We've been wondering when it would happen, and it's finally come. Nintendo has bitten the bullet and confirmed New Nintendo 3DS models for North America that will cost under $100. Now, you don't need to be a genius to proclaim that selling goods at a budget price is a way to attract interest, but let's look at the longer term picture - of which these models could just be the start. A future where, hopefully, equivalent plans are also in the pipeline for other regions and more New 3DS models.
Plenty of people, not entirely unreasonably, have greeted the news by saying it should have come along before now. In fairness, that feeling is particularly acute in North America, as the smaller models have been limited to a few select bundles and deals, and not as widely available as the XL versions. After all, Nintendo of America made the baffling initial decision in February 2015 to only release the XL model at first in its region, which is still confusing to this day. A counter-argument could be that the New 3DS only arrived in the West in February 2015, so a 20 month wait for a notable price drop isn't exactly excessive.
However, stock could be an issue with these cheaper models in North America. Nintendo is pitching them as Black Friday releases, timing their arrival for just that occasion, so you can bet that these $99.99 units will be in high demand as 3DS owners in need of an upgrade (and fence-sitters) jump in to grab these as festive treats and gifts. We just hope Nintendo of America has a lot of these units to sell, because otherwise it's sleepwalking into a public relations backlash.
Beyond this one example, though, it's an interesting move. The New 3DS models have remained relatively pricey, though sales have continued to be decent for the big N - albeit at a much lower momentum than during the portable family's peak. The 2DS range has seen price cuts from its already-modest initial cost, and has been a hugely attractive option for gamers on a tight budget or parents looking for a tough little system to give younger kids. Yet the New Nintendo 3DS has stubbornly stayed at a high price since its February 2015 arrival (in the West) - a typical New 3DS XL is $199 / £179.99, while the smaller models are actually now tricky to find in the UK at a sensible price, with bundles and limited availability dragging the cost up. The better-selling XL seems to be dominant at UK retail at the moment, as is also the case (naturally) in North America.
So the issue at hand is that, actually, the 3DS (approaching its 6th Birthday in March 2017) isn't currently the cute and cuddly budget option that it needs to be. Granted, Nintendo is unlikely to slash prices across the board (aside from these small models in North America) until Pokémon Sun and Moon have dragged out a few extra sales in November and December; the reality is that the 3DS can remain relevant beyond that, to a point - but it needs help.
We've had some interesting conversations in the Nintendo Life team around Nintendo Switch pricing, for example. One number bandied around has been $299.99 for the 'core' system, in order to compete with the aggressive pricing seen with the PS4 'Slim' (which is really just the PS4 now) and Xbox One S; In this climate it's a stretch to convince people that a New 3DS XL is worth $200. Whether we agree with the race to the bottom in technology pricing or not, it's very real, especially in the portable space where cheap tablets continue to flood the marketplace. No, 3DS isn't competing directly with tablets, but it's battling for consumer spending in a similar space. $200 for a New 3DS? It's a tricky sell, especially after the Sun & Moon hype fades into 2017.
Yet as Nintendo made clear in its '3DS Direct' in September, the portable has a role to play in 2017, and perhaps a little beyond. That broadcast highlighted some high-profile games coming next year, and didn't mention quite a few others that could potentially get the localisation treatment out of Japan if it seems viable to publishers.
The question some may ask is this - why invest effort in a price drop to prolong the 3DS lifespan when the Switch is about to arrive? It's simple, actually. Console lifespans, apart from when they're a bit disastrous (as was sadly the case for Wii U), run successfully across multiple years, and the key is sustaining momentum beyond year one. In year one, and even year two, Switch will aim for its most aggressive sales periods - of course - and will then hope that good results in that window will setup the momentum for solid sales into years three, four and beyond. The 3DS pattern was similar, though its big years were arguably two and three (following a price drop and key releases after the poor initial launch window); after its peak years it's kept on ticking, and the games - first- and third-party - have kept coming.
In any case, if Switch achieves that pattern, it won't be chasing the fence-sitting and budget-conscious demographics, we'd suggest, until at least late 2018 (as an educated guess). If the company can achieve solid numbers from the 3DS through 2017, that'll help keep aspects of that very demographic interested in the Nintendo brand, alongside other initiatives like licensed promotions, smart device games and so on.
A price drop is arguably needed, though, if a solid number of 3DS units is going to be shipped in the 2017 / 2018 financial year. Nintendo plans to ship six million 3DS units in this financial year, and will be hoping a Pokémon bump delivers that, but it may not want the number for next year to be too much lower. It all depends on how it can drive those sales. This likely means an eventual price cut (again, after Sun and Moon hype has faded) to the more successful New Nintendo 3DS XL - after all, as of 30th September this year the New 3DS XL has shifted 7.83 million units, while the smaller New 3DS stands at 2.11 million. Even in regions with the smaller and XL model both widely available since the New 3DS launch, the larger size has fared better.
A price drop on the New 3DS XL could be helpful then, perhaps to $150 (or further if Nintendo can swing it, ideally with an 'evergreen' game included), to bring it closer to the 2DS and that smaller model Black Friday deal. Importantly, it'd help make it a more attractive late-generation purchase, and also help separate it from the Switch, whatever it'll cost in its first year. As much as anything, the New 3DS needs to be at a price that reflects its place in the world: a desirable and popular device, but one that's also technologically old and lacking - ironically given its 'New' name - that sense of being a modern piece of gaming kit. It's a fun gaming system, but in 2017 and beyond it can't easily be argued as a current-gen competitor.
It can provide a charming counterweight to Switch though, a tempting system for those yet to upgrade or not planning to spend big. There are some notable games still coming, and a particularly rich catalogue of fantastic titles to explore. The New 3DS, too, is a beautiful representation of Nintendo at its best with portable console design - the smaller and XL models are excellent, attractive machines. It's a lovely system worthy of a final hurrah; Nintendo can give it a better chance with more realistic pricing.
Hopefully 2017, ahead of the year's slate of new games on the 3DS, will see those price cuts to the New 3DS models. The interest in today's - likely limited - $99.99 NA unit shows that plenty are ready to upgrade from older models at a budget price, and there's scope for the small and XL units to earn more upgrade customers and even some new owners next year. With the right pricing, bundles and advertising, the 3DS legacy can end on a high through 2017.
As far as we're concerned it deserves that late-generation success.
Comments 57
I have said here, multiple times, that i refuse to get a new 3DS but at $99 it is tempting, if for only playing Xenoblade on the go.
I'm getting the Pokemon S/M N3DS XL at the end of the month when it launches here in Europe. Although I already have 6 members of the 3DS family so it won't even be my main 3DS....
$100/€100 is a great starting point for a N3DS though. 2DS usually cost more than that and are poop
Ugh. That price point is so tempting... But I should just wait for the Switch... But it looks so good... Decisions, decisions...
In other news, Pokémon Sun & Moon have been leaked, because of course they have. -_-
Stay cautious people.
Interesting move on Nintendo's part. I wonder what, if any, deals the Wii U will have for the holidays. I need a new gamepad and want to see what my options are before I buy refurbished and then send mine in for repairs as a back up.
I think this is something to inflate final 3DS numbers before switch to help smooth the transition and put 3rd party developers at ease while they support the system through 2018. I don't buy the line that Nintendo will support the system once switch is released. I think it will see a steady flow of 3rd party titles but very little 1st party support and will probably be left behind by all companies if switch does well.
Have a new 3DS but would like new 3DS XL sometime in the future. Is there going to be any more games and apps that take advantage of the New 3DS? That would help lifespan, and also make me get a 3DS XL much quicker. Perhaps it will go the way of the DSi instead :-/
Couldn't they have tried that with Wii U?
I'll definitely be picking up the Switch next year, I'm just not entirely sure when. If I get one of the many internships I applied to then I will pick up one up over the summer. If not, then I'll be waiting until the 2017 holiday season.
Regardless, I am pretty positive I will be picking up this New 3DS this holiday season. I've wanted to upgrade for a while now but I just never had the money to do so. Now I'll be able to trade in my current 3DS for $65-$75 and get this new one for very cheap.
This will definitely breathe new life into the portable for me since I'll be able to play Monster Hunter with a second (native) analog stick. Plus having access to SNES games is pretty neat.
I've definitely been a fence sitter with the New Nintendo 3DS. I wanted the smaller size and would have jumped at it when it launched in 2015. Then the first bundles were more expensive than the XL. And now this close to the Switch makes me hesitate still. But I do love that $100 price.
@Mega_Yarn_Poochy
Thanks for the heads up. I think I'm gonna stay off the Internet now until after Nov 18th.
@heathenmagic Who knows if there will be any more games that take advantage of the "extra processing power" of the New 3DS systems. But what I can almost say for certain is probably not. The only games in this category that come to mind are Xenoblade Chronicles for 3DS (in which a New model was required) and Hyrule Warriors Legends (in which the New models got a slight but noticeable performance boost) - two games out of the entire library. The 3DS is definitely going to see more games released for the system but the majority of them are already in the pipeline. I expect a considerable amount of developer focus to shift toward the Switch.
Good move giving the 3DS a discounted price and I think the Wii U should get a half price drop this Christmas n New Year.
@c1pher_c0mplet Think you are right. Shame though
I hope there will be a price cut in Europe too in the future - for around $99 I would gladly change my 2DS to a New 3DS.
Shame I don't live in the US, for that price I'd be willing to update from my lovely aqua green 3DS. Its truly cheap for a system with a game library like the 3DS.
@c1pher_c0mplet Terraria also gets a noticeable framerate upgrade on N3DS, so 3 games! Still bad.
That is a really good price for a flagship version of the system. I am considering getting one at this point.
@SLIGEACH_EIRE Well they sort of tried that last holiday w/ the Wii U Smash Splat bundle for $249, but that only lasted a weekend and then quickly disappeared. And Wii U was only 3 years old last holiday, despite this article frequently referencing Feb 2015 the 3DS itself is 6 years old, not 2, new or not. The XL - old and new - has been $199 in the US since launch 4 years ago, there has never been an MSRP drop on the XL, it has always been $199 for 4 years. So I don't think Nintendo is treating the 3DS that differently from the Wii U. Just that nobody cared about a $249 Wii U but people do care about a $99 New 3DS.
I think this will be a weekend only $99 sale and then the New 3DS will disappear from the US once again, maybe getting a Yoshi themed one in Feb w/ that game port. Maybe a Mario themed one w/ Sport Superstars in the spring. A XL $149 BF sale would tempt me - though I just spent $218 on a PS4 Slim last week - but XL really should be $169 by now. But you know Nintendo, they like Apple's way of thinking too much, sell few units at a high price rather than sell a lot for a little. Works for Apple, not s well for Nintendo.
Now we just need the WiiU to drop the price....
@JHDK Think of it this way, you're getting a PS4 Pro version of the 3DS that can play SNES games well!
@SLIGEACH_EIRE I think the Wii U was too expensive to manufacture. Ultimately that was it's downfall, Nintendo was probably already taking a loss on it.
I think the streaming video had two wireless communication transceivers alone, then you add internet wifi and infrared and camera and the screen and the battery and the wireless for other controllers, the NFC reader, it adds up quickly.
That thing had so many freaking radio transceivers in it, it's a wonder it was ever as cheap as it was.
It would be wise to lower the price of the New 3DS XL by March 2017 to distance it from the Switch.
That is just the right tempting price, for sure.
Even in the face of the Nintendo Switch.
I think Nintendo is going to be okay selling a bunch of these. The Nintendo Switch at this stage is not going to be a complete replacement for the 3DS. I'm betting a smaller Switch comes along or at least something compatible to replace the 3DS, but for now it has to be the Home Console that is mobile enough.
3DS can continue being pretty great for a dedicated kid gamer, especially with a few new games in 2017 from Nintendo and plenty from third parties, I'm guessing. The 3DS-targeted devs and games are going to take a while to transition to Switch.
Believe it or not, one of the chief reasons to get a second or third 3DS for the home would be to play ... Federation Force.
new 3DS + new 'mons for under $150 is probably going to move a lot of units this holiday season.
Best way to prolong the 3DS lifespan though? More good games. More new games, more old games. Somebody put together an F-Zero X 3D, find a way to get FF6 on the virtual console, there hasn't been a new 2D metroid since the Calvin Coolidge administration (citation needed). So many ways to keep the 3DS ticking.
I still have an original model 3DS have been tempted at times to get a New 3DS. It's still too expensive in the UK and so I would much rather save my money for a Switch. Reducing the price of the 3DS can only be a good thing to further its lifespan, however.
@rjejr How did you get that PS4 slim for $218?
PS4 library for kid appropriate stuff is much worse than PS3 but I guess that's to be expected. My PS3 died on me so I'm looking for something... Ni No Kuni is not on PS4. Sony is just not placing things right for my family right now.
Been thinking about some development projects for VR, but Sony can't give me that. It would be better to do the PC options. (Don't really have the time or money for that either, though)
I think the more Nintendo supports 3DS the more I see those multiple device styles for Nintendo Switch going forward. You may get that dedicated home console one day.
I've never gone shopping on Black Friday before. Anyone know if Gamestop will have this deal?
As time passes the New 3DS seems more and more to have been a mistake. It did not attract the games that Nintendo was hoping it would (i.e. Games that actually take advantage of its extra horsepower) and it likely delayed Nintendo's ability to cut the price of the 3DS platform.
Aside from that, I think that the 3DS has lots of room left in the market. I predict that it will end with lifetime sales (for the whole product of line) of 70 million+ which is more than decent, especially with the huge competition from smart phones and tablets.
I know there are some people that think Nintendo should focus 100% on the Switch going forward and put the 3DS out to pasture alongside the Wii U. However, no platform holder ever cuts a system until it stops being profitable. 3DS games are cheap to produce (compared to HD games) and still sell well enough to be profitable for Nintendo and their third party partners. I suspect it will remain that way until 2018 at least.
@bherdm We cant forget that Smash 3DS and the Upcoming Sun & Moon run much smoother and load quicker on the NN3DS. There are also a few Eshop only NN3DS games like the Binding of Isaac and others... don't forget the exclusive SNES games.
@SLIGEACH_EIRE I see the Wii U selling for more than 200 bucks, with a game, during Black Friday and in the Holidays.
Price for the 3DS/2DS family:
150 for 3DSXL, game included
100 for 3DSXL
70 for 2DS.
I missed on the new 2DS colors (blue 2 and Red 2), but economy is not what it used to. Definitely buying the black New 3DS though.
@aaronsullivan $299 - 15% cartwheel - 10% Christmas list app - 5% redcard. I'm not sure how they do the math that it came to $218, but it did, plus NY tax it was $237. I wanted Pro but it's pretty steady $399 everywhere, and I wanted U4 in my bundle, that's probably $30 this holiday. I could have got the 10% and 5% off Pro so that would have been $345ish, about $375 w/ tax, so $140 more, plus I'd still need to buy U4, and I don't have a 4k TV, I have 2 kids getting braces and a bar mitzvah, and a new stove and 2 sets of 4 new tires. So that $140 means a lot to me
I know PS4 is not as kid friendly as PS3, but my kids are older now, they'll be playing R&C, DBZ:XV2, and the whole family will watch me play FFXV that my wife is getting for Christmas, she's been waiting 3 years since the new trailers started releasing. That's 3 more games than Wii U and Switch combined this Christmas. We're a videogame family, we need videogames under the tree. And $218 was too good to pass up, all the BF deals are looking like $249 anyway.
https://www.cheapassgamer.com/topic/358988-black-friday-2016-video-game-deals-the-epic-master-thread/
Honestly, they should do a sick discount or a permanent price drop to get the remaining Wii U's sold.
@aaronsullivan "You may get that dedicated home console one day."
I think that's a given, considering the Switch is just these skinned.
And really, Wii Mini w/ MKWii and no internet, even though they were mostly used for Netflix. 2DS that plays 3DS games w/o 3D. Super Mario Run on Apple and Android in 2018. There will be all kinds of new Nintendo hardware to boggle the mind.
The 3DS family should have a permanent price cut. It's a great system, but if there is going to be a replacement handheld, that can play the full library(, including games that will come to the system, before it's done getting new titles), in just 1-2yrs from now, then what's the point in buying one? It's anyone's guess the 3DS successor, whenever it comes, will, or will not, be able to play 3DS titles. Plus, in the face of tablets, phones, & any other tech that allows for some kind of gameplay, the 3DS family should have a price cut, if Nintendo wants it to make more money.
This bundle should have come out last year, but NOA made the ******** decision to only release the XL version (barring a certain HHD bundle) in North America until earlier this year! 😡😡😡
$139.99 in Canada.
Still holding out for a decent eBay price for the Majoras Mask 3DS, can't believe the jerks who bought them all to sell for inflated prices
getting a black New 3DS for my youngest gaming kid....he has never had one bought for him and it will be an early Christmas gift for him so he can play Sun & Moon too.
I have my older Pink x White 3DS XL(The thin plastic under Analog button has broken, but i still can used it). I think i need another 3DS to get private Street Pass because Nobody in my country play 3DS with Street Pass being turned ON. $100 is Really Big Deal for a New 3DS bundle.
Black Friday, my favorite holiday... to watch on youtube. Shopping X Mortal Kombat.
I want a stereoscopic 3D handheld in my life so, if they drop the price in England, I'd upgrade to a New 3DS and wait to get Switch for a year while they sort their account system out and build a library.
Nintendo won't do this but, new Nintendo 3DS needs new Nintendo 3DS games. Xenoblade 3D & Rainbow Pocket are not enough for a console that is almost 3 years old.
If Nintendo drops the price dramatically of the 3DS XL in America I will buy one.
The New3DS should be £99 at the most.
@c1pher_c0mplet The New3DS version of Hyrule Warriors runs at 2x the framerate, with as many enemies as the Wii U version and a larger draw distance. The old 3DS version has a shoddy framerate with only a handful on screen.
More than just a small improvement.
have these two styles already existed?
i have a Year of Luigi 3DS and thought I'd never part with it cuz... i mean.... Luigi. But since these have a prominent Luigi on them and that price... hm.....
Good price! Anyone who doesn't have a 3DS at this point, should insta-buy for this price imo.
I did buy this last year for ~$200, which is kind of a bummer, but I think overall it's a good thing for Nintendo (hopefully they make this a trend). Dedicated gaming has been an expensive hobby, but if Nintendo wants to reach the masses and casual audiences they need to be price savvy, and this is a leap in the right direction (after all, you can't have massive hits and numbers like Pokemon Go unless there are that many people who are able to play/buy the games. Expanding the audience increases potential for the software sales).
Hoping this also indicates that the Switch will be an affordable / eye-catching price (seeing as how they are making the older hardware cheaper).
It isn't a permanent price drop, is it? It says right in the tweet that it's "while supplies last". It's great for the holidays, but says nothing for the longevity of the system.
@samuelvictor
So, the new bundle of New 3DS will permanently $100 ? Wow....!
@LegendOfPokemon
Last year was very wrong idea from Nintendo. They still insist and now Nintendo realised the strategy didn't work. Plan B, this year is completely better than last year.
@samuelvictor it will never happen tho.
@samuelvictor long long after the switch launch. Maybe 2018
UK price drop please. Got to be fair Nintendo. If I drops, I'm getting one. Just been biding my time.
Make more games for New 3DS will prolong the lifespan of this portable.
Nintendo has only 1 retail game for it, I don't think Nintendo is that stupid to underutilise the New 3DS processing capability. I believe that after March next year when Switch is launched, they will make games exclusively for New 3DS. Or else the graphical gap between 3DS and Switch will be so wide that no one will even consider it.
That is a steal. They should sell like hot cakes with Pokémon coming out shortly.
Meh. Already bought 2 Nrw 3DS XL's the day arrived in North America. I have TOO many games on my memory card! 32 gigs! I'm fine with it. Never beat the last Pokemon X due to transferring old 3ds to the New one. After all my poopidoopies transferred, the ending files somehow erased for all my saves! Fire Emblem, Pokemon, and SO many more. I had to start all over and some games I just let it be. Anyway, their new portable should be a Modern Gameboy that just kicks ASS! Everyone young and old remembers THAT awesome machine.
Watch your language - Octane
I've had the original launch model of the 3DS for a while now and I've been wanting to upgrade. If I were to upgrade though, I'd rather it be to the XL, it's too bad the XL also isn't getting a huge price drop. Unless, is the regular New 3DS still have enough benefits over the original to make the jump? I just figured if I upgraded I'd also want a bigger screen too.
Why buy a N3DS when you can get a 2DS? 2DS is simply the better choice.
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