended would be nice as well.
@Smash_kirby
That could work but it's not really necessary. We'd just have 4 mapped psynergy instead of 2 haha.
Yea considering the breaks the series has taken, a compilation would be a best introduction to a series.
For a new game, I would like if Camelot co-operated with another studio, so y'know, they can increase the scale of the game. Plus they are a studio less in staff.
As a 3DS XL owner, I couldn't be happier to see this news. It sounds like Nintendo is putting effort forward to extend the lifespan of the 3DS. I can't believe some people are saying it's at the end of its lifespan b/c I am not finished with it. The expansion to the female gamer market means more games like Style Savvy, which I love. Ace Attorney 6 and Pokemon Sun/Moon is in the works for us so it would be a terrible time to trim development of new games. We are nowhere near the end where Final Fantasy VI Advance was for the GBA.
Stillllllllll waiting on that brain training 3ds game
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