The 3DS mess

About 4 months after its release, the Nintendo 3DS is getting a price cut, from $250 to $170. I remember being excited for the handheld when it was first announced, but the launch lineup was not really interesting. The announcement, along with the news that people who logged in the Nintendo virtual shop using their 3DS before August 12 would be given 20 free downloadable games , made me take another look at the handheld. Certainly, 4 months after its initial release, the system must have some decent games? Not only, the selection of games is very limited, the 3DS still has some big problems that make it difficult to rationalize the decision to buy one.

The games (or the lack of quality games)

The 3DS has some quality games, but it’s seriously lacking in diversity. The top rated game is a 13 year old remake, followed by fighting games and a bunch of Nintendogs variations. No serious RPG, adventure, or even a well known series in the top games. I took a look at the upcoming titles and not much is coming to the system in the next few months. Among the interesting games, a new Paper Mario, Luigi’s Mansion 2, Mario Kart and another remake, Star Fox 64. Nothing that can’t wait a couple of months.

Unimpressive hardware

First, the biggest feature of the handheld, the glasses-free 3D is reported to put a strain on the eyes and many gamers just turn it off for long gaming sessions. Furthermore, the short battery life of 3 to 5 hours is far from being impressive considering it’s supposed to be a handheld system to take on the go.

Why buy one now

As I said earlier, those who log in the virtual shop before August 12 (price drop day) will get 20 free games (10 NES and 10 GBA virtual console titles). Buying the system later will save you $80 unless you go for a price match after the price drop or buy one where the price has already been lowered. So it is possible to get the 3DS at the lowered price and the 20 free games.

Why wait?

The Nintendo DS went through 4 variations, the Game Boy Advance has 3. I would be very surprised if a new 3DS model did not get release sometime in the next year or two, hopefully with a better battery, improved 3D visuals and better games to choose from.