Topic: 3DS Destined for 2011 Release?

[Ian Sane]

I don't think the 3DS is coming this year and I really don't think it should.  The DS launch was rough.  The only first party game was a port of an N64 game and the PSP managed to launch with more games then the DS had accumulated in its several month head start.  I think some people tend to figure that since the DS was such a huge success that emulating it in any way is a good idea.  Therefore having a similar launch for the 3DS would work out fine.  I disagree.  I think Nintendo dodged a bullet there and the DS succeeded despite the poor launch.

I question if the 3DS has the ability to have a decent launch this year and I think a weak DS-style launch is not a good idea.  It's for the best that Nintendo not rush it.  It isn't like the competition is breathing down their neck.  They don't have to rush this.

[n-phage]

To add further support to the possibility of the 3DS not coming out this year, there is an interview with Cammie in the September issue of Nintendo Power.
 
When asked:  Communicating what's great about the 3DS to consumers will present a unique challenge.  Any thoughts on that?
 
She replied:  We haven't really started working on our sales and marketing plans.  I've got to focus on selling product through the holidays.
 
While that certainly isn't confirmation that it isn't coming out this year, it definitely seems to be suggesting it.

[NWR_insanolord]

That quote's bullshit, though; of course they're working on the marketing. Unless they aren't going to hit their "end of the fiscal year" mark they'd have to be, and even then they probably would be.

[TJ Spyke]

I assume maybe she meant stuff like making the commercials, creating signs for stores, etc. I think she wasn't counting brainstorming ideas.

[BlackNMild2k1]

That quote's bullshit, though; of course they're working on the marketing. Unless they aren't going to hit their "end of the fiscal year" mark they'd have to be, and even then they probably would be.

Cammie is but a young Padawan and has a loooooong way to go before she can properly deliver the cryptic non-answers with blatant redirects expected  and required of a Master Jedi.

[TJ Spyke]

Ahh, the good ole days with Perrin Kaplan where she could find 10 different ways to answer a question without giving any actual info.

[Spak-Spang]

Well, I think there is almost no chance of Nintendo releasing it this year. 

Not, only for the reasons mentioned in blog.  But also adding to the fact, Nintendo stated they wanted a large launch lineup.  That would mean Nintendo would be launching the Nintendo 3DS, their launch titles, and the other launch titles already scheduled for Nintendo.  That is a lot of push for November...even if it is holiday.  And they will be competing with Xbox 360 and PS3 lineup for money.

So, we if Nintendo launches this year.  You have cannibalization of your own holiday offerings.  Heavy competition from Xbox 360, and PS3.  Lower 3rd party support because their games aren't ready yet.  All of these sounds like a lackluster launch plan to me.

However, if you plan on launching around March.  You can carry the momentum of the holidays and have a stronger launch with your own titles and 3rd party titles.  PS3 and Xbox 360 won't have any large competition against you, and you can push back your normal March releases later in the year...making that month strictly for launching the new hardware with very strong software and hopefully 3rd party support.  The 3DS will also carry just grow in support through the year, and Nintendo can have a killer Christmas on it...after hype has spread and early adopters have shown the system to their family and friends. 




I would also like to say I completely agree with Ian.  Though dodge a bullet is pretty strong, since developers still had confidence in Nintendo handhelds, and will continue to have confidence in them until one fails.