Nintendo Says 3DS Will Keep Being Sold Unless Switch Becomes A "One-Per-Person System"

Right!!! Why not bringing DQ11 on 3DS to the west then? they may sell it but the lineup of NEW software is basically dead.

Everyone on my boat, err, I mean in my household has their own SWITCH!

Absolutely bang on, it's the cheapest system on the market with some absolute belting titles out there.

Looks like Nintendo Switch will have a really long lifetime. Nintendo is really serious with this system. The 3ds attitude show it.

One per person? So 7.6 billion?

As expected. Position it as the entry level system until Switch drops in price.

Get used to it XD

Smart on them. The system must be 90% profit by now for them. No point in killing the cash cow. And with so many high quality games, the system will be a great source of entertainment regardless of newer tech.

They will release a NEW2DSXLHD model that will upscale graphics!

This makes sense. They'll need to keep pushing more original titles for it if that's the case, but this attitude that the 3DS should just be discarded is weird. There's still stuff that system can do that the Switch can't. The DS line has served them well, no sense to drop it unless Switch can pull Wii + DS numbers.

Kill it with fire!! If that's your stance then make the games for both systems!

I know some people want the 3DS to just die off, but I actually think this is a good thing. Far too often Nintendo just drops their old system as soon as a new one comes out. Look how quickly the Wii died with no new meaningful software after about 6 months once the Wii U came out. So throwing a bone to 3DS every once in a while shows goodwill to those who bought the system that shows Nintendo systems are here to last a long time.

Trust me, I want new Switch games as much as everyone else, but sometimes you just have to share.

Once Pokemon drops, the last part of his quote will make more sense. He said they could coexist now, which is true. Wait until Pokemon hits Switch, then the story will change.

@AlbertXi I do agree with this. I've heard some say it's the best version of the game and if a Switch port ever comes, it'll likely be the PS4 version. Then again Ni No Kuni should've been localized for DS way back. Sometimes pubs/devs make bad choices.

They will keep the 3DS around until such time that they are able to significantly lower the price of the Switch, or release a cheaper more durable(read: child friendly) version. The 3DS is their cheap entry level product now. Like the Game Boy and GBA remained for years after their prime.

It is unlikely we will see a lot of major releases for it, but I am sure we will get a few more. Likely entries into existing series that they can re-use assets and existing game engines for. Like that Luigi's Mansion port.

@Yorumi You can't do this, the Switch would need a whole other screen for this to be feasible. No system can magically re-code a two screen game to be one screen.

Can't play my switch in the toilet at work as it is too big and looks suspicious. Therefore i will never stop playing my 3DS

@cfgk24 No way thats happening

@Yorumi I suppose that's semi-feasible, but it would be awkward for a lot of games. They could maybe make it work better if they had made the Wii U gamepad compatible with the Switch to act as the bottom screen (like how the DS games were on the Wii U eShop). I guess they could still kinda make that happen with some sort of sync-able pad with a 3DS slot that worked a bit like PSTV.

Nintendo's doing this because a fortune teller told them if they stopped selling the 3ds the wold will go into immediate nuclear fallout.

I think this means we should expect a new Switch SKU with no dock for $200 in 2019.

Why not drop the 3DS/2DS price then? Really shift some units and in a year drop the Switch price and get those entry 3DS players migrated over

@JamesR or the current switch goes to $200 in 2019 as Nintendo rolls out the new switch pro with the tegra X2.

wakes up from dream

That means in the future Nintendo will make a smaller Switch that has no dock to keep the price down. It will become a portable for-one-person console to replace 3DS.

This New Switch will be slightly smaller but a lot thinner because it has no fan. It will use a new 14nm Tegra chip. Since it's a portable, the joycon is not removable to further reduce the manufacturing cost.

What you get is a Vita look-alike Switch.

@cfgk24
Psst...
Make it simple.
New 3DS X-Liberte, with Free Region updated.

It’s ok now. Having separate switches for the kids but when online comes. It’s 3 more separate online accounts to play online
Other than that. 3ds is great and I hope it keeps getting games

@Yorumi that would have been amazing.

It should be around in some form forever, so long as they keep making it more affordable. Easiest entry into a wide variety of games. Things got 3D, AR, motion and sound controls for cripes sake.

Nintendo can Re-Release 3DS again with New model.
Call it simple, 3DS Liberte, with Free Region inside and Free Region updated for previous 3DS models.
Everyone will be happy to play 3DS All Regions.

@Yorumi Are you sure? The Wii and the original DS shared lifespans. And what console of theirs didn't have a handheld sold alongside it? Where's your frame of reference?

@NewAdvent ...You just want all their games on one system, don't you?

Very glad to hear this statement despite not owning a 3ds and even if it is just milking what they can from it.
Some people simply cannot afford a switch (and games and accessories) especially per person and those who own a Switch or 5 and wish 3DS to die are just selfish imo.

@Anti-Matter I'd be happy with a new model that just ups the storage. More than 32GB SD Cards (Yeah I know you can use a 64GB by formatting it, but I'd rather they do something more official) and most important, more than 300 downloads at a time.

Call it 3DS Elite if you must.

Huge difference between “we will keep selling 3DS” and “we will keep developing new software for the 3DS”, which they’ve not really done for a while (outside of ports / remakes. FWIW, I reckon a port of Kirby & the Rainbow Paintbrush is in the works somewhere).

2011 and still going (revised model, but still). The 3DS is eternal.

@Spoony_Tech Eh, I'm fine with the way they're approaching the issue. 3DS gets ports, remasters of old games, etc. while almost all new software is being developed for Switch. It means we get games that aren't held back by the limitations of the 3DS.

@Ralizah I don't disagree but I sure would like Metroid 2 and Luigi's Mansion on my Switch where I'm more likely to play. I keep charging my 3ds with the intentions of getting back to The Alliance Alive but days and weeks go by and nothing lol. If that game was on the Switch I would be half done with it already.

For me ( will not speak for others ) when games price Less or same as 3DS, battery life longer as 3DS, price range less than $250 ( that is being generous ) I'll be happy that 3DS retire. If they just let the 3DS die off, i guess i'll just rolled my eyes. Nothing I can do, even if I make noise.

The Switch has some significant fundamentally-superior features to the 3DS, obviously, meaning that once its software library begins to effectively overlap into 3DS' intended audiences and once its pricepoint begins to lower, the 3DS will be history.

I got my first 2ds xl a month ago and I've had the Switch for 6 months. It does things that the Switch can't, like fit in my pocket. So I really like it.

I hope they dont move to the one switch per person thing. Reason being is it would kill the drive for 2 player split screen. There needs to be more 2 player games. Right now all I have is MK8. Odyssey isnt really 2 player and it just makes it difficult and frustrating. Lack of 2 player split screen would also make the detachable Joy cons pointless.

The 3DS is a great system with quite an impressive library of games. It's nice to see them not discontinue it. However, Pokemon's shift to the Switch is a pretty big indicator that Nintendo is pretty much moving on. As has been stated before most of the 'new' games coming out on the 3DS now are just ports (Luigi's Mansion) or remakes (Mario and Luigi games).

I'd be happy to see the 3DS stick around, though. The Switch has portability, but I still feel like that portability is limited by size and battery life. The 3DS can much more easily fit in a purse or pocket, doesn't so much need a case (thanks to the clamp design), and can last through a good car trip. The Switch is large, pretty much needs a case to travel with it, and the battery life isn't desirable for a long car trip.

As a Collector, i can say 3DS is the Most Beautiful collection that i have ever owned. Reasons :
1. The system is keep supported.
2. There are so many color variations for machines. White New 3DS XL is the Best choice for me.
3. White game box. I like White color for game case.
4. The Icon of each game that printed on the sideway of 3DS Cover. So iconic.
5. The themes for 3DS Home Menu.
6. Unique Library games.
7. The size of 3DS catridges is same big as NDS cartridges, so i can see the images from its stickers very obviously. Add with HORI Card Case 24 / Nintendo Club Card case 18, your 3DS / NDS collections will be look so Beautiful.
8. The layout of 3DS cover is looks Simple & nice. But i prefer NDS Cover layout for more Modern looking (NDS words displayed on the Left)

Part of what got me excited about the Switch was the prospect of Nintendo focusing their portable and console efforts both on one system. I just don’t understand why some first party 3DS games going forward are staying locked to the 3DS. Captain Toad is coming to both systems but we can’t get WarioWare Gold on Switch? Lame. Mario Party Top 100 would have made more sense on Switch, too.

I kinda hope this doesn’t happen for awhile as I would love to keep getting 3DS games hahaha.

(I own a Switch too)

Meh, I like the 3DS, but I don't get excited over it.

As long as the switch gets some of these 3DS games I'm fine with this. Its really bothering me I can get my beloved Pokémon Gold on 3DS but not Switch... That's probably because my 3DS' speakers are damaged and (no optionally) using headphones annoys me.

@Yorumi I could see Nintendo using Treehouse Live to announce 3DS games like they did last year. The 3DS lineup last year didn't seem that impressive until the E3 announcements.

@Yorumi First of all, the Wii U doesn't count because it was a disappointment that couldn't get solid 3rd party support, which means fewer titles automatically. Secondly, development is going to be slow no matter what. Having all games developed for the Switch would require upscaling them, which means longer development time and fewer games produced over time altogether. Also, the age of DLC means that most 1st party games' development doesn't end with publication, so teams can't jump straight into new projects anyway because they're still working on ARMS and Super Mario Odyssey and for all we know even Breath of the Wild. Also, a lot of current A-list 3rd party titles still aren't making it to Switch now because it is comparatively underpowered and has unique controls. And increased complexity of games does remain relevant because every first party title "needs" to be bigger and badder than all previous iterations...except for spinoff titles, which, wouldn't you know, often find a home on the more humble handheld systems.

Basically, Nintendo is still left to do most of the heavy lifting, and their current strategy is heavily weighted towards quality over quantity, like it or not, and eliminating the 3DS just takes away the more condensed development path.

Realistically, there are zero arguments for not continuing the DS line. It’s the cheapest system on the market, has a library of over 1,000 titles and some great special editions to boot.

It just amazes me that people suddenly feel the need to become business consultants and believe that they know better than Nintendo.

@justin233
I agree. I sold my 2DS and games and all of my physical Wii-U games when I bought the Switch. Since it was being marketed as a hybrid system I intended it to be the only system I would need.

So you know what to do, 3DS haters: Buy more Switches! Lol

Even if it doesn't get new games people will still buy it for the huge 3DS/DS library alone, also the 3DS games currently can only be played on the 3DS (not counting Citra) so there is that.

The mention about being an entry level handheld for children is spot-on. A 2DS/N2DS + Pokemon and a few Mario games is the perfect birthday/Christmas gift.

There is new gamers (children and adults) everyday and the 3DS is the perfect device to start just for the price and huge library alone.

Unless they make a platform with access to the 3DS library or a cheaper and more accessible Switch model i think it'll keep selling enough to keep the investors happy and justify the continued support.

@Harmonie Mind, perhaps the only reason Pokemon is coming to the Switch is because a bunch of fans lost their minds when they didn't announce such and disliked the "Pokemon Direct" into oblivion.

@Loonyhed I honestly don't think that would convince them to actually move the mainline series to the Switch. If it had ANY effect at all (which I'm a bit skeptical of), it would have just been getting that early announcement by word at E3.

I'm more inclined to think that Nintendo/GameFreak felt a need to hype up the future of the Switch with Pokemon and Metroid Prime 4, and that was their motivation to announce them even though they couldn't show anything about them yet.

@Loonyhed
Nintendo decision making is far FAR beyond giving a toss about adult fans and their use of YouTube.

@NewAdvent Um...no. Not everyone agrees on this. Read the comments. And since when have other companies' strategies worked for Nintendo?

@Pod Maybe. But regardless, the whining was everywhere the subject was mentioned, and was...rather unimpressive. And it shows that there is definite and, ridiculously enough, almost violent wishful thinking directed towards having all games on the Switch.

@Yorumi - you mention that Nintendo has proven they cannot support two systems... They have been supporting at least two systems since the NES/Gameboy days, and have literally never had less than two systems available - a dedicated handheld and a console. I think they do just fine handling two systems...

@Spoony_Tech Oh, sure, I'd prefer to play almost everything on my Switch, but this is a good strategy to satiate people who haven't transitioned and to keep money flowing in from some fraction of the 70+ million people who own one.

First year, the Switch took over my gaming life, and I used almost nothing else. These days, though, I'm able to bounce back and forth between Switch and 3DS fairly easily when I need to. I'm nearing the end of both Xenoblade Chronicles 2 and Etrian Odyssey V now.

@Harmonie Battery life is variable depending on which Switch or 3DS games you play. Sun and Moon are almost as hard on the 3DS' battery as Odyssey and BotW are on the Switch's, whereas both 3DS and Switch have games that they can run for 6+ hours.

@electrolite77 See, this! This is the wishful thinking with horse blinders. No, there are a number of practical arguments against developing everything for Switch that people are mentioning. And seeing as all Nintendo says on the topic is "we have no plans to stop development for the 3DS," there isn't any solid evidence that that's what they want.

@IronMan28 No it won't. Why do people do this?

'This ONE game will change everything'.

That never happens.

@NewAdvent But not everybody wants to, or more importantly, can spend that much money on games. For a number of kids, their experience with games is going to be hand-me-downs and the cheapest current handheld with maybe as little as one game a year.

That's the point of dividing development, being able to cater to more than one niche.

Besides, "left behind" by whom? Their competitors don't have a firm foot in portable gaming to begin with.

@AlbertXi Because Square wants to do with DQ XII the same that Capcom did with MH World in the west - grow the western fanbase by making the best possible impression with the best looking versions of the game they can.

@Loonyhed
Well you're right about that.
Maybe this will be the first cross-platform Pokémon gen though.
Both on 3DS and Switch wouldn't be that super hard to imagine.

And I could join in on wishing for certain games on Switch at least. I have a handful of the latest 3D-puzzle and adventure games that I'd personally love being able to take everywhere. I'd buy The Witness again.

Well I’m doing my part to kill the 3DS. Both my sons have their own Switch and I recently got one for myself as well. Will likely buy a 4th Switch for my daughter as a birthday present in November.

So, are we slowly going to see Switch become the 3DS successor and the move to a single system Nintendo? I don't mind either way, but don't bring both with me on the go. I would be a choice. Against popular opinion, but if this is the case I still hope for a Nintendbox traditional home console in line with the next gen consoles (PS5 XB1X(?)) to sit side by side with the switch.

I'm split on this 3DS business, because I love the idea of Nintendo having a sort of modern Game and Watch or Gameboy type thing (super small, relatively inexpensive, inferior visuals but fun, not a lot of time to dev for) as long as they don't put any real money or time deving for it. That's why handing ports to other companies is ok. But man, these past 6 months have been a big old WiiU era drought for me on Switch. I wish they put every ounce of company time, resources, monies whatever into just getting software onto the Switch. So bored with it. Last year was a blast.

@Pod Maybe this is a bit unrelated but i was watching a few videos of Citra (the 3DS emulator for PC) and when upscaling some games they don't look that bad:

https://imgur.com/a/FnmjqpT

Sure it has some muddy textures in the back but if they could improve the background textures a bit (kinda like how Capcom did with Monster Hunter XX for Switch), they could have released some of the latest 3DS titles on the Switch as well. Like Ultra Sun/Moon, Samus Returns or Fire Emblem Echoes.

I mean, they are doing that with the Captain Toad game port, maybe not with Pokémon but this could work with other games as well.

@Yorumi I can't believe how willfully blind everyone is being, or how nervous all these sites are to piss off the fans, that no one is really addressing this WiiU size hole in the release calendar. Yes Nintendo's new fiscal year started at the end of March...but since December 1st's Xenoblade 2, what have we got? Celeste was A+ in January but hardly a big retail game. There was DQ Minecraft too. Feb 16th had the Bayonetta ports from Wii/WiiU and also PayDay2 which didn't have the online support it needed to play correctly because N doesn't have real online support yet; March got Kirby, which ended up being an entry level "this is how video games work for 5 years olds" game that felt broken in a whole new way; April got beautiful cardboard with insultingly shallow software [also for young kids] and then a South Park game from last year. Hear it plays well, but who really gets it up for SP anymore? Tomorrow we get DKCTF, a WiiU port (excited for it though). So if you had a WiiU, and or are over the age of whoever that Kirby game was intended for or are too old to build cardboard sets, and you just want to play an actual new retail game there has been nothing since DECEMBER 1ST. Even the indies have gotten a lot less interesting in the last 3 months.

@Yorumi They could probalbly do it when docked if they made it so that you can use the joycon pointer controls in place of the touchscreen maybe?

Edit: Sorry for all my typos, I’m on mobile and my touchscreen is horrible.

One or 2 games a year like Alliance Alive and I'll be happy - easily blows out of the water half of all the random nonsense on Switch these past 4 months.

3DS is still a great little system.

Well in our house, the Switch is a one-per-person system. We both play Splatoon 2 a lot (Salmon Run!!!) and to play that online, you need your own system and own copy of the game. That said, we also have multiple 3DS' (standard and limited edition ones) so that's always been a thing for us. When we moved in together we both had Wii Us so again, one-per-person just sort of worked for us.

@Syntaxkita because we are getting Luigis mansion 3 on switch...... 😊

Nintendo expects to sell in 4 million 3DS systems and 16 million 3DS games during their 2018 fiscal year, compared to 20 million Switch systems and 100 million Switch games.

Nintendo clearly believes that most consumers will opt for the more expensive Switch rather than the dirt cheap 3DS/2DS. Parents included...

As someone who plays his 3DS every day and can't afford a Switch I'm definitely pleased by this news, but software sells hardware so if Nintendo plans to keep selling 3DS systems they're going to need to keep producing new software for it. So far there's not much of interest on the horizon for the 3DS this year, but I'll reserve judgement on the matter until after E3. Last year it didn't look like there were many games on the way for the 3DS until E3 came around, and hopefully this year will be much the same. I'm still itching for that rumored Link's Awakening 3DS remake and Virtual Console releases of Star Fox and Star Fox 2. =)

@Yorumi I think this is still possible. sideways 3DScon attachment

Right now. My two gaming systems are the 2DS and Super NT. The Super NT is awesome! Nintendo is missing out on sales when it comes to retro gaming. I could care less for the Switch.

@Yorumi From the way the new president keeps talking (getting new quotes everyday) about not relying on one or two geniuses and forming collectives to work together to release "next gen" content, I am actually wondering if someone is being perceived as dropping the ball at Nintendo and making this drought.

@Yorumi nice idea. Think of the price though.. $$$$$$$$$ I belive this controller would cost a fortune.

@electrolite77 If the comments here are any indication, ports are just the norm right now, regardless of system. Development is just stretched thin. Centering it all on the Switch just means every game that would have been for 3DS becomes a $60 minimum game that takes a correspondingly longer length of time to develop.

Also, you have to understand that Nintendo's strategy works on size and price based niches. Yes, when they tried to continue development for the NES after the Super Nintendo came out, it was a losing battle. Yes, the DS, against all promises to the contrary, replaced the GameBoy line. But a $300 console that can't play existing 3DS carts is not going to eliminate the market for a pocket-sized option as low as $80 that comes with the option to buy one's fill of $5-$10 VC games digitally and has new games that are $50 on the high end. Cutting out their small portable line is just shrinking their net. Just because you prefer the Switch doesn't mean that everyone will benefit from it taking all the development.

The real solution is the more slow, complicated and dicey one of Nintendo hiring and training new yet effective development teams with plenty of fresh and feasible ideas for 1st party titles.

@electrolite77 Even with the ports...there's only been Bayonetta , Kirby and DKCTF (tomorrow) as Nintendo's big non-LABO published games since December 1st. That ain't nothing, when there's no significant retail 3rd party. It's boring. They're new problem is going to meet somewhere in-between: Wii era software failure (core audience doesn't want the out reach content, the new audience only wants one or 2 wii sports style games) and the WiiU era software era (biiig wait period between games).

@Yorumi New president said he wants gamers back who haven't played in awhile. I'm hoping that means dusting off and re-energizing old IPs.

I just don’t expect any massively compelling software for 3DS from here on out. Everything that’s coming is a port or sequel that reuses assets. I still play my 3DS all the time (can’t put the Switch in my pocket), but unless an experience is tailored to a dual screen or 3D experience, I’d much prefer to play new games on Switch and keep my 3DS for its backlog.

I think the sales success of the switch is because it is sold as an individual system. My household has 3. Nintendo kind of treats it as individual systems as well already. It's not easy to play games as one user on multiple systems. I have a had time believing that the 15 million sold are to 15 million different housholds. I am not against 3DS sales though. Nintendo pretending Switch is more of a typical household console is not acceptable though. If it was they would have made multiplayer splatoon 2 on one console.

Totally sensible for Nintendo to continue to support the 3DS considering that it still makes up over 50% of Nintendo's revenue base. In any case, it's obvious that around 90% of Nintendo's development projects are already Switch based.

My guess is that the 3DS continues until around 2020 and then slowly drops off.

Switch will only truly dominate the market when franchises such as Smash and Pokemon make the transition to the Switch - at that point lots of people who currently have the 3DS will buy a Switch just to get those games.

That said, Nintendo should at least ensure that they port (where possible) any new 3DS releases to Switch. The whole Luigi's Mansion release for 3DS was totally stupid considering that they managed to port Toad's Treasure Tracker to both consoles - so why not the same with Luigi's Mansion?

Kirishima just said what people have been trying to tell 3ds haters for months. Switch is too expensive and doesn't have enough games to act as a 3ds replacement for the average household. With 3ds demand still there as well as a massive back catalog it makes perfect sense to keep supporting the 3ds as an affordable budget option.

Nintendo really needs to stop clinging to the past with the 3DS. At this point it is like continuing to support the NES well after the N64 came out.

@Supadav03 All the kids I see with handhelds these days are using a Switch. I remember how before the Switch released I would always see kids with a 3DS, but I honestly haven't seen a single kid using a 3DS out in public since the Switch came out.

Makes sense, the Switch has Mario Odyssey and it is the new console that all the kids want. Pokemon Switch will only further cement this.

Wow

3DS has an awesome game library and I think that Switch won't sell as many consoles. 3DS has a bit of everything including a Virtual Console (SNES on New systems) and so many cult classics like Fire Emblem Awakening.

Pokemon is the big changer. That's going to be the first opportunity for nintendo to make multiple switches in the same house make sense. Once pokemon is out you will start to see it happening, then if they can really push some multiplayer that needs multiple switches (Not saying it's good, just smart business) then they can fill houses.

"moving forward, we will work to ascertain what kinds of play people want at which price points". Yeah keep working on it Nintendo. No need to pay 40-60$ for 10 year old remakes. And if you want more devices per household what about that price drop? I think its about time

This is awful news. So many great games being waisted on 3DS when they could be coming to Switch instead. They are cutting the Switch library in half.

@Swaz Detective Pikachu, Samus Returns, and Luigi's Mansion remade with the 3DS engine? Doesn't sound like 50% of the Switch library.

@Tokiwa
I'm certain they could. They pulled off Smash Bros. playing almost identically between 3DS and Wii U, with just some minor cosmetic changes.
And the videos I can fond from Sun/Moon running on Citra certainly prove that it would only take a little bit more to have a respectable Switch presentation.

@Alikan Those games could have been made for the Switch! The 3D part of the 3DS is dead anyway.

Angry stupid Switch owners berate Nintendo 3DS. Nintendo must be the only company to have fanboys so thick they hate on other Nintendo products.

I'll say it again:

The 3ds fits in everybody's pocket. The Switch does not.

So there's portable and portable don't you think?

@BARSAMAN People still want to walk around with a dedicated handheld game console in their pockets that is much bigger than your average smartphone? I really don't see the point.

Instead of the new 2DS XL, they should have brought out an upgraded model with hd screens and better battery life. The 2DS XL has worse screens and the same, if not worse, battery life as the older new 3DS XL (which has terrible battery life).
Nintendo had a chance to improve and extend the 3DS’s shelf life, but instead they went backwards.

Looks like I don't need to be too fussed about replacing my older system anytime soon then (knock on wood). Nintendo seems quite keen to not kill the 3DS off quite yet, and their reasoning makes total sense. I suspect their stance will change once the system stops raking in the dough.

@Crono1973 Yes, it really will if history is to be believed. Pokemon Diamond and Pearl came west in 2007, the last GBA game was in 2008. X and Y came out in 2013, the last DS game came out in 2014. So you have about 18 months or so after a mainline Pokemon game where Nintendo handhelds essentially flat line. To say "one game will change everything" isn't hyperbole. Pokemon signals a change in generations, and I doubt that will change now.

If the 3DS goes off shelves so does the library and that library deserves an extended time in stores. It really is a well rounded library of games for peopl that love good old console video games.

@NinChocolate Most stores don't have much in the way of a 3DS selection on their shelves anymore, it seems like they consider it wasted shelf space or not worth keeping in stock anymore. When I go to a store like Best Buy their Nintendo section is for the most part all Switch, they might have a few old 3DS games laying around but it seems like they don't care about stocking them. Most people who want 3DS games these days seem to be reliant on online retailers or stores like Gamestop that sell old used games.

@JayJ Interesting. At my Walmart and Best Buy there’s still a full 3DS section (I have all the games I want but I still pass by it just to appreciate a dying thing lol)

Does anybody know how Nintendo go about finding out that the Switch has become, a system that every member per household own?

@electrolite77 Yeah, there's been SO much great stuff on the Switch eShop too, I don't know how anyone can feel like there's any kind of "drought." I guess maybe for those who had Wii Us and have spent hundreds of hours on Steam over the past year? I do know that I can't keep up at all these days. I have a huge Switch backlog already and at least a couple of dozen other titles on my eShop wishlist. I do still play the 3DS from time to time as well.

Full disclosure: We've been a one-Switch-per-person household since launch.

@NinChocolate Yeah I imagine it is the type of thing that is up to the managers, just saying how I have already seen some big box stores starting to phase it out of their shelf space is all.

I imagine this will go like pretty much all consoles once a newer one comes out. Sega Genesis consoles and games were still being sold for a few years after the Saturn came out, PS1 games and consoles were still being sold for a few years after the PS2 came out, PS2 games and consoles were still being sold for a few years after the PS3 came out, PS3 games and consoles were still being sold for a few years after the PS4 came out, GBA games and consoles were still being sold for a few years after the DS came out, DS games and consoles were still being sold for a few years after the 3DS came out, it is a very clear pattern that has been going on for decades now.

I am sure they are just trying to milk the 3DS as long as anyone still cares about it, but after Christmas 2018 I can see the 3DS demands quickly going away as the remaining kids who don't have a Switch get one for the new Pokemon game.

Btw, am I the only one who really wants a Streetpass system (and SP Plaza type games) on the Switch? Any technical reason why that wouldn't be possible? I rarely get tags with my 3DS anymore, and I've finished most of the SP content on it.

Good, it absolutely is. I know a good few people personally who have bought 3DS systems in the last six months because they're super cheap, have a huge library and make for a good entry point. Kids can ask for a Switch for Christmas these days but for most adults dropping four hundred bucks on a new system without even knowing if you'll really get into gaming can be daunting. A 2DS with a game for a hundred bucks at BestBuy is way more accessible. The 3DS community is still alive and well, even if it does have some overlap with the Switch.

Sounds good to me. I'm planning on FINALLY upgrading to a New 3DS XL this summer. (I'm still using my launch 3DS.)

@AlbertXi Unfortunately, Square Enix has crushed any hopes of the 3DS version being released in the west. That's why I'll be holding out for the Switch version so that I can take it on the go. Most likely won't release until next year though.

@BlueOcean
The Switch is going to comfortably outsell the 3DS (outside of Japan, at least).

I don't get it. Nintendo is still making money on the 3ds, the Switch library is still growing, those who want to upgrade to the Switch probably will (if they haven't already), those who don't want to upgrade still have something to look forward to. Can't we just be happy that everyone has something to be happy about?

My 3ds is likely my last gaming system (unless my kids get interested in a system when they're old enough, but that's probably YEARS away, before I would feel that they were old enough). I'm okay with a slow decline for the 3ds. Hoping for a couple more Atlus releases (that alone would make it worth keeping my 3ds handy), as well as at least a few other releases (though with my backlog, I could probably do fine without). It's such a great little system!

One per person system? Shoot, I have two!

@cfgk24 hey if they were to do something like that like releasing a new one with like triple the resolution on each screen I’d be down for that

I started the Switch revolution in my family. Since, 2 cousins and I've gotten both my brothers 1 as well. The Switch seems like a one-person console first and foremost, with multiplayer being a novelty at family gatherings or particular games.

I think what's preventing the Switch from being a one-person handheld are the prices for games. We only have a few games that overlap. Console price isn't devastating, it's more of the games being $60 a pop that long term kills my wallet.

As long as continued 3DS support doesn't affect content for Switch, I guess that's fine.

I just bought a 124GB SD card and a second 3DSXL. I bought my first in Aug 2015 and filled up a 64GB card since. It was looking a little dingy, and I wanted to be able to trae Pokemon to myself. I’ll eventually get a Switch, but probably not for at least a couple more years.

A real test of this would be to put Luigi's Mansion on Switch also and see which sells better....

@Spoony_Tech really lol game Boy and nes game Boy and snes n64 and game Boy gba and GameCube.ds and Wii.lol just saying

That's a good decision, the 3DS has one of the strongest game libraries out there as well as a huge user base. I own a NS but is mostly for home use while the 3DS is my on-the-go choice, specially for all those fantastic JRPGs

@bignrules Exactly! Lol 🙂

@BARSAMAN Yep the Switch is a bit too big and battery life is too short to be a really portable system that everyone wants to take with them often. It makes more sense as a home console and not only because of these factors but also because of the game library. Resolution aside, New 3DS is the perfect portable system.

@Dang69 Right that is why Switch will get a worst version of a PS4 game instead of having the best version of a 3DS game. If they were releasing the 3DS version on Switch that would make sense.

The 3DS version would have sold more a LOT more than the downgraded switch version.

I was going to buy both PS4 and 3DS version for being so different, now Just the PS4 version since what is the point of the Switch version for me being just a downgraded version of a superior game?

@Mr_Pepperami More like "one for everyone of the family who play Switch" rather than "one per household".
Since it's also a portable console and can still be played individually/etc even with the TV dock.

In fact, the fact that both he and his wife have loved Dragon Quest Builders had a friend getting a second Switch for that very reason so they wouldn't have to go and try to figure whose turn it would be to play the game.

In a way, it feels like that indeed confirm the Switch will be meant to be a successor to not just the WiiU but the 3DS. So until it reaches a sufficient point, it's still preferable to not ditch the 3DS "right away".

Otoh, the fact they say that "one per person(in the household)" in household terms means that what they look at won't necessarily be global sales more than "concentration" of sales. Which perhaps might be coming up sooner than later since it doesn't has to outsell the 3DS yet more than just needing to achieve enough concentration to think such may happen.

Either way, it's still a really big success for Nintendo so I don't see that "we won't stop making the 3DS" necessarily get in the way of the Switch proper and shows that eventually they "will" phase the 3DS out in favor of Switch.

The one single reason they will ever stop selling 3DS is if it becomes largely unprofitable. They always say they'll keep supporting old systems when new ones come out, but rarely do for long.

I use my 3DS more than any other system. And I own a PS4, a Wii U, a Switch and a Vita.

I think it's great that Nintendo keeps supporting it. And I don't mind the lack of games, the backlog os pretty endless for my rate of play.

@8-Bit_Superman Wait, why? What's to get upset over here?

@AlbertXi Because the Switch version is the best possible looking version on a handheld device.

@Yorumi I don't think they're "supporting two systems" with 3DS and Switch, though. They're mostly supporting one and letting the other run on autopilot. They're surprisingly blunt about 3DS being a budget system for kids with a large existing library and (some token) support on occasion. I also still feel they're hedging heavily on "UNTIL Switch has similar numbers" rather than dropping price to force the issue while 3DS still sells. It would be worse if they discontinued 3DS....then they'd have to think of a second pillar of some sort, and that's when they get sloppy.

I LOVED my 3DS...but I haven't picked it up in about a year. Switch is just so much more awesome. But if I were spending $99 instead of $300 on my console.....3DS would be wonderful.

Not sure the 3DS slot would have worked on a few counts: 1: the 3DS reader is thick....they'd have to make the Switch thicker....that would suck (the dock could have had it I guess....but...that that's a whole other issue.) 2: the dual screens present a solvable but real problem on Switch. 3: EMU is probably not wonderful for 3DS on Tegra. 4: The texture resolution would look really really grotesque on a high density 720p display. It looks bad enough on 3DS XL.

@Yorumi Yeah, I'd have loved being able to move the awesome 3DS library to my Switch. But those textures....shudder.

Plus, I happen to love the 3D, so there would still be intensive to save the 3DS games for the real 3DS.

Once I got my Switch I gave my 3DS and all my games to my nephew it’s his 1st system and he loves the thing.

If they want Switch to become a one per person system, then Nintendo needs to start thinking about families.
For starters they need to implement a “family sharing” feature allowing to buy one digital game with a master or parent account and being able to download it on all the linked consoles.
And then, they need to offer a “family subscription” for the online service so that family members can benefit from it with a single, discounted fee.
Basically, they need to mimic Apple and their family sharing for iOS and Apple Music’s family subscription.
If Nintendo expects every kid in a family to own a Switch AND pay for their own online subscription AND buy each digital game separately... then they’re going to be waiting until the End Of Days.

@8-Bit_Superman They never said they weren't. Hardware production usually gets easier and less costly over time, so this is just them being a sensible business. I mean, just look at their current 3DS line-up - a niche game and 4 ports/remakes - and so far I'm not seeing how you can interpret this as "taking resources away from their newest product." Don't forget, Nintendo always seems to bill their latest product as a "third pillar" despite rarely following through on that in terms of content or platform iterations. Even the newest 2DS XL looks like it's using parts from the New 3DS line.

I'm just saying, there really isn't a downside here. Not unless you also thought the DS genuinely impeded 3DS sales instead of, you know, the fact that the 3DS was $250 at launch.

I don't think people realize this, but 3DS sales are actually up year-over-year in the US.

I theorized several months ago that the success of the Switch wouldn't hurt the 3DS, but would instead help the 3DS by raising demand for Nintendo as a brand, particularly in the west.

Seems like my theory is playing out pretty accurately. As long as the 3DS is still selling (let alone selling better than the year before), there is no reason why Nintendo should kill it off.

Having a basis for comparison.
For instance:
Super Mario Odyssey trailer (the E3 one with the T-Rex and "Jump Up, Super Star"): 282K+/17K- (5.7%-)

Nintendo Labo ("$70 for CARDBOARD BABY TOYS!?"): 293K+/39K- (11.7%-)

Pokemon Direct: 19K+/4.8K- (20.2%-)

I told everyone so the 3DS isn't going to disappear any time soon but you always hear the naysayer.

@JayJ I agree 100%. My kids have hardly touched their 3DS since they got the Switch. I would have sold them or given them away already but they like to revisit Pokémon every now & again. I’m sure once Pokemon Switch hits they will be retired for good.

The big N will discontinue the 3DS when technology for Switch becomes cheaper and prices are dropped so it would be sold in bundles with one dock as a family pack. That's my assumption.

@DABYX I have four kids three old enough to want their own stuff. Zero percent chance I can buy them all their own switch. 2DS to the rescue.

@The_Cysko_Kid Sound like a busy parent! I don't understand why anyone would wish others miss out.

Well how is the Switch supposed to become one-per-person when there aren't any new releases that support multiple console gaming?? Nine Parchments is the only game I've played that let's me connect with other Switch systems. The Warriors series (Fire Emblem and Hyrule) force multiplayer on a single console, cramming all the action into terrible split-screen.

My partner and I heavily considered buying a second Switch, but when we looked into it, we wouldn't have gained anything.

@AlbertXi U sure? I thought they were bringing the 3ds version over, too? If it's not in 3d, it's useless to me, anyway.

I don't play ganes outside my house, so I have no need for a portable gaming system. On occasion, I do prefer to sit on my bed & play 3DS as opposed playing a game on my television.

@twztid13 They are not bringing the 3DS version, at least that is the last the officialy said.

So basically instead of an amazing 2D version, you will have a downgraded crappier version of the PS4 version.

And I don't care about portability.

@AlbertXi yeah i loved dragon warrior 1&2 for NES, so I'd possibly buy the 3ds version even w/o 3d. If they don't bring it over, that is absurd. I will just buy the ps4 version, in that case.

@maruse "And then, they need to offer a “family subscription” for the online service so that family members can benefit from it with a single, discounted fee."

That's basically what they announced back in May.

@TheMisterManGuy I know.
My comment was made before they announced that.
Unfortunately they didn’t implement any form of family sharing so each family member needs to buy all digital games and DLC separately. I wasn’t expecting them to actually do that anyway so...

@maruse They can still implement that.

Well they'll make a lot of money if they make a handheld console that is backwards compatible with the wiiu and the entire DS/3DS line of games.

@RC_Russ98

I totally agree.....the Switch is a hybrid portable (tablet) system and the 3DS is a true handheld. Ever since GBA SP I have found clamshell to be the best design for a handleld system. What I believe they will/shoud do is spin Switch off into some different form factors. How about a clamshell mobile only clamshell unit @ $199, and I think a Switch micro console would be a no brainer. It could be about the size of VitaTV and have a procontrl version and a 2 player jycon version for $149 each. Why not do that while keeping the hybrid as the flagship...then they release the Switch pro wih X2 and full backward compatibility....game ove!