• Hey, guest user. Hope you're enjoying NeoGAF! Have you considered registering for an account? Come join us and add your take to the daily discourse.

Cannes IDEF event: 3DS XL hands-on, lack of AC, PokemonConquest eur, France sales etc

I

IdeaMan

My source is my ass!
From June 26 to 28, the S.E.L.L. (French entertainment software publishers association) and Comexposium are organizing at Cannes the 7th IDEF (Interactive & Digital Entertainment Festival) dedicated to video game professionals. It's becoming a very important meeting and nearly 7 billion euros worth of business was done at this show in 2011, more than 40 percent of the European market (according to their communiqué).

During this event, a lot of representatives of the industry come to present their new products, including Stephan Bole from Nintendo France.

Here's the official page

French journalists of the leading gaming websites like www.jeuxvideo.com or www.gamekult.com were sent there and brought back interesting information (some titles are clickable and link to the source of the info):


  • 3DS XL hands-on
A video from jv.com

Other impressions

They are rather positive, it's a better version for nearly every points, the overall comfort, the material used, the select/start/home buttons, the new 3D effect slider that allow more precise setup, etc. For the screens, the feedback is different from those two sources, one is impressed, witnessed no significant blur (because of the same resolution while the size increased) and better appreciated the 3D effect (with more amplitude to not lose it while moving the handled), and on the contrary the other have seen a blurring of the details, etc. Don't hesitate to use google translate to read all.


When asked about this curious decision (to not pack-in an AC adapter), the CEO of Nintendo France, Stephan Bole, talked about the desire to "not penalize the millions of owners of DS", forcing them to buy a second charger. In other words, "integrating the charger would have meant a higher price," according to the manufacturer. An explanation supported by the 150 million consoles currently in the wild, "and from that a substantial part of DSi". In France, says Chief Deputy Philip Lavoué, there would be not less than 4 million of chargers compatible with the 3DS XL.

However, those Nintendo France officials admit this absence in the 3DS XL package could generate its share of problems, in particular from uninformed customers. The firm has indicated that it was already working with the distribution to make it clear, in-store, which chargers are compatible.
Click to expand...


  • This strategy could be applied to the Wii U, according to the same article linked above
"There are 200 million Wiimotes in the world," says Stephan Bole. "This is something you must consider before deciding which devices will be sold with the console."
Click to expand...

hint: i wouldn't read too much into that statement.


We'll have to import it from UK then


  • Some sales numbers in France
A general analysis on the drop of the market, between -10 & -20% for the hardware & software

First 5 months of 2012 charts, with Diablo 3 number 1, Nintendo titles well placed, etc.

topfr1.png


700 000 Kinect in France

Nintendo total sales in France with impressive scores for the systems, also numbers for Kid Icarus Uprising, Xenoblade, etc.

Nintendo 3DS (+ 1 million)

Super Mario 3D Land : 390 000
Mario Kart 7 : 360 000
Nintendogs + Cats : 240 000

Wii (5,93 millions)

Mario Kart Wii : 2,384 millions
New Super Mario Bros. Wii : 1,36 million

Nintendo DS (10,5 millions)

New Super Mario Bros. : 1,929 million
Nintendogs : 1,87 million
Mario Kart DS : 1,514 million
Click to expand...

You can browse french websites to read other news from this event, mainly hands-on of games already presented at E3.
 
N

Neuromancer

Member
When asked about this curious decision (to not pack-in an AC adapter), the CEO of Nintendo France, Stephan Bole, talked about the desire to "not penalize the millions of owners of DS", forcing them to buy a second charger. In other words, "integrating the charger would have meant a higher price," according to the manufacturer
Click to expand...
This is so silly.
 
I

IdeaMan

My source is my ass!
The_lascar said:
Nice op.

Kid Icarus Uprising: 50,000
Xenoblade: 48,000
Inazuma Eleven: 103,000
Inazuma Eleven 2: 106,000
Click to expand...

Thanks, yeah those sales numbers are rather impressive for the french market, especially Inazuma. According to Lavoué, it's when the anime was broadcasted on Gully (a tv channel dedicated to animation widely available, on the contrary to Disney XD where it was before) in december that the sales of the first title exploded. The second one already exceeded it.
 
U

Ushojax

Should probably not trust the 7-11 security cameras quite so much
France not getting Pokemon Conquest? NoE still does some stupid shit.
 
W

WillyFive

Member
When asked about this curious decision (to not pack-in an AC adapter), the CEO of Nintendo France, Stephan Bole, talked about the desire to "not penalize the millions of owners of DS", forcing them to buy a second charger. In other words, "integrating the charger would have meant a higher price," according to the manufacturer. An explanation supported by the 150 million consoles currently in the wild, "and from that a substantial part of DSi". In France, says Chief Deputy Philip Lavoué, there would not less than 4 million of chargers compatible with the 3DS XL.
Click to expand...

How stupid.

This is something you need for it to work, not like some SD card.
 
I

IdeaMan

My source is my ass!
Ushojax said:
France not getting Pokemon Conquest? NoE still does some stupid shit.
Click to expand...

Furthermore when we see the sales number of other titles localized for our market, it's pretty non-negligible, and with the attraction of the Pokemon franchise, this title could have done well here. Let's hope they will change their mind.
 
A

AdmiralSnackbar

Member
Cursed Frogurt said:
The amount of headaches they're going to cause over what probably amounts to a dollar's worth of plastic/electronics is staggeringly stupid.
Click to expand...

But think about it, Nintendo consoles always sell in the millions, so this decision will likely save them millions of dollars!

Plus I can't think of any other electronic device that didn't come with a charging cable, Nintendo has literally invented a new source of revenue.

Edit: The SD card comes mandatory? couldn't they just do a 2 gig card and keep the cable ?
 
C

Cursed Frogurt

Banned
AdmiralSnackbar said:
But think about it, Nintendo consoles always sell in the millions, so this decision will likely save them millions of dollars!

Plus I can't think of any other electronic device that didn't come with a charging cable, Nintendo has literally invented a new source of revenue.

Edit: The SD card comes mandatory? couldn't they just do a 2 gig card and keep the cable ?
Click to expand...

iPods (even the Touch) dont come with a charger, but they do come with a USB charging cable. If Nintendo made it possible to charge it via USB this would be far less of an issue.
 
I

IdeaMan

My source is my ass!
They'll do it like the PS2-Memory Cards situation, warning on the 3DS package that you'll need a charger, and putting the latter in flashy box prominently placed on the 3DS shelves, next to the handled ones when they are not in the stockroom.
 
R

RooMHM

Member
Willy105 said:
How stupid.

This is something you need for it to work, not like some SD card.
Click to expand...
People of Nintendo/Sony/Microsoft France and Europe always try to justify every shit move of their worldwide scale higher-ups. It's not the first time their arguments are laughable, they ALWAYS do that.
 
J

Jackano

Member
Seriously the lack of AC adapter is a good decision.
It's good for ecology things. Years ago greenpeace and others pointed out the fact of mobile phone AC adapters was a giant mess to recycle and there are millions of them every year.

I'm not into the "save the planet" thing, but if I look at my random video game hardware case in my room... well, I have plenty of powering shit.
My GBA AC adapter that served also my old DS tank. Adapter from my japanese DS. USB cable paid 1,5$ on dealextreme.com for my DS Lite. Multiple USB cable/AC adapter for GBA, GBm, DS, DSLite, DSi, 3DS (which I use at office). Adapters for my japanese 3DS, japanese GBmicro, regular EU 3DS, Zelda EU 3DS. For Wii? 3 adapters. Hell I forgot other GBA adapters from my others GBA, NES edition, Zelda edition... And the 3DS docks... and a GBA AGS-101 pink one, and probably I got a last one since I have one extra red GBA. I can make a rugby team of my adapters!

I'm probably a special case since I've got many systems, but my point is, if customers have to make the decision on buying their supply method, this will lower the number of extra/useless AC adapters.
I also think this will please cheap accessory manufacturers, so if the advertising is well operated in-stores, this will not be a problem, and this ands up to be a good thing.
 
T

Tobor

Member
Jackano said:
Seriously the lack of AC adapter is a good decision.
It's good for ecology things. Years ago greenpeace and others pointed out the fact of mobile phone AC adapters was a giant mess to recycle and there are millions of them every year.

I'm not into the "save the planet" thing, but if I look at my random video game hardware case in my room... well, I have plenty of powering shit.
My GBA AC adapter that served also my old DS tank. Adapter from my japanese DS. USB cable paid 1,5$ on dealextreme.com for my DS Lite. Multiple USB cable/AC adapter for GBA, GBm, DS, DSLite, DSi, 3DS (which I use at office). Adapters for my japanese 3DS, japanese GBmicro, regular EU 3DS, Zelda EU 3DS. For Wii? 3 adapters. Hell I forgot other GBA adapters from my others GBA, NES edition, Zelda edition... And the 3DS docks... and a GBA AGS-101 pink one, and probably I got a last one since I have one extra red GBA. I can make a rugby team of my adapters!

I'm probably a special case since I've got many systems, but my point is, if customers have to make the decision on buying their supply method, this will lower the number of extra/useless AC adapters.
I also think this will please cheap accessory manufacturers, so if the advertising is well operated in-stores, this will not be a problem, and this ands up to be a good thing.
Click to expand...

Un-fucking-believable. I can't believe what I just read.
 
B

Brazil

Living in the shadow of Amaz
Jackano said:
Seriously the lack of AC adapter is a good decision.
It's good for ecology things. Years ago greenpeace and others pointed out the fact of mobile phone AC adapters was a giant mess to recycle and there are millions of them every year.

I'm not into the "save the planet" thing, but if I look at my random video game hardware case in my room... well, I have plenty of powering shit.
My GBA AC adapter that served also my old DS tank. Adapter from my japanese DS. USB cable paid 1,5$ on dealextreme.com for my DS Lite. Multiple USB cable/AC adapter for GBA, GBm, DS, DSLite, DSi, 3DS (which I use at office). Adapters for my japanese 3DS, japanese GBmicro, regular EU 3DS, Zelda EU 3DS. For Wii? 3 adapters. Hell I forgot other GBA adapters from my others GBA, NES edition, Zelda edition... And the 3DS docks... and a GBA AGS-101 pink one, and probably I got a last one since I have one extra red GBA. I can make a rugby team of my adapters!

I'm probably a special case since I've got many systems, but my point is, if customers have to make the decision on buying their supply method, this will lower the number of extra/useless AC adapters.
I also think this will please cheap accessory manufacturers, so if the advertising is well operated in-stores, this will not be a problem, and this ands up to be a good thing.
Click to expand...

This post will go down in history. Oh my God.

You kind of could have a point... But come on, man.
 
T

Tobor

Member
Truth101 said:
He has a valid point.

Not that Nintendo is not including an adapter for environmental reasons.
Click to expand...

No, he does not. Most people do not hoard handhelds. They sell them or donate them, and the charger goes with them.

There is no justification for this. It's anti-consumer bullshit.
 
D

davidsaurus

Member
Best news here for me personally is that Pokemon Conquest will actually get a EU release. Although I'd probably have imported it eventually anyway when I had money or otherwise borrowed it, the fact that it gets a release means I'll hopefully be able to pick up down the line for at least slightly cheaper than launch price. Good to hear that the 3DS XL is getting positive initial impressions.
 
LQX

LQX

Member
If the 3DSXL could work with off the shelf batteries I could understand not including a AC adapter but the fact it does not seems like terrible business decision.

I would not be surprised if they get sued a few weeks after the thing is released and then are forced to recall or mail everyone an AC adapter. Then again this is Europe, MS got fined billions for including too much.
 
T

Truth101

Banned
Tobor said:
No, he does not. Most people do not hoard handhelds. They sell them or donate them, and the charger goes with them.

There is no justification for this. It's anti-consumer bullshit.
Click to expand...

Not talking about hoarding handhelds, but tons of people have extra DS chargers.

Anyways being anti-consumer doesn't negate the fact it is more environmentally friendly.
 
F

Freezie KO

Banned
They're seriously going to sell a video game system that can be played all of five hours before buying a separate device? What the fuck is Nintendo smoking?

Not including a charger is among the dumbest things ever done by a video game company. How confusing to anyone but the .01% of gamers that read this shit on a message board.
 
T

Truth101

Banned
Freezie KO said:
They're seriously going to sell a video game system that can be played all of five hours before buying a separate device? What the fuck is Nintendo smoking?

Not including a charger is among the dumbest things ever done by a video game company. How confusing to anyone but the .01% of gamers that read this shit on a message board.
Click to expand...

It says it on the package.
 
H

hwy_61

Banned
Trying to think of another instance where a company would sell a device without the means to charge said device. I've got nothing. Nintendo, you're on your own, I can't defend you this time.
 
I

impact

Banned
Jackano said:
Seriously the lack of AC adapter is a good decision.
It's good for ecology things. Years ago greenpeace and others pointed out the fact of mobile phone AC adapters was a giant mess to recycle and there are millions of them every year.

I'm not into the "save the planet" thing, but if I look at my random video game hardware case in my room... well, I have plenty of powering shit.
My GBA AC adapter that served also my old DS tank. Adapter from my japanese DS. USB cable paid 1,5$ on dealextreme.com for my DS Lite. Multiple USB cable/AC adapter for GBA, GBm, DS, DSLite, DSi, 3DS (which I use at office). Adapters for my japanese 3DS, japanese GBmicro, regular EU 3DS, Zelda EU 3DS. For Wii? 3 adapters. Hell I forgot other GBA adapters from my others GBA, NES edition, Zelda edition... And the 3DS docks... and a GBA AGS-101 pink one, and probably I got a last one since I have one extra red GBA. I can make a rugby team of my adapters!

I'm probably a special case since I've got many systems, but my point is, if customers have to make the decision on buying their supply method, this will lower the number of extra/useless AC adapters.
I also think this will please cheap accessory manufacturers, so if the advertising is well operated in-stores, this will not be a problem, and this ands up to be a good thing.
Click to expand...

eQgWD.jpg
 
M

MarshMellow96

Member
Doesn't the US version include the AC adaptor? Isn't that version still a lot cheaper, even with VAT, etc.

I still don't understand how 'keeping costs down' potentially leads to the equivalent of a $300 handheld for us Europeans.
 
I

iamaustrian

Member
seriously, who cares?
if they get shit for not including that damn AC, they could always stick one (in a plastic bag i.e) to the already existing 3DS XL boxes later on.

also: there's a HUGE warning sign on the boxes afair
 
I

IdeaMan

My source is my ass!
If the final price of the 3DS XL will represent this economy of the AC adapter, like 189€, and the charger will be sold separately at 11€, why not, but we know it won't be the case as the prices first displayed are around 199€.

And it's a shame for Pokemon Conquest in France, ok we will be able to import it, but i think the french market deserves a better treatment than this, considering the Nintendo share, the importance and status of the brand in our country, with their titles always well placed in the charts, etc.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

Nintendo Switch Achieves Its Best Week of Sales Ever in the U.S.
News
34
2K
Humdinger replied
Where Nintendo went wrong with the Nintendo 3DS
15
2K
Elcid replied
Media Create Sales: CY 2016 (2016 Jan 04 - 2017 Jan 01)
Sales-Age
47
23K
Skullwaker replied
Media Create Sales: CY 2016 Used (2016 Jan 04 - 2017 Jan 01)
Sales-Age
18
6K
Turrican3 replied
Nintendo Q&A for 4th Quarter FY3/2017
45
11K
AColdDay replied
Top Bottom