Discuss: The new 3DS and the emergent "split userbase"... is this a good trend?
- Thread starter Amir0x
- Start date
DeuceGamer
Member
I think some people believe this means they won't see any new releases on the regular 3DS model. I expect more og 3DS releases than "new" 3DS releases. For those upset, I'd wait before assuming and selling your og 3DS.
I'm going to argue that this is different from the DSi; exclusive retail games are a bigger deal than a digital download service that never really took off and a handful of exclusive features for other games. It's a lot more akin to the Gameboy Color. But the difference between this and the Gameboy Color is that the original Gameboy was out for nearly a decade before the Color released; the 3DS will have released three and a half years before the New 3DS. It's too short of a gap, with a release schedule too similar for Cell Phones.
But I'll still buy this day 1, and hell, maybe I'll buy both an original and an XL, or just get an XL but then import another one. I'm a complete sucker for buying Nintendo stuff anyways. The new port of Xenoblade doesn't really interest me at all but eh.
But I'll still buy this day 1, and hell, maybe I'll buy both an original and an XL, or just get an XL but then import another one. I'm a complete sucker for buying Nintendo stuff anyways. The new port of Xenoblade doesn't really interest me at all but eh.
Sylverstone14
Member
In a world where Apple could get away with "the new iPad", I think the name's fine.
Dumb, but hey, Nintendo's not the first.
I'm still not convinced it's going to split the userbase too much. Xenoblade had some huge landscapes and probably was a very taxing game to run, so I believe Nintendo when they say that it can only run on this new model. It remains to be seen how many other games are going to bill themselves as New 3DS only--I would imagine very few, unless Capcom comes around and announces another Monster Hunter or something that would undoubtedly push both hardware and software.
This is a pretty premium hardware upgrade that, by itself, might only cater to a niche audience for existing 3ds owners. I feel like they are trying to sell an exclusive game for it to "sweeten the pot" a bit more on getting it, but I bet it's going to be the exception more then the rule.
This is a pretty premium hardware upgrade that, by itself, might only cater to a niche audience for existing 3ds owners. I feel like they are trying to sell an exclusive game for it to "sweeten the pot" a bit more on getting it, but I bet it's going to be the exception more then the rule.
D
Deleted member 17706
Unconfirmed Member
I've got good news for you, then. It's not the same hardware.
I imagine that all depends on how well the hardware and its exclusives do. They are hedging their bets on this one and I think it's a smart strategy. Better than a clean break and having to start from scratch with a completely divorced system from the previous generation. More incremental upgrades seems like a good idea to me.
People comparing this to Gameboy colour it nothing like that lol. The colour was a massive upgrade compared to Og Gameboy and had lots exclusive stuff it was pretty much a new handheld.
So far this is barely a upgrade apart from CPU boost. It bizarre how much Nintendo suck a naming products past few years it will cause some issues if more new exclusives are released to general customers.
So far this is barely a upgrade apart from CPU boost. It bizarre how much Nintendo suck a naming products past few years it will cause some issues if more new exclusives are released to general customers.
Oh, dude.
What about turning the idea of console hardware upgrades on its head? Instead of having to buy new consoles every time, Microsoft and Sony and Nintendo would perhaps releasing systems with slots that allow them to release specific unified hardware upgrades after a set amount of years. Buying this upgrade will be far cheaper than simply buying all new hardware, and you'll be able to access a whole range of new games.
Why is this type of upgrade 'bad', but if a whole 400 dollar console named PS5 came out it'd be 'good?'
I think it will be interesting if this strategy catches on worldwide, but for Japan in particular I do not think this is a practical case of "splitting the userbase". Nintendo won't have any issues selling a new 3DS to new and existing customers again because there is a culture of new models working very well for the audience. Since people are already happy to get new colors, or expanded features, they'll just treat this as a slightly bigger upgrade than usual, with the extra benefit of being able to play even "better" games in the future.
With dedicated portables being a harder sell outside of Japanese these days though, something like this might have a very different effect in the US for example. We'll see.
With dedicated portables being a harder sell outside of Japanese these days though, something like this might have a very different effect in the US for example. We'll see.
Nintendo's done this every generation except the GBA generation. Apple does this yearly. Very few companies are going to put exclusive content on the New 3DS. I might consider one for Xenoblade but that's about it.
Probably should've had a better name than the new 3DS, but they probably figure "the new iPad" worked for Apple once.
Probably should've had a better name than the new 3DS, but they probably figure "the new iPad" worked for Apple once.
LiquidMetal14
hide your water-based mammals
I agree with this even though I'm entirely too financially strapped to even consider getting any games right now.
I don't know, but obviously it would have made the original 3ds more expensive. It will mainly be used for faster web browsing, miiverse, shop and not many games will take advantage of it. I guess having the camera head tracking 3d viewing angle tech also required a faster cpu, so if they wanted to implement that they would have to replace it anyway.
Freeman
Banned
As if people would be fine if MS or Sony pulled that. Making games for PS4 or Xbox One that wouldn't run on the original hardware.
Zen_Arcade
Banned
I probably won't buy one until I can either get it cheap, or a game I really wants comes out for it. Judging by the DSi library, I'll be getting it when it's cheap.
Either way, I'm not angry about it. But I do think porting Xenoblade was a waste, they just made the game look worse.
Either way, I'm not angry about it. But I do think porting Xenoblade was a waste, they just made the game look worse.
ThoughtsOfSpeaking
Banned
Lets not forget the PC gamers here, who are used to upgrading their hardware sometimes every year.
People need to accept that the typical 5 year console cycle is dead. Likewise, they need to accept that new platforms need to come when they are a complete paradigm shift, not just the same thing with bells and whistles.
Depends.
The DSi only had five exclusive games and IIRC, none of them were noteworthy. I'm already salty about the Xenoblade port ;-;
Question is: will they release more of these ports exclusive to the new model? Hard to say now.
It is a good strategy if the software is noticeably better on the New 3DS. Comparing it to older handhelds, the GB Color was a great revision and the additions had made it worth playing certain titles that were compatible with the vanilla GB on the color, Pokemon G/S for example.
They should have chosen a better name for the revision. The GB Color and DSI had titles that weren't easy to confuse with older models.
But, this is something most likely geared toward the more hardcore segment of handheld players so as far as business-wise it's not going to sell a ridiculous amount unless the next Monster Hunter or Pokemon title is N3wDS only.
Personally, I don't find it too insulting. Nintendo do revisions to their handheld hardware as time goes on and each revision tends to be better than the last, sometimes a great deal so, so it seems right.
It's a very safe thing to do that will likely result in at least a handful of impressive titles. Maybe some more Wii or GC ports in the future, like Re:Make, Sin and Punishment or F-Zero.
They should have chosen a better name for the revision. The GB Color and DSI had titles that weren't easy to confuse with older models.
But, this is something most likely geared toward the more hardcore segment of handheld players so as far as business-wise it's not going to sell a ridiculous amount unless the next Monster Hunter or Pokemon title is N3wDS only.
Personally, I don't find it too insulting. Nintendo do revisions to their handheld hardware as time goes on and each revision tends to be better than the last, sometimes a great deal so, so it seems right.
It's a very safe thing to do that will likely result in at least a handful of impressive titles. Maybe some more Wii or GC ports in the future, like Re:Make, Sin and Punishment or F-Zero.
That's not my point. In fact, you didn't even answer any of my questions posed lol
It's not about people complaining over Nintendo but not MS or Sony. Who gives a shit about that console war nonsense?
I'm talking about the very idea of upgrades themselves. Why is this sort of upgrade inherently negative compared to an entirely new console? If it was designed that way from the start, let's say, where there was a slot to release a hardware upgrade after a set amount of years, but you'd keep your console for decades or more, would this be negative? Why would that be negative versus a 'PS5'?
Boss Doggie
all my loli wolf companions are so moe
This is much like DSi so it wouldn't bother me much.
maniac-kun
Member
3DS userbase split whats going on?
LiquidMetal14
hide your water-based mammals
For Japan, I absolutely agree. I still don't like the idea of doing this mid cycle on a dedicated platform. This is why I'm against upgrading phones every year or so.
vagabondarts
Member
You guys are just mad because you bought one and don't want to upgrade. Throwing salt behind "split userbase" shields.
Also this has been going on since the game boy, and therefore the beginning of handheld gaming
Also this has been going on since the game boy, and therefore the beginning of handheld gaming
axisofweevils
Holy crap! Today's real megaton is that more than two people can have the same first name.
You could argue that Sony already did something similar with Vita TV, which split the userbase by not having control options the original Vita had.
Say if a new ps4 was released in 4 years that had improved specs and could run all the existing software, I don't feel that would be a big deal.
vagabondarts
Member
Yes
Yes it is 100% the same, the difference is back in that days there was no Internet and no body cared about that...
People who say that this is like the DSi don't seem to understand the difference. With the DSi, Nintendo encouraged software to be compatible with the entire hardware family, and DSi exclusive features were generally optional. With the New 3DS, Nintendo themselves are promoting this as a major feature and encouraging New 3DS exclusive software by leading from the front. That is a very interesting difference.
Comparisons with the GBC are much closer.
Comparisons with the GBC are much closer.
If you had a slot to turn a PS4 into a 'proper' PS5, they might be equivalent. Although I guess it would be hard to provide a slot that could accomodate an upgrade that would bring a full generational leap.
But piecemeal upgrades (like the new 3DS CPU upgrade) can be dicey. They 'break' the idea of simplicity in buying one box to last x years, which is one of the main selling points of console I think.
Piecemeal upgrades that can't be applied to existing hardware are even worse. It's basically built in obsolescence for machines that ostensibly belong to one hardware cycle.
Now, it kind of doesn't matter if software doesn't migrate alongside these upgrades. Effectively the new sub-platform just becomes a sideshow curiosity rather than something that demands new buy-in from existing customers. But it potentially does add a bit of confusion, and one has to ask if any confusion is worth it for a small niche sub-platform of software. The upside though, is that you give marketing something shiny and new to sell and IMO that's the main motivation for this. There's obviously an underlying need for Nintendo to market something 'new'. The token 'new CPU' change to the runtime environment is just an (unusually aggressive?) push to get sales from existing consumers afraid of future lock-out, more informed by marketing rather than any real creative push for more CPU power.
As someone who patiently waited for the 3ds xl and could finally afford it last december, im mildly rustled. Mainly because id buy xenoblade in a heartbeat but now i cant because i bought the wrong 3ds and didnt wait another year.
Ill be doubly salty if this new 3ds has some serious wiiu connectivity.
But if xenoblade and a couple other (hopefully less cool) exclusives are all i miss i wont be too butthurt: i cant afford to buy multiple of the same system.
Ill be doubly salty if this new 3ds has some serious wiiu connectivity.
But if xenoblade and a couple other (hopefully less cool) exclusives are all i miss i wont be too butthurt: i cant afford to buy multiple of the same system.
HolyBaikal
Banned
Oh... oh wow... this is actually new to me. Sorry.
So, the new 3DS isn't just a new model, but it's better? Like, an upgrade? Is the CPU better?
Well I think it's always good to make updates, and the 3DS has already had a whole bunch. So I don't see why not more? I'm kind of used to needing to buy more unnecessary hardware. And making small upgrades is something I do a lot with my PC.
I don't know if it's a good idea and if most people will like it. But I do.
So, the new 3DS isn't just a new model, but it's better? Like, an upgrade? Is the CPU better?
Well I think it's always good to make updates, and the 3DS has already had a whole bunch. So I don't see why not more? I'm kind of used to needing to buy more unnecessary hardware. And making small upgrades is something I do a lot with my PC.
I don't know if it's a good idea and if most people will like it. But I do.
toddhunter
Member
They already announced the new prices. Cheaper iirc.
Then yeah, I imagine it will do quite well.
Is this Nintendo waving the white flag to Apple and trying to grab the PSP/Vita market instead? It isn't insignificant in Japan, they probably have a good chance to achieve this goal and it'll help them in the console market down the track...should they choose to stay in it.
If so, I'd be happy with this direction.
Revolutionary
Member
I'm having flashbacks of the Game Boy Color.
I remember wanting one for some exclusive games (I think there was an exclusive GBC Harvest Moon), but I didn't think it was worth the money to upgrade.. so I waited for the Game Boy Advance instead, which turned out to be a great decision. Well, except for the screen brightness issue of course!
I remember wanting one for some exclusive games (I think there was an exclusive GBC Harvest Moon), but I didn't think it was worth the money to upgrade.. so I waited for the Game Boy Advance instead, which turned out to be a great decision. Well, except for the screen brightness issue of course!
If Nintendo want to go this route then they're going to need to bring out more and more exclusive software. When I saw Super Mario 3D world, I was half expecting a new version with more levels etc exclusive to the New 3DS
DragonSworne
Banned
The second stick and the extra shoulder buttons should have been standard in the first version of 3DS. The handheld should have never released without these standards.
Nintendo has themselves to blame for the future user base split or potential low sales of the new 3DS because the said split.
Nintendo has themselves to blame for the future user base split or potential low sales of the new 3DS because the said split.
Exentryk
Member
I just don't like this idea of hardware upgrades. Not everyone buys consoles day 1. Some wait until the system is 2-3 years in, and once the software library starts building up, they'll buy the system. Then, how much would it suck if the company released a new upgraded system, and you couldn't play half the games on the system?
Games take years to make nowadays, and given the console life is only 5-6 years, it's just not practical.
is this really true? xenoblade IS ONLY WORKING ON THE NEW ONE???
that would be the biggest downer ever. i mean asking everyone that they NEED the frankenstick is one thing... but the completely update the system is a bit much to ask... especially if you consider that nintendos account system is just the shittiest system to transfer from.
i already have a 3ds and the frankenstick... my little sister has also one,...
that would be the biggest downer ever. i mean asking everyone that they NEED the frankenstick is one thing... but the completely update the system is a bit much to ask... especially if you consider that nintendos account system is just the shittiest system to transfer from.
i already have a 3ds and the frankenstick... my little sister has also one,...
KirbYuuYuu
Member
It won't really split the user base very much since the old user base is still quite large, so few games will actually make use of the new model's capabilities.
You know, that and I didn't forget that the DSi and the GBC existed.
You know, that and I didn't forget that the DSi and the GBC existed.
The system didn't exactly suffer for it. The only game really pushing those extras is Monster Hunter (and now Xenoblade).
I honestly have no idea how this is going to work out. Literally none.
Is it going to split the userbase, making things awkward for a few years? Is it going to entirely replace regular 3DS sales? Is it going to be DSi-type stuff where nobody makes games to take advantage of the difference?
Hell if I know.
I think it would be best if upcoming games had two sets of graphical settings - one for 3DS and a slightly better-looking set for New 3DS, automatically detected by the software on startup.
Is it going to split the userbase, making things awkward for a few years? Is it going to entirely replace regular 3DS sales? Is it going to be DSi-type stuff where nobody makes games to take advantage of the difference?
Hell if I know.
I think it would be best if upcoming games had two sets of graphical settings - one for 3DS and a slightly better-looking set for New 3DS, automatically detected by the software on startup.
LiquidMetal14
hide your water-based mammals
I think the current climate makes this move different as well. As has been noted several times, this is a situation akin to a GB/GBC transition but with the hand held sector not as viable or stable as it was in the mid to late 90's.
In the big picture, I don't like the idea as I was one of those who recently re-bought a 3DS earlier this year.
That would be something but if the game is catered towards the new high spec model then I don't know if they would do that. And if the game already looks ok, imagine what it would look like even more toned down?