NeoGAF

BomberMouse · 08:36 AM

Long story short, got a 3DS not too long ago and I'm incredibly disappointed by it. It get's so much praise but there's so much wrong with this console it's amazing. Everything about it is extremely underwhelming, from hardware to software (OS). Some annoying stuff off the top of my head:

Archaic download system. Can't download and play at the same time, either I'm stuck on the eShop or I have to close my console.
Horrible account system, why are passwords for my CC between 4 and 8 characters? Please don't tell me nintendo stores them as plain text. Can't think of any other reason to limit password length.
eShop is awful to navigate and to use.
UI is horrible. Ugly and horribly inconsistent. How come I can't fully use the OS without the stylus? Why sometimes B takes me back but other times not? Why I can't use the home button sometims? What is the deal with the inconsistent buttons all over the place? etc.
It's slow. Not dead slow but orders of magnitude slower than the competition.
They try to squeeze every penny out of you! There's nothing free, they sell you clocks and notepads. Even demos have a limited number of uses.
Multitasking is a joke.
Region Lock.
Hardware design is awful. The whole purpose of the clamshell design is pointless when the console doesn't close completely. The damn touch screen is a joke and requires you to use a protector since the stylus damages it way too easy. That damn volume slider is a terrible idea and it's too easy to hit by accident, buttons feel very cheap, etc.
The ergonomics are terrible. The original GBA was the last decent console design by nintendo which felt right.
Terrible battery life, probably the worst battery life out of any handheld out there.

I don't even want to talk about the stupid account system or the horrible, horrible screen. It has a worse screen than the PSP had in 2005. 3D games look so bad on a XL.

Any other new owner disappointed by it? iOS gaming lacks some decent input methods but it gets everything else so damn right.

dab0ne · (Today, 08:20 AM)

I bought mine for $90 and got a ton of games. Played half of resident evil revelations and haven't touched it since. That was during comicon.

branny · (Today, 08:20 AM)

The games are fun, though.

Lemstar · (Today, 08:20 AM)

Originally Posted by BomberMouse

Everything about it is extremely underwhelming, from hardware to software.

oh boy

(well, I'm guessing you were only referring to system programs and not the actual games)

stilgar · (Today, 08:20 AM)

Originally Posted by BomberMouse

Long story short, got a 3DS not too long ago and I'm incredibly disappointed by it. It get's so much praise but there's so much wrong with this console it's amazing. Everything about it is extremely underwhelming, from hardware to software. Some annoying stuff off the top of my head:

Archaic download system. Can't download and play at the same time, either I'm stuck on the eShop or I have to close my console.

Horrible account system, why are passwords for my CC between 4 and 8 characters? Please don't tell me nintendo stores them as plain text. Can't think of any other reason to limit password length.

eShop is awful to navigate and to use.

UI is horrible. Ugly and horribly inconsistent. How come I can't fully use the OS without the stylus? Why sometimes B takes me back but other times not? Why I can't use the home button sometims? What is the deal with the inconsistent buttons all over the place? etc.

It's slow. Not dead slow but orders of magnitude slower than the competition.

They try to squeeze every penny out of you! There's nothing free, they sell you clocks and notepads. Even demos have a limited number of uses.

Multitasking is a joke.

Region Lock.

Hardware design is awful. The whole purpose of the clamshell design is pointless when the console doesn't close completely. The damn touch screen is a joke and requires you to use a protector since the stylus damages it way too easy. That damn volume slider is a terrible idea and it's too easy to hit by accident, buttons feel very cheap, etc.

The ergonomics are terrible. The original GBA was the last decent console design by nintendo which felt right.

Terrible battery life, probably the worst battery life out of any handheld out there.

I don't even want to talk about the stupid account system or the horrible, horrible screen. It has a worse screen than the PSP had in 2005. 3D games look so bad on a XL.

Any other new owner disappointed by it? iOS gaming lacks some decent input methods but it gets everything else so damn right.

Done.

UltraGunner · (Today, 08:21 AM)

This is the first time I've heard ANYONE put "3DS" and "Disappointing" without the world "Not" inbetween.

Aeana · (Today, 08:21 AM)

You mentioned that the 3DS gets praised, and then you went on to create a bullet list of points addressing everything except what the 3DS is actually praised for: its game library. Those negatives you listed are very real and very irritating, and I think most people would agree with most of them, except the ergonomics which are definitely subjective. I rather like the way the XL feels, personally.

TheBatman · (Today, 08:21 AM)

Nope, I've had a backlog of 10 games since I bought my Zelda XL model, and all are wonderful as I expected.

Fire Emblem is just amazing.

System feels great to me, Battery has been good for me, been getting the time it's been meant to.

Only complaint is the D-Pad is less than perfect, but otherwise great.

Gsnap · (Today, 08:21 AM)

Nah. It's a toy built to play games. It does that very well and has some of the best games out there.

Antiwhippy · (Today, 08:22 AM)

The hardware and OS are terrible but the games are great.

I must have put in at least 500 hours into the 3DS alone this year.

Busaiku · (Today, 08:22 AM)

Thank goodness it has the best games.

ArcaneFreeze · (Today, 08:22 AM)

Address the software as a problem. Fails to list any software problems.

Basileus777 · (Today, 08:22 AM)

It has great games, but yes, the 3DS hardware, OS, and Nintendo's way of handling accounts is not impressive.

Originally Posted by ArcaneFreeze

Address the software as a problem. Fails to list any software problems.

I take it you don't know what software is? The majority of his bullet points relate to software.

Soulflarz · (Today, 08:23 AM)

Games are good, the end.

fredrancour · (Today, 08:23 AM)

I like the UI, find the system comfortable to hold, and have found the games I've tried so far to be ridiculously satisfying.

The eshop interface was disappointing, I agree.

Jamix012 · (Today, 08:23 AM)

Originally Posted by Aeana

You mentioned that the 3DS gets praised, and then you went on to create a bullet list of points addressing everything except what the 3DS is actually praised for: its game library. Those negatives you listed are very real and very irritating, and I think most people would agree with most of them, except the ergonomics which are definitely subjective. I rather like the way the XL feels, personally.

I like the ergonomics and I love the 3D. I don't really have any major complaints, like it'd be nice about if the account system was better but I have complaints about the account system of all of the big 3 and don't personally see Nintendo's to be that much worse.
Either way the console is probs my most used right now, but mostly because of the games. Each to their own I 'spose.

Nibel · (Today, 08:23 AM)

It's a handheld from Nintendo, not a smartphone

Hours Left · (Today, 08:24 AM)

A few of your points are valid, though I feel you are overreacting to some of them.

But this...

Originally Posted by BomberMouse

Everything about it is extremely underwhelming, from hardware to software.

WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAT?

Raysoul · (Today, 08:24 AM)

Originally Posted by BomberMouse

The whole purpose of the clamshell design is pointless when the console doesn't close completely.

Funny to think that it does that to negate the side-effect of the 3DS being closed completely (hint: OG 3DS upper screen marks)

Uncle Rupee · (Today, 08:24 AM)

It's about the games, stupid. Where else you gonna play Link Between Worlds? On your iPhone?

Naminator · (Today, 08:25 AM)

Originally Posted by BomberMouse

Long story short, got a 3DS not too long ago and I'm incredibly disappointed by it. It get's so much praise but there's so much wrong with this console it's amazing. Everything about it is extremely underwhelming, from hardware to software. Some annoying stuff off the top of my head:

Archaic download system. Can't download and play at the same time, either I'm stuck on the eShop or I have to close my console.

Horrible account system, why are passwords for my CC between 4 and 8 characters? Please don't tell me nintendo stores them as plain text. Can't think of any other reason to limit password length.

eShop is awful to navigate and to use.

UI is horrible. Ugly and horribly inconsistent. How come I can't fully use the OS without the stylus? Why sometimes B takes me back but other times not? Why I can't use the home button sometims? What is the deal with the inconsistent buttons all over the place? etc.

It's slow. Not dead slow but orders of magnitude slower than the competition.

They try to squeeze every penny out of you! There's nothing free, they sell you clocks and notepads. Even demos have a limited number of uses.

Multitasking is a joke.

Region Lock.

Hardware design is awful. The whole purpose of the clamshell design is pointless when the console doesn't close completely. The damn touch screen is a joke and requires you to use a protector since the stylus damages it way too easy. That damn volume slider is a terrible idea and it's too easy to hit by accident, buttons feel very cheap, etc.

The ergonomics are terrible. The original GBA was the last decent console design by nintendo which felt right.

Terrible battery life, probably the worst battery life out of any handheld out there.

I don't even want to talk about the stupid account system or the horrible, horrible screen. It has a worse screen than the PSP had in 2005. 3D games look so bad on a XL.

Any other new owner disappointed by it? iOS gaming lacks some decent input methods but it gets everything else so damn right.

I was actually contemplating purchasing a 3DS during Black Friday, but seeing something like this kinda changes my mind, maybe Shield will be the way to go for me.

Otakumegane · (Today, 08:25 AM)

It gets praised for the games it has.

Everything else I don't think other people highly value either.

DJIzana · (Today, 08:25 AM)

3DS is the best gaming system I own currently. I'm not even lying... I love the games we get for the system and have zero complaints with anything I've had to deal with.

I'm not irritated by any of the points you pointed out. Those just have never really bothered me enough to care.

donutzsick · (Today, 08:26 AM)

While i have a lot of the same complaints and really really dislike the 3ds ergonomics (i have original), its games library is too good and i find myself playing it constantly! Especially throughout this legendary year of releases

JLeack · (Today, 08:26 AM)

The hardware is garbage. It's all about the software. Keep trying out the games until you find one you like. I typically don't care for handhelds but have over 160 hours on my 3DS.

Hours Left · (Today, 08:26 AM)

Originally Posted by Naminator

I was actually contemplating purchasing a 3DS during Black Friday, but seeing something like this kinda changes my mind, maybe Shield will be the way to go for me.

The 3DS is the best gaming system on the market, console or otherwise.

Alienous · (Today, 08:26 AM)

Originally Posted by Soulflarz

Games are good, the end.

Hmm. I couldn't name 5 'good' 3DS titles myself.

cosmicblizzard · (Today, 08:26 AM)

Originally Posted by BomberMouse

Everything about it is extremely underwhelming, from hardware to software.

Are you going to expand on this? I don't see it mentioned in your bullet points.

Also, for me the 3D works fantastic on certain games. A Link Between Worlds, 3D Land and Fire Emblem come to mind.

tsumineko · (Today, 08:26 AM)

Originally Posted by Nibel

It's a handheld from Nintendo, not a smartphone

Exactly... what do you expect from a cheap toy? It does its things perfectly fine for what it is. And the games... THE GAMES!

Raonak · (Today, 08:27 AM)

When OP says software, I get the impression he's talking about the OS rather than the games.
Which is a very valid criticism, especially when comparing it to the vita(which has an OS that I'd say beats out even both the ps4 and xbone)

To Far Away Times · (Today, 08:27 AM)

Its got a tremendous software line up though...

Basileus777 · (Today, 08:27 AM)

Originally Posted by cosmicblizzard

Are you going to expand on this? I don't see it mentioned in your bullet points.

Software isn't just games. He talks a ton about software in the OP. It's strange to see so many people have this comprehension problem.

StreetsAhead · (Today, 08:27 AM)

With Miiverse and the NNID update due in the next couple of weeks, I imagine there'll be some improvements to the overall experience on the OS side.

Zhao_Yun · (Today, 08:28 AM)

I bought it a few months ago for the games lineup which is undeniably better than the one from its competitor but I am not a big fan of the hardware itself. It's kind of a love-hate relationship.
As a European who wants to play SMTIV, Region Lock is definitely the most annoying "feature" of the 3DS. Ergonomics is probably very subjective but I find the Vita to be more comfortable than the 3DS (I have the OG model).

reign · (Today, 08:28 AM)

Sounds like you didn't do your research beforehand.

Also, you remarks about software are unacceptable

Marshall Lee · (Today, 08:28 AM)

Originally Posted by Alienous

Hmm. I couldn't name 5 'good' 3DS titles myself.

i could give you 10 must buys right now

CoffeeJanitor · (Today, 08:28 AM)

Yeah I got it last week and I am not impressed. While the games are good the OS is pretty garbage. The web browser is terrible. And jesus, that screen...Honestly it looks so cheap. So low res.

Control wise the ergonomics are weird. I can tell it was built to fit a child's hands. The circle pad is just meh.

Not regretting my purchase but the hardware screams cheap, even moreso when you consider portable tech today. Also using a stylus feels archaic as hell.

Tratorn · (Today, 08:28 AM)

I'm "underwhelmed" (if I would describe my real feelings here I would probably get banned ;) ) by all of their consoles since the DS, but they always have games I want to play so I sadly have to deal with it.

KHlover · (Today, 08:29 AM)

"Selling you clocks and notepads"

Are you sure that's not 3rd party software?

A notepad and clock are available in the system menu. The notepad even supports the "terrible" multitasking

enzo_gt · (Today, 08:29 AM)

OP, wait till you discover StreetPass. It'll change your views entirely.

Also there's a clock in the top right of the top screen. FOR FREE!

AND EVEN NOTEPADS FOR MID GAME SCRIBBLING!

Sylverstone14 · (Today, 08:29 AM)

Originally Posted by BomberMouse

iOS gaming lacks some decent input methods but it gets everything else so damn right.

dragonlife · (Today, 08:29 AM)

The main thing that gets me is that I can't play it (XL) for too long in bed while lying on my back with the 3DS floating slightly above my ribs. It stabs my palms and they get numb. It's good otherwise, though, especially since I have big hands.

Diebuster · (Today, 08:29 AM)

I don't like playing games on the 3DS, but I like 3DS games. I agree with pretty much every point in the OP, but I still put up with it all since the games are worth it.

cosmicblizzard · (Today, 08:30 AM)

Originally Posted by Basileus777

Software isn't just games. He talks a ton about software in the OP. It's strange to see so many people have this comprehension problem.

You're right. People just tend to associate software with games more than other stuff when talking about gaming, so it's easy to forget sometimes.

Uncle Rupee · 08:33 AM

Originally Posted by Alienous

Hmm. I couldn't name 5 'good' 3DS titles myself.

You're not a Nintendo fan, though. You see their logo and you're all like "I don't want any of this kiddie bull shit! This is for babies!" I've seen you pull this kind of shit in too many Nintendo threads, come on man give it a rest.
Honestly, after this one you are going on my ignore list.

BomberMouse · (Today, 08:30 AM)

Originally Posted by Lemstar

oh boy

(well, I'm guessing you were only referring to system programs and not the actual games)

Yes, I'm talking about the OS/device itself.

Originally Posted by branny

The games are fun, though.

Originally Posted by Aeana

You mentioned that the 3DS gets praised, and then you went on to create a bullet list of points addressing everything except what the 3DS is actually praised for: its game library. Those negatives you listed are very real and very irritating, and I think most people would agree with most of them, except the ergonomics which are definitely subjective. I rather like the way the XL feels, personally.

Sure, games are fun, it's just the device to play them in is a huge turn off and hinders my enjoyment of them. The quality of the screen, the terrible circle pad, the cheap buttons, bad battery etc. I'm not arguing any of those as a fact either, for me the ergonomics are terrible.

iOS has great games too, but those damn touch controls are insane.

Jinto · (Today, 08:30 AM)

I bought it for the games, nothing else, Just finished ALBW, my first 3ds game, and don't regret it one bit. I know this isn't the case, but even if every other game I play sucks, it's still worth it for Zelda alone.

Foxix · (Today, 08:31 AM)

Eeyyyup. Same for me OP. I gave my original 3DS away and dipped back in on an XL. After realizing that the speakers were so inaudibly quiet that I wasn't able to hear dialog in Soul Hackers if I had any background noise, like say a tv on in the background, I just kind of gave up on the system and sold it on craigalist.

I'd still be open to buying another one at some point but as you noted, they have a lot of shit to work through before I'd honestly consider it again. In my experience with the system it's just truly archaic to say the least.

dragonlife · (Today, 08:32 AM)

Originally Posted by Foxix

Eeyyyup. Same for me OP. I gave my original 3DS away and dipped back in on an XL. After realizing that the speakers were so inaudibly quiet that I wasn't able to hear dialog in Soul Hackers if I had any background noise, like say a tv on in the background, I just kind of gave up on the system and sold it on craigalist.

What's stopping you from using ear buds/headphones? I never play my handhelds without my ear buds.

Shinta · 08:35 AM

I really can't find the energy to be outraged by anything on your list.

The UI isn't amazing, but it gets the job done. And it has some neat features that I like, like play coins, the pedometer, street pass, the daily log, etc. And you can make folders. I really don't need anything but that. It does everything its supposed to do.

Downloading while playing, I guess I just don't care. You can set up the download and then when you're done playing, just close the system and it does the rest for you. That's totally fine with me.

eShop is kind of a pain to navigate, I agree. I basically just type in whatever I'm looking for in the search bar and do it that way. It could be better organized, with categories for demos and so on.

Account system would be nice, and I think they're moving towards that soon. They just unified billing and said they're not done yet.

Region lock is a big let down.

Battery life is fine for me, and its about comparable to Vita. It is a step down from DS, but I can live with it.

Ergonomics are fine for me.

Demos are fine. I've never even played one 3x. And most give you 30 tries.

You forgot to mention the biggest unique aspect of it, which is the glasses free 3D. Works great for me, and after I got used to it, I miss it when its gone. It definitely adds to Luigi's Mansion, ALBW, and 3D Land quite a bit.

And they're about to add MiiVerse soon, which I adore. And you can make posts offline and it sends them when you are at your next internet spot.

I'd give it a 7.5 / 10 based on just hardware and system UI features. The real wealth of the 3DS is the games. DS was the same. If it gets a fully functional MiiVerse, I'd have to rate the system all the way up to a 9 / 10. It's better than Xbox Live and PSN in many ways, with each game getting a dedicated forum.