Kimishima Talks Nintendo’s 3DS Strategy Going Forward

Please have GBA VC for New 3ds systems, with linking.

I've maintained this stance for a while and people said I was nuts and they should just kill it off.

Boom. It's the entry level system that's dirt cheap with a huge library.

This makes me wonder if a new version of the 2/3DS family will show up. I sort of doubt it this late in the family's lifespan, but I didn't think something like the 2DS XL would happen either.

I had to say the final new game I would buy for my New 3DS XL will be Radiant Historia: Perfect Chronology (unless if Nintendo is smart enough to release something new this year to affect this plan). After that I will be going retro again and start my search for some hidden gems that I may had missed from both the DS and 3DS library.

Add gba titles to the system. Do updates that actually adds something to the system instead of stability updates. There have been so many stability updates im surprised people arent using the 3ds to build housing foundations on.

I think they could honestly do so much more with 3DS in inexpensive & relatively simple ways. Virtual Console and Streetpass being two areas with potential. Oh and 3D, but they seem to have given up on that. I have both a Switch and a New 3DS and I honestly prefer to bring my 3DS out and about with me because it's smaller and more comfortable to play on the train and bus. I prefer to use my Switch at home because I like to see pretty graphics on a big screen. The Switch would be more compelling as a portable with a web browser tbh. Then I would probably leave my tablet at home because I don't do anything but browse the web and watch video on it. C' mon Nintendo... the longer they take to do these simple things, the more money left on the table imo. Thank god for Pokemon, because I believe the sales of the GBC Pokemon games have really made an impact on the life of the 3DS and potentially GBA virtual console. But Nintendo takes too long to realize obvious things sometimes and act on them...<3<3

Where is this new software he speaks of? Detective Pikachu aside (which is mostly a localization of a 2-year-old game), there are zero announced first-party retail titles for 3DS. His emphasis on the system’s legacy library makes me think they’re hoping to push the 3DS as far as it’ll go with its existing games. That will work for a time but it can only last so long. Systems fade into irrelevance without new games.

Hopefully more VC titles are imminent.

7 years later, still new games to bye. XD

At this rate, the only thing stopping Nintendo making more 3DS' is if the parts to make them are discontinued and become pricey to commission. Happened with the aging 360 and PS3 eventually....

Nintendo handhelds last as long as Pokémon comes to them. With no more mainline Pokémon games, the 3DS is going to die pretty fast.

It happened to the Game Boy, it happened to the DS, and every time Nintendo said exactly what Nintendo is saying now

@Smash_kirby I think the only way they would be convinced to go ahead is doing it as an excuse to bring the 3rd gen of Pokemon games to 3DS.

But I think it'll depend on what his year's classic mini console will be too. A lot of people think it'll be a Gameboy Mini, and we can't have colourful GBA games outshine those b+w GB games. XD

@FatAlbert1 Assuming of course they don't put GBA on the 3DS VC, then they can milk the whole 3rd gen on the system (RS, FRLG, then finish with Emerald and have Pinball RS and Mystery Dungeon somewhere in the middle). XD

Looks like we can expect a Link's Awakening remake along with a Partners in Time remaster then along with a newly rumored 2D Metroid

As long as we don't get shoe in titles or half baked games that hardly utilize the hardware, I'm down. Keep the good times rolling

I play mine daily. I have literally over SEVEN HUNDRED games for it including Nintendo DS games, so I will keep playing it long after Nintendo does give up on it. My back catalog of games is here to stay and will entertain me for a lifetime. I've always thought the DS/3ds family is the best game system(s) ever created, and I state that emphatically after being an avid gamer for nearly half a century.

that list of upcoming 3ds releases tells me it's slowly Dying. Nintendo saying it's not. hmm... 🤔

@noobish_hat "So no new games for it then."

It says right there: "We are, of course, continuing to develop new software..."

Sounds like there will be new games, but probably not many left, as they rely on the existing library to drive sales.

His wording to me simply states they will continue to drive sales of already released games, most likely via sales - such as those recently announced selects - not that new games are coming. The 3ds library is HUGE...it really doesn't need anything new. I suggest anyone who wants more out of it go explore its past games you haven't touched and give them some love.
I for one am still playing through Luigi's Mansion Dark Moon and FE Fates Birthright, both of which I've had since launch, and both of which are fantastic.

@YummyHappyPills it may have a large library but retailers aren't allocating much space towards 3ds. sure, they'll an occasional bone to 3ds but it's effectively dead.

@AlphaElite Yes, but immediately digressed with the rest of his statement, essentially. Clever wordplay. Of course they are developing software, it's what they do. Is it for 3ds? Well..

@cowntsikin That was Capcom developed. Would it be up to Nintendo, or would that particular title be left up to Capcom to decide a remake?

Either way, I'd LOVE a Minish Cap remake, even if it was just a "3D Classics" edition.

Basically they're going to leverage the back catalog to sell the system. There might be a couple new titles that we're unaware of, but overall there's little left.

I remember when everyone sold off their NES systems and games 25 years or so ago, just had to get rid of it all because it was so old, boring, etc. They were still releasing NEW games for that system well into the 90s, but no one wanted them anymore. And fast forward a quarter century and everyone went bat guano crazy when the NES mini arrived. They were paying crazy prices, standing in long lines, having huge fits about getting this thing... do you see a pattern here? Apply the same thing to the SNES mini, and so on. People, just hang on to your systems and enjoy them, someday you'll be so glad you did. And for the record, I still have all my old systems and games, clear back to the intellivision. And they all still work great. 😁 Hey, just because a system ages does not make it useless or any less fun than it was the day you first got it!!

I bet we see some sort of 3DS successor at E3 this year. You could price it at $200 with graphic capabilities a few years old. Nintendo could make good profit and you could still have an entry portable system.

If they drop the 2ds xl to $99 and the 2ds to $49, they could sell a bunch more.

I got a 3DS XL for Christmas to replace my other that was starting to fail. Good to know I can look forward to at least a little more support from Nintendo.

If that Link’s Awakening remake is true, I’d gladly fire my 3DS up again! 🔥

I hear people complaining about the idea of Nintendo not developing new games for the system but...suppose nothing new for the 3DS games ever came out again after today. How long would it take you to catch up on every game rated 7/10 or more? I bought it at launch and I've run up such playtime but I've never been able to keep up with that library!

@Leon_S_Kennedy yup 200 euro is still too expensive

@noobish_hat Kimishima said in the article that they are, of course, developing new software for 3DS. ???

Hinting at a new Selects range perhaps? Or even better, the rerelease of the New 3DS non-XL?

Let the 3DS burn!

Nah, just kidding. Even though it's smart for Nintendo to prioritize the Switch, letting the 3DS die completely would be silly since it's still proving to be profitable.

@YummyHappyPills You aren't nuts buuut! Of course he's saying this officially because if he announced the 3ds dead the sales would plummet. Facts as of right now is that nintendo has no games in development other than Detective Pikachu that we know of and that sends a message that the 3ds hasn't got a long way left. I believe the 3ds will be discontinued in late 2018 or early 2019. Because we only know about 1 big game atm. I could be wrong though.

I can't take anyone saying kill the 3DS seriously.

@Kiyata Dang, and I thought my 100+ games were impressive. I always love when my friends bring their kids over for the first time because the kids are expecting to be bored out of their gourd and then I hand them a 3DS and literally thousands of dollars worth of games and their little eyes bug right out. I'm the coolest person among second graders.

It's only "budget-conscious" if you buy a plain 2DS. The 3DS is still very expensive 7 years later. The 3DS XL is €230, €100 less than a Switch and likewise comes with no game. And don't you have that crap still of buying the charger separately? Also, if they're so committed to the "3DS", how come they're only making 2DS models now and the release schedule is more barren than the Sahara?

I am currently playing through all the Neogeo and CPS2 games on my New 3DS (They run full-speed 60fps!). Retroarch is a godsend app, now my 3DS is a portable arcade machine. I don't need any games for my little precious 3DS now.

@wiggleronacid 3DS has sold close to 70 million units. Nintendo will not kill it that easily, unlike the Wii U.

Sure... And Wii U is the third pillar.

3DS is defunct.

Post-Radiant Historia remake, there's nothing on the horizon.

The King is dead (3DS), Long live the King (Switch).

Nintendo have said this same stuff several times before (The legendary "Third pillar" spiel, for instance), but what i see in the stores is that 3DS is on its way out, Switch is getting more and more shelf-space at the 3DS' expense, and that's some capital-letter writing on the wall right there...

I'm keeping my 3DS as long it works, same as my PS2. I might even buy a new one if it breaks.

I'll eventually get a Switch but unlike most people i'm not desperate for it to the point of wishing a platform to die. Would be a different case if it was backward compatible with 3DS games but unfortunate it's not the case xD

I still play my 3DS from time to time. Just bought culdcept revolt a few weeks ago. Such a good library and ds compatibility to make that library even bigger. I don't think they'll ever officially say they're killing it off until shutting down the internet network, that will really be the nail in its coffin.

Nothing wrong with this approach the switch is kinda pricey after all and I would imagine most kids would destroy it

They said something similar about the Wii U after the Switch was announced. Not long after that (a few months), the Wii U stopped production. I don't think 3DS will be stopped so quickly, but Nintendo has to say everything's hunky-dory for PR purposes. Time will tell.

Nice words, but we need more first-party games. If they don't keep coming, then it's dead.

And given the more portable than docked nature of the Switch, it's a logical consequence.

But this doesn't mean that the console is dead to us. Wii U isn't either. We can keep playing them.

I'm waiting for the worldwide release of Attack on Titan 2-future coordinates.

I've become very fond of the 3DS over its lifespan, so I'm all for new games. I personally can't stand the idea of throwing out older consoles as soon as the next thing arrives. I play games from the 80's, 90's, 00's and 10's each year. If (good) new games get released on the 3DS in the future, I'll pick 'em up.

That being said, I've seen very little signs of new games actually being released, aside from the few that have been announced.

Great news, I still use my 3ds a lot, as I really only use the switch as a home console

Only makes sense. They'd be foolish not to milk the 3DS and its install base for the fat cash cow it is. Like he said - it's aimed at kids getting into gaming for the 1st time, and people with a small budget, and for that audience 3DS is perfect. Obviously their main focus is Switch, but 3DS provides an easy extra revenue stream.

Already ready binned mine!
Really disappointed if they keep making games for this, instead of focusing all efforts on the switch.
I think the switch will start to struggle this year with an already rubbish list of releases due to drop. And the possible bigger hitters like metroid and Pokemon rolling into 2019. It has a big chance of grinding to a halt and the thought of resources that could be suring this up being wasted on making pocket money efforts just to keep the 3DS alive, is very worrying.
Along with today's anouncements of not listening to feedback about voice chat and making the required changes before online service launches.
In my book your having a really bad day!

Golden Sun for 3ds.

@TheLobster the funny thing about second graders is they are easily impressed with anything. I'm sure you could bring out a plate of cookies and they would drop the 3ds and run for the cookies with twice the excitement. 😂

Quite a few NLife regulars (including myself) already felt 3DS was here to stay. We all said pretty much what was quoted here and pessimistically shooed away because of it.

Then people started acting like nothing was releasing for the 3DS...as new releases were being announced for it

Taste the booger flavor!

Sounds good to me. Still use my 3ds regularly as I usually play on it before falling asleep

Good, they can keep it ticking over with ports and the occasional remake, etc. Nintendo doesn't have to plough too many resources into the ageing little handheld to keep it a viable platform. Some more virtual console titles would help too.

I love my Switch, it's possibly the best console I've ever owned, but still play my 3DS almost daily. It's more handy to take around in my pocket and its library is fantastic. Currently playing through Dragon Quest VIII for the first time.

The only 3DS game that interests me right now is the Superstar Saga remake. But I have the GBA original... Plus, I'm saving my cash for Labo/Kirby/other Switch title.

It's cool to see it live. I don't think it'll hamper Switch sales.

Also, I wouldn't be opposed to "Deluxe" 3DS games on Switch. "Animal Crossing: New Leaf Welcome amiibo DX", anyone? XD

3DS/2DS family def still has some value. Low cost of entry plus a great library of games. New selects added and plenty of sales get you those amazing games for really affordable prices. Don’t think we ever see the Switch mini. I think that’s the roll the 3DS family will fill. Budget & kid friend and a gateway into the world of Nintendo.

I hope they stop making new 3DS until I've finished all the ones I already own. Then I will gladly accept more.

I still love my 3DS I would love it if Nintendo continues to support it, I would even love to see it get a proper upgraded version Im one of the ones that loves the stereoscopic 3D effect.

The one announced 3DS game I’m looking forward to this year is Persona Q2.

That said, I could see a Diamond/Pearl remake being the 3DS’s swan song this holiday season if Pokémon Switch is in fact planned for 2019 -with expectations being on BOTW level, I kinda hope it is-, that remake has been anticipated for a while now.

And while everything stated is true, 3DS dies the moment a handheld-only Switch is announced (if that were to happen, it would be with Pokémon).

I got into gaming a lot more after buying my Switch in November. Awaiting some releases I've now took my DS from under the dust and am playing some old classics. Seriously thinking about buying a 2/3DS for this 'rich library' and the bigger screen (over the DS) now

Why have they stopped adding Snes virtual console games? Those could fill the void for when there's literally nothing of note to play. Snes platform is one of the best yet, but they barely scratch the surface - where's Axelay? Chrono Trigger? Un Squadron?

What about Genesis or PC Engine emulation, surely the New 3DS has enough juice to run those. Or are they wary of letting Sega keeping a small percentage of revenues.

The Wii U still get a few Virtual Console courtesy of Konami. But the more entrenched 3DS doesn't.

Cool. I love my 3DS, it’s one of my favourite systems ever. The longer it lives the better I hope they come out with a few more gems before it does inevitably die.

@Shock_Tart that why they are still selling people using them to build house foundations

If we see discounts on first party games in that library, than fine. I still don’t understand why a digital copy of many first party games are more expensive than their retail counterparts. Some first party physical releases obviously maintain their value, but come on. I’m getting less with the digital, and I’m often expected to pay more.

I only use my 2DS XL for gaming. I have a Switch and PS4 but my boys mainly use those. I just don’t have a lot of time to play video games. Although that will probably change once Ni No Kuni 2 and Kirby Star Allies comes out.

@noobish_hat "at least a handful of small studios"

You mean the studies making mobile games? Mobile is the 3DS successor.

@dcstud "3DS successor at E3 this year. You could price it at $200"

Switch: Labo Edition. No dock, no grip, no HDMI cable, just the tablet, Joycon and plug, $199. Project giant robot can use the TV but the 5 kit one doesn't, tablet is either in the cardboard or in your hand for touchscreen. So not only doesn't it use the TV, it can't use the tv. Why pay for a dock for a Nintendo Labo Switch?

"It is also positioned as an affordable product for budget-conscious consumers. We will continue working to promote Nintendo 3DS to these consumers."

Translation - pile up our 3DS family of systems in Walmart and let the poor people buy them for their kids.

Know what is really going to kill 3DS? Not Pokémon on Switch, Mario Kart Tour on mobile. MK is always being bundled with their old systems, but parents can just get the kids Tour now on their mobile devices. And Mario Run. And Animal Crossing. Mobile is the low end 3DS successor, Switch is the high end.

Funny thing reading all these comments.

So many people saying "3DS is dead, no new games coming". Also, so many people in other threads saying "no new games this holiday for Switch, just wait until the Nintendo Direct in Feb or March or E3".

Maybe, just maybe, there will be a Nintendo Direct in February or March just for 3DS games for this summer and holiday. Not like the Switch line-up is all that exciting with Kirby and Nintendo Labo. Nintendo likes to wait.

This one's for you @noobish_hat don't listen to the naysayers. ☺

If they can go with those latest more rugged molds for it in 2 and 3DS style, and continue to get the price profitably lower it could last years. Imagine getting a kid or a casual type something you can pocket for around $100 and you have all these thousands of compatible 3DS and DS games going for it new from like $20-40. Why not? Also a good stepping stone to the Switch too in a way.

When you think how long the original gameboy lasted I guess you could see the 3DS still going even with very outdated specs. The big difference here is that Nintendo will probably not make a NEW handheld device after 3DS. They have the Switch so I don't see a new handheld filling any gap in the market. Why would you buy it over the Switch. The 3DS works because it is now dirt cheap and already has tons of games. I don't think the console would be released now, but it works as it has that 7 year legacy. I dont see any point in killing it off as suddenly Nintendo have nothing to offer those whom don't have £300 to invest in the Nintendo eco system.

Haven't used mine for about 3 years. The lack of an ability to use one NNID across multiple consoles means that any of the updated consoles I own are offline. Otherwise I'd use them more often.

Yeah a lot of people think the 3DS should fade away cause they believe it intrudes on the Switch. I think the two can co-exist for 2 years or so before they quietly discontinue it. Particularly with home consoles, Nintendo developed a bad habit of straight up dropping support when a new console launched. The Wii, barely had anything new after 6 months, and the Wii U, well nuff said there. I think it shows goodwill toward the install base, that if you buy a product it will be relevant for a while even if there's a shinier machine.

And besides, the Switch proved that the 3DS isn't hampering sales in the slightest. I think Nintendo is making the right call here and flexing the well established, incredibly great game library it has acquired over the past 7 years. The 3DS has one of the best game libraries since the SNES — I think anyway.

Still play my beloved new 3ds every day.

I wish they would make a 3DS with a battery that lasts 10 hours at least. With the current technology it shouldn't be that hard.

I still use my 3DS a LOT. More so right now since we are going through a Switch drought.

@noobish_hat Because they consolidated their internal studios. It used to be that they had separate portable and console divisions but they thought it'd be more efficient to combine them.

Given their better pacing of releases this time around, I'm inclined to agree with their stance.

Wow

I feel a little bad for my 3DS. I’ve been spending most of my time lately with my Switch and SNES Classic, but I do still love the little guy. With recent sales I’ve actually bought a few new games for it that I’m still waiting to play. Haven’t finished Xenoblade yet, and still have Steamworld Heist, Senta Kagura, and Mighty Switch Force to go. Plus I still want to pick up Samus Returns as well as a few others. All in due time, I suppose.

Shame they aren't doing a bit more with it, still use mine daily. I even bought 3 spare as I have no intention to get rid of them, and the amount of great games for it is crazy!

I know I wanted them to kill it off because it could hurt Switch sales, but how can you kill something that is still selling so well? They had a great holiday season with it.
People like it because it's super affordable and it has a large, quality library.

I think the 3DS and Switch can co-exist for at least a couple more years. It'll be interesting to see how they approach new software for it going forward.

Still the cheapest and best value console on the market, Nintendo would be daft to ditch it.

2 weeks before radiant historia and i'm in again

Good decision or should I say re-confirmation. I don't own a 3DS because I have a hard time adapting to sliders. But the library for that device is cool. Still might consider buying one soon though.

It's all not very credible, right? I'm a less experienced gamer, explain this to me please. Does it make sense to release a game for the 2DS exclusively, not for Switch? Won't developers want to work with a more powerful and more current console like the Switch? What's the advantage of spending resources to do a previous gen console game, which won't bring as much profit as doing a game for a currect gen console?

@YummyHappyPills Just speaking for myself, but I want it to die for selfish reasons. When great games go there, I try to play them, but it's horrible. The controls are tiny and my hand cramps up, the screen is tiny and grainy and while I like the 3D in some games, I'd much prefer to play a game while sharing the experience with others and you can't do that with the limited 3DS for the most part.

Switch solves all of this with its dual nature but just isn't small enough for young people with tiny pockets, yet. Of course, I personally want Nintendo to stop making great games that are behind a wall of pain and frustration and instead release them where I can enjoy them.

I also see Nintendo as pressed in from a couple of sides, here. 3DS is woefully behind in performance so that the difference between developing for it and even the Switch is large enough that putting games on both is not a simple task. The same is true on the high end. Switch is far enough behind the popular consoles and PC, that the wide gap there is also a problem for porting or simultaneously releasing many types of games.

It's in a fantastic place now but the next transitions are critical for Nintendo to stay successful. I don't know when or how to even make those transitions, but I'm anxious for it anyway. I'm looking for it. When will Nintendo be able to make this performance level of the Switch fit into something that becomes the first dedicated console for young people. Is there a way to smoothly transition to something Switch-oriented that narrows the gap a bit for third party games to on the other popular platforms to find a Nintendo home?

It feels like a pull in opposite directions where the sooner it can happen the better, but, Nintendo probably does need to wait. They have the numbers and know what they can handle.

The dream of a platform with similar process and tools for all Nintendo's studios to share the load and develop for seems pretty far out of reach again. It was two entirely different platforms (3DS, Wii U), now it's three: Mobile, 3DS, Switch.

3DS stays around for a while, but it will be "supported" by sub-par games!

Can I ask since y’all are constantly saying this? What is Virtual Console? I know it means older games, like GameCube games for example, but why does the name you created sound like a system in itself? “I wish Nintendo would finally add support for Virtual Console!” ..... What?!!?? Aren’t you only meaning that you wish Nintendo would port an older game? Plain and simple... What is this title you have named it I’m curious what that even means bc I read it all the time and it sounds pretentious to me.

Great news. I love my New 3DS XL, although I still don't play it nearly as much as my Switch now. That said, I hope that Nintendo doesn't keep Pokémon on the system and instead continues its plan to move the series over to Switch. And without Pokémon on 3DS, not sure how long they can keep that system running. They should really double-down on Virtual Console for 3DS since Nintendo is really dropping the ball with the service on Switch. Open it up to allow for N64, GBA & DS games that were exclusive to Wii U, and bring more NES and SNES games now that New 3DS & New 2DS systems can play those 16-bit games. That would be the easiest way to keep 3DS' longevity intact. And of course to expand the Nintendo Selects lineup to include more gems that new adopters haven't had a chance to play yet.

@Bread-Not-Toast Exactly!!!!

Just saving up to buy 'Fire Emblem Echoes: Shadows of Valentia' and then its curtains for my 3DS.

Just upgraded to a 2DS XL from my launch model, and I can't get enough of it. Games are actually playable now, with no broken shoulder buttons, bad ergonomics, clicky buttons, or tiny screens in sight. Though I still need screen protectors. And a proper case. And perhaps a larger library.

But I wish they would give the 3DS another price cut. In which case, do something similar to the ambassadors program.

I think Hey Pikmin! and Metroid: Samus Returns were wonderful swan songs for the 3DS!

@gloom Virtual Console is Nintendo's own "brand name" for their retro console emulated games. They introduced it as a Wii channel back on the Wii, the "Virtual Console Channel". They kept the branding through 3DS and WiiU for retro console games and the UI associated with playing them. We don't know if Switch will get a Virtual Console branded program or not however.

@aaronsullivan Switch will become the ideal first console when A: A smaller cheaper model comes out (timed with Pokemon?), B: When 3DS has milked ALL it's potential sales or components can't be found cheaply, and C: When the Switch back catalog is big enough to wear off it's premium sheen.

@YeshaYahu5417 It's hard to go back to 3DS after Switch because Switch is everything 3DS is but cranked to 11. But that library....it's just SO gigantic with so many must play gems. Until March 3 2017, if I could have kept only one console, it would have been 3DS. It consumed 75% of my game time.

just can it and let us transfer all the games to switch.
just like its looking already.
gba is coming to switch.
nintendo always pulls this strategy

I don't claim to no anything but all this says is they're just not gonna discontinue it. Seems pretty clear that they're not going to develop any new games for it. Detective Pikachu and Sushi Striker are the only two Nintendo has announced (for US anyway) and they will likely be the last two.

@NEStalgia
I struggle with those sliders and that tiny analog stub, they're just not comfortable to me.... But yeah, the library is cool.

@onex yeah, but published by Nintendo. I don't think Capcom has any say about the assets of that game.

Thank goodness. I still haven't finished all of the delivery quests in Monster Hunter Generations!

@YeshaYahu5417 You can trade it towards an XL and hopefully it will be more comfortable.

Historically speaking, when Nintendo brought the original Nintendo DS to market, the GBA was still doing pretty well for itself, but they still dropped support for it when the DS was doing so good. The GBA came out in 2001 and the DS in 2005, giving the GBA a life of only 4 years when it could have probably kept going strong for another year or two and reap sales and revenue for Nintendo, especially since by then the console wouldn't have costed much to produce. Look at the Game Boy Micro, it's still a well beloved system today, in fact I've seen it have a sort or resurgence of late with collectors. But because it wasn't supported for very long, it didn't really get a chance to shine.

I think Nintendo won't want to do the same thing again, sure the 3DS has been around for longer than the GBA, but you're not going to see Nintendo shoot dead one of their systems again while it can still make them some money. The advantage of the Switch is that it is ALSO a home system, so as far as shelf space go, that argument is easy to use to justify its existent alongside the 3DS: The Switch does things that the 3DS doesn't, which is an easier argument to make than in the case of, say, GBA and DS, which were both handhelds, one being backwards compatible with the other to boot. As long as the 3DS is a viable commercial offering for them, they will keep it around. When it starts costing them money to keep around, that's when they'll finally stop putting any development efforts towards it and focus all their manpower on making switch software, not to mention that in the meantime, that leaves more room for third parties to fill in the blanks in the Switch's release schedule so they get less competition on the system when put up against Nintendo's first and second party productions. It's a win win situation for them that they can't want to see ending.

I would pay so much for them to make a wireless dock. Broadcast the 3ds image to the tv while you have the system in hand. I have such a massive 3ds backlog but I dread going back to the system.

Willing to bet the Atlus games coming up alone are worth keeping your 3ds handy. Alliance Alive and another EO (that was announced, right?) at least. I'd totally dig a Link's Awakening remake! Still hoping for EO Untold 3 (I know, I'm a broken record). I'm all for 3ds support for as long as it can last.

I’ve never owned a 3DS. There are a ton of games I would give a shot, but can’t justify $150 for a 2DS XL or $200 for a 3DS XL when I have a Switch. I’d bite for $99, but I’m not going for the little 2DS. Maybe next Black Friday.

How about some more Virtual Console games then Nintendo?

@YummyHappyPills While I am one of those who thinks they should kill it off, I definitely can see the point in keeping it around for entry-level gamers. It's an easy way to ease them into gaming and then ensure a Switch/future hardware sale later on.

Until they come up with a budget model for the Switch like what the 2DS was. They can't keep the 3DS around much longer.

I still use my 3DS quite often, maybe even a bit more than my Switch. That's because my favourite IPs have yet to jump to Switch, namely Pokémon, Fire Emblem, and Animal Crossing. Once those are all out on Switch, that's when I feel I can finally lay my 3DS to rest.

I just can't go back to my 3DS. I've tried a couple of times, and it just feels like such a massive downgrade in comfort and power. I loved the thing to death, and it was probably my favorite platform ever until the Switch came along, but now it feels like playing on a Gameboy. I'm going to keep it around because I have a bunch of games for it and someday I'll be ready to play on it as a "retro" experience, but right now all I want is Switch games.

To all the reasons that Nintendo thinks of, I would add that the 3DS systems (smaller New 3DS is the best in my opinion) are easy to take with you and to use, have a decent battery life (much longer than Switch), don't need a case and have a vast and brilliant game library.

As a late adopter ( new 2ds owner) I'm loving my 2ds. Great games.

Why not focus on the Switch only? The 3DS is almost a decade old...

Honestly, I'd give the 3DS another year or two before it's discontinued. I remember back when the original DS launched, supplementing the Game Boy Advance and the GameCube. They said back then it was going to be a third pillar to their business model, but within a year or two, they discontinued the Game Boy line altogether.

Now the DS/3DS/2DS line is their handheld business, but with the Switch (which they touted as a third pillar to the Wii U and 3DS) now being widely successful as both a home console and a handheld, supplanting the Wii U in the process, I'd probably bet that they will do the same with the 3DS line in a couple of years. It's just a guess, and I could be wrong, though.

@FatAlbert1 yep the 3DS has at best two more years in the market but Nintendo is dropping support starting this year. They will just release the games already announced for it and call it a day.

GBA VC on the 3DS would be awesome. Maybe more GBC and SNES titles too. And make them cross buy with the upcoming switch virtual console. I know switch is a portable machine, but I rarely even remove it from the dock. Maybe some times if the lady wants to watch the tv or something. I never TaKe it outside our apartment cos it’s big, doesn’t have that great battery life and I’m afraid I’ll break the damn thing. With my new 3DS XL, I dont’t have those issues. Yes the 3DS battery life sucks too when compared to the ds lite for example. But it still lasts enough, and fits better to my backpack (I carry other stuff too).

3DS is awesome and I hope it stays for another couple of years at least.

What they say is absolutely clear : new games will keep coming (maybe not that many but there are for sure some unannounced ones) but they will focus more on the ''selects'' series of games, to ''leverage the rich library of Nintendo 3DS series titles''. After all, the Switch might be the new star, and a priority for Nintendo, but it's not the 3ds's replacement, or the cause of it's death (not yet). After all, with such a rich library, it's normal for the 3ds to...step a little aside, so that the new baby (Switch) gets the support it deserves.

actually i would expect this, the 3DS has a huge library of games both 3rd party and 1st party, comes in at a very cheap price and generally offers good enough graphics that it doesn't need an upgrade outside of going for the Switch.

if you want a handheld console under £150 with access to games at around £30 there is no other option that the 3DS, i dont see why it needs to be replaced. upgrade to switch if you want better