The New Nintendo 3DS is out in Japan, and it’s a fine upgrade to an already decent piece of hardware. With improved head tracking 3D, a second analogue C stick and two extra shoulder buttons, the new handheld aims to please — and it looks like the people are pleased indeed.
Weekly Famitsu recently conducted an online customer satisfaction poll for the New Nintendo 3DS. The questions and results are as follows.
Question 1
Which did you purchase — the New Nintendo 3DS, or the New Nintendo 3DS XL?
As previously reported, the XL version is the more popular model. Of those polled 41% chose the more compact standard model, stating reasons like the portability of the smaller model as well as the custom faceplates as reasons for their choice.
56% went for the XL version with the improved visibility of the larger screen as the primary deciding factor.
3% purchased both models.
Question 2
What feature made you decide to purchase a New Nintendo 3DS?
The biggest deciding factors were the new C stick and the improved head tracking 3D functions.
Question 3
How satisfied are you with the New Nintendo 3DS?
A vast majority (nearly 90%) of responders fell into either the Satisfied or Very satisfied camp. Most responders seemed to find the overall upgrades to be a very welcome improvement to the system.
Some who were unsatisfied noted that they were waiting for more dedicated games to be released.
Question 4
Which new feature is your favourite?
While most responders bought the New Nintendo 3DS for the new C stick, after some actual hands on time with the console, the majority noted that the improved 3D and specs were the most notable features they enjoyed. One commented that actually using the C stick was harder than initially expected while many noted that the improved 3D function was better than expected.
Responder Comments
“Smash Bros. plays great! I’d like it if more dedicated software would be released.” (Male in his 20s)
“[The 3D] is a lot more steady than I expected! I used to play with the 3D turned off, but with the New model, it’s always on!” (Male in his 20s)
“Rather than the improved 3D, I’d like to bring attention to how it’s been redesigned for a more comfortable hold and ease of carrying.” (Male in his 30s)
“I’d like more games that utilise the C stick.” (Male in his teens)
“After much deliberation, I was won over by the idea of customisable faceplates and purchased the New Nintendo 3DS. It looks like a lot of nice plates are coming out so there’s much to look forward to.” (Female in her 20s)
“The response when pressing the HOME button during gameplay has gotten much faster. Loading time between screens has also improved and I can play smoothly.” (Male in his 30s)
“I don’t feel the changes are revolutionary, but it feels like a legitimate evolution of the console.” (Male in his 20s)
“Simply the fact that I can execute smash attacks in Smash Bros. easier is worth the price and then some.” (Female in her 30s)
Notes
-Of those who responded, 93% already owned a previous model of 3DS.
-The poll was posted for only a relatively short period of time between October 31st and November 3rd.
ファミ通.com [ファミ通.com]
Comments
30 responses to “What Japanese Gamers Like About The New Nintendo 3DS”
I’m still having a tough time justifying the purchase considering it isn’t a real new console. I have the money but it’s not a practice I feel good supporting if they plan on becoming more like apple with frequent minor upgrades.
I’m having a hard time justifying it based on the fact that it doesn’t come with a charger. They are calling it an accessory, getting past Australian consumer law…
Ahhh, so *that’s* how they’re doing it.
…
How in the living **** is it an accessory??
No idea. If it was a mobile phone, they would be legally bound to supply a charger, so i don’t really understand how this is any different
I am in no way calling you a liar, but can you link me to the law that says they have to? I’d like to read more on it.
Sorry man, i couldn’t find much on the internet about it. I actually called them up.
A friend mentioned it had no charger to me recently but I thought it couldn’t be because of our laws. Didn’t realise they had actually by passed this.
I even made a few phone calls and sent an email to the ACCC about it (yes, I’m very invested in this) and they confirmed that it was deemed an accessory and they didn’t need to include it
I guess the upshot of that is that if there’s a sale on gaming accessories or one that excludes consoles, you can get the discount on an n3DS 😛
I guess you can just take it back when it stops working.
Lol. That’s an idea. I wonder if that would fly though?
It’s pretty insane. The upshot is that you can actually buy an official charger now and they stuck with the original 3DS charger rather than doing that ridiculous thing of putting a different head on the cable for no reason. Still, it’s crazy that they didn’t at least include a USB cord to charge with. Going to be a real shitty Christmas afternoon for a lot of kids.
You can buy a new charger, which is great for the people who need to replace their current ones. But to have to buy one on top of the cost of the actual console? Not cool
Well, they have already announced one game that will only work on the New 3DS (Xenoblade Chronicles). I would be surprised if it is the last.
I’m looking forward to getting my new XL.
My original 3DS is just too hand crampy for my giant hands.
waiting for a limited edition new 3ds XL to be released. Hopefully a zelda themed one?
The XL doesn’t have custom face plates?
Nope. Only the regular sized version has face plates. It’s an odd move. The only thing I can think is that maybe they didn’t want to confuse people with two sizes of face plates? Maybe they thought adults wouldn’t be interested in it.
the NN3DSXL will be getting exclusives, like the Monster Hunter one (which looks really good)
But yeah, no faceplates
I played the new Monster Hunter at PAX. The C-stick was not analogue in that game. I have my doubts that it is actually going to be analogue anywhere, since MH is the first ‘new’ exclusive.
It’s probably just a Monster Hunter thing. Their camera controls in MH3 weren’t analogue either, even when controlled by an analogue stick.
Yeah. Both the Wii U version and the Circle Pad Pro acted like a d-pad rather than an analogue so I’d chalk it up to an annoying design decision. Although I still have my doubts about the C-nub being good at camera control.
Was unusable for me. Smooth rubber, zero grip, thumb slides right off. Not like the laptop ‘nipples’ at all. And on another note, I couldn’t use the rear shoulder buttons either – I’d be pressing the side buttons when resting fingers across them to be in reach for the Z-buttons. And I have large hands..
Surely they must be baby sized hands to go with those baby soft thumbs 😛
I couldn’t really tell tbh, the whole metal brace thing threw it off pretty well for making any proper judgements about the unit.
Thumbs are soft, yeah, but I do have big hands. Long slender fingers. So the rear button problem is definitely a problem.
It seems like you’re only meant to flick it, not actually aim with precision like a twin stick controller. That was also my first thought on seeing the Z button placement. I’m hoping once I actually get my hands on one it’ll feel a bit more practical. Right now I’m just confused that they went with a C-nub instead of another circle pad.
It’s flat, so can’t really flick it. you need to press down on it and angle your thumb around. There’s pretty much no movement to it. Another circle pad honestly was the way to go, but they are stupid.
I just realised that it was Xenoblade I played, the exclusive to ‘New’. It didn’t have analogue camera movement.
I’m excited for my NN3DS… and Pokémon AS… and the wooden face plates I’m going to get.
I have a problem.
yey, 1 more week to go till mine arrives!