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NWR Interactive => TalkBack => Topic started by: gypsyOtoko on July 28, 2011, 04:22:53 AM

Title: Nintendo Introduces Ambassadors Program for 3DS
Post by: gypsyOtoko on July 28, 2011, 04:22:53 AM

Early adopters of the system in will receive lots of free goodies.

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/27285

Nintendo announced that early adopters of the 3DS, who bought the system prior to the recently announced price drop, will receive 20 free games through the eShop. This initiative is called the "Ambassadors Program."

To be eligible for the free downloads, users must connect to the eShop through a wireless Internet connection before 11:59 p.m. Eastern time on August 11. This will automatically register you for the Nintendo 3DS Ambassadors Program.

Beginning September 1, 10 Virtual Console NES games will be released early as free eShop downloads for Ambassadors only. When the games are released to the public as paid downloads later in the year, the updated titles can be re-downloaded free of charge. Additionally, 10 exclusive Game Boy Advance Virtual Console games will be released by the end of the year, with no current plans to make these available for normal purchase.

NES/Famicom Virtual Console titles will include:
- Super Mario Bros.
- Donkey Kong Jr.
- Balloon Fight
- Ice Climber
- The Legend of Zelda

Game Boy Advance Virtual Console titles will include:
- Yoshi's Island: Super Mario Advance 3
- Mario Kart: Super Circuit
- Metroid Fusion
- WarioWare, Inc.: Mega Microgames!
- Mario vs. Donkey Kong

Title: Re: Nintendo Introduces Ambassador Program for 3DS
Post by: TalesOfFan on July 28, 2011, 04:31:59 AM

This seems like something that is just to good to be true. I swear it's 4:30 a.m. here, I must be having some sort of lucid dream.

Title: Re: Nintendo Introduces Ambassador Program for 3DS
Post by: stevey on July 28, 2011, 04:38:54 AM

I honestly didn't see this coming.

Hopefully the Ambassador Program last farther into consoles life with more opportunities to get games earlier and neat loyalty rewards to come...

Title: Re: Nintendo Introduces Ambassador Program for 3DS
Post by: Traveller on July 28, 2011, 04:41:50 AM

Its interesting that they are putting NES games on it, looks like Nintendo isn't keeping the console and handheld games separate now.

Title: Re: Nintendo Introduces Ambassador Program for 3DS
Post by: TJ Spyke on July 28, 2011, 04:42:17 AM

Here is the press release from Nintendo of America: http://press.nintendo.com/articles.jsp?id=30048 (http://press.nintendo.com/articles.jsp?id=30048)

Basically, 3DS owners who access the eShop before August 12 (when the price drop happens), will get 10 free NES VC games starting September 1 before they go on sale to the general public. Sometime between September 1 and the end of the year we will also get 10 GBA VC games that will not be sold to the general public (so only early 3DS adopters will get these games).

Traveller, the wording is ambiguous. It makes it sound like they could be 3D Classics versions.

Title: Re: Nintendo Introduces Ambassador Program for 3DS
Post by: leahsdad on July 28, 2011, 04:43:55 AM

Uh..it's 1:30 AM right now, I'm actually working my ass off getting some work done for very impatient but well paying clients, and I pull up RSS and I'm all "WTF!" 

At first, I'm thinking that I got gipped $80, because I bought at launch.

Then, these thoughts run through my head:

"Wait a minute, barely ever touch my Wii these days because I'm working so much.  When would I ever play some more NES VC games?"

"Oh, snap.  Do they mean NES on my 3DS?"

"Oh, double snap.  GBA is coming to the 3DS?"
 
"Oh, wait, $80?"

Right now, I can't decide if I'm furious about buying pre-price drop or joyful because I get to play GBA on the 3DS.  Probably both.

Title: Re: Nintendo Introduces Ambassador Program for 3DS
Post by: leahsdad on July 28, 2011, 04:46:49 AM

Quote

Traveller, the wording is ambiguous. It makes it sound like they could be 3D Classics versions.

I wish, but probably not.  I think Miyamoto said in an interview a month back that Nintendo would stop making 3D classics, they're too difficult to make (i.e. expensive) for what they expect to make back.   Apparently, they have to practically re-make the game, not from scratch but pretty close.

Title: Re: Nintendo Introduces Ambassador Program for 3DS
Post by: Traveller on July 28, 2011, 05:00:09 AM

Quote from: leahsdad on July 28, 2011, 04:46:49 AM

Quote

Traveller, the wording is ambiguous. It makes it sound like they could be 3D Classics versions.

I wish, but probably not.  I think Miyamoto said in an interview a month back that Nintendo would stop making 3D classics, they're too difficult to make (i.e. expensive) for what they expect to make back.   Apparently, they have to practically re-make the game, not from scratch but pretty close.

Maybe if they made a more meaty 3D classic they would sell better...

Title: Re: Nintendo Introduces Ambassador Program for 3DS
Post by: Enner on July 28, 2011, 05:13:01 AM

I'm very glad to see Nintendo giving something to early adopters of the 3DS. When I first read of the price drop, I thought they would be really screwing over those who bought the system earlier this year.

Title: Re: Nintendo Introduces Ambassador Program for 3DS
Post by: RABicle on July 28, 2011, 05:19:51 AM

Pretty much 5 of the best GBA games right there. I reckon they ought to go obscure witht he next five

Kirby and the Amazing Mirror
Kuru kuru kuruin
Drill Dozer
that kinda thing

Title: Re: Nintendo Introduces Ambassador Program for 3DS
Post by: MegaByte on July 28, 2011, 05:27:21 AM

Quote from: Traveller on July 28, 2011, 04:41:50 AM

Its interesting that they are putting NES games on it, looks like Nintendo isn't keeping the console and handheld games separate now.

I wonder whether the NES games will be limited to GBA re-releases.

Title: Re: Nintendo Introduces Ambassadors Program for 3DS
Post by: TJ Spyke on July 28, 2011, 05:41:46 AM

Quote from: MegaByte on July 28, 2011, 05:27:21 AM

Quote from: Traveller on July 28, 2011, 04:41:50 AM

Its interesting that they are putting NES games on it, looks like Nintendo isn't keeping the console and handheld games separate now.

I wonder whether the NES games will be limited to GBA re-releases.

Nope, because Donkey Kong Jr. wasn't part of the Classic NES Series in any region and AFAIK wasn't released on the GBA in any other form either.

Title: Re: Nintendo Introduces Ambassadors Program for 3DS
Post by: Killer_Man_Jaro on July 28, 2011, 05:47:51 AM

Come on, Nintendo of Europe. You've been doing relatively well lately. Don't leave this program on the table.

Either way, I'm just happy to get solid confirmation of GBA games. Well, first-party, at least.

Title: Re: Nintendo Introduces Ambassadors Program for 3DS
Post by: MegaByte on July 28, 2011, 05:54:14 AM

Quote from: TJ Spyke on July 28, 2011, 05:41:46 AM

Quote from: MegaByte on July 28, 2011, 05:27:21 AM

Quote from: Traveller on July 28, 2011, 04:41:50 AM

Its interesting that they are putting NES games on it, looks like Nintendo isn't keeping the console and handheld games separate now.

I wonder whether the NES games will be limited to GBA re-releases.

Nope, because Donkey Kong Jr. wasn't part of the Classic NES Series in any region and AFAIK wasn't released on the GBA in any other form either.

Incorrect. e-Reader.

Title: Re: Nintendo Introduces Ambassadors Program for 3DS
Post by: Traveller on July 28, 2011, 05:54:37 AM

It would be hilarious if Europe doesn't jump on this immediately to try and cover the costs of Xenoblade etc..


I am sure this will be worldwide, if Australia has this then Europe will :)

Title: Re: Nintendo Introduces Ambassadors Program for 3DS
Post by: MegaByte on July 28, 2011, 05:56:31 AM

Quote from: Traveller on July 28, 2011, 05:54:37 AM

It would be hilarious if Europe doesn't jump on this immediately to try and cover the costs of Xenoblade etc..


I am sure this will be worldwide, if Australia has this then Europe will :)

The European press releases just went up.

Title: Re: Nintendo Introduces Ambassadors Program for 3DS
Post by: motang on July 28, 2011, 09:50:01 AM

Thank you Nintendo for the 20 free games, and thanks for the price drop as we all know that is needed.

Title: Re: Nintendo Introduces Ambassadors Program for 3DS
Post by: UncleBob on July 28, 2011, 10:00:26 AM

Quote from: MegaByte on July 28, 2011, 05:54:14 AM

Quote from: TJ Spyke on July 28, 2011, 05:41:46 AM

Quote from: MegaByte on July 28, 2011, 05:27:21 AM

Quote from: Traveller on July 28, 2011, 04:41:50 AM

Its interesting that they are putting NES games on it, looks like Nintendo isn't keeping the console and handheld games separate now.

I wonder whether the NES games will be limited to GBA re-releases.

Nope, because Donkey Kong Jr. wasn't part of the Classic NES Series in any region and AFAIK wasn't released on the GBA in any other form either.

Incorrect. e-Reader.

+1 for e-Reader mention. :D

So... does this mean I won't be able to access my VC catalog from my Wii onto my 3DS?  I mean, I fully expected there was no chance of it happening anyway... but I had a tinge of hope.

Title: Re: Nintendo Introduces Ambassadors Program for 3DS
Post by: Xero! on July 28, 2011, 11:11:18 AM

You obviously read that article on IGN where their lack of true journalism made it sound like they were done making those games. What was really said was that the 3D classics were admittedly more difficult to make than anticipated and that only 6 were SCHEDULED. In other words, 6 were scheduled from the get go but IGN took that to mean, "Oh it's too difficult! We're only going to make 6."

Title: Re: Nintendo Introduces Ambassadors Program for 3DS
Post by: Ceric on July 28, 2011, 11:30:42 AM

They need to up there game choices and do a bit more.  I buy a 3D Classic of all the SNES and NES Zelda games just for multiple inventory items and touchscreen inventory management and map.  Also TMNT 2 because well its TMNT 2.

Title: Re: Nintendo Introduces Ambassadors Program for 3DS
Post by: Ian Sane on July 28, 2011, 12:36:21 PM

This is just such a surprisingly nice thing to do for early adopters.  I'll make sure to let my friend know as he already owns a 3DS.

Title: Re: Nintendo Introduces Ambassadors Program for 3DS
Post by: Mop it up on July 28, 2011, 06:19:54 PM

I'm hoping that The Legend of Zelda: Minish Cap will be one of the next five titles to be revealed. For whatever reason I missed this game on the GBA, and it would be nice if I could get it essentially free instead of having to track down a copy, even if the free one is in digital form.

Title: Re: Nintendo Introduces Ambassadors Program for 3DS
Post by: Nemo on July 28, 2011, 11:50:23 PM

The thing about being an early adopter and a hardcore Nintendo fan... is that I already own 5 out of the 10 games that they've announced. And I'm not feeling too interested in 3 out of the other 5. So far, I feel interested in only 2 games... and I may or may not like those two games.

But... it's better than nothing, and I'm sure to replay some of the games I already own.

Title: Re: Nintendo Introduces Ambassadors Program for 3DS
Post by: NWR_insanolord on July 28, 2011, 11:58:09 PM

I own all 5 NES games on the Wii VC, so I'm happy to have them in portable form at no cost. I lost most of my GBA games at some point, and all of the ones announced so far are things I'd love to play again.

There was no way I wasn't going to buy the system at launch, and I've had a lot of fun with it so far, so I wouldn't regret buying it when I did even if I weren't getting a bunch of free games.

Title: Re: Nintendo Introduces Ambassadors Program for 3DS
Post by: Mop it up on July 29, 2011, 01:46:06 AM

I'm probably going to make it a point to play each and every game just so I can start to feel like I got something out of it.

Title: Re: Nintendo Introduces Ambassadors Program for 3DS
Post by: TJ Spyke on July 29, 2011, 02:20:39 AM

Me too, I am gonna play every one at least once.

Title: Re: Nintendo Introduces Ambassadors Program for 3DS
Post by: leahsdad on July 29, 2011, 06:42:33 PM

You know, the more I think about this (and maybe many of you have already arrived at this conclusion) I feel like Nintendo is taking a huge hit with this Ambassador program, and makes me a bit more thankful for getting it.


I know we think about this is "digital copies cost them nothing, free for us, free for them" but I think we have to also consider the losses in potential sales here.  You know how a lot of publishers bemoan piracy because each pirated copy of a game is one less copy they sold?  The counter argument (and what makes such logic shaky) is that there's no guarantee that the person pirating it would have actually bought it, and that in fact, it seems more than likely that those chances are quite low.


But with the Ambassadors, most of us (800,000 in North America, at least) were hardcore Nintendo fans.  If these ambassador games came up for sale on the eshop and we weren't getting them for free, then chances are quite high that we would have paid money for these.  I know I would have, and I know for damn sure that I'm not the only one in these forums who would.  Now, I have no idea what kind of sales the eshop pulls in, what the attach rates are for eshop sales, etc.  But I would imagine among early adopters, it would be high, at least half?


And out of those games, I would have bought every single one of them when their turn came up on eshop.  I bought tennis, for crying out loud.  I've had to recharge my 3DS wallet, in $50 increments, 2 times already, and I'm starting to run low again.  I have Super Mario Land on my Gameboy, I still have my gameboy (in a box somewhere), but I still bought that game when it came out.


In other words, all that estimated $100 to $120 of ambassador games?  Nintendo has lost those potential sales from me. 


And another side effect is that if they give me all those games, or a big chunk of those games, all at once, chances are very high that I may skip purchasing eshop releases for a few weeks.  More lost sales there.


I posted (either in this thread or a similar one) that this ambassador thing costs Nintendo nothing.  I was wrong.  It is costing them quite a lot.   

Title: Re: Nintendo Introduces Ambassadors Program for 3DS
Post by: Ceric on July 29, 2011, 07:48:04 PM

Forget eShop sales.  Because of DK94 I haven't felt the need to buy another portable game.

Title: Re: Nintendo Introduces Ambassadors Program for 3DS
Post by: qwerty1098 on August 04, 2011, 09:09:18 AM

i bought one as soon as i heard this . i got it off of bay for $20 bucks more than price drop. i got 20 games for$20