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George Kansas
Sep 1, 2008

preface all my posts with this


:siren: The second post has games you should check out! :siren:
:siren: The third post has goon advice! Be sure to check it out! :siren:

The Nintendo 3DS, the true successor to the DS hardware, has been out for almost 3 years now, and after a rocky start (and a pretty hilarious price-cut) it’s had an amazing resurrection. Facing relatively little sales competition from the Vita (which has been struggling for a while, unfortunately), it’s moved over 31 million units and has outsold the Wii in Japan. Best of all, tons of new games are being announced and released all the time, from five-dollar downloadables to classics like Pokemon and Mario. This thread is a continuation of the old thread, and its purpose is for general discussion of the 3DS console itself (including the XL, a new sidegrade), hype for upcoming titles and any questions about the eye-wizardry that this little thing can terrify you with. As the old thread attempted to get across in the OP, this is not a minor system revision of the DS. This is the true sequel (none of that DSi nonsense) that Nintendo fans have become engorged on and you can too!

I’ve attempted to set up this OP for prospective owners. Trust me, it’s a great time to pick up a 3DS with all the new games coming out, and you won’t be late to the game with all the stuff still slated for future release. Just a quick reminder, if you have discussion topics on either 3/DS homebrew or the Nintendo eShop, we have respective threads for those to relegate your questions to.



The 3DS comes in way too many colors, Aqua Blue (phased out, but still available), Cosmo Black (above), Flame Red, Lavender/Pearl/Rose/Coral Pink (who knows what it’s supposed to be called), as well as Shimmer/Gloss Pink, Midnight Purple (NA only), Ice White (Japan only), Cobalt Blue (Japan only), Cerulean (Hong Kong & Taiwan only), and Metallic Red (Japan only). There are also a bunch of special editions, but they’re basically just faceplates and they’re ridiculously exclusive and expensive, so just check Amazon if you really want your Zelda 3DS.

Props to Protokoll for all the technical specs in the last thread I’m going to paste here that haven’t really changed. I’m just updating it with XL information as well.

The general design of the system is very similar to the original DS, with a clamshell hinge flanked by one screen on each side. The top screen features a 3.53" diagonal, widescreen, LCD display (capable of displaying 16.77 million colors) with a resolution of 800 x 240 pixels. The system allocates 400 horizontal pixels to each eye, providing you with a three-dimensional 400 x 240 pixel image. The bottom screen is a 3.02" diagonal LCD touch screen with a resolution of 320 x 240 pixels; it's capable of displaying the same color spectrum. Much like the original DS as well, it has a resistive touch screen, just like the Wii U Gamepad, instead of a superior capacitative touchscreen (like the iPad or your smartphone).

The handheld features the same input controls as Nintendo's first dual screen unit, with one notable exception. The Circle Pad on the upper half of the left side of the 3DS allows for precise, analog movement in 3DS games. In addition, the Circle Pad is said to function as an alternative to the digital Control Pad when playing DS software. Below the Circle Pad is a standard, "clicky", digital directional-pad. The feel is said to be reminiscent of the DS/DSi Control Pad and not the "mushy" DS Lite d-pad. The A/B/X/Y face buttons and L/R shoulder buttons are also "clicky" digital buttons like those found on the DSi. The SELECT/HOME/START buttons are located along the bottom edge of the touch screen and are discrete buttons (they're not touch-sensitive). You'll see that the power button is also located on the inside of the system. Finally, the 3D depth slider located on the right side of the top half of the unit allows you to smoothly adjust the intensity of the 3D effect. When the slider is at the top of its range of motion, the 3D effect is the most pronounced and, for the best experience, requires you to hold the screen closer to your eyes. As you back off the slider, the intensity of the 3D effect is diminished until it's eliminated entirely. There is no 'click' when the slider switches the display mode from 3D to 2D. Stereo speakers (that apparently support virtual surround sound) are located to the left and right of the top, widescreen LCD.



When the unit is closed, you'll find a WiFi switch on the right side which allows you turn WiFi on and off without quitting your game and digging through menus. The WiFi indicator is also located on the right side. The 3DS supports 2.4 GHz 802.11 b/g wireless networks and WPA/WPA2 security protocols. The software must be coded to make use of networks with WPA/WPA2 security and, therefore, many of your old DS games will still only work with WEP-secured networks. The headphone port is centrally-located on the front of the unit and accepts all standard, 3.5 mm connectors. Power and charging LEDs are also located on the front of the system. The 3DS charging port, card slot, and stylus are located on the rear of the system. The 3DS uses a standard WAP-002 DSi/DSi XL charger. The stylus is a 3.94" telescoping pen that collapses to almost half-height for storage. The card slot accepts both 3DS and DS software (which are similarly sized), although 3DS software has a small plastic extrusion on the leading edge to prevent 3DS games from being jammed into a regular DS. The system also has volume controls and an SD card slot for DSiWare/eShop games and media.

The 3DS features 3 cameras for all of your picture taking needs. One front-facing camera is situated above the top widescreen LCD for all of your art brut self portraits. The top of the unit features two cameras that allow you to take three-dimensional photos (of your cats) that you can store and view on the 3DS! All of the cameras have standard 640 x 480 pixel CMOS sensors, so don't expect to be the first 3D Ansel Adams. The 3DS also includes a microphone and an accelerometer/gyroscope for accurate motion control. The 3DS does not have rumble functionality, nor does it support any accessories (including rumble carts!) that utilized the GBA slot on the original DS.



3DS XL/LL Adoration Station

The biggest difference in the XL is its 90% larger screens, which Nintendo plasters nearly everywhere on the box. Instead of the 3.53" widescreen LCD top-screen and 3.02” bottom-screen of the original 3DS, the XL has 4.88” and 4.18” screens, respectively. This size increase doesn’t increase the resolution, though, as they just stretch the game 90%. This seems counter-intuitive, but it actually scales brilliantly, and after playing several titles it really does give a much better experience from the relatively cramped 3DS screens. The battery life is increased by 86% to about 6.5 hours total (during gameplay), and the weight is increased by 46% to 336 grams. It is not boxed with an AC adapter in either Japan or PAL regions due to cost (you must buy separately), but all regions have it bundled with a 4GB SD card (generally a generic brand, I got Lexar) already inserted into the system. It’s also made of a slightly harder plastic, which in my opinion makes it feel sturdier, and it’s quite a bit less glossy, which means it doesn’t keep your fingerprints on it as easily and it’s less likely to slip out of your hands as much (in my experience). The stylus is also different, as it’s no longer collapsible and it feels sturdier, which is a fantastic upgrade from the original finicky stylus, and the select/home/start buttons are now actual buttons you can press instead of odd bumps you have to push down awkwardly. Other than that, it’s mostly the same console as the 3DS, the specifics of which are above.

It comes in less colors, as it just launched at the end of last summer, but so far it comes in “Red + Black” (red faceplates, black edges and innards), “Blue + Black,” “Silver + Black” (not in NA), and White (Japan only).

Wikipedia has what is definitely the most detailed comparison between the two models, in addition to the rest of the DS line. They also have a list of the default 3DS software and further links to articles for information on AR Games, Face Raiders, Mii Plaza and the eShop.

Things you’ll care about as a prospective owner.

The 3DS is a gaming machine, made for games, just like the rest of the DS line. But Nintendo handhelds have been upgraded with Netflix! Now in beautiful 240p! Though if you lack another device with a better resolution, this app will load fairly quickly, play consistently and save your place, so it’s better than nothing. They haven’t really kept their promise of 3D video on it, though, and support for the app is nearly non-existent. It’s clearly not their priority. There is Nintendo Video, though! It’s a default app with predetermined 3D videos approved by Nintendo you can download and watch. Most of the time it’s Dinosaur Office, but sometimes they have promos for games, like some very interesting 3D-anime for Kid Icarus: Uprising.

Swapnote is so awesome we have an entire thread dedicated to it. Sending dick-pics had never before been possible in 3D, but thanks to Nintendo your dreams can now be met! Swapnote is an app that allows you to send stylus-written postcard-like messages to people on your friends list that you can also add pictures and sound to, both of which you can record with the 3DS. It’s a pretty awesome upgrade from PictoChat, to be honest.

Download Play is back, allowing you to play local multiplayer even if only one person has the cartridge. Used for directly-synchronous gameplay, as opposed to Streetpass & Spotpass asynchronous multiplayer.

The Activity Log records not only your exact time for gameplay which it will display on a custom time-based graph, but also the steps you take with the device, as it will seamlessly act as a pedometer for as long as the console is on. Everyone in the thread seems to give their yearly stats on/after New Years, and that’s when we learn either how much our life has been destroyed by the console or how much money we wasted with less than 20 hours played total.

The eShop has its own thread and provides not only DSi and 3DS download-only titles, but also retail games you can put on your tiny, tiny SD card and Virtual Console Game Boy, NES and GBA games. In addition, Club Nintendo updates every month with games you can buy with your Reggiebucks, which are the coins you redeem with those seemingly-useless codes included with each system and game.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Price?

    The 3DS price was 249.99$ MSRP at launch but was cut to 169.99$ a few months after launch due to disappointing sales. With all said, though, it’s probably best to ask the thread what the best deal currently is, as after the holidays all bets are off as to price.

    The XL is 199.99$ MSRP, but even that is up for change as many bundles will include a game for the same price.

  • What's included in the retail box?

    The Nintendo 3DS system, charging cradle, AC adapter, stylus, 2GB SD card, AR cards, quick start guide, and operations manual. The charging cradle is a drop-in dock that serves as a place to conveniently charge your 3DS. Your 3DS can also be charged by plugging the AC adapter directly into the rear of the system.

    The XL comes with the system, AC adapter in NA only, stylus, 4GB SD card, AR cards, quick start guide and operation manual. It does not come with a charging cradle.

  • Is 3DS software region-locked?

    3DS and DSi-specific software is locked by region, but original DS software is still playable on all systems, regardless of region. Different region 3DS systems can still swap StreetPass data.

  • How does DS software look on the 3DS?

    By default, the system stretches the games to fit the new screen. Some sources are reporting blurry text and artifacts on textures while other people don't notice a difference. You can also boot the games into a 1:1 mode by holding SELECT while loading the game, but the games render extremely small on the new screens and the play-area of the touch screen is significantly reduced.

  • What kind of battery life can I expect?

    Nintendo claims 3-5 hours of battery life while playing 3DS software, though most real world tests have tended to skew closer to the 3 hour estimate. Engadget reported 3.5 hours of sustained gameplay with 3D off, sound off, WiFi off, and the screen at half brightness. Nintendo also claims 5-8 hours of battery life while playing original DS software and a 3.5 hour charge time from empty to full.

    The XL features an 86% increase in battery life, at an average of 6.5 hours while playing 3DS software.

  • How do 3DS friend codes work?

    The 3DS has a system-wide friend code that is used by all 3DS software. Friend codes are the standard XXXX-YYYY-ZZZZ format and friends will automatically populate in your friends list once you add their friend code. The 3DS will display your friend's name (you can't rename them), Mii, greeting, favorite game, game they're playing (if online) and/or last time they were online (if offline). Scroll to your profile in the friends list and tap the icon at the top of the screen to change your favorite game!

    If someone has added your friend code, you do not need to wait for their approval in order to add their code, they will show up instantly in your list after you add their code. If you're registering each other's codes in exchange mode, your friend's profile data will show up immediately and all you have to do is confirm the addition. You cannot add friends by scanning Mii QR codes, nor can you export your friend code using a QR code.

  • What software is included out-of-the-box?

    Nintendo includes 3DS Camera, 3DS Sound, Mii Maker, StreetPass, Mii Plaza, AR Games, Activity Log, and Face Raiders. In addition, the 3DS utilizes software called SpotPass. SpotPass is a feature that lets the 3DS detect wireless hotspots or wireless LAN access points and obtain information, game data, free software, videos and so on for players even when the system is in sleep mode. Please note that Mii settings are scattered between Mii Maker, Mii Plaza, and the Friends List, so if you're having trouble locating a particular setting, please check all of these places.

  • What kind of internal storage is included/supported?

    The 3DS comes with a 2 GB SD card and 2 GB of internal flash storage, while the XL comes with a 4GB card. In addition, SDHC cards with a capacity of 32 GB or less are supported.

  • What's the deal with the cameras?

    The 3DS stores 3D images taken with the camera to the SD card -- each image has two associated files, a .JPG file and a .MPO file. You can view pictures you take with your 3DS on your friend's 3DS by copying the file structure over to their SD card or by putting your SD card in their 3DS. Apparently, the 3DS can also load .MPO files from other sources.

  • How is music stored?

    The 3DS Sound application will locate .mp3 files that are placed anywhere on the SD card and add them to your library to play at your leisure. Note, though, that it’s not very convenient and you’ll probably want to use your iPod instead.

  • How does StreetPass work?

    StreetPass settings vary with each game and so the ease of use will vary as well. Settings will be changed within the software itself, although there is a hardware WiFi switch on the side of the system to easily enable wireless communication. There is a game called StreetPass Quest that allows you to collect and wear hats! You can use the hats anywhere within the Mii Plaza program, StreetPass Puzzle and the Plaza itself. Hats do not appear in your friends list or the Mii Studio. Another StreetPass mini-game is StreetPass Puzzle. In StreetPass Puzzle, you get puzzle pieces from new people you meet through StreetPass. The puzzles are varying sizes and generally involve characters from recent and upcoming games. In addition, there’s Find Mii, a weird retro-RPG-like game that includes using people tagged to defeat monsters and rescue your Mii from a birdcage.

  • Will the 3D effect ruin my eyes?

    Nintendo has included information and warnings regarding the 3D effect in the documentation that comes with the system -- you should read it if you're concerned. It's important to properly adjust the 3D depth for the distance you're holding the system from your eyes. Most eye strain is a result of rapidly jerking your head and/or the system, having the depth set incorrectly and/or shifting your head so that your left eye sees things that only your right eye was supposed to see and your brain becomes confused. For this reason, AR games with lots of movement and 3D effects shouldn't be played repeatedly if you're experiencing any eye strain.

  • Can I transfer my DSiWare games to the 3DS?

    Yes! The system supports game license transfers, the eShop, and the internet browser. DSiWare will be available from the eShop, but please be aware that the eShop uses a new currency system in lieu of the old points currency.

  • Can I transfer my 3DS data to the XL?

    Yes! As soon as you have both systems up and running and connected to the internet, the settings menu has an option that will transfer all of your 3DS save data, configuration settings and downloaded games to the XL, but you’ll also transfer the old SD card to the new system, essentially making it your old 3DS with a larger screen. Each console can only transfer five times.

  • I can't wait to PictoChat...

    Nintendo removed PictoChat.

  • Can I still use my Nintendo USB WiFi adapter with the 3DS?

    Yes.

  • I have found a problem with the 3DS!

    This is an excellent place to ask questions! Plenty of us I’m sure have had the same problem, or can at least provide a good footing to help you solve your problem. Don’t forget to google first, though, as this solves problems 9 times out of 10.

  • You got something wrong!

    If something goes wrong or changes, just send me a PM or talk about it in the thread (if something changes, it’s a conversation topic) and I’ll change the OP.

George Kansas fucked around with this message at 05:37 on Oct 6, 2013

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George Kansas
Sep 1, 2008

preface all my posts with this
Games!

This is certainly not a definitive list, but it provides a good amount of goon favorites that should provide you some good fun if it sounds like something you’d be into. I’ll try to update it as new games are released.

First-Party

Kid Icarus: Uprising

A follow up to the 1986 NES classic and 1991 Game Boy entries, this is a pretty incredible little title, and is the break-out first-party game of the 3DS. All games have their selling points, but this game utilizes the 3D and the actual hardware quirks of the handheld to great advantage, even including a stand to help you play in a way that no other 3DS game does. It follows Pit, fighting against Medusa, the Goddess of Darkness, with the help of the Goddess of Light, Palutena.

Super Mario 3D Land

One of the best titles on the handheld, this is the game you see in every Best Buy. With 8 worlds, a one-track path of several levels in each world and a New Game+ featuring revamped levels with increased difficulty, this is the Mario game the original DS was never able to render. Essentially combines SMB3 with SMW in a 3D world to make a game with a memorable world, music and power-ups. (Tanooki suit and Tanooki-Statue suits are back!) It’s the Mario circlejerk we haven’t had since the original New Super Mario Bros.

Ocarina of Time 3D

A thorough and respectful remake of the classic N64 masterpiece. Not just upgraded for 3D, but with well-done graphical and gameplay improvements. (Such as using the 3DS gyroscope to aim in first-person.) A must-have, if not just to hear Saria's song yet again.

Mario Kart 7

Many people (especially in this thread) loved the amount of content in the original Mario Kart DS, and 7 is no exception. With about the same graphics as Mario Kart Wii, 16 new tracks and 16 ones from older games in 8 grand prixs, the game has quite a bit of content and many more characters than the older DS title. Plus, the 3DS actually handles online competently and pairs you with races that many have found particularly enjoyable.

New Super Mario Bros. 2

If retro platforming is really your thing, this game is for you. If it is not, this game is not for you. While a competent sequel to the original NSMB, this one, especially with the release of the leagues-better NSMBU, seems a little half-baked and full of gimmicks. It’s big plus, though, is the online-and-local multiplayer of Coin Rush, which actually have some fun mechanics and well thought-out stages. And this is also the only Nintendo-made title I can think of that doesn’t really try to use the 3D in any unique way.

Paper Mario: Sticker Star

Probably the oddest RPG in the Paper Mario series to come out, this one is about, you guessed it, stickers. It takes mostly all of the RPG statistic elements out of the game - the only passive stat you can increase is your health through found items - but in it comes an interesting synthesis of resource management (stickers you find and use) and puzzles (as certain enemies, as always, have to be defeated certain ways). It has a good production value and the 3D is used to good effect, but fans of the original Paper Mario and especially those of The Thousand Year Door might be disappointed by the lack of ‘real’ RPG elements.

Fire Emblem: Awakening

Chances are, if you’re in this thread, you either pre-ordered this game or are contemplating buying a 3DS for this game. The 13th title in the main Fire Emblem series, this game focuses around Chrom, the prince of the Halidom of Ylisse, and the trials he goes through during an era of change. The player creates a customizable Avatar who joins the party as a victim of amnesia. With familiar Fire Emblem Strategy-RPG gameplay and actually rendered battle sequences, this game will make you wonder how such a little brick can render better graphics than a PS2.

Animal Crossing: New Leaf

Some say that Nintendo games are tirelessly iterative, add little to the base concept, and are childish. This game somehow manages to hit all three of those points and still create an incredibly addictive... game?... that is an absolute must-buy. It's like The Sims if that game had actual goals worth striving for.

Mario & Luigi: Dream Team

The sequel to the charming Superstar Saga/Partners In Time/Bowser's Inside Story series of Mario RPGs, this is a 2d-animated game set on Pi'illo Island with 3d environments. If you know you like those sort of active, Paper Mario-esque puzzle and turn-based mechanics, this title won't disappoint.

Third-Party

Tales of the Abyss

A re-release of the 2006 PS2 title, this is the 8th title in the main Tales series, and one of the few we actually get here outside of Japan, so with great graphics and 3D effects it's certainly worth getting, especially if you loved Symphonia.

Zero Escape: Virtue's Last Reward (VLR)

A sequel to Chunsoft's 2009 DS title "9 Hours, 9 Persons, 9 Doors" (999), this point-and-click adventure puzzler has a lot to offer, mainly story-wise. It's a great interactive-fiction game, loved by goons, but play 999 first. It's a DS title, and it won't look bad on the 3DS or the XL. It revolves around 9 people being mysteriously kidnapped and forced into something called the Nonary Game, having to solve puzzles collaboratively on a time limit or be killed in the process. Adult and occasionally graphic, but certainly a rarity for a Nintendo console and has some great, excellently-localized storytelling.

Theatrhythm Final Fantasy

This is one of those crazy FF titles that's set in a contextless Dissidia-like story and hamstrings all the characters from all the games into one big game centered around a central activity. In this case, it's rhythm! Despite that less-than-enticing sell, lots of goons really praise the excellent music, with many claiming that they don't even like rhythm games and yet they found Theatrhythm incredibly addicting, even despite the terrible name! Definitely something to check out if you're even a sliver of a Final Fantasy fan. Sure, it's not a remake of FFVI, but it's something, and it's production value is pretty amicable.

Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance

The 7th installment in the FF/Disney crossover series Kingdom Hearts, this is yet another signal that Square has no idea what systems they want to develop for and want to scatter their fanbase as much as possible. Regardless, though, it's a pretty solid title, not having to use gimmicks to make the formula work on a handheld. It got a 38/40 from Famitsu (as irrelevant as that is in the 21st century) and won several "Best 3DS RPG" awards at Tokyo gaming shows, so if you're a fan of the series and wondering if this title is worthwhile, I'd say definitely, even if I personally only played the demo.

New Art Academy

A fun series developed by Headstrong Games and published by Nintendo, this one started as DSiWare but now people can actually play the games since they're on a console people actually bought! (the original games, First Semester and Second Semester, you can still buy in the eShop, but I'd go for the 3DS titles first.) Lots of people post pictures of their creations and lesson-results in the thread, and although I haven't personally invested, I'm floored by how high-quality a lot of the results turn out. Certainly an experimental title, but an excellent one, and great for the artistic types who want something to do on the go. (Or in your bedroom! Wherever you want! Go hogwild!)

Pushmo

This is the best game on the eShop. It is a puzzler, it has a :3: main character, it is cheap and it is incredibly addicting. Fresh, innovative, fun. Everything you got from Tetris and more, I'd put more information here but I just think you should watch a video of a level, buy it and have near-infinite fun. Also has a sequel, Crashmo, because you can never have enough.

Attack of the Friday Monsters!

One of Level-5's eShop experiments, this quaint little game revolves around a kid living in a village outside of Tokyo in the mid-20th century, during the height of monster and hero TV shows. Mostly based around walking around and talking to neighbors and friends alike, this game is a love letter to the children of the era, and the pure innocence and grandeur of monster movies.

The Starship Damrey

Another Level-5 eShop experiment, this is a very ambient, isolated experience set on a starship that has become mysteriously quiet...

I will add more to this list as I think of more of the best ones. Shout out more suggestions in the thread!

George Kansas fucked around with this message at 13:21 on Aug 19, 2013

George Kansas
Sep 1, 2008

preface all my posts with this
Goon advice! Also known as the reason you're looking at an SA thread instead of Wikipedia for 3DS information.

1) SD card FAQ
(Props to AngryCaterpillar for the info)

How do I copy things from one card to another?
Just use a computer with a card reader and manually copy all the contents of the old card to the new one.

What is stored on the SD card?
Downloaded games and their and saves. DSiware is stored in the system memory.

Can I download a game from the game card to the SD card?
No, to have the digital version you'd have to buy it from the eShop.

What'll happen if I get a special 3DS that comes with a game? Will it wipe the game?
No. If you use the transfer utility in the options menu to export/import your 3DS software, saves, etc, then you will wipe everything on the new 3DS EXCEPT the game. Just go to the eShop and it'll treat the game as if you had bought it, just download it and you're done.

2) THE 3DS IS REGION LOCKED. This means if you have an American 3DS, you can only play American carts, so if you want to play Japanese-only games, you will be unable to even if you go to the trouble of importing. Same with PAL games, even if they're the same language. We get people complaining about this quite a lot, and that's fine I suppose, but at least be informed. Trust me, those who frequented the last thread have heard just about every possible theory behind why Nintendo changed their minds, and it's all resulted in us buying more games and enjoying the console anyways, unfortunately. It's certainly not a console-killing problem, but it is a pretty major annoyance for some, so, especially if you're a prospective owner, know this.

Also, if you're wanting to import a US 3DS, Murodese is awesome and has awesome advice for you:

Murodese posted:

Just some information for anyone looking to import a 3DS/XL from the US for somewhere else, since I did it recently:

Region locking is a mild pain, but there's a few games that either have hugely delayed EU/AU releases (ds1 overclocked, luigi's mansion, likely SMT4 + SMT:Persona) or no EU release at all yet (etrian 4, code of princess). Some notes:

- you can use US eshop cards with your US 3DS to buy games available there (OOT3d, all mario games, fire emblem, various others). One that accepts AU/EU CCs and seems to be ok is Maximuscards - I've had no problem getting cards from there, and it's basically instant.

- you need to get a charger from somewhere, since the US one is both a US plug and 120v. Since a dual converter-transformer is fuckoff expensive, you can either get a USB charger or a universal ds/3ds/microusb charger, either of which work fine.

- Amazon will ship ~most~ 3DS games internationally. If you find one that refuses to be shipped, make sure that you're getting it from Amazon itself and not a third-party seller. The only game I've had trouble with this is Theatrhythm.


As an additional note, I got my 3DS XL from Amazon with 4 games and priority shipping ($36) was $3 cheaper than default slowass shipping ($39), so make sure to check the difference :v:

3) Get a goddamn Hori Screen Protector for your system. It's fantastic, it's licensed by Nintendo and it is the best to apply. If you're having trouble with the instructions (they're truly not the best), ask in the thread. They'll be thrilled as soon as you mention the brand Hori, guaranteed.

4) This is personally from me, but since XL accessories are coming out slowly, I'd suggest this leather DSi XL case that will fit your 3DS XL perfectly. It smells god awful at first, just raw synthetic, but that goes away after half a week and it makes it look like you're not carrying an oversized kids toy around. It only holds 3 cartridges, but I'd rather deal with that than have NINTENDO plastered on the side of it, personally.

If you have more advice, just tag it in the thread or PM me.

George Kansas fucked around with this message at 00:46 on Jul 21, 2013

Rirse
May 7, 2006

by R. Guyovich
Well thanks to the last thread I decided to buy 999. Hoping it turns out to be good as everyone says it is.

Also suggest on the new OP some highly suggested DS games, probably not insane like the old Wii thread was.

George Kansas
Sep 1, 2008

preface all my posts with this

Rirse posted:

Well thanks to the last thread I decided to buy 999. Hoping it turns out to be good as everyone says it is.

Also suggest on the new OP some highly suggested DS games, probably not insane like the old Wii thread was.

I actually just got 999 last week as well, and it's fantastic. Definitely planning to add more 3DS/DS titles that are goon-approved, as I don't want to add every 3DS game out there. People can look for themselves, just I know that goons specifically have titles that go under the radar and I'll try to catch them up in that 2nd post.

Pixeltendo
Mar 2, 2012


All those and no mention of Kid icarus Uprising? :colbert:

Meanwhile the 3DS this year is looking pretty drat sweet, FE, Luigi's Mansion 2, Pokemon X/Y, Animal crossing and a Localization of Project X Zone.

I think this may be the best year for the 3DS.

Skeezy
Jul 3, 2007

Some good news about Project X Zone it will likely not have any content cut for the western release so that's neat.

George Kansas
Sep 1, 2008

preface all my posts with this

Pixeltendo posted:

All those and no mention of Kid icarus Uprising? :colbert:

Meanwhile the 3DS this year is looking pretty drat sweet, FE, Luigi's Mansion 2, Pokemon X/Y, Animal crossing and a Localization of Project X Zone.

I think this may be the best year for the 3DS.

I added Uprising, I have no idea how I forgot it, since it's probably my favorite 3DS title so far. I made sure to put it above all the others.

elf help book
Aug 5, 2004

Though the battle might be endless, I will never give up
Everyone please buy and play Theatrhythm forever and ever.

MysticT
Mar 11, 2011
Anybody know if we can expect more iterations on the 3DS, or is the XL the best we can hope to get? I apologize if this question was addressed in the previous thread.

George Kansas
Sep 1, 2008

preface all my posts with this

MysticT posted:

Anybody know if we can expect more iterations on the 3DS, or is the XL the best we can hope to get? I apologize if this question was addressed in the previous thread.

There's speculation, but nothing concrete and nothing I'd expect. The XL is fantastic, really the best handheld they've ever released in my opinion, and certainly worth getting if you're thinking about it.

Upsidads
Jan 11, 2007
Now and then we had a hope that if we lived and were good, God would permit us to be pirates


MysticT posted:

Anybody know if we can expect more iterations on the 3DS, or is the XL the best we can hope to get? I apologize if this question was addressed in the previous thread.

Sure. and NOBODY KNOWS WHEN! So get the xl or don't.
Now I have a question. Will the Luigis Dark Moon multiplayer just be nintendolands ghost hunt? Because that would rock.

Pegnose Pete
Apr 27, 2005

the future
Alright new thread! Nice OP. I would suggest adding screenshots of the games just to visually break up the text heavy tail end of the OP.

Let's get this thread going!

(1) Page since someone complained about region lock!

Caitlin
Aug 18, 2006

When I die, if there is a heaven, I will spend eternity rolling around with a pile of kittens.
Please add GET A GODDAMN HORI SCREEN PROTECTOR somewhere.

Commissar Ken
Dec 9, 2006

Children STILL love me, dammit!


Rirse posted:

Well thanks to the last thread I decided to buy 999. Hoping it turns out to be good as everyone says it is.

Also suggest on the new OP some highly suggested DS games, probably not insane like the old Wii thread was.

Also just got it and Hotel Dusk finally about two weeks ago. Burned through Dusk in a day and some and was pleasantly surprised (looking into importing the sequel from Euroland) and just got my first ending on 999 last night (coffin in case you were wondering, so i'm extra wanting to see the others) and it's really pretty engaging story wise for what it is especially as it chugs toward the end. Puzzles are all pretty good and even the more obtuse ones they figured were obtuse and you have a little guidance. Havin' a good time so far.


And when you get to Third Party recomendations you better add Resident Evil: 'Revelaitons'! :argh:

Commissar Ken fucked around with this message at 22:45 on Jan 22, 2013

George Kansas
Sep 1, 2008

preface all my posts with this
To-do list for tonight:

1) Add more pictures, because I agree, it's kind of sparse.

2) Add a "Goon Advice" section with poo poo about region locking, screen protectors and cult classics.

Endorph
Jul 22, 2009
Awakening is the 13th game in the main series, not the eleventh. 11 and 12 are remakes but they include enough new plot/gameplay and gameplay changes to be counted as separate games, they aren't just straight ports.

Also I bought this just for Awakening, but I actually found a lot of really good games to make the purchase less rocky in my eyes. Don't regret it for a second!

astr0man
Feb 21, 2007

hollyeo deuroga
Yeah for 3rd party recommendations definitely put Theatrhythm in there, and I think VLR should go in too.

edit: Also Art Academy

limaCAT
Dec 22, 2007

il pistone e male
Slippery Tilde
First Party Games you might want to add in the OP:
New Style Savvy / New Style Boutique (I poo poo you not)
New Art Academy

Third Party Games:
Resident Evils Revelaitons
Kingdom Hearts Dream Drop Distance
Theathrythm
Dear or Alive Dimensions
You might also want to put that strategy splinter cell game by ubisoft, it was a game the thread universally liked at launch.

Free Software:
Nintendo Video
Eurosports (I think the video offerings are lame, but hey, they are free)
Swapnote (also sending penises to 3DS goons, thread is still open here)

E-Shop Games, First Party:
Picross-E
Pushmo/Pullblox
Crashmo/Fallblox
Potzol's Puzzle

E-Shop Games, Third Party:
Liberation Maiden
Art of Balance (even if the mechanics are too quirky)

EGSunBro
Nov 1, 2012

PEPSI FOR TV-GAME
Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Shadow Wars is a surprisingly great game.
Tales of the Abyss is the definitive version of a super fun if bland JRPG.
Resident Evil Mercenaries 3D is pretty fun if you can get it cheap.
Virtual Console games like Wario Land, Punch-Out, and Mario's Picross are must buys.

I bought my XL for Awakening, and suddenly I'm being flooded with a fantastic selection of games. Etrian Odyssey 4 and Monster Hunters 3U soon too.

punchdaily
Nov 8, 2010
eShop Games totally worth checking out:

Shantae: Risky's Revenge. A really fun metroidvania game.

Mighty Switch Force: A puzzle platformer that, at launch, was put down for it's lack of content. A free patch later on added several difficult stages.

VVVVVV: I've played it on both PC and 3DS and prefer the 3DS version quite a bit more, as having the map always on screen is a huge plus and being able to use the d-pad/analog nub is very nice.

Pushmo: A puzzle platformer that is so good it should come preloaded onto all 3DS systems.

Crashmo: The Sequel to Pushmo. Whether it's harder than Pushmo is subjective, since it requires a different way of thinking. One of the top stair-building simulators on the 3DS.

Mutant Mudds: A retro platformer that takes it a lot of it's cues from Super Mario Sunshine and Wario Land for Virtual Boy. The main game is challenging in a good way. The extra stages can become frustratingly difficult very quickly.

Pictobits: A really fun falling block puzzle game. It becomes quite challenging in later stages. Has no endless mode.

Sakura Samurai: Ninja Punch Out!!

punchdaily
Nov 8, 2010
Virtual Console Games:

MoleMania: Mole Mania is a Gameboy puzzle game that turns Zelda's block pushing puzzles into it's own massive game. It's one of the cheapest games on the service and totally worth checking out.

Balloon Kid: The Sequel to Balloon Fight! If you enjoyed Balloon Trip mode from the original, this turns it into it's own game, with some new mechanics.

Kid Icarus: Of Myths and Monsters : A good platformer. Doesn't quite have the difficulty of the original, and is a fair bit more linear, but it's quite charming and has one of my favorite soundtracks.

Gargoyle's Quest: A great platformer/RPG hybrid. Much more platforming than Role Playing.

The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening DX: Sort of a cross between the original Legend of Zelda, A Link to the Past, and Ocarina of Time. So in short: Definitely worth getting. If you own the original 3DS, be prepared to curse the weird gummy start and select buttons pretty often, because you'll be pressing them a lot in this game.

Donkey Kong 94: A wonderful puzzle platforming game that turns the original Donkey Kong on it's head. If you have a 3DS and have never played this, you owe it to yourself to get it

its curtains for Kevin
Nov 14, 2011

Fruit is proof that the gods exist and love us.

Just kidding!

Life is meaningless
Seconding Donkey Kong 94. Probably one of the best Gameboy games, period.


vvvv This is a really good OP man, plenty of content, not too long. What's your beef? :colbert:

its curtains for Kevin fucked around with this message at 00:07 on Jan 23, 2013

PaletteSwappedNinja
Jun 3, 2008

One Nation, Under God.
My recommendation is to not go overboard with the OP because no-one reads that poo poo past a certain point, anyway.

Upsidads
Jan 11, 2007
Now and then we had a hope that if we lived and were good, God would permit us to be pirates


Professor Layton and the Miracle Mask is on the eshop and its a top notch presentation for a top notch game.
I don't know why it doesn't get more hype other then its sticking to a tried and true formula at this point.

katkillad2
Aug 30, 2004

Awake and unreal, off to nowhere

PaletteSwappedNinja posted:

My recommendation is to not go overboard with the OP because no-one reads that poo poo past a certain point, anyway.

I can't wait for the first person to ask if they should get the XL over regular 3ds, its going to happen!

elf help book posted:

Everyone please buy and play Theatrhythm forever and ever.

I don't even enjoy rhythm games and I put about 30-40 hours into this game. At the very least people should check out the demo. Also i'd suggest people check out the demo for Denpa men, because it's a nice little rpg.

George Kansas
Sep 1, 2008

preface all my posts with this

PaletteSwappedNinja posted:

My recommendation is to not go overboard with the OP because no-one reads that poo poo past a certain point, anyway.

It's not for the regulars here, it's for people who come in and want to know about the 3DS. Or people who are new goons and want to see the games they're missing out on, etc. But I agree, I'll probably get lazy at a certain point.

Chinook
Apr 11, 2006

SHODAI

I know we don't want to clog the OP too much, but I have found some pretty interesting DS (not 3DS) games using this wiki post:
http://vsrecommendedgames.wikia.com/wiki/Nintendo_DS

I know it's /v/, so there's that, but it's not a bad little reference.

nerdpony
May 1, 2007

Apparently I was supposed to put something here.
Fun Shoe
Over the past few days, I've noticed a weird problem with my 3DS. Sometimes when I've opened it after taking it off the cradle, the screen has been dark and I've had to hold down the power button until it shuts off and then turn it back on to get it working. After this, no problems. This doesn't happen every time, but it's happened enough times to make me worry a little bit. :ohdear:

Anyone else had this problem? I got the 3DS last August, so I think it should still be under warranty.

Skeezy
Jul 3, 2007

Chinook posted:

I know we don't want to clog the OP too much, but I have found some pretty interesting DS (not 3DS) games using this wiki post:
http://vsrecommendedgames.wikia.com/wiki/Nintendo_DS

I know it's /v/, so there's that, but it's not a bad little reference.

That's actually not a bad site for recommendations in general.

Strange Quark
Oct 15, 2012

I Failed At Anime 2022
Is the 3DS charger the same as the DSlite's? I'm going to have to buy one eventually to use whenever I'm in Malaysia because of the different outlet plug and I know I can at least find the latter.

Hamsterlady
Jul 8, 2010

Corpse Party, bitches.

Strange Quark posted:

Is the 3DS charger the same as the DSlite's? I'm going to have to buy one eventually to use whenever I'm in Malaysia because of the different outlet plug and I know I can at least find the latter.

No, they have a different end, so a DS Lite charger won't physically fit in a 3DS.

A DSi charger will fit in a 3DS, but I don't know if they have the same voltage or not. (I would assume so, otherwise Nintendo probably would have changed the end to keep people from frying their systems.)

George Kansas
Sep 1, 2008

preface all my posts with this

nerdpony posted:

Over the past few days, I've noticed a weird problem with my 3DS. Sometimes when I've opened it after taking it off the cradle, the screen has been dark and I've had to hold down the power button until it shuts off and then turn it back on to get it working. After this, no problems. This doesn't happen every time, but it's happened enough times to make me worry a little bit. :ohdear:

Anyone else had this problem? I got the 3DS last August, so I think it should still be under warranty.

It might be a cradle problem; my cradle would stop giving power very adequately and I'd have similar, odd problems. I'd get a new charger and consider not using the cradle. I've just found 3DS charging to be an incredibly fickle matter entirely. It may not be the charging, but I'd do that before I'd call the notoriously unhelpful (in my experience) Nintendo hotline.

Pureauthor
Jul 8, 2010

ASK ME ABOUT KISSING A GHOST
Etrian Odyssey is gonna be so good when it comes out.

So. Good.

But Rocks Hurt Head
Jun 30, 2003

by Hand Knit
Pillbug
I have a huge DS collection and love my DSiXL to death. I've been waiting on buying the 3DS until the XL was released, but I still haven't gotten around to it because $$$. Here's my question:

Are there any 3DS games that will be hard to find if I wait until summer to grab a system? In other words, things I should pick up now in case they disappear / have a limited run?

theshim
May 1, 2012

You think you can defeat ME, Ephraimcopter?!?

You couldn't even beat Assassincopter!!!

But Rocks Hurt Head posted:

I have a huge DS collection and love my DSiXL to death. I've been waiting on buying the 3DS until the XL was released, but I still haven't gotten around to it because $$$. Here's my question:

Are there any 3DS games that will be hard to find if I wait until summer to grab a system? In other words, things I should pick up now in case they disappear / have a limited run?
Etrian Odyssey tends to have very small print runs, so if you're interested in it you might want to pick it up early.

HackensackBackpack
Aug 20, 2007

Who needs a house out in Hackensack? Is that all you get for your money?
My attempts at social engineering the people I tag on a regular basis to and from work seem to be working. I nabbed my first two tags on 3DS Sound. I still have no idea how this is supposed to work, but apparently I like music from the '00s and the '10s. I tagged some guy who had what appeared to be Queen loaded up on his 3DS and another guy with some Kirby soundtrack stuff. I was under the impression tunes got swapped around, but maybe not.

But seriously, I want that drat bird to share more usage tips with me! Why won't you tell me how this works? :argh:

Seriously, though, you can load up tunes and voice tracks on 3DS sound and it does have Streetpass features, I just haven't fully explored them.

I also should have done more research into Petit Computer, from the e-Shop, because I erroneously assumed they'd give you some pointers on this stuff, but apparently you're just thrown in and expected to figure BASIC out on your own after 15 years of not using it. It's not like I can't do it, but I was expecting a bit more hand-holding at first, for some reason. All I was able to create in 7th grade computer class all those years ago was some flimsy blackjack program that didn't include Aces because I couldn't figure out a way to make something have two different conditional values.

Anyway, I recommend the Wario Land games on Virtual Console, if you're looking for quirky platformers with some exploration elements involved.

MinionOfCthulhu
Oct 28, 2005

I got this title for free due to my proximity to an idiot who wanted to save $5 on an avatar by having someone else spend $9.95 instead.

Pureauthor posted:

Etrian Odyssey is gonna be so good when it comes out.

So. Good.

Between Fire Emblem and Etrian Odyssey February is a good month for 3DS owners who enjoy punishingly hard RPGs. :v:

Pomp
Apr 3, 2012

by Fluffdaddy
Does Theaterrhythm contain Vamo allo Flamenco and/or have any Black Mages tunes available as DLC; or, is there a list of available DLC I can find?

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Francis
Jul 23, 2007

Thanks for the input, Jeff.

theshim posted:

Etrian Odyssey tends to have very small print runs, so if you're interested in it you might want to pick it up early.

Etrian Odyssey IV will be on the eShop, so that's not really a problem.

MinionOfCthulhu posted:

Between Fire Emblem and Etrian Odyssey February is a good month for 3DS owners who enjoy punishingly hard RPGs. :v:

Awakening is very easy on Normal and both games have a Casual mode for people who don't enjoy punishing challenge. It's a good month for people who enjoy RPGs that think outside the box, period.

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