NeoGAF

Yep. I like a few 3DS games, but sadly they weren't enough for me to keep my 3DS and I ended up selling it last week. The hardware is so bad and ugly, the UI is horrible, no account system, the eShop is a joke, limited demo usage is dumb, region lock, horrendous resolution and the lack of a ps+ like system sucks as well. Lastly, the same thing I said about the DS is obviously valid for the 3DS: I still think a gaming device having two screens is pointless and it just make playing a bit uncomfortable.

All of that being said, I will probably buy a 3DS again late 2014 or early 2015, because games still are the most important aspect of any gaming system and by that time, the 3DS will have a few titles I will definitely want to play (Bravely saga, Persona Q, Smash Bros 4 and any new Pokémon title). It would be sweet if by that time, Nintendo have release a new model with better everything, but that have like 0% of happening.

What about the games?

The hardware is complete shit, really doesn't do justice to the games. I reckon my old RAZR probably had a better screen.

Originally Posted by Alienous

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

Boom.

Just pasting something I posted elsewhere.

There are a lot of great 3DS games. I'll just link some videos for you to get an idea.

First the retail games

Platformers
New Super Mario Bros. 2
Super Mario 3D Land
Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D
Cave Story 3D

Fighters
Dead or Alive Dimension
Street Fighter 3DS
Tekken Prime 3D

RPG's
Shin Megami Tensei IV
Shin Megami Tensei:Devil Survivor Overclocked
Shin Megami Tensei:Devil Summon Soul Hackers
Monster Hunter Ultimate
Mario and Luigi Dream Team
Etrian Odyssey IV
Etrian Odyssey Untold
Tales of the Abyss
Kingdom Hearts Dream Drop Distance


Action/Adventure
Resident Evil: Revelations
Kid Icarus: Uprising
Legend of Zelda Ocarina of Time
Luigi's Mansion Dark Moon

Strategy

Fire Emblem;Awakening
Ghost Recon Shadow War


Random crap

Animal Crossing: New Leaf
Professor Layton and the Miracle Mask
Run Factory 4
Harvest Moon A New Beginning
Theatrhythm Final Fantasy
Virtue's Last Reward


E-shop/digital games
Attack of the Friday Monsters
Crashmo
Pushmo
Dillon's Rolling Western
Crimson Shroud
Steamworld Dig
Liberation Maiden
Denpa Men 2
Mario and Donkey;Kong Minis on the Move
Nano Assault Ex
Mutant Mudds
Sakura Samurai
Might Switch Force
Might Switch Force ;2

And here are some extra stuff to look forward in the future or just came out.

Pokémon X/Y
Ace Attorney;Dual Destinies
Yoshi's Island 3DS
Kirby 3DS
Legend of Zelda: Link Between Worlds
Mario Golf World Tour
Bravely Default
Professor Layton Azran Legacy
Professor Layton vs. Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney
Super Smash Bros.

You should get Pokémon X/Y AND pick up Fire Emblem: Awakening from Best Buy for only $15.

Originally Posted by BomberMouse

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

Everything else but the games. But hey who cares about those when the UI is great.

Originally Posted by RibbedHero

The hardware is complete shit, really doesn't do justice to the games. I reckon my old RAZR probably had a better screen.

was your old RAZR $170?

Originally Posted by SmokyDave

It wouldn't surprise me if the next one was 640x480 or something similar. They're always behind the curve and next time I suspect they'll be extremely price conscious.

Which would be a great idea performance wise. Because I'm tired of all that "1080p screen or bust" on screens that are less than 5 inch. If PS4/Xbox One can't even do perfect 1080p, why should we expect handhelds to do so ? You need high res on big screen for obvious reason. But on smaller screen ? You're just wasting precious ressources you could use for a better framerate or better effects, and you have no difficulty of maintaining native res.

Originally Posted by michaelius

Because every decision in Nintendo is dictated by never satiated greed.

The sheer idea of customer getting never ending endless fun without paying from demo is scaring Iwata totaly.

Every minute you play in demo is minute you weren't playing another 40$ never dropping in price Mario game.

There is that free online and no on disc DLC or microtransactions.

I've had one since launch. The games are great, the hardware is a complete piece of shit.

It destroys my hands, I can't play it for longer than 45 mins without my hands getting sore. And the graphics are like... PSP-level. Often worse.

But, dem games. Whatcha gonna do I guess!

My Ex bought me a 3DS XL and all I've played is the DS-game Castlevania Order of Ecclesia.

Feels like I'm missing out. Kinda regret a little that I've been prioritizing other consoles.

Originally Posted by Icomp

My Ex bought me a 3DS XL and all I've played is the DS-game Castlevania Order of Ecclesia.

Feels like I'm missing out. Kinda regret a little that I've been prioritizing other consoles.

That game's so good, it's sad that we haven't had a good castlevania game since then.

Originally Posted by Skelter

Boom.

Point made, but half of this list is far from being good games.

For the most part i actually agree. As
Underwhelmed as i am by the OS of the system i have to strongly
Disagree for everything else. And you are missing the most important thing: The games.

Originally Posted by raziel

I don't see how I'm missing it. OP complained about it being slow, having poor services, the ergonomics of the hardware, and lots of other little buzzkills like region lock and batt life. Dining at our hypothetical restaurant would bum me out, overall.

But the hypothetical restaurant has two methods of ordering: you can order online and wait, in which case, yeah, it may be horrid and sucky and you're put on hold before you can talk to a server who'll take your order, or you can go straight to the store, sit down, and then get the steak pronto. Then the only thing you'll have to nitpick about is the quality of the utensils.

All of which do not detract from the fact that once you've eaten the steak, it's all that matters.

The issue that truly bugs me about the hardware is the ergonomic design. 400 hours of 3DS time spent, and that 400 hours was full of hand cramps, palm numbing, wrist clenching madness. It's one of the most uncomfortable game devices I've ever held. Yet, I've loved every second of it because of all the excellent software. I'm used to it, but it really does suck.

Seriously though, I thought because I have huge fucking hands the XL would be comfortable, but it's actually the opposite, even with the grip I bought for it. I can play my DS Lite and Gameboy SP and my hands and wrist are completely fine. After playing ALBW I'm thinking about taking on a project of hollowing out a 360 controller and molding one to fit the bottom portion of the 3DS or some shit like that.

I fucking hate my XL. Feels so cheap. Really wish I kept my OG

Originally Posted by Gez

I'm totally exited about playing 3ds games at 320x240 on my 1920x1080 TV.

You care more about graphics I care more about controls.

For what I use it for (games, shocking I know) the interface seems perfectly fine, no need to use the touchscreen.

Originally Posted by Skelter

Boom.

Just pasting something I posted elsewhere.

There are a lot of great 3DS games. I'll just link some videos for you to get an idea.

Thanks for going to the trouble to put the list together, but how many of those games do you really hold up as "amazing?" I know Tales of the Abyss sure isn't for example.

I think what is lost in discussion about the 3DS library is that it isn't just enough to "have" a mario game and the like as if it is just a case of ticking off a checklist... The games themselves actually need to be amazing in quality too.

Case in point, shadow wars is not an amazing game by any measure (besides in comparison to the titles available at the time). So besides Fire Emblem, there really isn't anything to offer strategy fans on the 3DS.

Originally Posted by Skelter

You should get Pokémon X/Y

Pokémon? Seriously?

I don't really agree with the UI complaint, I think the UI is pretty good.

The ergonomics complaint, OP did you get the OG or the XL? The original did give me hand cramps but the XL is really comfortable.

That said, most of the other complaints are valid. The vast library of amazing games more than makes up for it though.

Originally Posted by Trent Strong

Pokémon? Seriously?

Why wouldn't he be serious?

Originally Posted by Trent Strong

Pokémon? Seriously?

you may not like it, but A LOT of people enjoy Pokemon. So I don't see why you're surprised about it being a recommendation, it's a great game with what may be the best online ever in a Nintendo game.

Originally Posted by Stoze

After playing ALBW I'm thinking about taking on a project of hollowing out a 360 controller and molding one to fit the bottom portion of the 3DS or some shit like that.

There are grips you can buy for like 9 bucks:

http://www.amazon.com/Nintendo-3DS-H...words=3ds+grip

Originally Posted by BomberMouse

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..

Yep. I honestly have come to realise that Nintendo is the worst video company out of the big three. As this generation goes on, I'm starting to dislike them more and more and I'm/was a huge Nintendo fan.

I'm getting my own back by refusing to ever buy a new game from Nintendo again.

Originally Posted by Mauricio_Magus

That game's so good, it's sad that we haven't had a good castlevania game since then.

Yeah, they try so hard to fancy things up when all they have to do is go back to basics!

fortunately, the games are not underwhelming.

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.

....And we're done.

Originally Posted by Trent Strong

Pokémon? Seriously?

You drank the water didn't you?

Originally Posted by JimmyRickard

I fucking hate my XL. Feels so cheap. Really wish I kept my OG

Superior OG is superior :-)

Originally Posted by toddhunter

Thanks for going to the trouble to put the list together, but how many of those games do you really hold up as "amazing?" I know Tales of the Abyss sure isn't for example.

I think what is lost in discussion about the 3DS library is that it isn't just enough to "have" a mario game and the like as if it is just a case of ticking off a checklist... The games themselves actually need to be amazing in quality too.

Case in point, shadow wars is not an amazing game by any measure (besides in comparison to the titles available at the time). So besides Fire Emblem, there really isn't anything to offer strategy fans on the 3DS.

Be fair, the list came in response to a comment about 'good' games.

Originally Posted by Icomp

Yeah, they try so hard to fancy things up when all they have to do is go back to basics!

The main problem is that they gave the series to MercurySteam. :/

Originally Posted by FryHole

Be fair, the list came in response to a comment about 'good' games.

Yeah, that is fair enough given that context

Originally Posted by Alienous

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

Obviously that's going to be taste-dependent, but I could probably name multiple 'good' 3DS titles *in each genre*, with the possibly exception of ones that don't really shine on handheld (FPS, I guess. RTS *should* be fine on handhelds, but they don't really seem to exist)

Edit: And then someone pretty much does that!

Originally Posted by omg_mjd

There are grips you can buy for like 9 bucks:

I mentioned in my post that it is still uncomfortable with the grip I bought for it. Also, that grip is for a regular 3DS, not an XL. It feels like it needs a much heavier and thicker bottom to be more comfortable. I'm afraid the same thing might happen with the gamepad when I buy a Wii U.

Originally Posted by Madao

was your old RAZR $170?

Actually yeah, I think it was $150.

Originally Posted by Stoze

I mentioned in my post that it is still uncomfortable with the grip I bought for it. Also, that grip is for a regular 3DS, not an XL. It feels like it needs a much heavier and thicker bottom to be more comfortable. I'm afraid the same thing might happen with the gamepad when I buy a Wii U.

There's always the comfort grip: http://www.amazon.com/DreamGEAR-Nint...l+comfort+grip

I remember seeing an XL sized hard grip like the one you replied to, I wonder if I can find it.

Originally Posted by metalslimer

It will honestly probably cost them more to produce that screen than a 720p screen by 2016. The only reason the 3DS is even 240p is because they went with the shitty 3D screen and luckily since that tech seems to have reached a dead end and I don't know any company that is still invested in glassless 3d portable screen they will have to choose an at worst qHD screen.

Oh man, I certainly hope so. I did wonder about that, but Nintendo always seem to find a way to defy my tech expectations in a bad way.

Originally Posted by Kageshinzo

I've really basically given up on Nintendo putting out cutting-edge hardware tech. I think they just want to make the cheapest hardware they can that will still be capable of the games they want to put out. I personally think this may just be Nintendo being cautious and not wanting to spend more than they have to. Unlike Microsoft and Sony, video gaming is their bread and butter. If they miscalculate (spending too much on HW and then have it end up tanking) they will take the brunt of the loss, without any other buffer to fall back on. This whole Wii U thing may be hurting them more than what we think.

Yeah, I think you're right. They need to keep costings as low as possible for their target market and fortunately for them, the games they excel at mesh well with low-end hardware. I can see why it makes good business sense for them, it just bums me out as a tech-orientated consumer that predominantly enjoys handhelds. That said, the Vita shows that I'm in a tiny minority and Nintendo certainly shouldn't worry about serving my needs.

Originally Posted by GhostTrick

Which would be a great idea performance wise. Because I'm tired of all that "1080p screen or bust" on screens that are less than 5 inch. If PS4/Xbox One can't even do perfect 1080p, why should we expect handhelds to do so ? You need high res on big screen for obvious reason. But on smaller screen ? You're just wasting precious ressources you could use for a better framerate or better effects, and you have no difficulty of maintaining native res.

If the next Nintendo handheld can't exceed the visual delights of Killzone: Mercenaries at launch, that'll suck. You don't need to immediately leap to 1080p. Nothing bums me out more than seeing a new device outperformed by devices 5-6 years older.

You need a decent res on handheld screens because otherwise you end up with the 3DS, where jaggies are fucking everywhere and text is painful to read. A nice high PPI makes everything look better.

Originally Posted by JimmyRickard

I fucking hate my XL. Feels so cheap. Really wish I kept my OG

Wait! What? I was under the impression the XL had better build quality?

I'm pretty disappointed with the online infrastructure, mainly due to no way to interact with anyone you've added as a friend. I know, its nintendo what was I expecting, but I used pictochat nearly daily back in high school. At least some kind of way to send messages would've been nice!

Originally Posted by gngf123

There's always the comfort grip: http://www.amazon.com/DreamGEAR-Nint...l+comfort+grip

I remember seeing an XL sized hard grip like the one you replied to, I wonder if I can find it.

Haha, yeah unfortunately that is the one I use. The rubber is too light and hollow, and the controller-like grooves are too small and tend to dig into my palms.

I think a hard grip one would work well. I saw a Japanese XL grip that looked good a while back, but it's pretty damn pricey.

Originally Posted by Trent Strong

Pokémon? Seriously?

Is this an adolescent insecurity thing or is there something inherently wrong with Pokémon? What's the problem with recommending it?

Has a bunch of great fucking games, but the OS and Hardware makes me want to spend as little time with it as possible. Vita is basically the mirror opposite, but the Vita still gets way more use from me.

-XL owner

if you treat it like a gameboy - buy physical game, put game in slot, play - then you can bypass most of the OS which is pretty bad. And yes it is technically woeful and has a lowres screen. But the games are good.

If you can look beyond the technical limitations and enjoy the games you'll have a great time. If you can't, then it'll always be niggling at you.

Yeah the system has a lot of faults, biggest of all for me is the horribly unergonomic design; I need to make some sort of claw hand to actually use the L and R triggers, not allowing any sort of support for the circle pad pro for the R trigger which would solve that issue. There's also ghosting present on even the most well implemented 3D (still have to readjust quite a lot in Zelda).

However the games are great. Some of the best games this year, and it's only going to get better. I'd say it was well worth the price for the games alone.

I also dislike the system itself quite a bit. It's not a well designed piece of hardware.

That said, the games are good enough to justify putting up with it.

Originally Posted by SmokyDave

I can see why it makes good business sense for them, it just bums me out as a tech-orientated consumer that predominantly enjoys handhelds. That said, the Vita shows that I'm in a tiny minority and Nintendo certainly shouldn't worry about serving my needs.

I see where you're coming from though. I may defend Nintendo when it comes to video game discussions but when it comes to other techs, I'm mostly a Sony guy: Trinitron, Vaio, Bravia, Sony-Ericsson (I even went PS1 and PS2 during their respective generations). I just upgraded my arc to Z1 last week and my God, it's keeping all I have not to rub that sexy thing to my crotch.

The credit card password system is something I really like. I believe it's optional too?

It's better than having one-click purchases for anyone with access to the machine, or having to leave credit card info off. It's probably especially handy for parents to put their credit card info in but prevent their children from spending money willy nilly.

Originally Posted by SmokyDave

If the next Nintendo handheld can't exceed the visual delights of Killzone: Mercenaries at launch, that'll suck. You don't need to immediately leap to 1080p. Nothing bums me out more than seeing a new device outperformed by devices 5-6 years older.

You need a decent res on handheld screens because otherwise you end up with the 3DS, where jaggies are fucking everywhere and text is painful to read. A nice high PPI makes everything look better.

Exceeding visuals isn't about resolution. Of course you need a decent res, but as you said, it's also about PPI. While 240p could be considered as decent for the 3DS, 3DS XL on the other hand was a different thing. But I also think that upscale is worse than low res, because it creates artifacts AND jaggies. And I also think that even in 2016 or such, 480p on 5 inch screen will be more than decent.