Petrae
Member
Being the first time in more than a decade in the US that customers who buy a Nintendo handheld won't be getting some sort of charger, I can imagine a fair amount of anger next month.
But Nintendo won't care.
About Nintendo's decisions on the New 3DS for America
- Thread starter Peterthumpa
- Start date
Being the first time in more than a decade in the US that customers who buy a Nintendo handheld won't be getting some sort of charger, I can imagine a fair amount of anger next month.
But Nintendo won't care.
Hibiki Kurosawa
Member
Yep, it's stupid. I was looking forward to faceplates being a common reward on Club Nintendo, too. Nintendo really effed up here, to me.
Gamestop is thrilled, this is going to generate huge add-on sales for them.
Truth. I really am sick of owning a fucking seperate charger for every device in my life, there is no reason that USB can't be used for most handheld devices other than the greed of cashing in on proprietary chargers.
Yeah, fuckin' lol at the idea that not including a charger is something only GAF would care about. Imagine if Apple announced the next iPhone didn't come with a USB cable or wall adapter. There would be riots in the streets.
You don't understand the complaint that Nintendo is shipping an incomplete product that is non functional without buying a seperate product?
And the analogies of memory cards and HDMI cables don't really work here cause you can at least turn those systems play some games.
Can't wait for their next home console to ship without a power cord. Since that is basically what is happening here.
My guess is most of them use either 1) a micro USB that costs them pennies or 2) the adapter itself is past the point of an easy purchase (i.e. a $30 lightning cable). Dunno makes sense to me, but that's why I'm an engineer and build things, not sell them.
I for one wouldn't care if every phone I got from this point out didn't come with an adapter. God knows I have like 50 of them.
Tawney Bomb
Member
No AC adapter is stupid.
I'm not sure what the ratio to 3DS to 3DS XL in the wild is over here, but it could be a case of that, I don't know the number, so just guessing. Could also being retailers telling them to get fucked.
I'm not sure what the ratio to 3DS to 3DS XL in the wild is over here, but it could be a case of that, I don't know the number, so just guessing. Could also being retailers telling them to get fucked.
DenogginizerOS
BenjaminBirdie's Thomas Jefferson
Given how woeful most clerks are in shops these days, I can see a lot of people making return visits to shops after getting home and realizing the thing needed to charge the system they just bought is NOT INCLUDED IN THE BOX! Absolutely moronic.
Zombie James
Banned
Shortsighted and stupid, simple as that.
Omegasquash
Member
Having any kind of hope for something on Club Nintendo is a mistake in and of itself.
Yet I still participate. Hm.
You don't care because the cables everyone but Nintendo uses are based on standards. Nintendo is choosing to not include a cable that's proprietary. That's why they deserve all the vitriol they get.
I'm not defending it, just trying to put logic behind the decision. My opinion is that it is still dumb, so far from being an apologist. The OP asked why it makes sense to do this. I'm trying to answer him instead of everyone else just posting reactions of how much they hate Nintendo. But nobody reads the whole thread to see all my posts so of course I get branded an apologist.
MyNameIsRye
Member
Man, I really hope all you people defending this aren't the same people who constantly complain about DLC for games. This is the same thing, if not worse.
Same.
I missed the XL charging cradle, the only item of any use in ages.
Faceplates would have been a fun reward.
Oh well.
flatearthpandas
Member
I can't share the outrage over not having an AC adapter, just because it was totally expected since they have been doing it in other territories for a while now, and it seems plenty of other companies are doing similar things. They could at least have given it a standard microUSB charger.
No regular n3DS is a little mindboggling though. Shouldn't have been surprising, since it is NoA, but nonetheless.
At least NA and EU both get to share in the ridiculous decision not to localize Fatal Frame despite the fact that Wii U literally has jack shit coming out for the first half of the year besides Splatoon.
No regular n3DS is a little mindboggling though. Shouldn't have been surprising, since it is NoA, but nonetheless.
At least NA and EU both get to share in the ridiculous decision not to localize Fatal Frame despite the fact that Wii U literally has jack shit coming out for the first half of the year besides Splatoon.
The Horror the horror
Banned
It doesn't make sense because every-day video game consumers, by now, are tech-savvy enough to know that electronic devices of this sort come with the means to charge them. By giving n3DS customers no option but to purchase an adapter, Nintendo's depriving them of the means to put that money towards purchasing n3DS games at the store. Considering there are hardly any games for this thing at launch, maybe Nintendo figured customers weren't going to pick up any titles for the system anyway, so why not have them pay for the chargers instead?
Bjomesphat
Banned
I'd be curious to know how many people this effects. I have both my DS and 3DS chargers so it doesn't matter to me. And if you're trading in to Gamestop, will they give you less money without the AC adapter?
It's not as simple as saying, "They're doing just as bad there." To have a chance to do -good,- they have to look at the logistics of each market, and retail in Europe (I.E. what stores want to stock, what will sell when, etc) is not necessarily the same in America.
If NOA had data to support the notion that the regular N3DS would sell, I'm sure they would sell it. They're not going to leave a product sitting on the table, one that unlike a game requires no localization, if they feel it will sell.
Also note, the Japan didn't get the 2DS. This isn't unprecedented. There were probably people in Japan who were pissed about not getting that system, but I'm sure NCL had their reasons, too.
I don't think it's particularly hard to understand, actually. It's annoying, sure, frustrating even. But hard to understand? Nah. The original version of the 3DS pretty much stopped selling once Nintendo released the 3DS XL. It's painfully obvious that people prefer bigger screens over smaller screens these days - not only on handhelds, but for everything. Just take a look at the smartphone market. Devices with small screens just aren't particularly popular these days and that's something Nintendo had to realize too.
Faceplates aren't a magical moneymaker either. In order for those to sell a meaningful amount a reasonably sized userbase is absolutely necessary. Otherwise retailers are only getting annoyed that they are supposed to stock a dozen different faceplate designs, even though no one is buying any of them.
Faceplates aren't a magical moneymaker either. In order for those to sell a meaningful amount a reasonably sized userbase is absolutely necessary. Otherwise retailers are only getting annoyed that they are supposed to stock a dozen different faceplate designs, even though no one is buying any of them.
ReBurn
Gold Member
The bigger issue is the charger. The smaller form factor edition wasn't the primary sales driver for the 3DS in North America. For anyone seriously considering the purchase, I'd go ahead and try to score a cheap charger online now before the prices inevitably go up due to demand.
X
Xpike
Unconfirmed Member
The whole AC adapter is a complete betrayal of Nintendo's ideals. Their supposed philosophy of allowing everyone to jump in into gaming is obviously not supported by their excluding people from charging their own freakin console that utilizes a propietary charger.
Only releasing the New Nintendo 3DS XL was a tough, smart decision. They need to streamline their SKUs, as the regular consumer is likely already confused as fuck.
Unfortunately, this was half-baked, as they still went with an even worse name than 'Wii U'.
Not including an AC adapter was anti-consumer.
In light of the industry's (in this case, specifically Nintendo's) increasingly aggressive moves in to the digital marketplace, this move was to appease brick-and-mortar retailers by allowing for an additional 'physical' item that is, more or less, necessary for the sale.
Specifically this allows for places like Gamestop to undercut Nintendo, and sell their own branded AC adapter $5 cheaper or whatever, and make huge margins on the item.
Given that confused parents will be coming in to the shop to buy these for their kids or whatever, this add-on sale is basically a no-brainer.
Remember that Nintendo relies on retailers' physical shelve space for their consoles, and the margins on console-sales are pretty thin. Nintendo is cutting into retailers' add-on game sales by gradually encouraging their own digital distribution model. I suspect this was a move to appease retailers in addition to cutting their own costs.
Unfortunately, this was half-baked, as they still went with an even worse name than 'Wii U'.
Not including an AC adapter was anti-consumer.
In light of the industry's (in this case, specifically Nintendo's) increasingly aggressive moves in to the digital marketplace, this move was to appease brick-and-mortar retailers by allowing for an additional 'physical' item that is, more or less, necessary for the sale.
Specifically this allows for places like Gamestop to undercut Nintendo, and sell their own branded AC adapter $5 cheaper or whatever, and make huge margins on the item.
Given that confused parents will be coming in to the shop to buy these for their kids or whatever, this add-on sale is basically a no-brainer.
Remember that Nintendo relies on retailers' physical shelve space for their consoles, and the margins on console-sales are pretty thin. Nintendo is cutting into retailers' add-on game sales by gradually encouraging their own digital distribution model. I suspect this was a move to appease retailers in addition to cutting their own costs.
Power draw I believe is higher than what USB currently supports so you couldn't charge and play at the same time and things like that. Should change with the upcoming USB 3.1 standard and maybe by the time they get to new systems we'll have a real wireless standard.
Explain how selling a console without a essential piece of hardware is the same as DLC for a game?
It effected me when I bought my 3DS, had to order one online and wait for it to be delivered. Also here in England, stores like Game and Grainger won't take a 3DS without the charger.
Omegasquash
Member
Wait now...does this mean that there will be a 3rd party USB charging cable released? Because I'd take that as at least SOMETHING good to come out of this. A tiny bit less bulk to take with me on business trips, the ability to save an outlet and slap it into my lap/desktop.
I'm sure there's probably already something out there for 3DS. Who the hell am I kidding?
I'm sure there's probably already something out there for 3DS. Who the hell am I kidding?
Oh I get it. I'm just trying to answer your question as to why other companies don't do it. Apple uses proprietary and so does the Vita. Their cables seem to be a lot more expensive from OEM. To the point where someone says $200 + $30 is too much whereas with the 3DS it may be $200 + $10 isn't too much. Again not a market researcher. Stop mistaking me for a apologist or defender; I'm just trying to answer OPs and your question. This has nothing to do with the vitriol and everything to do with why it may make business sense.
It isn't. I've used a USB cable to charge/play my 3DS XL for years.
sonikokaruto
Banned
Version 3.0
Member
We'll see. Americans are supposed to be more entitled and stupid, aren't we?
blast processed
Member
I understand how electronics work and I already stated what I did not understand, no need to repeat it.
EDIT: I do have a problem with Nintendo not including Majoras Mask in the LE 3DS. As far as I know a game has been packed with every LE but this one.
Projectjustice
Banned
No AC Adapter is dumb but the no regular 3ds is fine. Everyone wants big devices anyways.
Coffee Dog
Banned
Yeah, I'm pretty pissed.
I think they went with the right name. "XL" has its own brand equity; it conveys the feature that was so popular in their bestselling 3DS model. Now when people see "New 3DS XL," they know which system it's using as a base. If they dropped the "XL" moniker, some people may think it's a downgrade to the original scale.
I know this is going to come off as overreacting, but I think I may get rid of my 3DS XL and game collection now.
I wanted the regular N3DS-- I have a Japanese model already and find it so much more comfortable to use than the XL. So with this move, I think I may just sell off everything and use some of the money to rebuy the Japanese versions of games I really like, then just buy Japanese games from this point on.
One thing I do not understand about this are the faceplates-- you'd think this would be a big selling point for them over here and it would be the XL that doesn't get a U.S. release.
I wanted the regular N3DS-- I have a Japanese model already and find it so much more comfortable to use than the XL. So with this move, I think I may just sell off everything and use some of the money to rebuy the Japanese versions of games I really like, then just buy Japanese games from this point on.
One thing I do not understand about this are the faceplates-- you'd think this would be a big selling point for them over here and it would be the XL that doesn't get a U.S. release.
El Sabroso
Member
lack of AC adapter seems dumb to attract new buyers, but only XL model seems the right choice unless ppl wanted overpriced faceplates by scalpers
the opportunity tho was the color design, I would love to see full colored buttons on the XL model and not only the regular one
the opportunity tho was the color design, I would love to see full colored buttons on the XL model and not only the regular one
I have a usb cable I got for $2 off Amazon that I use to charge this thing from a battery pack so I can collect all the streetpasses at stuff like PAX and MAGfest.
They are easily available.
Pathfinder
Member
Okay, so basically what I'm seeing in this thread is Nintendo has decided to level U.S. with the rest of the regions they sell the 3DS in and not include an AC adapter. While that seems mildly inconvenient, it's honestly doesn't seem like it's as big of a deal as some people are making it out to be.
U.S. gamers were getting a perk for years, and now we're not getting the perk.
That being said, you can buy an AC adapter for 3DS on Amazon right now for $8.39
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CJTA87A/?tag=neogaf0e-20
Which I plan on doing right now so that way I won't be caught with my pants down if Nintendo runs into some sort of 3DS charger shortage after N3DS releases.
Problem solved.
U.S. gamers were getting a perk for years, and now we're not getting the perk.
That being said, you can buy an AC adapter for 3DS on Amazon right now for $8.39
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CJTA87A/?tag=neogaf0e-20
Which I plan on doing right now so that way I won't be caught with my pants down if Nintendo runs into some sort of 3DS charger shortage after N3DS releases.
Problem solved.
Petrae
Member
In the past, some GS stores will make you use some of the store credit that you get for your trade-in to replace a missing item. For example, if you get $100 for a 3DS XL, they'll subtract $15 to buy an AC adapter from the floor to go with your trade-in, so you wind up with $85 in credit instead.
Same would apply to other trades (missing AV cables for consoles, missing stylus for DS, etc,)
It was ridiculous when they released the original XL in Europe without a power adapter but we were told that of course everyone has a power adapter and even if you don't, the corner store is selling them for five bucks.
In reality those power adapters were 20-25. That is, if you were ever able to even see one in local stores. They were quite a rare sight for a long time and the availability became better only when 3rd party gear became available. For 20 of course, easy to ask that much when there was no official option available in stores. Order from abroad? Shipping cost kills that idea.
At least in North America there's Amazon and reasonable shipping fees/delivery times.
In reality those power adapters were 20-25. That is, if you were ever able to even see one in local stores. They were quite a rare sight for a long time and the availability became better only when 3rd party gear became available. For 20 of course, easy to ask that much when there was no official option available in stores. Order from abroad? Shipping cost kills that idea.
At least in North America there's Amazon and reasonable shipping fees/delivery times.
The way I see it.
If they charged $210 and included the AC adapter, there might be some minor complaints about the price, but on the whole that's die down in a week.
This way is actually better: if you have a charger you save $10 and if you don't then it's the same price as the $210 model would be.
If they charged $210 and included the AC adapter, there might be some minor complaints about the price, but on the whole that's die down in a week.
This way is actually better: if you have a charger you save $10 and if you don't then it's the same price as the $210 model would be.
This is very true about them removing money from the wallets of consumers to purchase games. However, $10 isn't the cost of the game. I'm guessing someone isn't likely to say "Ah, I can't afford that $40 game now that I just spent $10 on a charger." If the charger was $30 (Vita) that's the cost of a game. But I'm in a different financial position than most so my viewpoint is skewed. See this is good convo without someone calling me a defender or apologist!