Nintendo Says the Japanese New 3DS Discontinuation Doesn’t Affect Nintendo of America Territories

Just kill the entire 3DS line already. I'm sick of Vaseline Style graphics

It's stupid that the best entry in the entire 3DS line, the standard New 3DS, was only available as "special offerings" in the first place (after two freaking years of campaigning) and ended up so scarce. What's going to happen when people like me who adopted it need repairs or replacements done in a year or so?

I don't think I'll ever get my hands on one, too bad for me because I really liked the coverplates

doesn't really affect anybody at all, imo. switch is the new sexy.

@Samus7Killer Amen. The resolution looks like sand art at this point, especially after seeing games run on the Switch's gorgeous screen. We're talking about a nearly seven-year-old device that used dated tech when it launched. The thing is essentially an ancient artifact, technologically speaking.

what am i doing i should go to bed

Of course North America won't be affected by this... Because it was rarely released. Lol

It goes to show Nintendo obviously doesn't know how commerce works. There is obviously demand for the non xl size here in the states as was shown in the bundles that are scooped up fast and resold online for a higher price point same thing with the great price point of the Black Friday special now selling used at GameStop for $140! $99 is a great price for a non xl new 3ds and would definitely sell (as several here have said and myself the xl is just too large and gas horrid resolution). But of course Nintendo is no stranger to stupid decisions (nes mini, failure to meet demand of the switch, and now the snes mini is looking to go down the same road again!). Obviously I think there needs to be a change in management so they can thrive in this day and age!

@Kaboom I have one myself and I hear you. My R button conked out on me after 6 months. I did get a replacement, but I'm afraid it's only going to be supported until their replacements run out. I may try to get another one, just in case. But if it comes down to it, I may just get a N2DSXL.

@thesilverbrick @Samus7Killer Outdated or not, the 3DS/2DS still fills the lower end price point slot for Nintendo hardware. It would be understandable if they weren't selling, but the fact is people are still buying it. Not just gamers like us but a bigger demographic, parents of kids who either feel game consoles are too expensive, or don't trust their little ones with a $300+ Switch (after games and accessories).

For a company whose main business is video games and video game hardware, unlike Sony and Microsoft, it would be in their best interest to keep as many product lines going as possible. That is, giving the benefit of the doubt that Nintendo acts like a normal company once in a while.

If Nintendo were to make a smartphone with slide-out button controls however, that would would really shake things up...

@OrigamiSquirtle get a switch

Good thing I was able to snatch one before this, those smaller New 3DS were actually fantastic. Disappointed that Nintendo never officially launch these outside Japan (other than the few limited ones).

One thing's for sure, collecting the face plate covers is about to get harder, especially to those out for a complete set.....

I had to do a lot of planning to get my NA new3DSstandard. And then only got a cool faceplate on a trip to Italy.

Ninty really knows how to screw with the fans. :/

This is a redundant statement. It can't have any effect as there were none in production to begin with.

@Samus7Killer @thesilverbrick You're acting like Xbox 360, PS3, PS4, Wii U, Vita, PC and mobile devices haven't existed for years with better, high definition graphics. The 3DS not matching them is nothing new. If you could handle it back then then surely you can tolerate it's existence for another next year or two. The Switch is doing just fine.

Of course it ''doesn't affect'' us, the thing was barely available here. It's a shame really, I believe that the regular New 3DS is the best version of the console and I love my Pokemon 20th LE.

What's so awful about an XL? This is like hearing that they discontinued small drinks at taco bell. Just get the bigger size, it has more screen=bigger game picture.

So to the 6 people that got a n3ds in NA, congrats! You are the chosen ones! Personally I'm happy to see the lines being consolidated as I hope that helps prompt devs into preparing to transition to the switch as the 3ds begins its twilight.

I don't care if it is "outdated," and blablabla honestly there's more games on 3DS that I like then there are for Switch, PS4, and X-Bone combined.

With the 3D on, (am I the only one who actually uses it?) honestly it makes the pixels less noticeable, and I'm not that bothered by the resolution even in 2D mode.

@Beau_Skunk I fully agree. But it seems that binocular vision is considered a fad these days. -_-

@OrigamiSquirtle

It's 2 AM for godsake.

What's wrong with us?

@thesilverbrick
When the switch is docked it is dated compared to higher spec consoles and it will be mega outdated in a few years time when a new generation comes out, but you will still love your switch, just like ppl love their 3ds. Even the 3rd party games announced for switch look outdated already, mainly 8bit and 16bit trash. At this moment in time there isn't anything special about switch, it has a long way to go to catch up to other portable devices, me personally i would like to see some apps on it, more multimedia in a way, hate the fact it uses mobile app for online chat, can't see why it wasn't built in. Four face buttons instead of a D-pad is definitely one step backwards, especially for fighting games that need precision and don't get me started on the games that many are ports and lack of AAA 3rd party, many have been quoted as saying they like switch but you can sod off, you ain't getting our games, basically your tech is crap and we won't waste time or money on it because our games won't make a profit because you have your heads up Nintendo's backside and don't know how to look outside the box, i can say I don't blame them for adopting this way of thinking because as a rule only Nintendo games make money on Nintendo hardware with the odd exception

@GameOtaku If this shows anything, then that Nintendo might habe underestimated the demand a liitle.
On the grand scheme though, the XL versions simply sell a lot more everywhere.
Not to mention that pretty much anyone who would have wanted a small one just went with the XL instead, so Nintendo didn't really lose out on customers or money.
So, how does that show that Nintendo doesn't understand commerce?

@Beau_Skunk No you are not the only one 3D effect is still the best thing about it for me.

Hope the 3DS lasts as long as possible, Switch is doing fine right now so whats the problem.

I love my standard New 3DS (with Xenoblade face plates!) and I have no regrets about trading in my 3DS LL for it.

@heathenmagic The problem is that many would like to have certain games on Switch with better graphics and arguably better controlls now instead of 3DS.
Doesn't have much to do with how well the Switch is doing regardless.

I am in the same boat, but I am not complaining since there are still more than enough people who want games on 3DS as well after all. (+ I love the 3D effect as well)

I'm happy that I was able to get myself the smaller model and not the xl. Before that one I owned the original 3ds so the bigger screens in combination with the better grip was the perfect choice for me and I don't regret it.
Also the faceplates are awsome and the size is just small enough to put it in my pocket. The only downside I have with it is that the black model is a fingerprint magnet and the white one probably collects dust and dirt super fast. Playing xenoblade on this thing was the best portable gaming expirience I could ever wish for

This announcement triggered me buying a second one (used, of course, I'm not rewarding Nintendo for this decision any more than I have to).

Having originally loved the look of the white one, I ended up with a black one and have regretted it ever since, so now I've got my white one too, and hope they both last forever.

@Samus7Killer Who is forcing you to play 3DS games again?

It would be beyond stupid to kill a system with such a huge install base and games library just to push the Switch, when they can't keep up with demand as it is.

I just honestly wish that they'd led with the 2ds first or as a simultaneous thing. I always feel like I'm paying more for a feature that I can't use at all. (Plus if the 3d gets turned on while being in my bag or something and I don't notice before I open it I get to submit myself to torture). At least they 3d was optional. If the system had been 3d all the time and came out with the same great library I would have cut ties with Nintendo in disgust.

I don't think they are phasing out the 3DS line but they definitely need it streamlined. They have 4 models out right now and the one that is selling the least is definitely the non-XL 3DS. It makes sense that is has to go. On here I know everyone might love the regular 3DS but in real life, everyone I've met prefers the XL.

@Beau_Skunk I have 3D on all the time and I still get a little tingle of amazement every time I fire it up. maybe we're in the minority but I don't give a @&£?

Any words from Europe? I mean that's the best 3DS version out there.

@Kaboom You will have to buy expensive unit from Ebay, I guess. I actually had to replace the battery in mine, and this was the solution... the other one was sending it to another country. I was "lucky" that our other N3DS broke few months ago - it served as the battery giver.

PS. Just wait when they close the internet features, shop including. Good luck keeping those digital games.

@thesilverbrick Some people actually use the system to work, not to play.
That gives the system a different niche to occupy. Different than Switch, hence still valid.

@Kirgo
Read some of the posts on here it's clear that the xl is not all that it's cracked up to be. (Especially when you don't have any choice in versions, besides the snes VC my original 3ds non xl is still fine the $99 non xl new 3ds sounds a good deal compared to 150 for a new 2ds or 200 for a xl which has horrible resolution, everything looks better on smaller screens)

I ended up being flat broke on Black Friday last year when Nintendo finally released the black New 3DS in North America, and since I'd rather not pay double MSRP on eBay I've been holding off on getting one in the hopes that they'd release them again for the holidays this year. There goes that plan. =P

@thesilverbrick but fun to play with... which is the point of it in the first place.
Eventually the 3DS will stop being relevant and all Nintendo efforts will be focused on the Switch, which is a good thing. But right now, the 3DS still has some life left, but I don't think it'll last beyond next year.
Also I just bought a New 2DS XL, so I hope at least one more year of support!!!

I love the 3DS, it's my favorite handheld. That said, it's time to go, move one and say "bye bye".

The whole "finally, put the 3DS to rest" line of thinking found in both this thread and the previous one is kind of funny considering the New 2DS XL launches in 2 weeks. And considering the price difference between the old 2DS of $79 and the New 2DS XL of $149 I wouldn't be surprised if they keep the old 2DS around as well at lest for this holiday.

So that's:
2DS - $79
New 2DS XL - $149
New 3DS XL - $199

That's hardly over, finished, put to rest or even a nail in the coffin of the 7 year old 3DS line. Wii U "would have been" 5 this holiday.

@rjejr The people spouting this stuff, to be blunt, are short-sighted fools.

One small step for Nintendo...
One small leap to kill off the 3DS one day...🚶

Too bad. I liked the cover plates.

I think I'm one of the few that likes the standard size than the XL size with glaring upscale in graphics

@Samus7Killer How do you mean? The graphics aren't smooth and there is something slightly jarring but can't explain it. When I say 'smooth' and 'jar' I'm not referring to Vaseline, I'm genuinely intrigued!

People keep saying "there's demand for this!". Find me a retailer willing to order at least 500,000 and we'll bring it to Nintendo.

These decisions aren't always about what the consumers want. Sometimes they're about what retailers insist consumers want. Few retailers are going to bet on the small model in "bigger is better" NA. Heck even in "smaller is better JP", the small model tanked compared to LL sales. The small one is simply not nearly as popular as the big one. Never was.

@Kirgo
I agree with you, and perhaps I am a little biased as I don't have a Switch but still find there is more than enough games on 3DS to get still. And still have Wii U. Plus I am happy with the graphics and 3D for games that use it. Everyone is different I guess, but I know nothing lasts for ever. Am sure there are a lot of games that could be ported over eventually, but so many to choose from lol.

Who cares? Those 3DSs are region locked anyway. I just loved those colorful buttons...

@GameOtaku Sure there are quite a few gamers that like the small 3DS more, I can also see why. It does have a few advantages.
The only thing I am arguing is that Nintendo didn't necessarily make a mistake in terms of commerce. The XL versions do seem to sell far better ( purely based on sales numbers) and, like mentioned, they most likely didn't lose a notable amount of customers because most who wanted a normal 3DS then just bought the XL anyway.

From Nintendos standpoint, they simply didn't lose anything here.

@faint I have one...?

@Samwise7 Vaseline graphics are so 2011.

@rjejr
They could put the non xl new 3ds at $99 normally so consumers would have more of a choice. (And that price hike phew!!

@retro_player_22 Outside Japan and Europe.*

@GameOtaku The only choice Ntinedo should be offering this holiday is the Switch for $299 and the Switch "Portable Edition" w/o the dock, Grip, or HDMi cable for $199. (They might lose a few $ on that edition but retail it's $90 dock, $15 Grip, $5 HDMi cable so it's $120 less from a consumer perspective.) Let the 3DS go, sell Switch, get the install base to where it needs to be so it gets more 3rd party games. But no, New 2DS XL and Pokemon Ultra S&M. The real S&M is what Ntinedo does to itself.

OK, maybe that's a bit too much, maybe finally drop the New 3DS XL to $169, have a New 2DS (w/ the tablet 2DS body, not the 3DS clamshell body, which makes no sense) for $99. Little cheap New 2DS for kids, big New 3DS XL for everyone else. But it seems late for a New anything in the 3DS family.

Why do so many people want Nintendo to abandon a userbase of over 60 million users just because a new system that alot of people can't even get just came out? The DS came out in 2004 but they supported the GBA as well until 2007.

@CrazyOtto Thank you! The 3ds and Switch CAN coexist! Peoplw are just never satisfied.