Nintendo 3DS Price Drop; Free Games for Early Adopters

[magus113]

Well not only is this a big move for Nintendo to compete with the upcoming PS Vita, but this also seems like a means to bring up those sales numbers.

The Nintendo 3DS is getting dropped to $170 USD on August 12th. We all knew it was coming, but I didn't know it was coming so soon.

As a means to try and drive up sales, Nintendo is giving out a bunch of free games that will be coming to the eShop. Joystiq has the conditions and some of the free games listed on their site:

Those who own a 3DS and connect to the Nintendo eShop before 11:59PM EST on August 11 will be automatically enrolled into the "Nintendo 3DS Ambassador" program.

3DS ambassadorial duties mostly involve playing a bunch of free games. The status grants you access to 10 free NES Virtual Console games on September 1 before their general release (these include The Legend of Zelda, Balloon Fight and Ice Climber), along with 10 more Game Boy Advance Virtual Console games by the end of 2011. The GBA games -- like Yoshi's Island, Super Mario Advance 3, Mario Kart: Super Circuit, Metroid Fusion, WarioWare, Inc.: Mega Microgames and Mario vs. Donkey Kong -- will not be available to anyone else.

Nintendo's line-up for the 3DS during the holidays is probably gonna help drive sales as well. I mean we have Star Fox 64 3D in September (with no online multiplayer; I'm still pissed about that), Kid Icarus: Uprising, Super Mario Land 3D in November and the new Mario Kart in December. So while it also seems like an act of desperation on their part, the price drop makes sense as well.

[Blix]

Now I can afford one. I can find a way to make some extra money on the side to get it. But I'll wait till there are more fun games.

[magus113]

Now I can afford one. I can find a way to make some extra money on the side to get it. But I'll wait till there are more fun games.

Well my list for 3DS games coming up are Star Fox 64 3D, Super Mario Land 3D, Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivor Overclocked, and Mario Kart for now.

Mario Kart should be enough of an incentive for me. The handheld Mario Karts have always been great.

[BreakABone]

Gah, now it went from maybe when Paper Mario/Super Mario 3DS drop to... well looks like getting one soon

[Vampyr]

Still holding out for the next version.

[Jason1]

Yea, I am probably going to hold off for the next version as well.

[Vampyr]

I hope the new version comes out soon though, I want to play Star Fox 64 and OoT really bad.

[TheSlyMoogle]

I'm still unimpressed with anything they have coming. Rehashed games and a new mario kart that is partially rehashed aren't enough to make me want it. Still waiting for a new pogeymans to be announced and maybe see what the new smash bros is like. So in other words definitely not until a new gen is announced.

[Vampyr]

I'm still unimpressed with anything they have coming. Rehashed games and a new mario kart that is partially rehashed aren't enough to make me want it. Still waiting for a new pogeymans to be announced and maybe see what the new smash bros is like. So in other words definitely not until a new gen is announced.

http://i.imgur.com/bXI7B.png

[magus113]

I saw a comment somewhere from Eiji Aonuma saying that if demand was high enough for it they'd give Majora's Mask a remake too.

Jesus Christ.

[magus113]

Oh and also, apparently the NES games that are gonna be given for free will have an update in the future to allow for multiplayer. That's kinda awesome, especially if they could be awesome and put like, Battletoads on the service.

[BreakABone]

I'm still unimpressed with anything they have coming. Rehashed gamesand a new mario kart that is partially rehashed aren't enough to make me want it. Still waiting for anew pogeymans to be announced and maybe see what the new smash bros is like. So in other words definitely not until a new gen is announced.

How does this add up?

You aren't interested because of rehashes but a new Pokemon and Smash may get you interested?

[Blix]

How does this add up?

You aren't interested because of rehashes but a new Pokemon and Smash may get you interested?

"Rehashes" exist because people like them and buy them. In the end, every single company will make them and people will ask them to. The same goes with long-time series. I wish Nintendo would actually create a new IP meant to be the next Zelda, Metroid, Mario or Donkey Kong of the future.

[BreakABone]

"Rehashes" exist because people like them and buy them. In the end, every single company will make them and people will ask them to. The same goes with long-time series. I wish Nintendo would actually create a new IP meant to be the next Zelda, Metroid, Mario or Donkey Kong of the future.

Wasn't what I was asking really.

More like how can he knock someone for rehashes then turn around and ask for rehashes.

[Dyne]

It's shitty, yeah, but I expected it. I've gotten a lot of joy out of my 3DS though. The built-in software is perfect for parties and family things. I'm also having a lot of fun with Dead or Alive: Dimensions right now. I'll skip Zelda because I've played it so many times. And... nothing, virtually nothing for months. Scary.

[magus113]

It's shitty, yeah, but I expected it. I've gotten a lot of joy out of my 3DS though. The built-in software is perfect for parties and family things. I'm also having a lot of fun with Dead or Alive: Dimensions right now. I'll skip Zelda because I've played it so many times. And... nothing, virtually nothing for months. Scary.

Yeah, my next purchase outside of anything on the eShop will be SMT: DS Overclocked , then Star Fox and all the other stuff that was announced this year.

You almost feel kinda bad for Nintendo. They're not doing so hot. Iwata took a 50 percent paycut for all of the bad stuff that they're dealing with financially now.

[Vampyr]

I sort of feel bad that I'm contributing to the problem (not buying a 3DS even though I want one), but with how crappy the GBA was to the GBA SP, and how crappy the original DS was to the Lite and XL, I just can't justify spending money on it yet.

[BreakABone]

This is strange, but I'm on the anti-Nintendo side here.

Why do you feel bad for a company? They screwed the pooch. They live and learn, and hopefully create their error in time, and take the lessons forward with the Wii U launch.

[magus113]

This is strange, but I'm on the anti-Nintendo side here.

Why do you feel bad for a company? They screwed the pooch. They live and learn, and hopefully create their error in time, and take the lessons forward with the Wii U launch.

Considering how the investors feelings are on the Wii U after they announced it, they could be on the slow boat to failure for a while.

[Vampyr]

This is strange, but I'm on the anti-Nintendo side here.

Why do you feel bad for a company? They screwed the pooch. They live and learn, and hopefully create their error in time, and take the lessons forward with the Wii U launch.

Because I want to see them do well enough to be able to release the upgraded 3DS.

[BreakABone]

Here's Iwata's personal apology

To Those Customers Who Bought A Nintendo 3DS Before The Price Change

Greetings, everyone. This is Satoru Iwata from Nintendo.

Thank you very much for purchasing a Nintendo 3DS.

We have just announced a price drop for the Nintendo 3DS system effective on August 11 [August 12 in North America].

In the past, there have been price drops for video game systems some time after their release in order to broaden the user base further. However, never before has Nintendo chosen to issue such a dramatic price drop less than 6 months after a system release.

We are all too keenly aware that those of you who supported us by purchasing the 3DS in the beginning may feel betrayed and criticize this decision.

This unprecedented timing for a price cut is because the situation has changed greatly since we originally launched the 3DS. We decided it was necessary to take this drastic step in order to ensure that large numbers of users will continue to enjoy the 3DS in the future.

If the software creators and those on the retail side are not confident that the Nintendo 3DS is a worthy successor to the DS and will achieve a similarly broad (user) base, it will be impossible for the 3DS to gain popularity, acquire a wide range of software, and eventually create the product cycle necessary for everyone to be satisfied with the system.

Those customers who purchased the 3DS at the very beginning are extremely important to us. We know that there is nothing we can do to completely make up for the feeling that you are being punished for buying the system early. Still, we would like to offer the following as a sign of our appreciation to you.

[3DS Ambassador program details]

We feel a strong responsibility to develop the 3DS as a platform — to ensure that, in the end, everyone is satisfied; we will make every effort to do so.

Additionally, we know everyone is waiting for Super Mario 3D Land and Mario Kart 7. They are scheduled for release in November and December, respectively, so we ask for your patience until then.

Thank you again, and we look forward to your continued support.

Iwata is perhaps one of my favorite gaming personalities.

[KillerGremlin]

Apologetic Nintendo is weak. I prefer brazenly stupid Nintendo over the introspective and apologetic Nintendo.

I mean why apologize? It's not like history has been any indicator of the inevitable improved model and price drop. Just look at this forum; look at how many people here held off on buying a 3DS.

There are always pros and cons to being an early adopter. Nintendo constantly drops the ball, but they shouldn't have to apologize for this.

(on the other hand, porting a bunch of N64 games and not having any new IPs in ages is a big deal...the N64 is like 15 years old...at some point old games should just become free domain and Nintendo should lose copyright privileges. I will never pay for NES/SNES/N64 games again unless it is via some massive Netflix type package....)

[TheSlyMoogle]

Wasn't what I was asking really.

More like how can he knock someone for rehashes then turn around and ask for rehashes.

A *new* pokemon and a *new* smash aren't rehashes in the sense of "Oh hey here is the exact same game we released 10 years ago, only with slightly better graphics and maybe some added content that wasn't present before."

[BreakABone]

A *new* pokemon and a *new* smash aren't rehashes in the sense of "Oh hey here is the exact same game we released 10 years ago, only with slightly better graphics and maybe some added content that wasn't present before."

How is that NOT Pokemon?

Honestly, of all Nintendo franchises, I would say that has to be one of the biggest offenders.

Perhaps, Animal Crossing being the only one worse.

[Vampyr]

Because it's POKEMON.

I don't need any other reason to want one. >:|

[KillerGremlin]

A *new* pokemon and a *new* smash aren't rehashes in the sense of "Oh hey here is the exact same game we released 10 years ago, only with slightly better graphics and maybe some added content that wasn't present before."

Actually, at this point, if it isn't a massive 3D MMORPG, then Nintendo might as well be making the same gosh darn Pokemon game. I love the series, but its progression is superficial...

[TheSlyMoogle]

Actually, at this point, if it isn't a massive 3D MMORPG, then Nintendo might as well be making the same gosh darn Pokemon game. I love the series, but its progression is superficial...

No I realize, it's basically the same game each time, but it's not the exact same game. At least it has new pokemon and they add a lot of new moves, a new story etc. Sure it's a lot of cosmetics on the same game.

A new smash is just like a new iteration of a fighting game. New characters and new items, new mechanics. Stuff like that.

What nintendo is doing now is releasing the exact same games on the 3DS with some perks like updated graphics.

[magus113]

Well there's officially two days left before Nintendo officially drops the price, but you can go to Wal-Mart today and pick up the 3DS for 170 dollars and if you get on the eShop before 11:59 PM on August 11th you're still eligible for your 20 free games.

Just thought I'd share.

[magus113]

Target also did the price drop early, so if there isn't a Wal-Mart in your area, you can take advantage at a Target too!

[Angrist]

Well there's officially two days left before Nintendo officially drops the price, but you can go to Wal-Mart today and pick up the 3DS for 170 dollars and if you get on the eShop before 11:59 PM on August 11th you're still eligible for your 20 free games.

Just thought I'd share.Great idea. If I wanted a 3DS, this is what I would do.

[BreakABone]

Target also did the price drop early, so if there isn't a Wal-Mart in your area, you can take advantage at a Target too!

And that's what I did, after some fussing about with the clerks.

Best of both worlds.

[TheSlyMoogle]

For an even bigger Trollan gamestop will be doing a special the 12th-14th.

If you trade in a DS toward the purchase of a brand new 3DS you can get it for a lesser price.

DSi XL = 3Ds for $99.99
DSi = 3DS for $110.99
DS Lite = 3DS for $119.99


This will only be for Powerup Reward members and only if you were a member before 08/04/2011.

If any of you are members you should be getting the coupon in your e-mail soonish.

[Angrist]

I read that the 20 free games include 10 AGB games. So much better than NES games! At the moment they're saying they have no plans to release those AGB games outside of this deal, but they'd be stupid not to.

[Vampyr]

For an even bigger Trollan gamestop will be doing a special the 12th-14th.

If you trade in a DS toward the purchase of a brand new 3DS you can get it for a lesser price.

DSi XL = 3Ds for $99.99
DSi = 3DS for $110.99
DS Lite = 3DS for $119.99


This will only be for Powerup Reward members and only if you were a member before 08/04/2011.

If any of you are members you should be getting the coupon in your e-mail soonish.

Man I don't know if I should do this or run to Wal-Mart today and grab 20 free games. :O

I mean, if those GBA games do come out on the estore, which they probably will, they'll probably not be any less than $10 a piece, and the NES games will be at least $5....and they could both be $5 more than that. But at a minimum that's a $150 value. :\ Which makes sense from a rewards perspective, you're giving back the loyal Nintendo people all their money they missed from the price drop, plus a little more.

[magus113]

Man I don't know if I should do this or run to Wal-Mart today and grab 20 free games. :O

I mean, if those GBA games do come out on the estore, which they probably will, they'll probably not be any less than $10 a piece, and the NES games will be at least $5....and they could both be $5 more than that. But at a minimum that's a $150 value. :\ Which makes sense from a rewards perspective, you're giving back the loyal Nintendo people all their money they missed from the price drop, plus a little more.

If GBA comes out in the eShop, I don't think they'll be the same ones offered to the ambassadors, and even if they do go up eventually I don't see it happening for a while and probably around the price range you're talking too.

Either way, you get a pretty neat handheld for a much better price than what I paid for it, regardless of whether you wait for GameStop or go out to Wal-Mart or Target today.

Also reminder: today is the last day to get the price dropped 3DS and log in to the eShop for the Ambassador program. Log in to the eShop before 11:59 PM tonight!

[Vampyr]

Well, I think I've decided to run out to Wal-Mart.

[magus113]

Well, I think I've decided to run out to Wal-Mart.

Drop your friend code when you get back and get it on!

[Vampyr]

I now have a 3DS!

Can't believe I just did that...I said I was going to hold out for a long time. but $170 and 20 free games (which look quite good) was too nice to pass up.

I bought a black one and got the OoT remake.

I'm back at work now, so I won't be able to play with it till this evening. Will post a friend code when I can.

[Vampyr]

I'm having a blast with this little machine. The AR stuff is so fun.

Friend code is 2707-1776-3011

Does anyone else have a friend code I can register?

[BreakABone]

I'm having a blast with this little machine. The AR stuff is so fun.

Friend code is 2707-1776-3011

Does anyone else have a friend code I can register?

Shiny and new

0216 0961 4372

[magus113]

My friend code is in my sig

[Vampyr]

I've been showing the AR stuff off at work, everyone is super impressed.

I haven't even played OoT yet (my battery got too low last night so I just let it charge up).

Overall very happy with this purchase, and all I've done is play with the built in software.

[magus113]

OoT is a treat. You'll seriously do a double take at the way things look, especially Hyrule Castle Town. It's not pre-rendered anymore!

[Vampyr]

After registering my 3DS at club nintendo, I wondered how much other stuff I could register. Went back and got out all my old Wii and DS games and systems, and registered everything.

I now have over 1300 points. XD

[BreakABone]

After registering my 3DS at club nintendo, I wondered how much other stuff I could register. Went back and got out all my old Wii and DS games and systems, and registered everything.

I now have over 1300 points. XD

Gah shouldn't have done that.

I split it up once I hit platinum because really not worth it beyond that point/save points for next year.

[Vampyr]

Gah shouldn't have done that.

I split it up once I hit platinum because really not worth it beyond that point/save points for next year.

I just assumed the Platinum status was based on the number of games you have registered. :\

I don't think I'm going to buy anything on there yet, waiting for a 3DS game case to be on there.

[Angrist]

The Nintendo star/point has been around in Europe since the launch of the GameCube. At the moment I have 3200 stars... and I can only get bunch of Mario stickers. I think there was a Mario question block that made coin sounds, but I didn't like it enough. Other than that it's mostly crap stuff.

[BreakABone]

I just assumed the Platinum status was based on the number of games you have registered. :\

I don't think I'm going to buy anything on there yet, waiting for a 3DS game case to be on there.

No, I believe its something like 300 for Gold and 600 for Platinum.

Usually, nothing too special, but sometimes.

Like this year, my Plat prize is a set of pins...

[Vampyr]

Sales jump up after price drop:

http://www.slashgear.com/nintendo-3ds-sales-soar-after-price-slash-16172084/


Nintendo’s price slash to the 3DS looks to have reignited interest in the glasses-free 3D gaming handheld, with sales in Japan reportedly flourishing after the discount took effect. According to figures reported by Famitsu, Nintendo shifted 214,821 3DS units in the week between August 8 and August 14 after having dive-bombed in the months following the device’s launch.

http://cdn.slashgear.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/nintendo_3ds_sales_japan_price_cut-copy-580x267.jpg

In fact, it’s suggested, Nintendo sold more 3DS units after the price cut than it did in the second week that the console was actually on sale. Not quite as many as the very first week of Japanese availability – which came in at 371,326 units – but impressive numbers nonetheless.

Nintendo cut the 3DS by 10,000 yen to 15,000 yen in Japan, as part of a global discounting promotion intended to build the device’s userbase. Officially US pricing dropped to $169.99 earlier this week, though many retailers had jumped the gun and slashed the sticker price early. According to an open letter to 3DS early-adopters by Nintendo president Saturo Iwata, apologizing for the “dramatic price drop”, the sudden change was prompted by concerns that, without suitably broad market adoption, developers would begin to ignore the 3DS altogether.

[BreakABone]

Here are the final 5 games from the NES

And these all go live on Thurs

Metroid, Open Tournament Golf, Wrecking Crew, Yoshi & Zelda II: The Adventure of Link

[magus113]

Ah yes! I forgot we start getting these on the first. I wish they'd give a date for the GBA games though. I'd love to see when I'll be getting those freebies.

[Vampyr]

Really excited for all of these. Glad I got in early enough. :)

I've actually never played through the Adventure of Link, that might be the first one I tackle.

[magus113]

Really excited for all of these. Glad I got in early enough. :)

I've actually never played through the Adventure of Link, that might be the first one I tackle.

I'm warning you, it's tough! I like it but it's tough. It's the only Zelda game I haven't finished.

[Vampyr]

I'm warning you, it's tough! I like it but it's tough. It's the only Zelda game I haven't finished.

I'll probably use a guide anyway. Old games like that rely too much on needing to know random information and guesswork.

[BreakABone]

Awesome, Nintendo put the games up early for download.

Go to eShop

Settings/Other
Your Account
And "Redownload" the games

[Angrist]

I'll probably use a guide anyway. Old games like that rely too much on needing to know random information and guesswork.In my experience that's not the hard part. The boss battles can be so tough...

Before you reach the final boss, you have to play an incredibly hard part for around 15 minutes. I usually lost 1 or 2 lives there... leaving me only 2 or 1 for the boss. I hardly damaged him before I died and had to do the whole part again! :(

[magus113]

In my experience that's not the hard part. The boss battles can be so tough...

Before you reach the final boss, you have to play an incredibly hard part for around 15 minutes. I usually lost 1 or 2 lives there... leaving me only 2 or 1 for the boss. I hardly damaged him before I died and had to do the whole part again! :(

Zelda II's Death Mountain is also confusing as hell.

[BreakABone]

Nintendo is releasing a new firmware update for the 3DS in a week, and it brings many new features to the system.. including an updated friends list with Super Mario 3D Land

1. 3D Video, and 3D Stop Motion animation videos.

2. QR code functionality will be improved

3. Transfer game files between Nintendo 3DS systems

4. New puzzles and extra Find Mii Dungeon

5. eShop will be expanded as well,You'll soon have access to game demos(for both downloadable games and retail games)

6. You'll be able to download software while your system is in Sleep Mode

7. The eShop will also support Download Codes (which will be used primarily for special promotions) and will enable users to save payment information to their system if they so so desire

8. The update will add a new application to your system's Home Menu:"Nintendo Zone" active when you're at a Nintendo 3DS hotspot location.Provides free access to exclusive content,streaming 3D videos(such as game trailers,tv ads) trivia games, and retail promotions

[BreakABone]

The update went live last night, and added a ton of under the hood improvement as well as some of the stuff listed above

Nintendo Zone - Depending on what region your 3DS is from, you might have a new icon on your main menu which allows you to download videos and demos from specific retailer wi-fi hotspots. Best Buy is that retailer in the US right now.

3D Video recording - This is under the camera icon where the pictures have always been. You can also start it by pressing the L and R buttons from the main menu.

QR Code scanning - In the camera application, there is now an icon you can press to scan QR codes. This is for regular QR codes and not Mii QR codes. When you scan them, you will be able to launch the 3DS web browser and go to the website.

System Transfer - You can now transfer all your games, saves, and settings from one 3DS to another. The option for this is under the System Settings menu.

Find Mii 2 - The sequel to Find Mii is now available to people who have already collected all the hats from Find Mii 1. Find Mii 2 will appear in the same menu where Find Mii 1 is. Find Mii 2 has a bunch of new hats including; Epona, R Wing, top hat, pirate hat, and many more.

New 3D Puzzles - The new puzzles are found in the same menu where the old puzzles were. The new puzzles are 40 pieces and have pieces you can only get from SpotPass. Some of the new puzzles include Mario Kart 7, Super Mario 3D Land, and Star Fox 64 3D.

Accomplishments - Achievements specifically for Mii Plaza.

eShop Updates

- The eShop loads faster.

- You can now add the exact amount you need to buy something. You don't have to add funds to a wallet if you don't want to anymore.

- You can now save your credit card info to your system.

- You can now queue up to 10 downloads and download them through SpotPass while the system is in sleep mode.

- You can now redeem download codes. The option is under Settings/Other on the eShop.

- Downloadable demos are available now depending on what region your 3DS is from. Japan has demos right now. Maybe the rest of us will get demos on Thursday.

- Developers can now put DLC on the eShop. No DLC that I know of is available yet though.

[Storm Eagle]

Well I finally got me a 3DS earlier this week, along with three games; The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D, Star Fox 64 3D, and Super Mario 3D Land.

I was going to wait until I got my tax refund early next year to get a 3DS, but Best Buy was having a sale this week that I just couldn't pass up. Get a 3DS, and they give you a $50 gift card. I wanted Ocarina of Time, and you can get the 3DS/Ocarina of Time bundle, but I really just wanted the aqua blue model. So I could get the color model I wanted and the game for less than if I were to buy them separately. They were also having a sale where if you buy two games that are at least $29.99, you get a third game for equal or lesser value for free.

[TheSlyMoogle]

YOU PASSED ON THAT SWEET ZELDA 3DS?!!!

ARE YOU RETARDED?!!!

No for real though...

It's sweet.

I mean if you were going to get a 3DS might as well get that one.



Anyway though, after Mario Kart 7 and Super Mario 3D land what else does the 3DS have to sell me on the system? OoT remake, sure that's cool, star fox remake? Cool too. Remakes though and I'm sick of buying games I've already played.

What is new and innovative that is coming out? Anything that is a must play?

[Angrist]

To be honest there have been better Zelda-themed consoles. This one is just black with some small gold prints. The AGB that came with The Minish Cap was fully gold I think?

[Storm Eagle]

YOU PASSED ON THAT SWEET ZELDA 3DS?!!!

ARE YOU RETARDED?!!!

No for real though...

It's sweet.

I mean if you were going to get a 3DS might as well get that one.



Anyway though, after Mario Kart 7 and Super Mario 3D land what else does the 3DS have to sell me on the system? OoT remake, sure that's cool,
Star Fox remake? Cool too. Remakes though and I'm sick of buying games I've already played.

What is new and innovative that is coming out? Anything that is a must play?

I mention getting a 3DS in this thread and all I get is insults? Seriously? Well I already got what I got, and I'm not disappointed with my purchase. I happen to like the color blue, with black coming in second. To each their own. Fuck off.

Anyway I just decided I'd get Super Mario 3D Land to sell.

[BreakABone]

Anyhow, look like we're finally getting the 2nd half of the list this month

F-Zero: Maximum Velocity
Super Mario Advance 3: Yoshi's Island
Legend of Zelda: Minish Cap
Fire Emblem: The Sacred Stones
Kirby & The Amazing Mirror
Mario Kart: Super Circuit
Mario vs. Donkey Kong
Metroid Fusion
Wario Land 4
WarioWare, Inc.: Mega Microgames

[Angrist]

If I had a 3DS, I'd get all giggly over that. :D So many great games!

[Vampyr]

That's an incredible selection, can't wait.

[BreakABone]

The game's are up!

And its also nice to see they improved their system since the NES games.
Now you can queue up all 10 of them to download when the system is in sleep mode. Makes it so much less tedious.