No standard model and no AC adapter? Why, Nintendo? Why?!
http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/editorial/39470/the-baffling-launch-plans-of-new-3ds-in-america
Just last week, the Nintendo finally confirmed what those of us in North America have been waiting on for quite some time: the New Nintendo 3DS is coming on February 13. Well, actually, that’s not entirely true, as those of us in United States and Canada will only have the option of purchasing the XL model of the handheld. Meanwhile, every other territory is getting both the standard model in addition to the extra-large option.
Why is this happening? I’m sure market research indicates that gamers in North America prefer the larger model, but what about those of us who would like something a bit more portable? Why offer it to those in Europe and Japan and leave the entirety of North America out of the mix? I don’t know whether this decision was made by Nintendo of America or NCL, but either way, I find it incredibly asinine and disappointing.
You see, I still don’t have a 3DS and have held off on purchasing one because I don’t want the XL model. Sure, I could always spring for a 2DS or one of the original launch models, but the build quality and feature set available with those options leave much to be desired. As such, I’ve been holding out for the New 3DS, assuming that Nintendo would give us two size options. Oddly enough, it looks like that’s not going to happen (at least not right now).
So what do I do? Just suck it up and get an XL? Import from Japan or Europe? Hold off in the hopes that Nintendo eventually brings it stateside? I don’t care about the faceplates, but the fact that we’re only getting one size option that lacks the Famicom-inspired buttons is what really grinds my gears. North America always gets the worst and most limited selection when it comes to color options. Is it too much to ask for a white SKU?
And don’t even get me started on the lack of an AC adapter. Yes, I am well aware of the fact that Japan and Europe have had to purchase the cord separately for some time now, but those of us in North America have been conditioned to expect our device to come bundled with a charger. New New 3DS owners won’t already have a cable and those who are upgrading will likely be selling or trading in their old model along with the power cord. Honestly, how much would it cost for Nintendo to include the cord in the box? A nominal price, I’m sure, and one absolutely worth it if it means keeping confusion to a minimum and customers happy.
I understand that my complaints are rather trivial, but when you add them all up, it becomes more of a glaring issue. Those of us in North America are getting the shaft, and Nintendo’s inability to be direct with consumers is incredibly frustrating. Will we ever be seeing the standard New 3DS? Please Nintendo, tell us now so I and many others aren’t stuck waiting in the wings.
Yes, I am well aware of the fact that Japan and Europe have had to purchase the cord separately for some time now, but those of us in North America have been conditioned to expect our device to come bundled with a charger.What a stupid statement.
The part of this article I find the most troubling is this one:
"You see, I still don’t have a 3DS"
Dude you work for a website that covers everything Nintendo and you don't own their 4 year old hand held console??? Really?
almost no one has extra AC adapters laying around but I'm sure there are plenty of people who either upgraded the smaller card that came with the original 3DS and have no use for a 4gb cardYou're overlooking who early buyers of new hardware typically are. Those most like to buy the New 3DS XL right away are also those who upgrade to new models regularly and very likely WILL have extra ones lying around. As I've pointed out before, since they're keeping the "XL" in the name, they're almost certainly intend to release the standard model too later on. Since the XL is both pricier and the clear choice among core fans willing to more money on extra frills, the standard model will naturally appeal more for the casual crowd. That being said they'll want to keep the standard model cheap as possible which will be difficult to do if they have to include AC adapters (which the casual crowd is far less likely to have). This delay is probably to help them to see the public's reaction to the lack of AC adapters for the XL model first so they can better decide whether it's worth including or not. The only truly baffling move here is why Nintendo isn't simply including USB chargers instead, as that would easily solve this issue.