THE BORE

General => Video Game Bored => Topic started by: bork on October 15, 2014, 11:23:44 PM

Title: New 3DS
Post by: bork on October 15, 2014, 11:23:44 PM

This came out in Japan last weekend, but unless I missed something, none of the J-Bore crew posted anything about getting one.  I received mine today and wrote some initial impressions.  The only thing I can't comment on yet is battery life.

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Received my New 3DS today.  The box contains the system, manuals, AR cards, and has the top cover removed, perhaps to show how easy it is to remove or to be ready for additional covers.  No AC adapter is included, which is unfortunately typical of Nintendo's Japanese handheld releases.  The N3DS comes with a 4GB micro SD card already installed.  If you want to replace this, you'll need a micro philips head screwdriver to remove the bottom cover, which also is necessary to change to a different cover and for access to the battery.

(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5604/15522732966_0560bb18f1_c.jpg)

Although the N3DS is not that much smaller than the 3DS LL, it feels much smaller and is noticeably lighter in comparison.

(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5610/14925687904_8a8646aecb_z.jpg)(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5597/15360792930_c8ba5b2113_z.jpg)

All the previous 3DS models I've owned always had slightly loose hinges.  The N3DS does not have this issue, which further helps the improved 3D viewing angle.  The head tracking feature finally makes it possible to play games in 3D without needing to keep the 3DS as steady as possible.  I usually play games with 3D off, but since this feature has seen a massive improvement, it finally feels like a viable feature, even when playing where it would be harder to keep the system steady, such as Smash Bros.  Smash also loads noticeably faster on this model.

(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5603/15522723686_1a7297b80f_z.jpg)

All of the  buttons and ports around the system frame have been moved on the 3DS, leaving the bottom sides completely smooth.  The volume slider has now been moved to the top screen, and the cartridge, stylus, and power button are the bottom part of the frame.  The shoulder buttons have been made smaller, to make room for the added ZR and ZL buttons.   The only change I dislike is the stylus location; it just feels awkward removing it from the bottom.

(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5604/15547274122_7e5cc00129.jpg)(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3934/15522729536_6d538b318f.jpg)(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3936/15522726916_dd2353f661.jpg)

The bottom screen now only houses the Home button, which has been made much easier to press.  Start and Select have been changed into smaller buttons, found under the face buttons.  The nub that acts as the second analog stick initially feels odd, but is extremely responsive and worked perfectly with Super Smash Bros. when I tested it.  I did have some issues with using it for the camera in Senran Kagura 2, however.

(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5606/15360789850_85e8423dc5_z.jpg)

In comparison to the 3DS LL screen, the N3DS screen produces a sharper, slightly more colorful image and the speakers also sound noticeably louder.  One issue I had with both previous 3DS models was ergonomics.  My hands tended to cramp up with use, particularly on games where the triggers were needed.  The N3DS feels more comfortable and it's easier to hit both sets of trigger buttons, however I still felt some discomfort when playing Super Street Fighter IV 3D Edition- Using the shoulder buttons and d-pad together is still somewhat awkward.

(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3943/15360290078_84038058b1_z.jpg)(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3951/15359808159_f5e48fcd1c_z.jpg)

I have mixed opinions about the system's revamped aesthetic.  There's something about the N3DS that almost makes me think of an older game system -and I don't mean the Super Famicom style facebuttons- perhaps because the form factor isn't quite as sleek, with noticeable lines and all the visible ports/buttons on the frame.  The system appears more "toy-like" than previous models as well, although not as much as the 2DS.

Although this now the fourth iteration of the 3DS, the system is worth a purchase for its improved ergomics, vastly-better 3D screen, added controls, and boost in power, which will be used later on for N3DS-only title.

(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5603/15359804029_84ef995aa1_z.jpg)

Title: Re: New 3DS
Post by: Himu on October 15, 2014, 11:34:51 PM

Really want this with those exact button colors. Is it region free this time? Rumors said it was.

Title: Re: New 3DS
Post by: bork on October 15, 2014, 11:37:35 PM

Quote from: Queen of Ice on October 15, 2014, 11:34:51 PM

Really want this with those exact button colors. Is it region free this time? Rumors said it was.

Nope.  Who said that it would be?  It was pretty obvious that wasn't going to happen and it's doubtful that it ever will when there's no account system in place and the shops are all separate.

Now I have to figure out the best way to get rid of my 3DS LL.  Who is going to want to buy that now?  By the time I get back to Japan it will be worth 4000 yen if I'm lucky.   :P

Title: Re: New 3DS
Post by: Himu on October 15, 2014, 11:39:23 PM

Sigh. Guess I'll import this. The one you got (non xl one) is really cute. I hate the xl.

Title: Re: New 3DS
Post by: AdmiralViscen on October 16, 2014, 12:10:01 AM

Aesthetically, this looks like shit. Like pre-lite DS almost. Fisher Price total

Title: Re: New 3DS
Post by: bork on October 16, 2014, 12:12:14 AM

Quote from: Queen of Ice on October 15, 2014, 11:39:23 PM

Sigh. Guess I'll import this. The one you got (non xl one) is really cute. I hate the xl.

It's kind of ugly...and yet kind of cute.  BUSU-KAWAII~ :uguu

For some reason I think of the PC Engine when I look at this thing from certain angles.  It's weird.   :lol

Title: Re: New 3DS
Post by: Joe Molotov on October 16, 2014, 12:46:15 AM

Does it still reboot the whole system when you turn off Smash Bros?

Title: Re: New 3DS
Post by: Rahxephon91 on October 16, 2014, 05:38:23 AM

How do you move saves over from an older 3ds?

Title: Re: New 3DS
Post by: bork on October 16, 2014, 07:57:19 AM

Quote from: AdmiralViscen on October 16, 2014, 12:10:01 AM

Aesthetically, this looks like shit. Like pre-lite DS almost. Fisher Price total

Nowhere near that ugly and dated looking.  OG DS was legendary ugliness. 

Quote from: Joe Molotov on October 16, 2014, 12:46:15 AM

Does it still reboot the whole system when you turn off Smash Bros?

The game now quits back to the main menu screen normally.   :)

Quote from: Rahxephon91 on October 16, 2014, 05:38:23 AM

How do you move saves over from an older 3ds?

Via a system data transfer, just like when going from a 3DS to an XL or 2DS.  The fastest way to do this is to copy the data from your SD card to your PC, then to the micro SD card, and use the option to just transfer the settings/data from the 3DS itself and not from the SD card.  Took around eight minutes for the transfer to go through when I did it that way.  No idea why anyone would choose the option to copy all data wirelessly-- that can take hours.  Was listening to a podcast and they were all talking about how long it took because they did it that way. 
:dizzy

Title: Re: New 3DS
Post by: Great Rumbler on October 16, 2014, 09:00:28 AM

I've been holding off on getting a 3DS up until now, but I think this is where I finally pull the trigger*.

spoiler (click to show/hide)

*And buy a 3DS, I mean.

[close]

Title: Re: New 3DS
Post by: archnemesis on October 16, 2014, 09:11:54 AM

What made you go with the smaller system? The sharper image, the colorful buttons or something else?

Title: Re: New 3DS
Post by: Great Rumbler on October 16, 2014, 09:28:35 AM

Quote from: archnemesis on October 16, 2014, 09:11:54 AM

What made you go with the smaller system? The sharper image, the colorful buttons or something else?

The New 3DS has slightly more power than the previous models [and is required to play Xenoblade].

Edit: Wait, there's two different sized models for the New 3DS?

Title: Re: New 3DS
Post by: bork on October 16, 2014, 09:42:39 AM

Quote from: archnemesis on October 16, 2014, 09:11:54 AM

What made you go with the smaller system? The sharper image, the colorful buttons or something else?

The sad thing is that I can totally see someone buying one of these just for the SNES-style buttons.   :lol :-\

The 3DS XL feels a little too big and bulky to me.  I was happy to go back to a smaller size.

Title: Re: New 3DS
Post by: hampster on October 16, 2014, 10:01:19 AM

Nice impressions. I wonder if the VC will be expanded on the new 3DS. Wasn't the weak cpu on the old 3DS always listed as the reason for no GBA/SNES titles ???

Title: Re: New 3DS
Post by: archnemesis on October 16, 2014, 10:02:03 AM

Quote from: bork laser on October 16, 2014, 09:42:39 AM

The sad thing is that I can totally see someone buying one of these just for the SNES-style buttons.   :lol :-\

I'm that someone, but right now I'm leaning towards getting the larger model (provided that they actually release any N3DS exclusives in Europe).

Title: Re: New 3DS
Post by: bork on October 16, 2014, 12:24:01 PM

:dead

Title: Re: New 3DS
Post by: bork on October 16, 2014, 07:11:12 PM

Himu, someone is claiming to have gotten a homebrew channel running on the N3DS.

Title: Re: New 3DS
Post by: Himu on October 16, 2014, 07:31:56 PM

Quote from: bork laser on October 16, 2014, 07:11:12 PM

Himu, someone is claiming to have gotten a homebrew channel running on the N3DS.

What does that mean? Region free?

Title: Re: New 3DS
Post by: nachobro on October 16, 2014, 07:43:03 PM

I'm excited for the XL version of this. I'm tired of using my OG 3DS because of the small screen and it being uncomfortable on long sessions.

Is there a date for the NA release?

Title: Re: New 3DS
Post by: Trent Dole on October 16, 2014, 08:04:52 PM

Other than I think '2015', no. They could always say fug it and put it out this Holiday though.

Title: Re: New 3DS
Post by: deepest throat on October 16, 2014, 08:46:36 PM

preordered the small one a while back for when it comes out here on nov 21st. kinda worried about goin back to a smaller size but i want those coloured buttons + cheaper price

Title: Re: New 3DS
Post by: Mr. Nobody on October 17, 2014, 01:35:29 AM

Outrun  :lawd

I'll probably get one of these when the price decreases after US release (and it better come in black  :ufup)

Title: Re: New 3DS
Post by: bork on October 17, 2014, 07:55:28 AM

Quote from: Queen of Ice on October 16, 2014, 07:31:56 PM

Quote from: bork laser on October 16, 2014, 07:11:12 PM

Himu, someone is claiming to have gotten a homebrew channel running on the N3DS.

What does that mean? Region free?

It's a possibility, yeah.  I still think there would be problems unless after cracking it, they find a way to access multiple region shops.  How would you be able to update games otherwise?

Title: Re: New 3DS
Post by: MCD on October 17, 2014, 08:01:39 AM

still conflicted over the two versions.

Title: Re: New 3DS
Post by: Damian79 on October 17, 2014, 09:34:11 AM

.

Title: Re: New 3DS
Post by: bork on October 17, 2014, 11:13:25 AM

It's hard to tell if that's just some BS shopped image.

Title: Re: New 3DS
Post by: demi on October 17, 2014, 11:42:19 AM

It's from smealum, it's legit

https://twitter.com/smealum

Title: Re: New 3DS
Post by: Eel O'Brian on October 17, 2014, 12:15:44 PM

https://mobile.twitter.com/DarkPGR/status/520061967604518912

:lol ninthing :umad

Title: Re: New 3DS
Post by: Shaka Khan on October 17, 2014, 12:46:08 PM

I think it's cute and I want one. :noah