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What did the Nintendo 3DS mean to you?
With this week's announcement of Nintendo's new Switch Lite console, we've been thinking about the handheld that preceded it: The Nintendo 3DS, a successor to the wildly popular DS that took the dual screen and added the ability to display games in 3D -- without glasses. When Engadget reviewed the first model of the 3DS, it hit big with its satisfying clamshell design, circle pad thumb slider and 320 x 240 touchscreen. Reviewer Tim Stevens found the 3D gameplay a bit finicky but a nice enhancement to the graphics quality in titles like Ridge Racer 3 and Face Raiders.
The US is getting a SNES-themed new 3DS XL too
Turns out that SNES-themed 3DS XL isn't a Europe exclusive after all. As Twitter user @Wario64 (who else?) points out, the handheld is currently available for pre-order in the US for $199.99. It will ship a whole two weeks after the Europe release on November 27, but that's better than never, right? It also follows in the footsteps of the Super Famicom-inspired 3DS XL, which landed exclusively in Japan in March of last year. Okay, we'll stop rubbing it in. To add to the nostalgia, Nintendo is packing a download code for Super Mario Kart with the variant.
'Minecraft' is available on Nintendo handhelds right now
Surprise! Minecraft: New Nintendo 3DS Edition is out today on the Nintendo eShop, with a physical version coming in the future. The game is playable on the New 3DS, New 3DS XL and New 2DS XL -- leaving original 2DS, 3DS and 3DS XL owners in the dust.
SNES-inspired 3DS XL hits Europe in October
Miss out on the SNES Classic pre-orders that went up (and promptly sold out) overnight? Nintendo has a consolation prize for you. Sort of. The storied game-maker will release a Super Nintendo-themed 3DS XL this October 13th. There's a catch though: It'll only be available in Europe. As Polygon notes, last year Japan got a Super Famicom-styled 3DS XL, and it still hasn't made its way to our shores. But given that the Super Famicom itself was exclusive to Japan, that makes sense. The same can't be said for the SNES one. We've reached out to Nintendo for more information and will update this post should it arrive.
Nintendo World Championships return on October 7th
You won't have to wait nearly so long for the third Nintendo World Championships as you did for the second. Nintendo has revealed that its third World Championships will take place in New York City on October 7th, 2017. Anyone in the US or Canada can register (it's not really a world tournament, is it?), but you'll have to qualify by playing Mario Kart 7 for the 2DS/3DS at certain Best Buy locations in eight American cities. The first qualifiers start August 19th in New York City and San Jose, while Chicago, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, Dallas, Seattle and Miami are also on deck.
Nintendo hasn't forgotten about 'Pokémon' on the 3DS
Okay, so, today's brief Nintendo Direct didn't reveal the Switch version of Pokemon Sun and Moon, but if you aren't a fan of traditional fighting games and still prefer the 3DS to the Switch (see: battery life) there was still some silver lining for you from today's Pokémon Direct. Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon will be released November 17th. The pair will feature pocket monsters not found in the original releases and a different story, along with new features that "will allow you to enjoy your adventure even more, making this truly an 'ultra' title," according to the video. Sure! So, while they're definitely the "latest installments," they really aren't 100 percent new per se.
Nintendo's 2DS XL doesn't need 3D to be a solid handheld
Nintendo's latest portable, the New 2DS XL, isn't even out yet and people are already questioning its existence. Does the company really need another hand-held gaming console, especially with the recent launch of its hybrid Switch? For Nintendo, the answer is an obvious "yes," based on the belief that consumers want a 2DS with the form factor of a 3DS XL. At $150, the 2DS XL will slot in between these two models, which cost $80 and $200, respectively. So, what exactly do you get in return? If you're comparing it to the 2DS, the extra-large version is nearly identical, with the main difference being the clamshell design. Otherwise, they both come with the same processor, same battery, same low-resolution cameras and, well, you get the point.
Nintendo's latest portable is the $150 2DS XL
Nintendo is dropping the NES Classic Edition from its lineup, but it has new hardware on the way with this just-announced New Nintendo 2DS XL. The portable system will cost $150 when it goes on sale July 28th, with the same large screen and features of the 3DS XL, but as its name implies, it will only display "Nintendo 3DS, New Nintendo 3DS and Nintendo DS" games in 2D. To keep expanding that library of games, Miitopia and Hey! Pikmin are releasing the same day as the new 2DS XL. In the US it will be available in the black/turquoise color shown above, however, in Japan it launches July 13th in two colors, adding a white/orange option.
Nintendo made a special 3DS XL for Pokémon Sun and Moon
You probably already have a Nintendo 3DS if you're waiting for the new Pokémon to drop. But if you're always on the lookout for special editions to add to your growing collection, you can get a Pokémon Sun and Moon-flavored New Nintendo 3DS XL on October 28th (or November 18th in the UK). This one's definitely for those who want something much simpler than the colorful bundle released for the franchise's 20th anniversary. It's just a black console with minimalistic illustrations of Sun's and Moon's legendaries, Solgaleo and Lunala.
Windows 95 on a Nintendo 3DS is as strange as you'd think
The trend of putting PC software on wholly impractical devices isn't stopping with the new year, folks. GBATemp fan Shutterbug2000 has managed to get Windows 95 running on a New Nintendo 3DS XL thanks to both DOSbox emulation and some ingenuity. You won't be doing a whole lot with this right now -- Microsoft wasn't designing for touchscreens and analog sticks two decades ago -- but it really does work on a basic level. It looks more than a little odd, too, between the tiny desktop and the emulator status on the second screen.
New in our buyer's guide: the Galaxy Note 5, OnePlus 2 and Moto G
Phones and gaming. Gaming and phones. That's about all we're adding to our buyer's guide this month. Since we last checked in, we've inducted a trio of new handsets, including the Samsung Galaxy Note 5, Moto G and the OnePlus 2. (And yes, we'll soon have to update the iPhone part of the guide too.) Meanwhile, we also decided that the Wii U and the New 3DS XL deserved spots in our gaming guide, along with a nod to toys-to-life products like Amiibo, Skylanders and Disney's Infinity series. We'll be back next month, but until then, feel free to poke around our complete guide to see our top picks.
It's complicated: Nintendo's relationship with indie gaming
Independent games are a cornerstone of Sony's PlayStation 4 messaging, and a contributing factor to the system's blockbuster success. They are not for Nintendo -- neither for the Wii U, nor the 3DS. An unsurprising strategy given the Japanese company's reliance on Mario and Zelda, its familiar, first-party franchises. And yet, independent games have had a presence on the company's digital software channel, the eShop, for almost a decade. Only now, they're more noticeable. "We've been supporting Indie content and self-publishing for a really long time," says Damon Baker, senior manager of licensing at Nintendo. "I mean, [going] back to the WiiWare, DSiWare days. But I think that it's just a more visible community because there's so much talent that's coming out of it; there's so much coverage for it that it just makes it naturally higher profile."
Nintendo's new, more powerful 3DS launches in North America and Europe on February 13th
Back when we reviewed the new, dual-analog input-enabled Nintendo 3DS handheld, we weren't quite sure when it would make its way to the rest of the world -- that changes today. The slightly more powerful handheld launches on February 13th, 2015 in North America and Europe. To make it up to those who've waited patiently while the likes of Japan and, kind of, Europe got in on the extra shoulder button action, Nintendo's made a cabernet-hued console for us to wrap our fingers around. And what good is a new console without games to play on it? Nintendo has us covered there as well, with The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask 3D and Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate. You know, in case you're already bored with the latest portable version of Super Smash Bros. There are even "New" 3DS XL Monster Hunter and Majora's Mask bundles headed to stores on February 13th with fancy designs.
Nintendo 3DS review (2014): a good reason to give 3D another shot
Nintendo's original 3D handheld launched in 2011 and three years is a seriously long time in tech -- especially for Nintendo. Fortunately, it's been a hit -- over 44 million units sold so far -- following a tradition of handheld console leadership that started way back with the original Game Boy. (And if you've seen Nintendo's recent depressing earnings reports, you know that handhelds are why Mario is still able to even make ends meet.) So here's not one, but two hardware refreshes. Yep, two models, one bigger than the other (sound familiar?), both of which arrive with new buttons, a second (gasp!) analog stick and some new 3D screen assistance that means I now willingly switch on the 3D effect while playing games. Whoa. For now, it's launched in Japan and parts of Asia, and it's also coming soon to Australia and New Zealand. I'd bet the cost of a new 3DS that it'll make its way to the rest of the world at some point; it's just a matter of when. This is the New 3DS and New 3DS LL, and if you already have an older model, you'll probably want to consider an upgrade.
The first 'Smash Bros.' in six years is available now, and you should play it
There is a new Smash Bros. game, and it's available as of last Friday. You know when the last game, Super Smash Bros. Brawl, was released? In 2008! Six years ago! So today is a pretty exciting day, at least for me. Hi, I'm Ben Gilbert, and I've been playing Smash Bros. with far too much sincerity for 15+ years. The new Smash Bros. for 3DS, however? I've only been playing that for about two weeks. The reviews are out! Our sister site Joystiq is pretty into it. I am also way into it, and I want to tell you why.
When 'Super Smash Bros.' hits Wii U, you'll be able to control it with a 3DS
If you need another method of controlling Super Smash Bros whenever it actually releases for Wii U, Nintendo apparently has you covered. Spotted by a Japanese gamer on Twitter and IGN (the handheld version is already out in the East), the 3DS version offers the option to connect the portable to Nintendo's HD console to exchange customized characters. What's more, there's a menu saying that you "can use it as a controller," too -- perfect for any future couch-based tournaments, we'd imagine. Granted, you'll almost assuredly have to own the game on both platforms for this to happen, but what Nintendo fan wouldn't anyway? We've reached out to Nintendo for confirmation on the matter and will update this post should we hear back.
Nintendo's latest 3DS XL edition plays on your nostalgic side
Nintendo regularly draws on its long history in video gaming to get you buying games and consoles, but it may have just topped itself with its latest 3DS XL variants. On top of two models meant to honor the launches of Persona Q and Super Smash Bros., the company has unveiled an NES Edition that plasters the classic NES gamepad on top of a gray back. It's not as good-looking as the similarly-themed Game Boy Advance SP from years ago, but let's not kid ourselves -- this is still going to evoke many fond memories of playing Metroid in the family den. Not fair, Nintendo. If you're feeling all warm and fuzzy just by looking at the photo, you can buy the NES Edition at GameStop on October 10th for $200.
Super Smash Bros. supports new 3DS C-stick, not Circle Pad Pro
The portable version of Super Smash Bros. will not support the Circle Pad Pro accessory for 3DS, according to a support page on Nintendo of Japan's website, as translated by NeoGAF. With the recent announcement of a new 3DS and 3DS XL, the upcoming entry in the Super Smash Bros. series will reportedly favor the new devices' use of extra shoulder buttons and C-stick as opposed to the accessory that added a second circle pad and shoulder buttons to existing 3DS systems. This implies that players using a traditional 3DS or 3DS XL will be locked to using controls specific to those consoles without the extra buttons and joystick. The game will launch prior to the new hardware; Super Smash Bros. for 3DS is due out September 13 in Japan and October 3 in North America. The revised systems, which will be region-locked, will launch October 11 in Japan and won't make the calendar year in the west. The other version of the game for Wii U will arrive this holiday season. We've reached out to Nintendo to confirm the 3DS version's lack of support for the Circle Pad Pro and will update as we learn more. [Image: Nintendo]
Engadget Daily: Google's delivery drone, Nintendo's new 3DS handhelds and more!
Today, we take a look at Google's "Project Wing" delivery drone, go crazy with emoticons, learn about Nintendo's new 3DS and 3DS XL handhelds and more. Read on for Engadget's news highlights from the last 24 hours.
Nintendo is making two new versions of its 3DS portable console, arriving in Japan this October
Nintendo releases recorded video presentations, known as "Nintendo Direct," pretty often. Usually they're focused on games, or they highlight an upcoming season's game releases. This morning, however, Nintendo revealed two new versions of its wildly successful 3DS portable game console. And just like the Mario series, Nintendo's not pulling any punches when it comes to naming conventions: the new 3DS is simply called "New" 3DS. And yes, there's a "New" version of the larger 3DS XL, too. As seen above, the smaller "New" 3DS has Super Nintendo-themed buttons on the right side. Just above those buttons is a new, tiny analog stick. Bizarrely, Nintendo's president Satoru Iwata compared the new analog stick to the GameCube controller's yellow C-stick (which was rarely used in GameCube games).
