But of course loads of people who claim they only want the regular 3ds will still buy the xl which will justify Nintendo's decision because now they'll get two sales from that person when they release the regular n3ds down the road.
Nintendo fans are weak and you can bet Nintendo knows that very very well.
Oh yes, I'm so weak in fact that I made it a point to drag my ass to the Gamestop and cancel every Nintendo related preorder I had....
Some of us actually stick to our guns. You say we'll cave but let me tell you something, I have a pretty damned good reason for not getting thr new system.
Some people want the standard size n3DS and the faceplates. Some are just as fine staying with or upgrading to the XL size.
At the end of the day it is a matter of personal preference so the rudeness being spewed is uncalled for (particularly form those opting for the XL and confused as to why others want the smaller system).
But also take into account that not every parent will be willing to spend $200+ on the nXL. And the cheapened 2DS is not necessarily an option for many due to lack of 3D if their child uses the function.
I have a young neice whom I've gotten into gaming and my old OG 3DS is perfect for her (she's 9) as she plays in 3D but doesn't like the size of my own XL. For months she has been hyped right along side me since Japan announced the new systems. I even imported the MH4G limited edition XL (let's be honest, a MH LE releasing in the US seemed all but likely) since I import Japanese games anyway. She enjoyed watching me play on it and really loved the better 3D effect. She was so enamored in fact, that she kept asking me to check if the new systems would be coming over as I had shown her pictures/video of the standard edition and its faceplates. Being a girly-girl of sorts, she liked the idea of being able to customize the system to her mood or wardrobe.
So yeah, it is disappointing to many and I had to break this news to my niece when she got home from school today as she demanded I watch the Direct befors she left this morning. I can see why there might be reasoning on Nintendo's part to not release the standard size and faceplates, however limiting a consumer's choice is in no way a good move for any company. As they say, negative word of mouth can spread a lot more quickly than positive impressions as even when the wave starts off small, it soon grows larger and larger.
I resolved not to purchase the system for myself either as I would feel bad to have one and not my neice since I promised her a new system if she made Honor Roll last semester and she did. Needless to say, she was highly upset and I couldn't even give her a good answer as to why the decision was made. So while I have no problem with having an XL, it bugs the hell out of me that this is the only option which has alienated my niece. And out of respect, I'm not going to purchase a system to wave around in her face and make her feel worse given she had rightfully earned the New 3DS. Just means she and I won't be indulging in Majora's Mask, Xenoblade or Monster Hunter 4U.