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3DS

3DS Price Drop and Release Dates for 3DS Mario Titles Revealed

by Danny Bivens and Pedro Hernandez - July 28, 2011, 1:33 am EDT
Total comments: 81 Source: (Nintendo), http://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/pdf/2011/110728_3.pdf...

Nintendo drops 3DS price around the world and announces release dates for Super Mario 3D Land and Mario Kart 7.

The Nintendo 3DS retail price will decrease in several regions.

In Japan, the price will drop by 10,000 yen. This brings the price of the handheld from 25,000 yen to 15,000 yen effective August 11.

In North America, the 3DS will be priced at $169.99, effective on August 12, 2011.

The European retail price is set by the individual retailers, but the trade price has been dropped by around a third.

Australia will also see a price drop on August 12. Originally, the handheld was priced at $349.95. It will now be priced at $249.95.

Nintendo's financial report states that the price cuts are due to lower sales than were expected at this point for the console, and the markdown is to accelerate market penetration before the holiday season at the end of the year when more 3DS games will be available.

Only 830,000 3DS units have been sold in North America thus far, and the company lost around $485 million in the previous financial quarter (April - June).

Nintendo also went on to announce that the upcoming Super Mario 3D Land (formerly referred to as Super Mario) will be released this November with Mario Kart 7 (formerly Mario Kart) following closely behind in December. Kid Icarus: Uprising has been given a Holiday release date.

3DS Price Drop to $169.99, as Great Value and New 3D Games Come Together.

Star Fox 64 3D, Super Mario 3D Land, Mario Kart 7 and Kid Icarus: Uprising Prep Nintendo 3DS for a Strong Holiday season.

REDMOND, Wash.-- Nintendo of America today announced plans to drop the suggested retail price of its portable Nintendo 3DS system to $169.99 in the United States, as new games based on some of the world’s most beloved video game franchises head to the system. The new price, down from the suggested launch price of $249.99 and effective Aug. 12, makes an outstanding value even better and sets up a strong holiday season for the system.

“For anyone who was on the fence about buying a Nintendo 3DS, this is a huge motivation to buy now,” said Nintendo of America President Reggie Fils-Aime. “We are giving shoppers every incentive to pick up a Nintendo 3DS, from an amazing new price to a rapid-fire succession of great games.”

Nintendo 3DS has the strongest software lineup of any video game system this holiday season and the new price now opens up the glasses-free 3D experience to many more consumers. Building on the popularity of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D, which launched June 19, the upcoming game calendar is a Who’s Who of iconic video game franchises. Star Fox 64 3D arrives on Sept. 9, followed by Super Mario 3D Land in November, Mario Kart 7in December and Kid Icarus: Uprising during the holiday season.

In addition to great games, Nintendo 3DS has a host of attractive features* that make it the must-have video game system this season:

  • The new Nintendo Video service automatically delivers short 3D videos from the worlds of music, comedy, animation and Hollywood.
  • A free application allows Netflix members with unlimited streaming plans to instantly watch TV episodes and movies streaming from Netflix.
  • The Nintendo eShop is a digital store for Nintendo 3DS owners that provides access to a wide variety of downloadable content, such as original 3D software, classic games that have been re-mastered in 3D called 3D Classics, Game Boy and Game Boy Color “Virtual Console” games in their original 2D glory, and more than 350 Nintendo DSiWare games. Visitors can also view video game trailers, screen shots and product information for games, including those available at retail locations.

Since Nintendo 3DS launched in the United States on March 27, more than 830,000 people in the U.S. alone have purchased one to enjoy 3D visuals without the need for special glasses. These Nintendo 3DS owners represent some of Nintendo’s most loyal customers, and Nintendo is rewarding them for getting in on the action early with 20 free downloadable games from the Nintendo eShop.

These free games are available to anyone who owns a Nintendo 3DS system and uses a wireless broadband Internet signal to connect to the Nintendo eShop at least once before 11:59 p.m. Eastern time on Aug. 11. These users will automatically be registered in the Nintendo 3DS Ambassador program. The program contains two elements:

  1. Starting Sept. 1, Nintendo 3DS Ambassadors will be able to download 10 NES Virtual Console games at no charge and before they are available in the Nintendo eShop to the general public. These games, including Super Mario Bros.Donkey Kong Jr.,Balloon FightIce Climber and The Legend of Zelda, are slated to become paid downloadable games, but Ambassadors get them early for free. Once the paid versions of the games are posted to the Nintendo eShop later in the year, the updated versions will be available to Ambassadors for download at no cost.
  2. By the end of 2011, Nintendo will provide Ambassadors with 10 Game Boy Advance Virtual Console games. These include games like Yoshi’s Island: Super MarioAdvance 3Mario Kart: Super CircuitMetroid FusionWarioWare, Inc.: Mega Microgame$ and Mario vs. Donkey Kong. These games will be available exclusively to Ambassadors, and Nintendo currently has no plans to make these 10 games available to the general public on the Nintendo 3DS in the future.

More details about this program will be announced in the future.

[AU] Price Drop for Nintendo 3DS

Australia and New Zealand 28 July, 2011

Nintendo announces that effective 12 August, Nintendo 3DS™ will be available for only SRP AU$249.95*. Previously Nintendo 3DS was SRP AU $349.95.

Nintendo Australia plan to offer an exclusive Nintendo 3DS Ambassador Program to consumers who have purchased the Nintendo 3DS at the original launch price. The program will enable those Nintendo 3DS owners to download 10 NES™ games and 10 Game Boy™ and Game Boy Advance™ games for free from the Nintendo eShop.

These free games are available to anyone who owns a Nintendo 3DS system and uses a wireless broadband Internet signal to connect to the Nintendo eShop at least once before the price drop on 12 August. These users will automatically be registered in the Nintendo 3DS Ambassador program. The program contains two elements:

1. Starting 1 September, Nintendo 3DS Ambassadors will be able to download 10 NES Virtual Console™ games at no charge and before they are available in the Nintendo eShop to the general public. These games, including Super Mario Bros.™, Donkey Kong Jr.™, Balloon Fight™, Ice Climber™ and The Legend of Zelda™, are slated to become paid downloadable games, but Ambassadors get them early for free. Once the paid versions of the games are posted to the Nintendo eShop later in the year, the updated versions will be available to Ambassadors for download at no cost.

2. By the end of 2011, Nintendo will provide Ambassadors with 10 Game Boy Advance Virtual Console games. These include games like Yoshi’s Island™: Super Mario™ Advance 3, Mario Kart™: Super Circuit, Metroid™ Fusion, WarioWare™ Inc.: Minigame Mania and Mario vs. Donkey Kong™. These games will be available exclusively to Ambassadors, and Nintendo currently has no plans to make these 10 games available to the general public on the Nintendo 3DS in the future.

Nintendo 3DS offers 3D gaming without the need for special glasses and is available in two colours, Aqua Blue and Cosmos Black.

[JP] Notice of Nintendo 3DS Markdown

Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price to become 15,000 yen from August 11

July 28, 2011
Nintendo Co., Ltd.

To Whom It May Concern:


Nintendo Co., Ltd. (President Satoru Iwata) has decided to change the manufacturer's suggested retail price of Nintendo 3DS that the company launched on February 26 this year as follows:

Current manufacturer's suggested retail price: 25,000 yen (including tax)
From August 11, 2011: 15,000 yen (including tax)

So that the Company will be able to create momentum for Nintendo 3DS and accelerate its market penetration toward the year-end sales season, when the lineup for the applicable software shall be enriched, the Company has decided to make this markdown.

The Company will carry out the markdown in the overseas markets in this 2nd financial quarter (i.e., July - September 2011), although the ranges and the timings of the markdown will be different from that of Japan.

Please also be advised that "SUPER MARIO™ 3DLAND" and "MARIO KART™ 7," which are much-anticipated 3DS titles, will be launched in November and December this year respectively.

[EU] Nintendo 3DS Ambassador Programme

Nintendo has today announced a global change in the trade pricing policy of Nintendo 3DS. In Europe, this will be applicable from August 12th.

There have been times in the past when we, Nintendo, have marked down the trade prices for our video game machines a certain amount of time after launch to further accelerate adoption of the hardware, but never in Nintendo’s history have we dropped a system’s trade price so significantly less than 6 months after launch.

We are aware this may cause you, the loyal fans who supported Nintendo 3DS from the beginning, to lose trust in us, and this is not our intention in any way.

All of you who have kindly supported Nintendo 3DS from the beginning are Nintendo’s most important customers. Although we may not be able to completely prevent you from regretting purchasing Nintendo 3DS early, we would like to express our gratitude to our special customers like you by offering 20 free downloadable games from Nintendo eShop.

These free games are available to anyone who owns a Nintendo 3DS system and uses a wireless broadband Internet signal to connect to the Nintendo eShop at least once before 23:59 pm (Central European Time) on August 11th. These Nintendo 3DS systems will be automatically registered in the Nintendo 3DS Ambassador programme. For information and a tutorial video on how to connect your Nintendo 3DS to the Internet, please visit the Nintendo 3DS website here.

The programme contains two elements:

1.Beginning Sept. 1st, Nintendo 3DS Ambassadors will be able to download 10 NES™ Virtual Console™ games at no charge and before they are available in Nintendo eShop for the general public. These games, including Super Mario Bros.™, Donkey Kong Jr.™, Balloon Fight™, Ice Climber™ and The Legend of Zelda™, will be released as paid downloadable games, but Ambassadors can download them in advance of launch for free. Once the paid versions of the games are released in Nintendo eShop later in the year, the updated versions will be available to Ambassadors for download at no cost.

2. By the end of 2011, Nintendo will provide Ambassadors with 10 Game Boy Advance Virtual Console games. These include games like Yoshi’s Island™: Super Mario™ Advance 3, Mario Kart™: Super Circuit, Metroid™ Fusion, WarioWare™, Inc.: Minigame Mania and Mario vs. Donkey Kong™. These games will be available exclusively to Ambassadors, and Nintendo currently has no plans to make these 10 games available to the general public on Nintendo 3DS in the future.

More details about this programme will be announced in the future.

Talkback

TansunnJuly 28, 2011

There's one part that has me curious...

"These games...are slated to become paid downloadable games, but Ambassadors get them early for free. Once the paid versions of the games are posted to the Nintendo eShop later in the year, the updated versions will be available to Ambassadors for download at no cost."

I wonder what they mean by updated versions.  I can easily see them releasing the games early with missing VC functionality (such as save states, etc.) that would be incorporated when the full version goes retail.  They don't mention updates anywhere else, though, so it's hard to say what they'll do.

leahsdadJuly 28, 2011

Quote:

Nintendocurrently hasno plans to make these 10 games available to the general public on the Nintendo 3DS in the future.



Nintendo and their "No plans!"  Aargh.  I'm sure everyone has seen this language recently, right?

TJ SpykeJuly 28, 2011

Honestly, it would be nice if they stick to that. It would be a treat for those actually loyal enough to pick up a 3DS early one rather than wait for a price drop.

leahsdadJuly 28, 2011

Quote:

Honestly, it would be nice if they stick to that. It would be a treat for those actually loyal enough to pick up a 3DS early one rather than wait for a price drop.

As someone who bought a 3DS at launch and 3 games, believe me when I say, my sentiments exactly.

Well, at least they'll have a lot to talk about on RFN and the Newscast this week.  And I mean a lot. 

According to my Itunes, the longest RFN in 2011 was Ep 247, clocking in at 2:34.  I'll bet you this week's is longer.


EnnerJuly 28, 2011

Ho crap, this is a surprise and a nice one at that.


I guessed that there wouldn't be a 3DS price cut until after its first (holiday) round with the Playstation Vita. However, the first fiscal year quarter of the 3DS must have motivated Nintendo to take drastic pricing action now. Given how mobile/smart phone is growing, Nintendo can't afford to wait.


It's good to see that they aren't (entirely?) screwing over early adopters by offering the Ambassador program.

leahsdadJuly 28, 2011

Quote:

However, the first fiscal year quarter of the 3DS must have motivated Nintendo to take drastic pricing action now.

You know, I hopped on over to Nintendo's website and found this, a message to Nintendo's loyal customers:


"But what about the 830,000 of you who already own a Nintendo 3DS? You're some of Nintendo's most loyal customers, and we're rewarding you for getting in on the action early with not one, not 10, but 20 free downloadable games from the Nintendo eShop!"

Now, I'm in the U.S., so this is really NOA's website.  They only sold 830,000 3DS's in North America?  Not even a million?  Damn.  That is not good.

famicomplicatedJames Charlton, Associate Editor (Japan)July 28, 2011

Woohoo for waiting!  :cool;


For the guys that didn't $5 x 20 = $100 worth of stuff, good deal!

Wow, what a deal.  This is probably the single most aggressive marketing move that I can ever remember Nintendo making, but if they haven't even sold 1m 3DSes in the US yet, I suppose now is the time.


Although it would be nice if I had a little more choice in the reward I get for being an early adopter, I'm still really happy with this deal. I get free stuff, and on top of that, the 3DS should get the kickstart in sales that it needs for more games to be made for the system, which really is my longterm concern.


Kudos Nintendo, I didn't think you had it in you.

AdrockJuly 28, 2011

I was definitely not expecting a price drop this year. Nintendo previously dropped the price of Gamecube $50 roughly 6 months after launch so this isn't unprecedented. It's super cool of Nintendo to give back to early adopters too. Nice to see Nintendo finally be more aggressive.

The price drop pretty much proves that 3DS was worth no where near $250 and Nintendo is likely still making a profit, just a more reasonable one. They were arrogant and consumers responded by ignoring a cool but way too pricey product. They lost sight of Yamauchi's "the console is just the box people buy to play Mario games." Nintendo is a software company and makes most of its profits from publishing games but they can't sell games if no one buys the hardware.

This is a good thing. I'm still going to pass though. A redesign is right around the corner and with the current price set at $170, a sub-$200 price of entry for the redesign is very possible.

SundoulosJuly 28, 2011

Quote from: TJ

Quote from: leahsdad

Quote:

Nintendocurrently hasno plans to make these 10 games available to the general public on the Nintendo 3DS in the future.



Nintendo and their "No plans!"  Aargh.  I'm sure everyone has seen this language recently, right?

Honestly, it would be nice if they stick to that. It would be a treat for those actually loyal enough to pick up a 3DS early one rather than wait for a price drop.

I wonder if this will push anyone to purchase a 3DS prior to August 11?

I wasn't waiting for a price drop, necessarily, but I was saving money until I could actually afford the $250 price tag.  I think that making the games available for free to early adopters is great and all, but I'd frankly be a little annoyed if Mario vs. DK, Yoshi's Island and Metroid Fusion remained unavailable to the public ad infinitum. 

Many of those listed are fairly high-profile GBA games, though; I would be a little surprised if they wouldn't make those available to the general public at some point in the future.  If they don't, well,I guess I'll just have one more reason to keep my old DS around;  I'll just play the old GBA carts.

UltraClaytonJuly 28, 2011

Holy price drop! I felt cheated at first, but then I read about the Ambassador thing, and now that seems pretty cool. I haven't played some of those GBA games, specifically Metroid and Mario Kart, and now I'll get them for free. Gutsy move by Nintendo, definitely caused by the Vita.

AdrockJuly 28, 2011

Not sure this is going to push anyone to buy 3DS before the price drop. You're locked into buying those specific 20 games. I don't think there are 20 games I want on either NES or GBA that I don't already own, let alone some of the ones they're offering like Ice Climbers.

On a side note, it'd be super nice of Nintendo to follow Sony's lead and allow certain games to be played on both 3DS and Wii U. Don't think they're that generous, but they should and this deal for early adopters is very anti-Nintendo.

FZeroBoyoJuly 28, 2011

This is a pleasant surprise. Seeing as how Nintendo posted such huge losses in Q2, it makes sense to lower the price of the 3DS so it's more affordable in the public's eye, and just in time for the holiday season as well. I bought my on launch day and I hope this price cut influences others to pick one up too. *coughLindycough*


Also, FREE downloadable titles like WarioWare Inc. and Mario vs. Donkey Kong? I have to admit, I spazzed out a bit there.  ;D

I bet the used market for 3DS systems will skyrocket back up to near MSRP between now and 8/11. 

So Yoshi's Island GBA will be free - the additional content did make the GBA version a worthy addition despite some decrease in the graphics and sound of the original SNES game, but one would like to hope this means the SNES version will be released simultaneously on the Wii. As a purist and someone who sorely misses his old SNES, I'd be happy to get both versions.

I'm sorely tempted to pick up a 3DS on my next payday - the 3DS is temporarily down to $199 here until August 4 (my next payday) so it wouldn't be that much of a hit, and I get some sweet free games out of the deal.

KeyBillyJuly 28, 2011

Great news!  I would like other games, but something is better than nothing, and it's much more affordable now.  My first reaction was feeling like an idiot for being an early adopter, but I guess that's how it goes.

motangJuly 28, 2011

It's good that Nintendo is seeing the fact that 3DS is a slow starter and they needed to launch at $170, but they didn't and now they are doing a price cut before PS Vita comes out. Good thing I will be getting some free games since I paid $250 for mine.

PlugabugzJuly 28, 2011

People are predicting that the 3DS will cost £130 here. I guarantee that it will be higher than that.

CericJuly 28, 2011

Quote from: Plugabugz

People are predicting that the 3DS will cost £130 here. I guarantee that it will be higher than that.

What is the current cost of a DSi XL?  That's what its dropping down to here price wise.

Bman87301July 28, 2011

Quote from: Tansunn

There's one part that has me curious...

"These games...are slated to become paid downloadable games, but Ambassadors get them early for free. Once the paid versions of the games are posted to the Nintendo eShop later in the year, the updated versions will be available to Ambassadors for download at no cost."

I wonder what they mean by updated versions.  I can easily see them releasing the games early with missing VC functionality (such as save states, etc.) that would be incorporated when the full version goes retail.  They don't mention updates anywhere else, though, so it's hard to say what they'll do.

Remember, these are NES Virtual Console titles... NES games aren't normally part of the 3DS VC lineup-- they're otherwise only available on 3DS as 3D Classics. The logical conclusion is that these are upcoming 3D Classics titles that aren't ready yet, and the updates will simply be the completed 3D Classics releases.

StrawHousePigJuly 28, 2011

Sweet. Maybe now the "analysts" will have a chance to get off the 3DS-is-d00med bandwagon and STFU. Some people will wail about it, but I think most people are used to this type of news. I'm not fazed at all by it.

But I do hope they make the DS Lite dirt cheap now and don't EOL it. Been meaning to get a replacement Lite for a youngin' that a youngerin' tore in half.

AdrockJuly 28, 2011

A comment on Ars Technica brought up an interesting idea, buy 3DS next week at a retailer that honors price matching sales/price drops within 2 weeks of purchase and get 20 free games and the price drop. It's like getting a 3DS for less than $100.

SilverQuilavaJuly 28, 2011

Is it really called Mario Kart 7? or Mario Kart 3D?

UncleBobRichard Cook, Guest ContributorJuly 28, 2011

Quote from: Adrock

A comment on Ars Technica brought up an interesting idea, buy 3DS next week at a retailer that honors price matching sales/price drops within 2 weeks of purchase and get 20 free games and the price drop. It's like getting a 3DS for less than $100.

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/forums/index.php?topic=35188.msg688189#msg688189

*edit* - Just got off the phone with Nintendo... they assured me that, so long as the 3DS is connected to the eShop before (whatever the time/date was) that you'll be eligible for the free games.

hmmm... seems like if I want a second 3DS, now's the time to get it...

nickmitchJuly 28, 2011

Anyone else think this was a bit of an over-reaction? Yeah, the 3DS was over-priced, but $100 price drop is steep. IMHO, the biggest thing hurting 3DS sales was the software lineup. This big of a drop to me is a sign of Nintendo saying, "We can't sell you on the system's potential, so we'll just make it a bargain."

AdrockJuly 28, 2011

I'm probably getting a 3DS next week. This is too good of a deal to pass up. I'll probably buy the redesign anyway, transfer my games and trade the original in.

LittleIrvesJuly 28, 2011

Holy smokes! I'm 100% happy I bought mine at launch, and have been having fun with a lot of the titles many have disregarded...  even Dream Trigger (rented through GameFly), once you fall into the rhythm of it, gets pretty cool and addicting. So the 20 free games offer is wicked cool. Will be really curious to see how this affects the sales numbers.

CericJuly 28, 2011

Quote from: LittleIrves

Holy smokes! I'm 100% happy I bought mine at launch, and have been having fun with a lot of the titles many have disregarded...  even Dream Trigger (rented through GameFly), once you fall into the rhythm of it, gets pretty cool and addicting. So the 20 free games offer is wicked cool. Will be really curious to see how this affects the sales numbers.

Hopefully Mainstream news will pick up this story and it will move product.

apdudeJuly 28, 2011

Quote from: Ceric

Quote from: LittleIrves

Holy smokes! I'm 100% happy I bought mine at launch, and have been having fun with a lot of the titles many have disregarded...  even Dream Trigger (rented through GameFly), once you fall into the rhythm of it, gets pretty cool and addicting. So the 20 free games offer is wicked cool. Will be really curious to see how this affects the sales numbers.

Hopefully Mainstream news will pick up this story and it will move product.


I did hear about the price drop on the radio (NPR morning edition) on the way into work this morning.  But they didn't mention anything about the free games until I read it here.  The free games definatly make the whole 30% drop easier to swallow.

CericJuly 28, 2011

Quote from: apdude

Quote from: Ceric

Quote from: LittleIrves

Holy smokes! I'm 100% happy I bought mine at launch, and have been having fun with a lot of the titles many have disregarded...  even Dream Trigger (rented through GameFly), once you fall into the rhythm of it, gets pretty cool and addicting. So the 20 free games offer is wicked cool. Will be really curious to see how this affects the sales numbers.

Hopefully Mainstream news will pick up this story and it will move product.


I did hear about the price drop on the radio (NPR morning edition) on the way into work this morning.  But they didn't mention anything about the free games until I read it here.  The free games definatly make the whole 30% drop easier to swallow.

lol, I listen to that in the morning on the way to work, NPRer but anyone seen me on twitter knows that.  I didn't hear it on there but, then I had seen tweets about it.

Ian SaneJuly 28, 2011

Calling it Mario Kart 7 really makes it sound like an over milked series.  But it isn't.  They just do one per system.  But when you think about it, there being SEVEN of those games sounds like overkill.

The 3DS was overpriced to start with so I'm glad to see a price drop and glad to see Nintendo found a way to not jerk around the early adopters in doing so.  The price drop is a little excessive though.  I'm not going to complain but they don't need to be that desperate.  They've got some big stuff due later in the year.  Nintendo was probably banking on 3D having Wii Sports like mainstream appeal and it hasn't yet.  I actually am somewhat surprised by that as it sounded like a killer feature.  But I don't think they've had the right games yet.

CericJuly 28, 2011

I'm actually wonder what this means in term of the Wii U pricing.

Chocobo_RiderJuly 28, 2011

yesssssss!

Sorry, I don't have much more to say on the topic ^_^

BlackNMild2k1July 28, 2011

Quote from: Ceric

I'm actually wonder what this means in term of the Wii U pricing.

$299.99

broodwarsJuly 28, 2011

This was a very sensible move on Nintendo's part, though not one I was expecting this early in the handheld's life cycle.  Nintendo was arrogant and thought they could charge whatever they wanted with the 3DS, and the gaming public wasn't gullible enough to go along with it without worthwhile software.  Honestly, if I wasn't boycotting Nintendo of America right now, I'd be seriously considering getting a 3DS once Resident Evil Revelations releases, but that's all on NoA right now.

I'll be interested to see how Sony responds to this with the Vita.  Allegedly, they're already taking on a significant loss with the Vita priced at $250, and they successfully managed to scare Nintendo into dropping the 3DS price.  I don't see how Sony could price this device any lower right out of the gate, and it's become the significantly more expensive machine now.

BlackNMild2k1July 28, 2011

Quote from: broodwars

I'll be interested to see how Sony responds to this with the Vita.  Allegedly, they're already taking on a significant loss with the Vita priced at $250, and they successfully managed to scare Nintendo into dropping the 3DS price.  I don't see how Sony could price this device any lower right out of the gate, and it's become the significantly more expensive machine now.

Actually the last I read about Vita was that they weren't taking a loss at all on Vita's pricing. There were 2 contradictory statements (I posted both of them in that thread, but I haven't checked on it in a while so I don't know if there were new developments there) one saying they were taking a loss and a later one that said no loss was being taken. But I doubt Sony lowers the price again..... or maybe this was all part of Nintendo's plan after all.

Announce high, release high, get Sony to announce at worst at the same price, but hope for slightly higher.
If 3DS sells, then great, but if it doesn't, then the profit cushion was already built in for a quick and painless price drop that will make the Vita look expensive by comparison.

Bman87301July 28, 2011

Quote from: nickmitch

Anyone else think this was a bit of an over-reaction? Yeah, the 3DS was over-priced, but $100 price drop is steep. IMHO, the biggest thing hurting 3DS sales was the software lineup. This big of a drop to me is a sign of Nintendo saying, "We can't sell you on the system's potential, so we'll just make it a bargain."

Not at all. As you just pointed out, the biggest thing hurting 3DS sales is the software lineup... In order for that issue to resolve itself, the software lineup has to improve... and that won't happen if developers lose faith in the platform and avoid making games for it.

We recently lost one high profile 3rd party game already (Megaman Legends 3). No matter what Capcom may say, it's just naive to assume the 3DS's low installed base didn't have at least some influence on the decision to scrap the project. If other developers follow suit, we could easily have a domino-effect on our hands.

Just because other Nintendo handhelds may have experienced similar early software droughts doesn't mean the situation is the same. 3DS sales have been unprecedentedly slow for a Nintendo handheld-- so much so, many analysts are already predicting its doom. The 3DS is Nintendo's highest priced handheld to date and released during bad economic times to boot. Since it's pretty clear that the economy is going to get worse before it improves, and when you factor in the upcoming competition from the competitively priced PSV, Nintendo can't just sit back and do nothing and expect the 3DS to keep developer support.

This is a very appropriate move on Nintendo's part, and not an over-reaction by any means.

BboyJuly 28, 2011

Could not be more happy about this, I think Nintendo wanted to prove that they do care about their loyal fans after all. This is perfect for me, because I've only played 3 of these games, just by coincidence. And my DKJr. experience was kind of ruined by the fact that I did it on an e-reader.

GoldenPhoenixJuly 28, 2011

Mario Kart 7 and Super Mario 3D Land are really strange names. Mario Kart 7 makes no sense considering how previous titles were named, and Super Mario 3D Land just sounds goofy. I wonder if they put the 3D in front of Land to make sure people aren't confused into thinking it is a 3D port of Super Mario Land 3? Or to help distinguish it from the other games in the Land series since it is using settings/villains from the traditional Mario line? Either way the name sounds really weird.

Clearly, Mario Kart 7 is in competition with Windows 7 ;)
Super Mario 3D Land could be a tie-in with its Super Mario Bros. 3 roots, though I suspect it's also to reduce confusion as you said.
I actually wonder if they'll end up changing at least the Mario Kart title for the US release. The announcements seemed rushed, and I wonder how much consultation was done outside of Japan.

CericJuly 28, 2011

Quote from: MegaByte

Clearly, Mario Kart 7 is in competition with Windows 7 ;)
Super Mario 3D Land could be a tie-in with its Super Mario Bros. 3 roots, though I suspect it's also to reduce confusion as you said.
I actually wonder if they'll end up changing at least the Mario Kart title for the US release. The announcements seemed rushed, and I wonder how much consultation was done outside of Japan.

So is Mario Kart 7 going to have the Metro UI with Live tiles and tight integration with Twitter and Facebook? (Mango should be out by then)

Mop it upJuly 28, 2011

I'm a little upset by this, since I was banking on there not being a price cut for at least a year and bought one to prepare for the upcoming releases and don't currently have any 3DS games. But I guess I was taking a gamble when I did that, and given the slow sales I probably should have waited a little longer to see what happened.

I really am surprised by this though, I figured Nintendo would at least wait until the holidays to see how well it sells then before they dropped the price. The cut is also more than I expected, at most I figured it would be $200. They must be desperate if they are not only dropping the price this much, but even offering free games to those who already bought one at the inflated price. I have no idea what their plan is, though they were in a tight spot for sure. They definitely made mistakes, most noticeably the admittedly high price, but I still think they should have stayed the course for a bit longer.

broodwarsJuly 28, 2011

Quote from: Mop

I'm a little upset by this, since I was banking on there not being a price cut for at least a year and bought one to prepare for the upcoming releases and don't currently have any 3DS games. But I guess I was taking a gamble when I did that, and given the slow sales I probably should have waited a little longer to see what happened.

I really am surprised by this though, I figured Nintendo would at least wait until the holidays to see how well it sells then before they dropped the price. The cut is also more than I expected, at most I figured it would be $200. They must be desperate if they are not only dropping the price this much, but even offering free games to those who already bought one at the inflated price. I have no idea what their plan is, though they were in a tight spot for sure. They definitely made mistakes, most noticeably the admittedly high price, but I still think they should have stayed the course for a bit longer.

Nintendo just posted an 82% loss ($330 million) in projected profits today, so yeah they have reason to take drastic measures.

Mop it upJuly 28, 2011

They still have public perception to worry about though. I hope that this kind of price cut doesn't cause people to view the product as worthless.

TansunnJuly 28, 2011

Quote from: Bman87301

Remember, these are NES Virtual Console titles... NES games aren't normally part of the 3DS VC lineup-- they're otherwise only available on 3DS as 3D Classics. The logical conclusion is that these are upcoming 3D Classics titles that aren't ready yet, and the updates will simply be the completed 3D Classics releases.

I thought about that, but they're clearly distinguishing them as Virtual Console versions, not 3D Classics.  Not to mention the game selection - how do you add depth to Donkey Kong Jr.?

Plus, it looks like my guess was right on the money according to another article that recently went up - http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/27292

Bman87301July 28, 2011

Quote from: Mop

I'm a little upset by this, since I was banking on there not being a price cut for at least a year and bought one to prepare for the upcoming releases and don't currently have any 3DS games. But I guess I was taking a gamble when I did that, and given the slow sales I probably should have waited a little longer to see what happened.

I really am surprised by this though, I figured Nintendo would at least wait until the holidays to see how well it sells then before they dropped the price. The cut is also more than I expected, at most I figured it would be $200. They must be desperate if they are not only dropping the price this much, but even offering free games to those who already bought one at the inflated price. I have no idea what their plan is, though they were in a tight spot for sure. They definitely made mistakes, most noticeably the admittedly high price, but I still think they should have stayed the course for a bit longer.

Upset? Don't you realize you got the winning hand in that gamble? Even if you aren't happy the selection of freebies yourself, come August 12 there will be plenty of collectors out there who missed out and will be willing to pay more than the $250 you originally paid for the exclusive content.  You can just sell your current 3DS for a profit on eBay then buy a new one at the new lower price. You've won either way.

I don't think Nintendo could afford to stay the course any longer. PSV is on the horizon (at the same price to boot) and a big lack of new releases until the holidays. I'm sure Nintendo is getting negative feedback by 3rd parties who are losing faith and considering pulling support (Megaman Legends 3 already got axed and MGS3 got 'delayed'). I doubt they made this decision lightly.

Bman87301July 28, 2011

Quote from: Mop

They still have public perception to worry about though. I hope that this kind of price cut doesn't cause people to view the product as worthless.

No way. If they had waited until after Vita came out, then that would be an issue. But  it's still early enough that the original price will largely be forgotten by then. In the meantime  the new low price, along with the highly generous Ambassador Program is more than enough damage control to offset any lasting effect. Mark my words.

Fatty The HuttJuly 28, 2011

This really is an "everybody wins" move on Nintendo's part. Folks buying after Aug 12 get a very attractive price and a decent line-up of games to choose from. Also, the e-shop is up and so is Netflix and Nintendo Video (things early adopters had to wait for).

The folks that bought already are getting a big gift of VC games, only half of which have been announced and those ones have very good selections. And who would care most about VC games? You guessed it: the early adopters. The Nintendo faithful. The hard-core fans.

This is really great PR for all. I hope the 3DS sells like gangbusters from here on.

And it doesn't hurt that the price drop is a big "fuck you" to the Vita ;-)

Mop it upJuly 28, 2011

Quote from: Bman87301

Even if you aren't happy the selection of freebies yourself, come August 12 there will be plenty of collectors out there who missed out and will be willing to pay more than the $250 you originally paid for the exclusive content.  You can just sell your current 3DS for a profit on eBay then buy a new one at the new lower price. You've won either way.

That isn't a viable option, because then all of my downloaded software, records, settings, and other data goes with it. It wouldn't be worth it in the long run.

Quote from: Bman87301

Quote from: Mop

They still have public perception to worry about though. I hope that this kind of price cut doesn't cause people to view the product as worthless.

No way. The Ambassador Program is more than enough damage control to offset most of the negativity. And the new low price will take care of the rest. Mark my words.

I meant potential 3DS buyers. Some people might wonder what is wrong with the product that the price is being dropped so soon and by so much.

Ian SaneJuly 28, 2011

Quote from: Fatty_The_Hutt

And who would care most about VC games? You guessed it: the early adopters. The Nintendo faithful. The hard-core fans.

This is probably true but it logically makes no sense.  Hardcore Nintendo fans would be the most likely to already own original copies of old games.  Maybe not so much for older systems like the NES, but likely for games released in the last ten years.  Re-releases should logically be aimed at newcomers who don't have access to the old stuff.  But it sure as hell doesn't work that way.  I don't get it.

UncleBobRichard Cook, Guest ContributorJuly 28, 2011

Quote from: Ian

Hardcore Nintendo fans would be the most likely to already own original copies of old games.

But we're also the most likely to re-buy every re-release of the old games. :D

Mop it upJuly 28, 2011

Doesn't that also mean we're the most likely to buy these games when they become available for purchase, so Nintendo should offer something we're less likely to buy?

Bman87301July 28, 2011

Quote from: Mop

I meant potential 3DS buyers. Some people might wonder what is wrong with the product that the price is being dropped so soon and by so much.

Again like I said, that would only happen if the PSV was already out because it would come off as in inferior product in comparison.  Right now, 3DS is the only next gen on the market and it's far enough in advance from PSV's debut to make the price appear directly related. The way technology is constantly advancing, gadgets regularly drop significantly in price all the time, no there's nothing out of the ordinary by itself. Especially during these bad economic times, the price drop is only going to be seen in a positive light. The only room for negativity would be from early adopters, which Nintendo already took care of.

StogiJuly 28, 2011

I'm about to go buy this and OOT. Thank you, Nintendo/

UncleBobRichard Cook, Guest ContributorJuly 28, 2011

Quote from: Mop

Doesn't that also mean we're the most likely to buy these games when they become available for purchase, so Nintendo should offer something we're less likely to buy?

By this time, we'll all be on our second (third?) 3DS (new color, style revision, etc.) and have to rebuy them anyway. :D

Mop it upJuly 29, 2011

We sure are a crazy bunch.

I actually am tempted by that new red 3DS that's coming soon in Japan and seems inevitable for NA, it looks really good, much better than the boring black and ugly blue colours. But I really should hold off for a revision, since there are some things I don't like about it that could be fixed...

CericJuly 29, 2011

:P I like the Blue.

AdrockJuly 29, 2011

Nintendo is offering NES/GBA games because it affects profits far less than offering eshop credit that could be used on new games that may or may not be 1st party which complicates that further. Old games sales are practically pure profit since they recouped the cost of development years ago. I imagine it costs far less to make the games work on an emulator than it does to make a new game. It's still super nice of Nintendo to offer these games when the alternative is nothing.

If I buy a 3DS, I'll probably give it to my brother when a revision hits so we can play multiplayer games. That's what I did with the DSLite when I bought a DSi. Hopefully, I can transfer all of those free games though I don't see why I wouldn't be able to.

UncleBobRichard Cook, Guest ContributorJuly 29, 2011

I believe I read somewhere (in the many places that's been running this story) that the GBA titles won't be transferable.

Fatty The HuttJuly 29, 2011

Quote from: Mop

Doesn't that also mean we're the most likely to buy these games when they become available for purchase, so Nintendo should offer something we're less likely to buy?

That doesn't make a lot of sense to me. If Nintendo is giving away for free items I would likely buy anyway, then this is a good gift. If they give me something I may not have wanted, this is not a good gift and I may still feel slighted at the big price drop.

Ian SaneJuly 29, 2011

Regarding the idea that the price drop makes the system look inferior - I have a very interesting anecdote about it.  Yesterday at I was at my parents' house for dinner.  My Mom of all people brought up the 3DS with me asking if I had heard about the price drop.  She had heard that it was because that the 3D was making people dizzy and wasn't going over as well as Nintendo had hoped.  I don't think she even knew what a 3DS was before yesterday but she had heard about the price drop on the news, where the media had discussed it about being related to things like a lack of demand and the 3D feature not being so hot.

There is an example of the general public making a negative assumption about the 3DS due to the price drop.  If my Mom, who can't even wrap her head about Wii Fuckin' Sports, was able to hear about it without any of her videogame playing sons telling her, then anyone could.

AdrockJuly 29, 2011

Your mom didn't know what a 3DS was and thus was not going to buy one anyway making her irrelevant. Not, you know, in life but regarding 3DS. I expect the general public who was thinking about buying 3DS for themselves or as a gift to just be glad that the price dropped. No one really questions when other things go on sale/drop in price. Your mom included.

Also, your mom goes to college.

Ian SaneJuly 29, 2011

Quote from: Adrock

Your mom didn't know what a 3DS was and thus was not going to buy one anyway making her irrelevant. Not, you know, in life but regarding 3DS.

lol  I like how you added that last part. :D

My point though was that someone who doesn't give two flying shits about the 3DS heard about the price drop and how it was for largely negative reasons just from news coverage.  People who ARE potential customers of the 3DS may have watched the same news report and it might affect their perception of the 3DS.

Quote from: Ian

My Mom of all people brought up the 3DS with me asking if I had heard about the price drop.  She had heard that it was because that the 3D was making people dizzy and wasn't going over as well as Nintendo had hoped.

Fucking tabloids and sensationalist bullshit media

Mop it upJuly 29, 2011

Quote from: Ceric

:P I like the Blue.

So do I, but the 3DS Aqua colour is not blue. It's more like a turquoise or some such blue/green, which makes it ugly.

Quote from: Adrock

Nintendo is offering NES/GBA games because it affects profits far less than offering eshop credit that could be used on new games that may or may not be 1st party which complicates that further. Old games sales are practically pure profit since they recouped the cost of development years ago.

Yeah, it's pretty obvious they are doing this since it costs them next to nothing, but that doesn't mean it's something I want.

Quote from: UncleBob

I believe I read somewhere (in the many places that's been running this story) that the GBA titles won't be transferable.

Or at least, not until they become available on the eShop.

Quote from: Fatty_The_Hutt

Quote from: Mop

Doesn't that also mean we're the most likely to buy these games when they become available for purchase, so Nintendo should offer something we're less likely to buy?

That doesn't make a lot of sense to me. If Nintendo is giving away for free items I would likely buy anyway, then this is a good gift. If they give me something I may not have wanted, this is not a good gift and I may still feel slighted at the big price drop.

I was looking at it from Nintendo's perspective.

What's happened to you, Nintendo?  it's like I don't even know you any more.

With 3DS vs. Vita, I think both consoles are now appropriately priced.  I think the biggest problem for 3DS is that it's very difficult for consumers to tell what the REAL difference is between it and the regular DS, making its original price point seem completely ludicrous to anybody on the fence.  Nintendo's non-existent marketing hasn't helped with that, either.  The fact that none of its games have even caused a ripple in the mainstream media is another huge factor.  I think Nintendo's fear is that 3DS left a bad first impression, and that a whole group of people has already dismissed it.

I think Vita's pricing, while more expensive, is easier for Sony to justify in a way that customers understand. It's pretty obvious that it has some powerful hardware under the hood, and its price is close enough to a $200 iPhone for people to understand what they're paying for (I also think the market these days is more open to pricey mobile hardware).  Besides, I don't think they're really going after the same audience anyways.  Nintendo loyalists would probably never buy a Vita, and Sony loyalists would probably never buy a 3DS.  Most of the rest of the casuals are probably just playing Angry Birds on their iPhone 4, and couldn't give a crap either way.  That the big difference with 2004 vs. 2011.

kraken613July 30, 2011

I am very tempted to buy one but then I look at the games that are on it now. I don't think I can even justify $170 with the current software lineup. Other than Zelda is there anything else that great out? I mean I do already own OoT multiple times.

TJ SpykeJuly 30, 2011

Ignoring the pricepoints of the games (since some games I think are worth owning, but not for $40), some pretty good to great 3DS games:
LEGO Star Wars III: The Clone Wars
Pac-Man & Galaga Dimensions
PilotWings Resort
Super Street Fighter IV: 3D Edition
Resident Evil: The Mercenaries 3D

There may be others, but those are the ones that would interest me.

kraken613July 30, 2011

The thing is I am paying that much for a system then $40 per game for those games. Eh....

CericJuly 30, 2011

lol, back to my argument that dropping the games prices down would have a large affect.

I feel the same way as Kraken613...I'm still not paying $210 to play any single game on that list, let alone $290.  It's going to have to be something pretty special for me to plunk down that cash, and I haven't seen it yet.

BlackNMild2k1July 31, 2011

I didn't get the system yesterday (stayed at the movies for far too long), but I plan on only buying the system for now. The 20 digital games will have to be enough till I will pick up some boxed games when they are on sale.

kraken613July 31, 2011

Not to say it defiantly doesn't tempt me, but I figure wait another year or so get the revision system and then there will be a nice catalog of games to choose from.
(Now I will probably break before then and buy one though..)

Mop it upAugust 01, 2011

Quote from: TJ

LEGO Star Wars III: The Clone Wars
Pac-Man & Galaga Dimensions
PilotWings Resort
Super Street Fighter IV: 3D Edition
Resident Evil: The Mercenaries 3D

Do you know what is the problem with these games? They all have versions on other systems (except maybe RE: Mercenaries, I'm not very familiar with it). Currently the 3DS offers no unique experiences, and until it gets some, it isn't going to go anywhere.

TJ SpykeAugust 01, 2011

Um, what other system has a version of Pilotwings: Resort? As for the others, Dimensions does contain two new games developed specifically for this release. I will admit that most of Street Fighter is the same, and LEGO is actually smaller than the console versions.

Mop it upAugust 01, 2011

Not specifically PiletWings Resort, but you can play PilotWings games on many other systems, and from what I hear the flight game in Wii Sports Resort is pretty similar as well. So although it's a new entry in the series, it's nothing unique. Same goes for Pac-Man and Galaga, which pretty much appear on every system imaginable.

oohhboyHong Hang Ho, Staff AlumnusAugust 02, 2011

If Nintendo had released the 3DS in Australia and New Zealand for $250USD, I would have brought it back on launch day even without a game at the time. But this didn't happen, I was launched at $480NZD = $380USD*($420USD at todays exchange rate). Even with the price drop it is still more expensive than the original $250USD US launch price at $343NZD.

WTF Nintendo with the continued price gouging, why are we paying so much more? The exchange rate has been like this for YEARS. I figured this would be a good opportunity for them to step up to the plate down under, go figure it's "Business as usual".  :@

*1 NZD = 0.7USD and that is being generous.

TJ SpykeAugust 02, 2011

It's even closer than that, right now 1 NZD is 0.88 USD.

CericAugust 02, 2011

With that type of inflation I really can't see not importing.  It has to be cheaper.

oohhboyHong Hang Ho, Staff AlumnusAugust 02, 2011

Normally I would have (And it's drastically cheaper, imagine getting 30% - 60% off everything you buy online), but the 3DS is region locked with a lot of BS cavets layered on top by Nintendo that has yet to be resolved or become fully developed meaning importing it would have a very high chance of headaches down the line. The 3DS is so far the least import friendly console released to date, not forgetting that insulting excuse they gave for implementing it in the first place. (Translated:THINK OF THE CHILDREN! *not*)

It's not inflation, the pricing is a product of the 90's when the exchange rate was at about $1NZD = $0.50USD. But this hasn't been true since 2003 and a quick dip and rebound around 2009 when everything went to hell and no one were buying anything. Since the end of the century it has continued to trend upwards with an effective average of 0.70USD to the NZD past 2003. The data can be found here. There is a similar story in Europe where they price 1 GBP = 1 USD = 1 Euro. It's probably the number one reason why videogames sales have always been soft compared to the US even when adjusted for population differences.

Nintendo then bitches about the weak dollar and how it's converting to less Yen while fucking over anywhere else that isn't the US or Japan, all in the same breath.

It's off to the secondary markets for me and when a region hack becomes viable, it's done deal.

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