The New Nintendo 3DS

Scott's Stash
27 Sept 202316:14

TLDRThe video script discusses the evolution of the Nintendo 3DS, from its original bulky design to the refined New Nintendo 3DS and 3DS XL. It highlights the improvements in 3D effect stability, screen size, battery life, and the addition of a C-stick and NFC support. The script also touches on the limited release of the New 3DS in North America, emphasizing its unique features like customizable face plates and the matte finish, making it a favorite among enthusiasts despite its niche market.

Takeaways

  • 🎮 The original Nintendo 3DS, launched in 2011, had a sleek design but was uncomfortable and had issues with its 3D effect and battery life.
  • 📱 The 3DS XL improved on the original with a larger screen, but felt cheaper in design and materials, and omitted some features like the charging cradle.
  • 🔄 The 3DS XL had slightly better battery life, but the community was still anticipating a refined version similar to the DS Light.
  • 🎉 The Nintendo 2DS, released in 2013, was a cost-effective alternative without the 3D effect, making it safer for younger audiences.
  • 🌟 The new Nintendo 3DS and new 3DS XL, introduced in 2014 in Japan, addressed previous issues with a stable 3D effect, better controls, and improved hardware.
  • 👍 The new 3DS models included a C-stick for enhanced control, a better processor for faster load times, and exclusive games like Xenoblade Chronicles 3D.
  • 📲 NFC support was added for amiibo functionality in compatible games, enhancing the interactive experience.
  • 🔧 The new 3DS offered interchangeable cover plates for personalization, but this feature was not available on the new 3DS XL.
  • 🛍️ The new 3DS was initially not released in North America, with only the new 3DS XL being announced, possibly due to market strategy and practicality.
  • 🎁 Special edition bundles of the new 3DS were later released in North America, but it remained a niche product compared to the new 3DS XL.
  • 💬 Despite its limited release, the new 3DS is considered by some as the definitive model due to its unique features and aesthetics.

Q & A

  • When was the original Nintendo 3DS launched?

    -The original Nintendo 3DS was launched in 2011.

  • What was a common criticism of the original 3DS's design and functionality?

    -The original 3DS was criticized for its design that tried to look sleek but appeared a bit silly, and for its 3D effect that required the user to look straight at the screen to avoid blurriness.

  • What was the improvement in battery life from the original 3DS to the 3DS XL?

    -The battery life of the 3DS XL was slightly better than the original 3DS, with an improvement of about 30 minutes.

  • When was the Nintendo 2DS released and why was it significant?

    -The Nintendo 2DS was released in 2013 as a cost-effective option for consumers, especially around the release of Pokemon X and Y, and it removed the controversial 3D effect.

  • What are some of the features introduced in the New Nintendo 3DS and New 3DS XL?

    -The New Nintendo 3DS and New 3DS XL introduced a super stable 3D effect, a C-stick for additional control, a better processor for improved performance, NFC support for amiibo, and cover plates for customization.

  • Why did Nintendo of America initially only announce the release of the New 3DS XL in North America?

    -Nintendo of America likely chose to only release the New 3DS XL due to its larger screen and premium feel, making it the definitive 3DS model, and possibly due to the perceived novelty and additional retail considerations of the regular-sized New 3DS.

  • What is the difference between the New 3DS and the New 3DS XL in terms of design?

    -The New 3DS has interchangeable face plates and color-coordinated buttons similar to the Super Famicom, while the New 3DS XL has larger screens and a more premium feel but lacks the interchangeable face plates feature.

  • Why was the release of the New 3DS in North America considered 'obscure'?

    -The New 3DS was released in limited bundles and special editions in North America, without official standalone cover plates in stores, making it one of the more obscure 3DS system revisions.

  • What was the reaction to the New 3DS's release timing in Japan and its announcement for North America?

    -The timing was considered a bit weird as it was announced just before the holiday season in 2014, and the announcement for North America came only after the release of Smash Brothers for 3DS, potentially affecting sales.

  • What are some of the quirks or downsides of the New 3DS and New 3DS XL design?

    -Some quirks include the new stylus placement, the need to unscrew the back to access the microSD card and swap out face plates on the New 3DS, and the lack of an included AC adapter.

Outlines

00:00

🕹️ The Evolution of Nintendo 3DS: From Original to New 3DS XL

The script discusses the journey of the Nintendo 3DS from its original launch in 2011 to the New 3DS XL. It highlights the design flaws and functionality issues of the original 3DS, such as the uncomfortable design, poor battery life, and the finicky 3D effect that required a direct view to function properly. The introduction of the 3DS XL is noted for its improved screen size and comfort but criticized for its cheaper feel and cost-cutting measures like the removal of the charging cradle and the lit 3D indicator. The script also touches on the Nintendo 2DS, released as a cheaper alternative without the 3D effect, and the anticipation for a refined '3DS Light.' The New 3DS and New 3DS XL are praised for their improved 3D effect, C-stick for dual control, better processor, and exclusive games, while also mentioning the new NFC support for amiibo.

05:00

🔄 Aesthetic and Functional Upgrades of the New 3DS Models

This paragraph delves into the aesthetic and functional upgrades of the New 3DS models, including the introduction of interchangeable face plates and color-coordinated buttons. It contrasts the new 3DS XL's premium feel with the new 3DS's unique features like the matte finish and the ability to change face plates. The summary also addresses the less popular design choices, such as the stylus placement and the inconvenient microSD card access, which requires unscrewing the back of the device. Despite these quirks, the new 3DS models are celebrated as the definitive versions of the 3DS, with a special mention of the new 3DS's unique appeal due to its customization options and the lack of an included AC adapter.

10:02

📅 The Unconventional Release Strategy of the New 3DS in North America

The script narrates the peculiar release strategy of the New 3DS in North America, which was announced during the 2014 holiday season but did not include the original size New 3DS. The decision to only release the New 3DS XL in North America is speculated to be due to its more practical appeal compared to the smaller model, which was seen as a novelty. The paragraph also discusses the surprise release of the New 3DS in special edition bundles, such as the Animal Crossing Happy Home Designer bundle and the Pokemon 20th Anniversary Edition, despite the lack of an official release. The summary highlights the perceived lack of commitment from Nintendo of America to the New 3DS, possibly due to the additional effort required to stock cover plates and the potential confusion for consumers.

15:05

🏆 The New 3DS: A Cult Favorite Despite Limited Availability

The final paragraph reflects on the New 3DS's status as a cult favorite among Nintendo fans, despite its limited and somewhat confusing release in North America. It emphasizes the New 3DS's unique design and customization options, which set it apart from other 3DS models. The summary also notes the New 3DS's appeal as a fashion statement, as seen in Japanese commercials, and the unfortunate lack of a broader market for such customization in North America at the time of release. The script concludes by expressing gratitude for the New 3DS's eventual release in North America, even if it was limited to special edition bundles, and the speaker's personal fondness for the model.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Nintendo 3DS

The Nintendo 3DS is a series of portable gaming consoles developed by Nintendo. It is known for its autostereoscopic 3D display, which allows users to experience 3D effects without the need for special glasses. In the script, the 3DS is discussed in various iterations, highlighting its evolution and improvements over time.

💡3D effect

The 3D effect refers to the ability of the Nintendo 3DS to display images in three dimensions. The script mentions that the original 3DS had a somewhat limited 3D effect, requiring the user to look directly at the screen to avoid blurriness. The new 3DS models improved this feature, making the 3D effect more stable and user-friendly.

💡New Nintendo 3DS

The New Nintendo 3DS refers to an upgraded version of the original 3DS, introduced to address some of the earlier model's shortcomings. The script discusses the enhancements in the new models, such as a more stable 3D effect, improved battery life, and the addition of a C-stick for better control in games.

💡C-stick

The C-stick is an additional control stick found in the New Nintendo 3DS models. It provides a second analog control option, which was previously only available through an accessory called the Circle Pad Pro. The script notes that while the C-stick is not a full-sized second circle pad, it offers improved control options for gamers.

💡Battery life

Battery life is a critical aspect of portable gaming consoles, referring to how long the device can be used on a single charge. The script mentions that the original 3DS had poor battery life, which was slightly improved in the 3DS XL and further enhanced in the New Nintendo 3DS models.

💡3DS XL

The 3DS XL is a larger version of the original 3DS, offering a more comfortable handheld gaming experience with a bigger screen. The script describes the 3DS XL as an upgrade over the original model, despite some design and material quality trade-offs that made it feel less premium.

💡New 3DS XL

The New 3DS XL is the larger counterpart to the New 3DS, offering the same improved features but with a larger screen and a more premium feel. The script notes that the New 3DS XL was the only new model officially released in North America, making it the definitive version for that market.

💡Amiibo

Amiibo is Nintendo's line of interactive figurines that can be used with compatible games to unlock special content or features. The script mentions that the New Nintendo 3DS models introduced NFC support, allowing players to use their Amiibo figures directly with the console.

💡Face plates

Face plates are interchangeable covers for the New Nintendo 3DS that allow users to customize the appearance of their console. The script discusses the fun and unique aspect of these face plates, which were not available for the New 3DS XL, adding a layer of personalization to the handheld gaming experience.

💡MicroSD card

The MicroSD card is a type of memory card used for expanding the storage capacity of devices like the New Nintendo 3DS. The script points out that accessing the MicroSD card slot on the new models requires unscrewing the back of the console, which is seen as an inconvenience compared to the easier access on previous models.

💡New 2DS

The New 2DS is a cost-effective variant of the 3DS that lacks the 3D display feature. The script mentions its release as a strategy to provide a cheaper option for consumers, especially around the launch of popular games like Pokémon X and Y, making it a smart move for Nintendo to capture a wider audience.

Highlights

The original 3DS launched in 2011 with a sleek design but was not the most comfortable or visually appealing.

The 3DS had issues with battery life and the 3D effect requiring a direct view to function properly.

The 3DS XL offered an upgrade with improved screen size but felt cheaper in design and materials.

The 3DS XL came at a higher price with less included accessories compared to the original 3DS.

The Nintendo 2DS, released in 2013, was a cost-effective alternative without the 3D effect.

The new 3DS and new 3DS XL were announced in 2014, addressing previous models' issues with enhanced features.

The new 3DS systems introduced a super stable 3D effect tracked by a top camera for better viewing flexibility.

A C-stick was added for dual stick control in games, previously requiring a separate Circle Pad Pro.

The new 3DS models featured a better processor for quicker load times and exclusive games.

NFC support was added for amiibo functionality in compatible games.

The new 3DS offered interchangeable cover plates for personalized device appearance.

The new 3DS XL had a more premium feel but lacked the interchangeable face plates of the new 3DS.

The new 3DS buttons were color-coordinated to match the Super Famicom, a unique aesthetic touch.

The new 3DS XL had a less comfortable form factor compared to the new 3DS.

The new 3DS had a matte finish, contrasting with the glossy finish of the new 3DS XL.

The new 3DS and new 3DS XL had some design quirks, such as the stylus placement and microSD card access.

The new 3DS was released in special edition bundles in North America, making it a somewhat obscure model.

The new 3DS was not officially released in North America, only available in limited bundles.

Despite its limited availability, the new 3DS is considered a favorite among some users for its unique features.