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[NickFire]

Isn't that what they meant when they said the 3DS XL is the best choice for this particular market? Did you need an accompanying pie chart?

Go ask them what they meant. I assume the same thing you do, but because they don't have the courage to simply say that without digging in to a bag of PR tricks, the best we can do is assume. But by all means feel free to make some pie charts when you aren't busy trying to ridicule people tired of companies avoiding straight answers to simple questions.

 

[krumble]

Via Kotaku

Confirmed, NOA thinks Americans are all XL and all have XL paws...

 

[HarryDemeanor]

Forget the small New 3DS. Where the hell is my white New 3DS XL Nintendo?

 

[Tookay]

Ok, so we know NoA is completely responsible then.
People were quick to blame NoJ. NoA is ran by complete dummies.

Why are you so confident we know it's all on NOA? Because of this statement?

It's corporate speak. Taking it at face value is unwise.

It's not like they're going to point fingers at NCL; they never do.

 

[CronoShot]

Guys look on the bright side, we don't have to choose between them now!!!!
D
But seriously this makes sense for the US market imo, everyone I see pretty much has the XL model and likes it. I'm pretty sure all they had to do was check sales figures and realized US market was buying much more of the XL.

The XL is outselling the regular in JP and EU too, by quite a bit. Didn't stop them from bringing the regular N3DS out. NoA just doesn't give a fuck.

 

[Rock And Roll]

A dumb decision with a dumb explanation. At least Nintendo is being consistent!

 

[ElFly]

Some people want face plates, and on a more superficial level full color buttons. Also there is an appeal to smaller devices, it's why you seem more likely to see the Xperia Z3 Compact on best phone lists rather than the Xperia Z3 because the Compact fills an underserved niche very well (smaller high end Android phones.) Even at a gig less of RAM.

There isn't a really good reason to not have the XL support faceplates too.

It's dumb that -not in america- you have to choose between screen size and faceplates.

 

[midasmulligan]

Rather have the XL, why would someone want the smaller one outside of the button colors?

Totally, like why would someone want a two seater car in San Francisco when they could buy a limousine??

 

[Blueblur1]

Consumers want a regular size new 3DS, Nintendo.

 

[Dsyndrome]

Screw you NoA, I've never wanted an XL and you taking away the N3DS to entice me to get one won't change that. I don't know why I'm so pissed about all this, but there it is.

 

[Ricky 7]

NoA is so dumb, they mismanage their biggest market so bad.

 

[moltonasty]

I'm sure they'll bring it to NA sooner or later. Prob later this year, especially considering that they have discontinued the original 3DS models (right?).

Anyway, I prefer XL and most ppl with 3DS (friends and on the subway here in NYC) usually have XL as well. So I ain't even mad.

 

[TheSlySoul]

A dumb decision with a dumb explanation. At least Nintendo is being consistent!

Hah nice. Really hope 2DS continues to tank to show them how wrong they were.

 

[Illucio]

For the n3DS not being in America was because of Nintendo of America?
Yeah that I can buy. But that doesn't discount the idea someone might had influence to give them that idea.

Imagine how much more better it would had been if Majora's Mask 3D n3DSXL bundle was a simple plate along with the Monster Hunter n3DSXL? BAM! No need for stupid exclusive console to have a nice looking one.

 

[NateDrake]

I still think they have data that shows how the systems are selling and who they're likely selling to. The XL option might simply make the most sense, maybe at this time, to sell at this time to them. Worrying about the face plates and getting them into stores might be an added cost they don't feel they need to deal with.

Pretty much this. I feel that they will eventually release the regular N3DS around the holidays as a cheaper sku. Perhaps bundle it or something. With titles like MM3D and MH4U they probably feel the XL is better for the "core" audience these games will appeal to. Never mind the first exclusive game is Xenoblade another "core" game.

 

[LiK]

Or, maybe they know the market better than vocal posters on a forum? They know what will sell best for their handheld. They probably have years of dsi xl, 3ds xl sales data to tell them which way to go.

Anecdotally, everyone I know who owns a 3DS still or people I've seen play out and about was an XL. Maybe they felt that the cost to sell the normal version here wouldn't be as profitable as they needed.

Yea, I'm sure they know the market well considering how badly the Wii U is selling here but let's keep on pushing it more than the more successful 3DS.

 

[krumble]

Translation 1: We didnt sell out of the old 3DS yet.

Translation 2: We want to keep selling the old 3DS and our retail partners dont want that many different SKUs on the shelf.

This is probably the closest to the truth

 

[Suzushiiro]

Expand options by restricting...options. now that's some Jedi mind tricks right there, or at least some ubisoft level PR obfuscation

Adding the N3DSXL to the existing lineup of 2DS/3DS/3DSXL is adding choice, though. It's not adding as much choice as adding both that and the N3DS, but it's still adding choice.

 

[Lucifon]

At the end of the day Nintendo have the numbers. I'm guessing the normal 3DS pales in comparison to XL sales so it doesn't make much sense to them from a business perspective.

 

[Gonzo The Great]

"X1 sold better than Y1 therefore X2 will sell better than Y2" is a fallacious argument. Did they ever take other factors into consideration? Business isn't about making assumptions. But they obviously know the market better than some random forum posters. That's why the Wii U has been such a roaring success. Nintendo is more interested in saving money than making money at this point.

1) The 3DS XL was released at a time when the system already had plenty of great games available
2) They've been quietly discontinuing the original model ever since the XL was released because the latter has higher profit margins; I haven't seen a 3DS in stores since 2013
3) The New 3DS has more appeal because it includes interchangeable faceplates, something the original model didn't have at the time of its release

 

[Tom Nook]

Dog = NOA

 

[Aaronrules380]

I'm guessing market data just showed that after the 3ds XL was released the vast majority of consumers just stopped caring about the normal 3DS. Most people will prefer the XL, and face plates might be a harder sell in NA due to things like shelf space and market differences. It sucks, but Nintendo is a company, their goal is to make money, not please every single fan

 

[Effect]

Consumers want a regular size new 3DS, Nintendo.

How many is the question. A vocal minority online or a the mass market that have the system? Is there really a market for the face plates that justify getting store space for them? These are the questions Nintendo is likely asking themselves and looking at the data to answer.

Also isn't the XL/LL version outselling the standard size system in Japan by a wide margin each week? This when it comes to the non-New and the New version.

It looks like there are a number of reasons why they would only offer the XL version.

I'm guessing market data just showed that after the 3ds XL was released the vast majority of consumers just stopped caring about the normal 3DS. Most people will prefer the XL, and face plates might be a harder sell in NA due to things like shelf space and market differences. It sucks, but Nintendo is a company, their goal is to make money, not please every single fan

Exactly.

 

[krumble]

There isn't a really good reason to not have the XL support faceplates too.

It's dumb that -not in america- you have to choose between screen size and faceplates.

Betting on a New NDS XL with faceplates in about a year, or just before xmas?

 

[.hacked]

Face plates.

forgot about face plates, those are pretty nice from what I have seen.

 

[TheSlySoul]

Yea, I'm sure they know the market well considering how badly the Wii U is selling here but let's keep on pushing it more than the more successful 3DS.

The 3DS history has been a messy one. It pretty much was not successful until it hit around the 150 price mark. It reminds me plenty of the PS3 history.
Except this would be like if they decided only one new slim model was enough.

 

[Brawly Likes to Brawl]

"We want to expand people's choices by not giving them choice in model size."

Taking a page from Gamefreak's book of "Contradictory Answers to Tough Questions", I see.

 

[Tal Shiar Agent]

I could potentially see why the n3DS isn't coming out in NA, but I can't fathom why the n3DSXL doesn't include the AC adapter.

That alone is reason enough for me to not buy the n3DSXL.

$200 is too much for the system too. I expected something more around $150. If I ever do get a n3DSXL I will wait for a price drop.

The most recent Nintendo system I bought was the DSi, and it may be the last.

 

[Astarte]

That new Kirby faceplate from the Japanese Nintendo Direct looks so incredible too...

 

[.hacked]

Totally, like why would someone want a two seater car in San Francisco when they could buy a limousine??

XL is not that big.

 

[Aaronrules380]

"X1 sold better than Y1 therefore X2 will sell better than Y2" is a fallacious argument. Did they ever take other factors into consideration? Business isn't about making assumptions. But they obviously know the market better than some random forum posters. That's why the Wii U has been such a roaring success. Nintendo is more interested in saving money than making money at this point.

1) The 3DS XL was released at a time when the system already had plenty of great games available
2) They've been quietly discontinuing the original model ever since the XL was released because the latter has higher profit margins; I haven't seen a 3DS in stores since 2013
3) The New 3DS has more appeal because it includes interchangeable faceplates, something the original model didn't have at the time of its release

Did you consider that the OG 3DS was phased out because nobody bought any after the XL was released? And face plates are probably a hard sell to retailers, who have limited shelf space. It sucks, but it's absolutely fucking stupid to think you know better than the corporation when they have shit loads of sales data and marketing research, and you have literally none

 

[piratepwnsninja]

NoA is fucking clueless. Not everyone here wants the XL.

Nintendo of America continues to show complete ignorance towards the desires of its consumers. Awesome.

Market research says the demand for "smaller" 3DS's is tiny. (look at XL sales vs normal after it's release). So they don't release the smaller variant.

That last post is really it. I totally get that here there are a number of people that would prefer the normal one. But within their target demographic, which isn't really us, it's not a financially feasible move since most kids honestly think bigger is better, regardless of comfort or what it does to the resolution, etc. So from a business standpoint, and honestly from a "who are our general consumers" standpoint, it makes sense. Still doesn't suck less for those wanting the normal one, but I see why they're doing it.

 

[Suzushiiro]

Translation 1: We didnt sell out of the old 3DS yet.

Translation 2: We want to keep selling the old 3DS and our retail partners dont want that many different SKUs on the shelf.

Yeah, pretty much. We'll probably see the N3DS lite once retailers have gotten rid of a sufficient quantity of 3DS/3DSXL stock.

 

[minor effort]

Maybe I should just take a deep breath, remind myself that I was fine passing over the DSi, and I'll probably be fine passing this one too.

 

[Kintaro]

Ok, so we know NoA is completely responsible then.
People were quick to blame NoJ. NoA is ran by complete dummies.

NoA is run by Iwata isn't it? So, NoA is run by NoJ. =P

 

[Japanmanx3]

But is NoA gonna at least show me some Club Nintendo love like NoE???

 

[TheSlySoul]

That last post is really it. I totally get that here there are a number of people that would prefer the normal one. But within their target demographic, which isn't really us, it's not a financially feasible move since most kids honestly think bigger is better, regardless of comfort or what it does to the resolution, etc. So from a business standpoint, and honestly from a "who are our general consumers" standpoint, it makes sense. Still doesn't suck less for those wanting the normal one, but I see why they're doing it.

I totally agree with you, but NoA is doing something completely odd in that the 2DS has sold less than the regular 3DS overall, but they continue to support it despite the sales record. If you look at stats alone, the 2DS should be phased out for the new regular 3DS.

NoA is run by Iwata isn't it? So, NoA is run by NoJ. =P

That's true, I guess. I have not been the biggest fan of Iwata's direction. The only thing I like about him is he is now focusing on games rather than gimmicks.

 

[Instro]

The reasoning is meaningless, the device is being relesed everywhere else in the world already. They could easily produce send some small quantities and sell them through their own shop, Amazon, or as GameStop exclusive, if there is retailer concern or they simply dont think it will perform well.

 

[shinobi602]

Rather have the XL, why would someone want the smaller one outside of the button colors?

-Some have smaller hands
-Faceplates
-Cheaper
-Better screen PPI than the larger XL version

 

[Spiderduff]

How many is the question. A vocal minority online or a the mass market that have the system? Is there really a market for the face plates that justify getting store space for them? These are the questions Nintendo is likely asking themselves and looking at the data to answer.

Also isn't the XL/LL version outselling the standard size system in Japan by a wide margin each week? This when it comes to the non-New and the New version.

It looks like there are a number of reasons why they would only offer the XL version.



Exactly.

This. I was thinking this exactly. You have an out pouring here on a gaming forum and sure it seems like a lot of people are wanting it. In the grand scheme of things its but a few hundred people compared to the millions buying the XL that dont care for the smaller version. Not saying that only a few regular 3DS sold, jsut saying I am sure they looked at the numbers before making such a huge decision.

 

[Aaronrules380]

I totally agree with you, but NoA is doing something completely odd in that the 2DS has sold less than the regular 3DS overall, but they continue to support it despite the sales record. If you look at stats alone, the 2DS should be phased out for the new regular 3DS.

Well the OG 3DS came out first, and you're not considering that the 2DS mght have a much better profit per unit than the 3DS

 

[March of the Crabs]

Nintendo has, and always will be, the master of the non-response.

 

[MissileTrick]

Figured we would get an answer like this. At least I get to save about $250 bucks . Probably good I won't get addicted to collecting face plates. Still blows.

 

[MicroByter]

If it's the case that XL is more marketable, why not then release more color variations than black and red. The blue was really great looking. Heck, maybe an elusive white version?

 

[topplehat]

With regards to XL vs OG 3DS sales, how could you compare them accurately? The XL received many bundles and special editions while the OG was completely and instantly forgotten by Nintendo. Price drops would've worked more in the XLs favor too since the OG launched at $250.

 

[TheSlySoul]

Well the OG 3DS came out first, and you're not considering that the 2DS mght have a much better profit per unit than the 3DS

I was mostly looking at year one stats. I have not considered profit margin per unit, so it could be in that case. Regardless, regular 3DS year one has outsold 2DS year one.

 

[Aaronrules380]

If it's the case that XL is more marketable, why not then release more color variations than black and red. The blue was really great looking. Heck, maybe an elusive white version?

Again, probably because of market and sales data. And because shelf space is a thing in NA and retailers might not want to stock too many skus. Not to mention they're also releasing two limited editions at launch

 

[Robin64]

That's not a response. I mean technically it is, but it doesn't say anything.

 

[Aaronrules380]

I was mostly looking at year one stats. I have not considered profit margin per unit, so it could be in that case. Regardless, regular 3DS year one has outsold 2DS year one.

It's almost as if that was when the 3DS was first available. Comparing the year one sales is stupid, because launch sales are always super high and there weren't any options

 

[GeeDuhb]

Reggie needs to get the boot. I'm assuming it's also NoA who is choosing not to give customers a required accessory as well?

The A/C adapter was actually not given with the original XL in other countries and it was here (Europe, Japan?)