So yeah – a couple of days ago I got a brand new, aqua-blue Nintendo 3DS handheld game console! But I would only get my first proper game (Pokémon Platinum) today. In the mean time I experimented with the device, found out how to update the firmware, which got me the Nintendo eShop (and the browser as well) which allows me to download game demos (as well as buy some game via direct download, but I didn’t want to spend even more money).
You can check out the unboxing gallery right here. I’ve got a ton of pictures while opening the box and playing with that thing. Unfortunately, I don’t have a proper camcorder so I couldn’t pull off a decent unboxing video – which is something to think about for the future.
Costs wise, the 3DS runs at about 890 ILS here in Israel, which is as much as 225$ or 180 Euro. Getting the Cosmo Black or Fire Red version will run you an extra 100 ILS (25$) for no good reason what-so-ever. The costs on Amazon for the 3DS (in all colors) are at about 186$, before considering shipment and taxes.
As for games, they run from about 150 to 250 ILS (40-60$) depending on their launch date. I’ve checked the prices for both new and used games online and it just isn’t worth it when considering the shipment costs. I wish that the eShope was more developed and you could download all top-tier games directly without requiring physical game cards – this will help Nintendo fight the used games market as well.
Some Unboxing Rants
A couple of things you notice off the bat. First, the box comes with a metric ton of paper work is several different languages – that is probably because I have the European version, which other than the English manuals also has ones in French, German, Spanish, etc. Over half the weight of the box is paperwork – that’s insane.
Also because it’s the European version (I think), I didn’t have Israel in the region selection options. I don’t know if it has any effect – I hope not. One think that is problematic for me is that all of my currency is in British pounds (sans Israel, I selected the UK for my region). This means that if I’ll even buy something from the eShop, it will cost me extra (the ILS to GBP exchange rate is higher than both Euro and USD).
One last thing about languages and regions – the browser doesn’t even have the fonts to display text in Hebrew. Nintendo, come on! I’m not asking for a Hebrew UI, or ILS currency, but basic fonts! You can do better than this.
Hands-on User Experience
Well, enough with the bitching (for now). The next thing I noticed was the user experience using the touch screen- which is great. Its friendly, respond well with the stylus (less without it) and if you’ve ever used a Wii before, you’ll feel right at home.
In general, the 3DS has a very “old school” Nintendo feel to it. Most functions of the device, such as volume, the use of the 3D function and even WI-Fi connectivity, are adjusted using sliding switches. With all those modern touch devices and motion controls we got used to, it’s nice to see the Nintendo still got what it takes to make you genuinely enjoy using the device itself, not just playing with it. It threw me back to being 8 years old and playing with my cousins’ original Game Boy (and more on the “originals” later).
As for the player controls, they are very solid. The analog “circle” pad feels very good and responds well. I dare say it is better than the sticks on my Xbox 360 Wireless controller for Windows, if not for one critical flaw – its angle. You see, both the analog pad and the control buttons are meant to be used with your thumbs. But on the Xbox controller, they are spaced apart and put in a roughly 45° angle, which fits comfortably in your hand. However, on the 3DS those controls are closer together which forces you to put your thumbs closer to your hands, in about a 30° degree angle. For a person with large hands this will feel uncomfortable after several minutes.
This issue makes me think that I’ll enjoy the 3DS better playing less action-oriented games that has less movement involved. I was trying the demo for Rayman Origins, a game that I own on my PC (via Steam) and just couldn’t get the same smooth feeling, precision and comfort the Xbox controller gives. After several annoying deaths, I rage-quitted the game…
But – as I bought this device to be a Pokémon machine, this issue may never come up again. I’ve since found out that there are several very good games for this console, so I might be tempted to try some of them out.
Glorious 3D Gaming!
No, I’m not being sarcastic or making a joke. This is totally serious – the 3D is awesome!
Do you remember those “holographic” cards you had as a kid? You turned them around and got the perception of “depth” in the illustration? That’s exactly that. Activating the 3D in an enabled game makes the graphic on the top screen to have the same “holographic” depth which, in my opinion, is really cool and adds to the game experience. Some people say that the 3D effect may give you headaches after an hour or so- this depends on your eyes, really- but I can’t comment on that since I haven’t tried playing for that long. And I wouldn’t for a while, since the only proper game I’ll have is Pokémon Platinum, and it’s a DS game – which means, no 3D (well, strictly speaking, you can enable 3D mode on DS games which aren’t “enabled”, but online reviews say it’s not recommended). I might buy Legend of Zelda 3D, or Super Mario Land 3D in the future and give it a run on the money.
Another cool thing – once you update the firmware and get the Nintendo eShop, you have access to a section called the “Virtual Console”. In there, you will find a bunch of old Nintendo hardware titles, including awesome stuff like the original Super Mario Bros, original Zelda, original Metroid, and a lot more – each will run you just a couple of pounds.
Other than that the eShope has some utility software such as the messaging the video apps, previews and demos of games in stores and some more casual games you can get via direct download.
The device has a featured called “Sleep Mode” – if you keep your 3DS powered on, but close the lid, it will enter sleep mode. In that mode, he can still communicate via WI-Fi and IR which is used by several apps, including the eShop which lets you queue up downloads which will start in sleep mode. The 3DS will also “talk” with other 3DSs around it, collecting information for some apps and games. Another feature is the pedometer which will count your steps and award you with coins which are used as an in-game currency for some titles.
Conclusion
Actually, making a conclusion is useless, since I haven’t played any games yet. The 3DS work very well and its user experience is exceptional. My complaints so far are for the lack of Hebrew fonts in the browser and the position of the analog pad which it uncomfortable for me personally.
Now, go buy one so I can trade my Pokémon and make them evolve!
(Since I lack in the video department, below is the 3DS unboxing video by TechnoBuffalo, a website and YouTube channel I highly recommend.)