While I think the 3DS has had an incredible 2013, up there with one of the best years for any platform actually, familiar franchises are its bread and butter. Even the best game in a series can only do so much for me if I'm already burnt out on a concept, which tends to happen when it comes to Nintendo. There are great games no question but I do feel the library gets a tad oversold on here with such a heavy reliance on old ideas with a fresh cost of paint.
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Any other new owner underwhelmed by the 3DS?
- Thread starter BomberMouse
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Ludicrous Speed
Banned
yeah, I did exactly that without even realizing it. fuck me. too early
Mihael Mello Keehl
Banned
I agree...with every single person in this thread.
Funny, I bought a 3DS to play Fire Emblem Awakening a bunch of months ago and this thread is pretty much me in a nutshell. I've put some good use on the system due to FE, Pokemon and now Zelda, but god knows I don't like the hardware itself. It's not comfortable, I don't dig the buttons, all the OS flaws mentioned are also spot on for me. But the biggest offender has to be the battery -- not even the life, because I'd say the 4-5 hours or whatever are okay. The issue is how LONG it takes to charge. It's ridiculous, at times it feels like I can almost charge my Vita twice in the time the 3DS takes to fully charge.
Basically, it's great that Nintendo has got those games going, otherwise I wouldn't really ever look at the 3DS. And even then, it's a shame that a platform with some of the best games out there has this many problems. In an ideal world, both hardware and software would be good/great.
Basically, it's great that Nintendo has got those games going, otherwise I wouldn't really ever look at the 3DS. And even then, it's a shame that a platform with some of the best games out there has this many problems. In an ideal world, both hardware and software would be good/great.
I just got my 3DS XL for Zelda and Fire Emblem and I have to say I agree with the OP on everything. Also, ergonomically it's just not as comfortable as my Vita and my thumb cramps like hell on the little analog stick (significantly less than the OG but still hits after a while). I opted to play Resident Evil Revelations/Castlevania Mirror of Fate in HD on my consoles which I'm glad I did because I tried RER on the OG 3DS and hated the experience. Also, the 3D on the thing is horrible. BUT I will say, Link Between Worlds is quite possibly my favorite Zelda ever...
Wolfgunblood Garopa
Member
It was worth buying to check out the 3D. I would be much more enthusiastic about it if I hadn't bought a Vita.
Eh, I think it's fairly natural. There are only two dedicated handhelds on the market, after all. They're bound to be compared and contrasted in threads like this, especially given that they're so different.
TangoAlphaLima
Member
Okay, limit the software lineup to Mario and Zelda then:
SM3DL
Zelda:OoT 3D
Zelda:ALBW
Mario Kart 7
Luigi's Mansion: Dark Moon
Mario & Luigi: Dream Team
New Super Mario Bros. 2
Paper Mario: Sticker Star
That's already a better software lineup than the Vita has, and it doesn't include all the other Nintendo first-party stuff, or the third-party stuff on it.
Ludicrous Speed
Banned
Why else would you buy a console ever, if not for the games? You make no sense.
I was a little dismissive in my last post; I kind of want to respond to this list now.
My overarching response is that the 3DS is meant to be a very different piece of hardware from a tablet or a smartphone. It is designed for playing individual high-value games for 30 minutes to an hour a day. By contrast smart devices are designed for running a wide mix software and free/cheap games and quickly snapping between all of these applications.
I own ~10 3DS games and my combined play time with them is a few hundred hours. I am usually only playing one or two games in a given week and I play in 15-60 minute sessions, usually with a few sessions spread across the day. This is made easy by simply closing the clamshell and then resuming where I left off later in that given game.
I do not say this as an apology to anything that is written in the OP, I just think that the OP is largely framing his argument from the perspective of the device being a bad smart-device and not as being a good utilitarian gaming machine.
Regarding the clocks, I have no idea why Nintendo sells those. I certainly haven't ever purchased the useless non-game software on the eShop.
-I have never had issues with scratching on the touchscreen. My DS showed some wear after a heavy amount of time with the Ouendan franchise but I haven't had an issue with my 3DS's touch screen, though I rarely even use it since most 3DS games focus on control inputs. That said, I have had issues with the top screen getting damgaged by the lower screen. This is a major beef of mine with the system.
-Regarding the buttons and the volume slider, the feel of the system is definitely something below what Apple delivers but I don't think they feel cheap. The 3DS is a clear upgrade over the DS family of systems in terms of look and feel but it is miles apart from Apple's best stuff. The same goes for the Wii U gamepad. Apple's devices also cost a few hundred dollars more. They are great withing the world of videogames on this front but lacking compared to a lot of other consumer products. It will be interesting to see what their next generation of devices ends up looking like.
TLDR: It's a $200 gaming system and not an iPad. Its design works well for playing games and it has a fantastic library of games.
My overarching response is that the 3DS is meant to be a very different piece of hardware from a tablet or a smartphone. It is designed for playing individual high-value games for 30 minutes to an hour a day. By contrast smart devices are designed for running a wide mix software and free/cheap games and quickly snapping between all of these applications.
I own ~10 3DS games and my combined play time with them is a few hundred hours. I am usually only playing one or two games in a given week and I play in 15-60 minute sessions, usually with a few sessions spread across the day. This is made easy by simply closing the clamshell and then resuming where I left off later in that given game.
I do not say this as an apology to anything that is written in the OP, I just think that the OP is largely framing his argument from the perspective of the device being a bad smart-device and not as being a good utilitarian gaming machine.
Games are $30-$40. How many games do you buy a month? This reminds me of complaints about installing software early in the PS3's life. Your point is valid but this has never hindered me. Just close the lid and do something else for 20 minutes.
No one can hack into your account because it is tied to your system. The only purpose of those short passwords is allow parents to put restraints on their children.
No argument here. The shop is horrible. That said, I only go to the shop when I want to buy a specific piece of software so this does not really impact my time with the system.
How many games do you use at any given time? I turn up the size of icons on the home screen so I can easily switch between the games that I am actively playing. The touch screen has no trouble detecting taps of my fingernails. I only use the stylus when games require it or when I'm in the shop.
I agree that it is slower than iOS/Android but this does not interfere with my gaming. Boot up a game and then shut the lid between sessions.
This is not the app store. It isn't meant to be. If you want to download mounds of garbage for free you are welcome to. I am currently very happy to be playing to be playing the new Zelda.
Regarding the clocks, I have no idea why Nintendo sells those. I certainly haven't ever purchased the useless non-game software on the eShop.
What does this even mean? Do you want windows on your 3DS?
-The clamshell design works perfectly for what it is designed for: to protect the screens and to allow you to easily pause and resume gaming sessions.
-I have never had issues with scratching on the touchscreen. My DS showed some wear after a heavy amount of time with the Ouendan franchise but I haven't had an issue with my 3DS's touch screen, though I rarely even use it since most 3DS games focus on control inputs. That said, I have had issues with the top screen getting damgaged by the lower screen. This is a major beef of mine with the system.
-Regarding the buttons and the volume slider, the feel of the system is definitely something below what Apple delivers but I don't think they feel cheap. The 3DS is a clear upgrade over the DS family of systems in terms of look and feel but it is miles apart from Apple's best stuff. The same goes for the Wii U gamepad. Apple's devices also cost a few hundred dollars more. They are great withing the world of videogames on this front but lacking compared to a lot of other consumer products. It will be interesting to see what their next generation of devices ends up looking like.
The OG 3DS can make my thumb cramp up a bit if I play games that require the shoulder buttons for more than and hour at a time but I think the form factor of the XL is quite nice.
The battery life is pretty awful on the OG 3DS. When I relied on that I just got used to plugging it in over night. IMO the battery life on the XL is comparable to my iPhone or iPad. I can use it for a few days without charging it but I still usually plug it in every night.
TLDR: It's a $200 gaming system and not an iPad. Its design works well for playing games and it has a fantastic library of games.
Magicpaint
Member
Ultimately this thread shows how important actual software is; much more so than hardware because many people have spewed vitriol about the 3DS hardware but are still holding unto theirs somehow 
You're right, he didn't. The post he agreed with did: http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showpost.php?p=92487973&postcount=225
I bought a normal sized 3ds, thinking it would be well enough. But the more I play it the more I realize the XL would've been a much better choice, the screen is way too minuscule. And even so, I'm not sure I would've been happy with a bigger screen with that resolution.
Good thing the games are great.
Good thing the games are great.
Ludicrous Speed
Banned
Ultimately this thread shows how important actual software is; much more so than hardware because many people have spewed vitriol about the 3DS hardware but are still holding unto theirs somehow
Yeah, pretty ironic, right?
A few months ago when I was considering a handheld I went back and forth between the 3ds and vita. And I bought the 3ds despite its shortcomings on the hardware side. It sounds like a lot of people say the vita has awesome hardware and a nice os, but a lack of quality games. The only reason I got the 3ds over the vita is because of the better quality of games (imo)
The only major issues I have is lack of unified account system, which means I try to avoid digital as much as possible, and region lock is annoying.
Ergonomics are fine for me, yesterday played 5 hours of zelda and no cramps or anything.
If anyone has so many issues that it stops you from enjoying the games, well I am sorry that you are missing on the best portable game library ever.
Ergonomics are fine for me, yesterday played 5 hours of zelda and no cramps or anything.
If anyone has so many issues that it stops you from enjoying the games, well I am sorry that you are missing on the best portable game library ever.
yes, we know nintendo hardware is usually archaic but i got a 3DS to play video games, especially this one:
once i loaded it up none of the below seem to exist...
so try playing some games on the damn thing and you will forget about the hardware issues.
once i loaded it up none of the below seem to exist...
- 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.
so try playing some games on the damn thing and you will forget about the hardware issues.
I think you misunderstand me. Any console has "games", people sometimes will choose one over the other. It's good that Nintendo has a great selection of titles on the 3DS, because if that wasn't the tipping factor, at least I wouldn't ever pick the system over any other.
Indeed. We'd need to see attach rates of begrudging owners before concluding that the hardware had made no real difference though. To me personally, hardware is important to the point where I'd buy a 7/10 Vita game before I bought an 8/10 3DS game. As a result, my Vita library is approximately 15 times larger than my 3DS library (although I'm an exception because I love the Vita in ways that aren't rational or sensible).Ultimately this thread shows how important actual software is; much more so than hardware because many people have spewed vitriol about the 3DS hardware but are still holding unto theirs somehow
Fair enough. If I had to rank 'em from stingiest to most generous I'd personally say 'MS -> Nintendo -> Sony' but obviously it's a subjective assessment based on their relative value to me personally. Again though, they're all businesses.
I think if you were going into this expecting some crazy awesome UX for the system apps you were misguided.
Bought it for the game library, especially some of the rereleased n64 games. I got the XL because the screen is larger and brighter.
Only real hardware complaints are battery size and the ergonomics of holding it but Circle Pad Pro fixed the latter.
Otherwise considering its a circa 2k11 device the screen spec seems fine. They want to keep a price point so I am not expecting a Nvidia Shield class of device.
They would be well served to update their digital distribution model until then I'm sticking to cartridges.
Bought it for the game library, especially some of the rereleased n64 games. I got the XL because the screen is larger and brighter.
Only real hardware complaints are battery size and the ergonomics of holding it but Circle Pad Pro fixed the latter.
Otherwise considering its a circa 2k11 device the screen spec seems fine. They want to keep a price point so I am not expecting a Nvidia Shield class of device.
They would be well served to update their digital distribution model until then I'm sticking to cartridges.
NervousXtian
Thought Emoji Movie was good. Take that as you will.
Games. Because Games.
Games, games games.
Fire Emblem, Pokemon, Zelda, Mario, Zero Escape, SMTIV... there's more. None of your complaints matter when playing the games.
Games, games games.
Fire Emblem, Pokemon, Zelda, Mario, Zero Escape, SMTIV... there's more. None of your complaints matter when playing the games.
flyinpiranha
Member
Not very nice, but I'd like to point and laugh at "multitasking" as a con. Who buys a 3DS to "multitask"? What's the next con, no Onenote or Dropbox app?
Come on dude, your arguments are sound (for the most part) but buying a games system for hardware and hardware alone is asinine, same with OS level applications and ease of use ... it plays a part, but should be a very small one. It's what you play on the system. And I personally don't multitask or play with a clock on my 3DS. You mentioned your iOS device so stick with that and take the 3DS back.
I had the 3DS launch. My mistake, no games I really wanted. Sold it and bought the 3DS XL, I've played more on the 3DS than any system this year. I just recently got a Vita to go with my PS4 and P4G is awesome and some other games through PS+ but I found myself sitting on the couch last night and staying up WAY later than I should playing Zelda: ALBW. So even with all the troubles you mention, all the fancy tech around me, the Vita with a few games, my PC (decent gaming rig with a Steam library of "I bought it for $2 but I won't play it" games) and a PS4 hooked up to my 60" HDTV, an iPad with various Square and other iOS games ... .I still sat and played the 3DS, the worst of them all in hardware specs for 3 hours straight with a huge fucking grin on my face. That's what it's all about.
Come on dude, your arguments are sound (for the most part) but buying a games system for hardware and hardware alone is asinine, same with OS level applications and ease of use ... it plays a part, but should be a very small one. It's what you play on the system. And I personally don't multitask or play with a clock on my 3DS. You mentioned your iOS device so stick with that and take the 3DS back.
I had the 3DS launch. My mistake, no games I really wanted. Sold it and bought the 3DS XL, I've played more on the 3DS than any system this year. I just recently got a Vita to go with my PS4 and P4G is awesome and some other games through PS+ but I found myself sitting on the couch last night and staying up WAY later than I should playing Zelda: ALBW. So even with all the troubles you mention, all the fancy tech around me, the Vita with a few games, my PC (decent gaming rig with a Steam library of "I bought it for $2 but I won't play it" games) and a PS4 hooked up to my 60" HDTV, an iPad with various Square and other iOS games ... .I still sat and played the 3DS, the worst of them all in hardware specs for 3 hours straight with a huge fucking grin on my face. That's what it's all about.
Magicpaint
Member
Oh I'm sure hardware has made a difference, just not enough to get rid of the thing, I guess?
I'll say that for the first year I wanted neither system as the games available did not justify the asking price for me. A year and half later though, I couldn't resist what was on offer 3DS wise. Vita, I think there are a couple of exclusives I really want but the rest I can get on my PS3. I'll get one eventually when it builds an equally irresistible library of exclusives. The hardware itself is fantastic and easily the superior of the two.
I can sorta agree with the OS and all that jazz
However, the games are excellent. Mario Kart 7 is my favorite MK besides Super Circuit, the 3D effect is actually really good here. 3D Land is my favorite 3D Mario of all time (ive yet to play 3D World btw) and Link Between Worlds is hands down the best Zelda game in almost 20 years (since LttP).
I think the 3DS is a return to form for Nintendo, they arent slapping on shitty gimmicks that hamper their games like they tended to do on DS and Wii, the 2 DS Zelda games were..average at best.
3DS is my second favorite handheld of all time, behind GBA. It just has great games, maybe not as many games as DS but better quality to me at least.
However, the games are excellent. Mario Kart 7 is my favorite MK besides Super Circuit, the 3D effect is actually really good here. 3D Land is my favorite 3D Mario of all time (ive yet to play 3D World btw) and Link Between Worlds is hands down the best Zelda game in almost 20 years (since LttP).
I think the 3DS is a return to form for Nintendo, they arent slapping on shitty gimmicks that hamper their games like they tended to do on DS and Wii, the 2 DS Zelda games were..average at best.
3DS is my second favorite handheld of all time, behind GBA. It just has great games, maybe not as many games as DS but better quality to me at least.
Yeah, that's not true. Maybe if you're going by big names alone, I could get why someone would think that. But all you have to do is play them to see that they're nothing special.
Well, for me, when playing the games I'm just constantly wishing I were playing the games on a different device.
I'm cursed that way, yes... and I realize that most other people don't think about it like that.
Also, I don't actually own a 3DS yet so maybe after many many hours of playing I'd become acclimated to it's shortcomings.
clem84
Gold Member
It really sounds like you went out of your way to nitpick as much as you could. Some of your points are just exaggerations and the other ones are trivial at best. The most important part is the games. After 2 1/2 years the 3DS has an awesome library of games in just about every genre you could want. You should try to concentrate on that and enjoy your 3DS has much as possible. If you think it's that terrible, sell it. End of story.
How do I do that with my UMD of Tacics Ogre?
Not really. It's kind of hard to avoid you considering that you post 20 times in every Nintendo thread.
You claimed for weeks that the Vita was "100% backwards compatible." There's no need to put words in your mouth, your real words are quite silly enough.
SmokedMeat
Gamer™
The problems OP listed really don't bother me. The only issue I can agree with is the shitty ergonomics of the device. Most uncomfortable handheld on the market.
Prince Vultan
Banned
So we're at the level of personally attacking the OP and others now?
Way to reinforce that 'childish' stereotype Nintendo fans.
Pretty embarassing transition from first sentence to second.
I've read through something like 12-15 Nintendo specific threads in the past week or two and Dave posted in maybe 2-3 of those as I recall.
Way to reinforce that 'childish' stereotype Nintendo fans.
Pretty embarassing transition from first sentence to second.
I've read through something like 12-15 Nintendo specific threads in the past week or two and Dave posted in maybe 2-3 of those as I recall.
Yeah, pretty much. Hell, I realised I'd lost my OG 3DS and then immediately went out and bought another. The thought of not being able to play Ghost Recon: Shadow Wars sent chills down my spine.
Find me a post where I claim the Vita is 100% backwards compatible.
silver.tongue
Member
The hardware is a joke (weak and outdated), but it is cheap and it has great games so I guess it's alright.
I agree with your points about the way it handles downloads, lack of multitasking, the UI regarding the stylus and the account system.
However the praise it rightfully gets is because of the games.
Anyone who can't see any truth in the OP's points is either deluded or a fanboy because he didn't say he was underwhelmed by the games.
However the praise it rightfully gets is because of the games.
Anyone who can't see any truth in the OP's points is either deluded or a fanboy because he didn't say he was underwhelmed by the games.
I love everything about my Vita more than my 3DS XL besides the fact that my 3DS has Zelda. That's enough for me to be happy with the purchase.
Completely agree with OP that hardware feels cheap, OS is archaic, I don't even know what's going on with the downloads, and that screen is awful.
Still, the games.
Edit: Wow. Didn't read this thread before I posted and had no idea it became a Vita/3DS throwdown thread. Just clarifying that I'm very happy with both systems, but it's quite clear what their strengths and weaknesses are. Had the Vita for over a year and the 3DS for a few weeks. Again, very happy with both.
Completely agree with OP that hardware feels cheap, OS is archaic, I don't even know what's going on with the downloads, and that screen is awful.
Still, the games.
Edit: Wow. Didn't read this thread before I posted and had no idea it became a Vita/3DS throwdown thread. Just clarifying that I'm very happy with both systems, but it's quite clear what their strengths and weaknesses are. Had the Vita for over a year and the 3DS for a few weeks. Again, very happy with both.
If I do what do I get?
Ludicrous Speed
Banned
I agree. needs more dudebro games.
Well, nothing special in comparison to Vita games.
Have I got more enjoyment out of those games than my Vita overall? No way. So yeah I suppose I agree with you. That's not to say those aren't some of the finest games known to grace this planet (I am mainly reffering to the two Zelda games.)
On Vita vs 3DS overall, I dunno. I'm an undecided man. I'd probably side with 3DS right now due to the 1-2-3 punch of Ace Attorney, Pokemon and Zelda but am looking forward to Dangan Ronpa, Gravity Rush 2 and Persona 4 Dancing for the Vita.
TangoAlphaLima
Member
All Nintendo games are "nothing special"? Seriously?
Just don't buy Nintendo hardware then. If you don't like Zelda, Mario, etc., then you don't want a 3DS
(and you have poor taste in games)
I'm kind of unimpressed with the 3 games I've put about 2+ hours into so far (Paper mario, 3d land, Zelda). I expected the hardware to be sub par so nothing on the OS really bothers me, although the analog stick is atrocious and my finger is constantly sliding off of it. It feels like how 360 sticks get after the grips wear off after months of heavy use.
My problem with the games is the same as it has been with Nintendo games since I grew tired of them many years ago...they're too simplistic. I'm not just talking (lack of) difficulty but they really do feel like games designed for kids. People applaud the gameplay only focus of Nintendo games but they don't offer any depth or challenge with their gameplay so there's nothing else there to boost the overall package up. Like 3D land for example, the main focus is to find those 3 star coins in each level but so far it's been really easy to do so, and after you do what's the point of staying and exploring each level? For useless coins? I already have 45 lives and I'm not even on world 4 yet. There's nothing to really do in that game and the actual platforming has been ridiculously easy so far.
And as for Zelda, only Nintendo can get away with rehashing a 20 year old world in a brand new game. I hope the dungeons are different at least.
My problem with the games is the same as it has been with Nintendo games since I grew tired of them many years ago...they're too simplistic. I'm not just talking (lack of) difficulty but they really do feel like games designed for kids. People applaud the gameplay only focus of Nintendo games but they don't offer any depth or challenge with their gameplay so there's nothing else there to boost the overall package up. Like 3D land for example, the main focus is to find those 3 star coins in each level but so far it's been really easy to do so, and after you do what's the point of staying and exploring each level? For useless coins? I already have 45 lives and I'm not even on world 4 yet. There's nothing to really do in that game and the actual platforming has been ridiculously easy so far.
And as for Zelda, only Nintendo can get away with rehashing a 20 year old world in a brand new game. I hope the dungeons are different at least.
flyinpiranha
Member
Well, nothing special in comparison to Vita games.
That list, sure. But let's not be obtuse and pretend all they have is Mario and Zelda games (although ALBW is up there with the greats IMO).
I find their software libraries really complement each other. People always spouted that PSWii was the thing to own last generation, this is basically that for handhelds. Each offers something different.
@Derrick Of course these are the same Nintendo games. In fact I think most Nintendo games have gotten easier. But for me those are the "b-games" on the system (outside of ALBW which is just an awesome dose of great game + nostalgia - I admit the music and enemies put a smile on my face because of my memories ... I've done one dungeon and it was a lot different, the world "looks" similar but with the new special ability and being able to 'rent' things, it really is a 'fresh' game) and you should really look to others.
Granted, if you don't like SMT IV, MH3U (get the atrocity that is the attachment, makes the game much more enjoyable), Fire Emblem, Kid Icarus, or even Pokemon (I'm still an addict and my kid is jealous of some that I've caught ... not sure if that's sad or what, lol, but we enjoy playing together) and not aim for JUST the Nintendo Marios and Zeldas. I personally don't like many of the mainline Mario and Zelda games much anymore. Like you said they are too easy now, there is no challenge in them even though they are fun for a bit but the I already know what to do before I get to something (ALBW is not true with this though, I've enjoyed the new things introduced).
Yeah all those points are greatly exaggerated, the OS is perfectly fine, the download system is fine, and personally I've never had a problem with battery life, I am surprised you are saying is the worst battery life out there, is it worst than the Vita? I don't know, I do know my galaxy S4 dies way faster than my 3DS if I'm playing games.
I'll give you region lock, is the only legitimate problem of the 3DS. Personally I would add the tiny dpad, it is a little nuisance but nothing that makes games unplayable.
I'll give you region lock, is the only legitimate problem of the 3DS. Personally I would add the tiny dpad, it is a little nuisance but nothing that makes games unplayable.
I don't. But 3DS line up hasn't impressed me in terms of variety or freshness until now. To be honest I own half a dozen titles for the console and there are only a couple of games more that I plan to play. And all of them are established franchises. That, to me, is not a great lineup.