Topic: 3DS Getting Lite Version?

[Karl Castaneda #2]

According to Nikkei Trendy, Nintendo might be planning on updating the 3DS's design.

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/rumor/28856

Update: It turns out that Nikkei Trendy was speculating based on past Nintendo actions; they had no new information regarding a 3DS revision.

In the latest issue of Nikkei Trendy, a blurb appears underneath a picture of what appears to be a standard 3DS.

Very loosely translated, this text reads, "To promote sales of the 3DS, which is thick, a new lighter version may be introduced."

This is clearly pretty vague, but it could be leading to more concrete news down the line for a 3DS hardware revision. As for the scan itself, we implore you to find anything new about the 3DS that they display.

[BlackNMild2k1]

I was just there.... posted a link about the Vita MH game... that's how you found this isn't it?

Surprised I missed that even though we all figured it would happen sooner or later. Seems too soon though. Maybe next year.

But if they are gonna release an updated version 3 things they MUST change to make it worthwhile

1.) Bigger Better Battery. they could easily double the battery power in the 3DS and extend batter life to acceptable levels.
2.) Wider viewing angles for the 3D on the 3D screen. It's easy to find yourself about to go cross-eyed in MK7 because you moved the handheld slightly exiting the sweet spot and having to steer through the double vision because you're too occupied with holding your position in the race to correct the position of the 3DS... or is that just me?
3.) Move the stylus back to the right side of the unit. It's hard to get to in the back. I always have to look to get it out and put it back.,

Optional
Better Cameras. The .2MP cameras they use are garbage. The videos are even worse, especially in low lighting.
Inward facing 3D Cameras. It would be great with that video chat app we know you're just dying to release.

Extremely Optional
Build in the CPP - we know it's gonna happen eventually, so just get it over with.

[Bman87301]

I think introducing a "lite" version of the 3DS would be foolish on Nintendo's part. The 3DS isn't known for its hefty size-- it's barely larger than the DS Lite. In fact, it seems apparent to me that corners were cut order to get it to the size it is (small and underpowered battery, tiny stylus). Making it any smaller seems completely impractical. If Nintendo decides to introduce a new 3DS model it ought to be an "XL" model.

[BlackNMild2k1]

I agree, an XL model would be preferred, with the improvements that I added above.

specifically the first 5

[Bman87301]

I was just there.... posted a link about the Vita MH game... that's how you found this isn't it?

Surprised I missed that even though we all figured it would happen sooner or later. Seems too soon though. Maybe next year.

But if they are gonna release an updated version 4 things they MUST change to make it worthwhile

1.) Bigger Better Battery. they could easily double the battery power in the 3DS and extend batter life to acceptable levels.
2.) Wider viewing angles for the 3D on the 3D screen. It's easy to find yourself about to go cross-eyed in MK7 because you moved the handheld slightly exiting the sweet spot and having to steer through the double vision because you're too occupied with holding your position in the race to correct the position of the 3DS... or is that just me?
3.) Move the stylus back to the right side of the unit. It's hard to get to in the back. I always have to look to get it out and put it back.,

Optional
4.) Better Cameras. The .2MP cameras they use are garbage. The videos are even worse, especially in low lighting.
5.) Inward facing 3D Cameras. It would be great with that video chat app we know you're just dying to release.

Extremely Optional
Build in the CPP - we know it's gonna happen eventually, so just get it over with.

Um.. check your math. That doesn't add up to 4.

[BlackNMild2k1]

sorry, I edited it, and then edited it again.

It orginally said 3, then I changed it to 4 and then I added the "optional" and "extremely optional" but forgot to change the numbers

[BlackNMild2k1]

quick question though.

Is Nikkei Trendy related to the trustworthy Nikkei?
or is it an independent like NWR would be to Nintendo.com

[Bman87301]

Extremely Optional
Build in the CPP - we know it's gonna happen eventually, so just get it over with.

I know a built-in CPP may seem like an inevitability-- but I actually don't see them doing that... ever. The conventional wisdom seems to be that Nintendo determined that the lack of a second CP was a serious design flaw and they quickly threw together the CPP rectify their mistake. However, it's been my belief that real reason the CPP was introduced as a standalone accessory in the first place was merely to humor reluctant developers during the 3DS's initial slump (they probably would have lost MH3G to the PSV without it). I believe Nintendo always remained confident about its initial decision that the 3DS only needed one CP, it's just that a lot of third party developers weren't. So I think it was only a ploy to appeal to those reluctant developers and was never expected to reach the mainstream. And the fact that it's only going to be GameStop exclusive here in the US seems to back that up. I doubt the CPP was ever a serious idea to Nintendo and they were always willing to let it just fade into obscurity once sales picked up. Unless it catches on big, Nintendo won't bother building it into any future 3DS models.

[BlackNMild2k1]

I think it would fit in perfectly with an XL model since they won't want to make a CPP specifically for it. That would also lead into the the 4DS having CPP as standard setup.

But i agree, that's why I put it under extremely optional and noted that it would eventually happen, not that it needed to happen.

[ThePerm]

well, saw this coming a mile away. Hey funny how the rumors begin right after new years, like clockwork. Well news rumors anyhow. I speculated this both when cpp was announced, and I also speculated on the redesign when 3ds was originally announced in the first place. I was burned for having a DS phat in the first place. I just cant afford to buy different versions of the handhelds, so i have to pick the one with the best time period.

[Chocobo_Rider]

a smaller one!? I don't think so..... as BnM alluded to... let me know when the 3DS XL is ready and you'll have my money!!

Requests:
-Larger screens
-Wider base so my hands don't cramp
-built in CPP
-stylus on the right

~

other than that? I'm perfectly happy with the device.  I also have not had any issues with battery life.

[Bman87301]

I think it would fit in perfectly with an XL model since they won't want to make a CPP specifically for it. That would also lead into the the 4DS having CPP as standard setup.

But i agree, that's why I put it under extremely optional and noted that it would eventually happen

Yeah, but I said I didn't see it happening ever. True, they won't make a new CPP specifically for a new hardware model, but I'm expecting the current CPP will be discontinued by that point anyway. If I'm right, that's still not to say third parties won't still offer their own CP add-ons for the new design.

The 4DS? You mean a device that not only allows you to view 3D images, but also images from the future (time being the 4th dimension)? :-P

[Bman87301]

a smaller one!? I don't think so..... as BnM alluded to... let me know when the 3DS XL is ready and you'll have my money!!

"BnM alluded to"? Are you trying to give BlackNMild2k1 credit for that? I'm actually the one who first alluded to it, thank you very much.

[BlackNMild2k1]

The 4DS? You mean a device that only allows to view 3Ds images, but allow you to see into the future (time being the 4th dimension)? :-P

Of course. See, some people would have just thought that I meant the successor to the 3DS, but not you. you get me. :

a smaller one!? I don't think so..... as BnM alluded to... let me know when the 3DS XL is ready and you'll have my money!!

Damn right. The last thing the 3DS needs to be is smaller.
3DSXL of course implies bigger screens with slightly higher resolution and a wider base to hold onto.

other than that? I'm perfectly happy with the device.  I also have not had any issues with battery life.

Have you traveled with the 3DS for extended periods of time? I took it on a trip to amusement parks, but I was afraid to actually play anything other than Find Mii & Puzzle Swap (with the 3D off) otherwise the battery wouldn't last all day and I would miss out on my street passes.

VC games would probably be ok, but I didn't want to chance it. and I don't think you can street pass while playing those anyway, so I didn't bother.

a smaller one!? I don't think so..... as BnM alluded to... let me know when the 3DS XL is ready and you'll have my money!!

"BnM alluded to"? Are you trying to give BlackNMild2K1 for that? I'm actually the one who first alluded to it, thank you very much.

Maybe, but I've been talking about a 3DSXL since 3DS was first announced rumored. no big deal though.

[Bman87301]

Of course. See, some people would have just thought that I meant the successor to the 3DS, but not you. you get me. : : :

Some lesser minds might make that mistake, but I give you more credit than that since I know that you know that the successor to the 3DS would have to be either "DS 3" or "3DS 2". 

[1takauchiha]

What? I JUST got a 3ds for Christmas, and now they're making a better one?
Now I feel like when I bought a ds lite right before the dsi was announced

I seriously don't think making a lighter version would be a good idea. The 3ds is a pretty powerful device, and making it smaller and lighter is just asking for trouble.

[KDR_11k]

The 3DS is a really flawed piece of hardware, it really needs a new iteration.

[NintendoFanboy]

Folks come on, they were talking about 3DSL as in colors, not size or features.
or maybe it forgoes the battery altogether, so it weighs less.  :-p

[Shaymin]

So there's rumors of a MonHun Vita game and a 3DS redesign in the same issue? Was it from the same source who happens to be named Satoshi Ony?

[TJ Spyke]

The 3DS is a really flawed piece of hardware, it really needs a new iteration.

What flaws really? It's a perfect size, really comfortable (unless you have gigantic hands), the stylus spot is fine. The only hardware flaw is the short battery life (I know I have seen people complain about the screen leaving a mark, though this hasn't happened to me)..

[NintendoFanboy]

i have 2 divets in my screen like someone jabbed it with a screw driver.
top left and bottom right. they line up exactly with the bottom screen raised
sides. i called Nintendo 2 weeks after launch, told them, explained it. she was like
"did you sit on it or drop it etc. etc.  i said hey! its a design flaw, Nintendo needs to adress
or at least put screen covers on the top. she said a repair was $125 or $85 the first yr.
I'm on my second screen protector, and will never be without one on my 3DS again.
When its off, you see lines that dont come off, it doesnt distract from gameplay
but bothers me its there.
 i'm looking forward to a redesign. hopefully XL just a little bigger.

[AV]

"To promote sales of the 3DS, which is thick, a new lighter version may be introduced."

I don't think that's a problem anymore, and I think releasing it so soon will alienate more people than anything. I think next year 2013 will have it for sure.

[NintendoFanboy]

Just got off the phone with nintendo, they are now accepting top screen cratches as
warrenty work, if no signs of abbuse. if they find where it looks like u dropped it, then they will charge
you. But rates have come down, no repair over $100. between $50 and $100 depending on where u live, closer to repair centers seem to drive down shipping costs.
so thats my update. and i want a revised 3DS bite your tounge on2013.

[Nin10do-Fan]

I think it's easier if Nintendo just manufacture a new and longer lasting-battery. And make an update with the 3DS camera (blasted mobile phone quality - even worse if trying to zoom in). The 3DS is personally good as it is at this point with future possible updates and all, but a better battery would change a lot.

[Kytim89]

Couldn't Nintendo just release a better battery for the current 3DS and avoid pissing off all of the people who just bought one and wait another year for the market to drive down battery and 3DS component prices before giving us a 3DS Lite?