After 125 years of receiving terrible service, 50hz PAL releases, delayed games, cancelled games, banned games and having a customer service center without an email address all whilst living in a country where everything wants to kill you, Nintendo have finally shown some compassion to Australian and New Zealand fans with the release of the New Nintendo 3DS - which is having its english language debut in the region months before anywhere else in the world.
So, what is the New Nintendo 3DS? You already know, but this is an OT, so I’ll explain anyway:
The New Nintendo 3DS is the first major redesign of the standard size model (as well as the XL). Whilst the New 3DS XL has the same size screen as the standard 3DS XL and roughly the same dimensions, the standard New Nintendo 3DS has a larger screen (3.88 inches) than the original 3DS (3.53 inches) and a slightly larger form factor. In addition to the exterior of both consoles being redesigned for the better, the consoles also have a number of significant benefits:
- Improved 3D effect
- NFC sensor built under the touchscreen for Amiibo support
- A second stick/nub (C-Stick) and two new shoulder buttons (ZL and ZR)
- Upgraded specs, including more RAM for better performance and faster loading of games and menus.
- Enhanced and exclusive titles that make use of these extra specs, such as the web browser, Monster Hunter 4G and Xenoblade
- Switchable faceplates for personalization (NOT available on the XL model)
Full specifications for both models can be found here.
The most significant upgrade there is of course the improved 3D effect which has received huge praise since the Japanese launch. Using the new IR tracking sensor above the top screen, the console tracks where you are looking and adjusts the 3D angle automatically. This results in a 3D effect that can be seen from any angle with no sweet spot, and even gyro controls work with it!
Three SKUs will be launched today.
The standard White New Nintendo 3DS:
Suggested retail price AU$219.95
The Metallic Black New Nintendo 3DS XL, and the Metallic Blue New Nintendo 3DS XL:
Suggested retail price AU$249.95
The black standard model is currently a japan exclusive.
Because it is a new product line, there are of course a shitload of new accessories.
FACEPLATES
One of the main additions to the standard New Nintendo 3DS (not the XL) is the addition of changeable faceplates for the top and bottom outer sides of the console. Not dissimilar to what was offered for the Game Boy Micro, faceplates can give your console a personalized look. The console actually comes in the box with the faceplates unattached - this instantly gives the buyer an idea of what they are and how to install them.
To install them, you simply snap the top one into place. You can use the nifty new stylus design to simply pry it off to swap with another design. For the lower faceplate, you need to use a screwdriver (phillips #00 will do. The Micro SD port is under this too).
There will be 20 faceplates available for purchase at launch. The 19 shown above retail for AUD$17.95 and NZD$24.99. The only exception is this one:
...which is AUD$39.95 for seemingly no reason whatsoever. Maybe it really is made of wood! Also, bear in mind that faceplates are universal. Any released in Japan will also fit your PAL console.
AC ADAPTERS
As expected, neither models come with an AC adapter. You will have to either use an existing one or buy the charger separately (RRP AUD$14.95, NZD$19.99). There will also be two docks available at launch (one for each model). Be aware that these do not come with an AC adapter either!
Both size docks retail for AUD$14.95, NZD$19.99.
The console comes with a 4GB Micro SD installed but it does not take standard SD, so you may need to buy a larger size Micro SD to house all your eshop stuff. There are other accessories available such as cases and screen protectors, but they’re all boring and shit so lets move on.
Vooks.net has a comprehensive list of current prices for Australia. Prices range from $199.99-$219.99 for the standard model, and $229-$250 for the XL.
As for New Zealand, there doesn't seem to be a huge amount of deals around. If anyone sees any deals available, let me know and I will update this. Until then, it's just the usual places such as EB Games and JB HiFi. Mightyape have the console for $279.99.
Now, onto the filthy importers such as myself. Why wait months until a western release of the New 3DS when you can import one now? The AUS/NZ model is the same region as UK/Europe and is confirmed as compatible with all UK/EU games and NNIDs. Once you turn the console on for the first time, simply set your country and off you go. Amazing! There’s no site with a handy list of deals, so I’ll just list them here:
PLAY-ASIA
N3DS XL METALLIC BLACK
N3DS XL BLUE
£166
STANDARD N3DS WHITE
£140
365GAMES (UK BASED - DO NOT SHIP OUTSIDE THE UK)
NEW 3DS XL BLUE
£169.99
NEW 3DS STANDARD WHITE
£152.99
Star Games (Belgium)
NEW 3DS XL BLUE
249€
NEW 3DS XL BLACK
249€
NEW 3DS STANDARD WHITE
199€
With Play Asia, you will get the console sooner and cheaper - but you run the risk of getting caught by customs. With 365Games, you have no chance of any extra charges as they ship from the UK - but they will not dispatch until the 28th (as they need to get their stock from australia first). It’s a no brainer - why wait until a date next year when you can get a console that works with all of your games RIGHT NOW? Hell yeah!
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So, that's it! Enjoy your new consoles, and post your impressions here!
