Magicpaint
Member
...I hope you didn't buy anything digitally on your OG 3DS.
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Any other new owner underwhelmed by the 3DS?
- Thread starter BomberMouse
- Start date
Most SCE games barring Burning Skies and Unit 13 (e.g. LM2's as boring and as monotonous as Sly 4), the third party multiplats/ports - say what you want about them but I'd take a good multiplat like Rayman Origins over a not-so good exclusive like NSMB2 any day of the week, and digital games, some of which are full blown games too.
Oh, I definitely didn't mean to imply that. Most of 3DS library has nothing to do with Mario or Zelda.
RedNumberFive
Banned
I've got to say that my love affair with the 3DS ended as soon as I got a Vita. Now my 3DS acts primarily as my SMT machine.
I did (Pushmo and a few GB games). I knew what I was getting into when I bought them though, so it's no biggie.
SCE output on Vita is surely impressive.
Ludicrous Speed
Banned
Ehhh...another reason I didn't get a vita. I can get most of the best games on the pc. I have a beastly gaming pc so why get a vita to play those? didn't make sense to me at all
You're only up to world 4? You have 12 worlds to go.
PS lives don't have anything to so with difficulty.
BassForever
Member
Op had a point till be said the software was bad
semiconscious
Gold Member
really! - op made me laugh, actually
...yeah, the hardware/os/eshop are all clunky as hell. it's all about the games...
a helluva lot more horrible than the 3ds, imo...
In terms of quantity, nope. But, on average, the games they made for it are around the same quality as Nintendo's.
I'm not saying they're a reason to buy the system but when you're comparing the quality of the libraries, leaving out good multiplats of good games (especially when they're better than the exclusives on another console) seems disingenuous.
I do think they are recoverable if you have the original serial number of the lost device, not sure if it's possible from the UK though.
3DS games with a Metacritic at or above 75: 68
PSV games with a Metacritic at or above 75: 71
FYI, the 3DS' library also benefits from the usual "it's a handheld, so kids games get free points!" bullshit while the Vita does not and instead has it's games compared apples to apples with full console releases. Hence why Killzone: Mercenary has a Metacritic of 78 while a game like Skylanders: Spyro's Adventure gets an 82 on 3DS. Best part: reviews for both specifically mention a lack of content compared to console offerings, but while Skylanders is a port from consoles with content removed Killzone is being compared against different $60 MSRP shooters on consoles. Absolutely brilliant, right?
Only if they damage the game experience for people who never pay more for them. So far Sony has done a pretty admirable job keeping that from happening with LittleBigPlanet, MLB: The Show, etc..
Cross buy of the old Nintendo library wouldn't be beneficial? Why do people have to buy multiple versions of classic games?Again: Cross-Buy is nice if there are games that could benefit. But there are only very, very few games on both Wii U and 3DS, and you don't need Cross-Buy to play a few selected Wii titles on your Wii U - because you can play all your Wii titles on Wii U right out of the box. Something that's sadly also "totally unique" these days and even better.
Hardware changes sometimes necessitate the loss of backwards compatibility, hence why the Wii U can't play Gamecube games. But a unified library where you aren't penalized for wanting a game on multiple platforms from the same first party is absurd. Any PS1 title you buy on PSN can be played on PS3, Vita, and PSP. Any PSP game can be played on both PSP and Vita with one purchase. Changing hardware is one thing, offering digital versions of classic games that can play on two different systems, feature identical, yet charging for them as separate titles, is something else entirely.
All services are done to generate profit, obviously, but the philosophy as to how that profit will be generated is what's important here. Sony's philosophy for PS+ has been to offer so much value to the consumer as to make PS+ too attractive to refuse. Nintendo's philosophy for the 3DS has been that the hardware and OS could be cheap jank knowing that their fans are a captive audience due entirely to IP loyalty. They aren't offering a good product for the money spent, they're just exploiting a fetishist audience.
Between a PS3, Vita, PS4 arriving tomorrow, Wii, OG Xbox still hooked up, DS, a Steambox, and a powerful gaming PC I have access to more games than I could ever hope to play. I'd argue that most people on this board likely do as well. I see no reason to settle for poor hardware when the opportunity cost is so damn low.
Look, the 3DS has a strong library of unique games. That's what Nintendo does. They've got their key brands on it and their first party software studios are still hitting home runs for them. That will make it a success. But is it really that hard to be honest about the fact that Nintendo either completely fucked up or just flat out refused to care when it came to hardware and OS design? The 3DS is a worse piece of hardware than the PSP in pretty much every regard and the PSP is nearly a decade old.
Nintendo deserves a lot of props for their commitment to the platforming genre, 60 fps gameplay, diligently funding a studio still focused on delivering blockbuster console JRPGs in Monolith, funding Bayonetta 2, etc. etc.. They do A LOT of good for the industry, but lets try being honest with their shortfalls instead of being apologists for a company really just out to take our money.
They make great games. In almost every other aspect of servicing us as customers they're either woefully archaic or downright anti-consumer. Games are the primary reason we're all here, but the rest of the pie isn't trivial by any means. They need to get better, fast, or the games aren't going to be enough anymore with rising competition in the industry.
It sure does. If I'm dying a lot I can't stack almost 50 lives so quickly, even if they do hand them out like candy.
Robert at Zeboyd Games
Banned
I actively dislike the 3DS system itself, but it's got a good lineup of exclusives so I use it anyway.
Ludicrous Speed
Banned
I don't think it is disingenuous. I'm more of a pc/console gamer than a handheld gamer so in order for me to drop a couple hundred bucks on a handheld it has to have games. I'm not dropping a couple hundred bucks to play a watered down version of a game I can play on my pc.
That's kind of where I am. The 3DS is there for me to play Zelda, Mario, Pokemon, etc. and the Vita is there for everything else. To be fair though, I'm much more sucked into the Playstation ecosystem than the Nintendo ecosystem (PS3/PS4/Vita vs. 3DS XL, no Wii U)
But then that's like saying the Wii's library was outright better than the PS3's or 360's because you have a gaming PC that can play most of their libraries. It might make more sense for you, personally, to purchase the Wii over the PS3/360 but to say one is superior because of that, I'd still say is disingenuous.
And if those watered down versions of a game are still superior to handheld exclusives, that doesn't speak well about handheld exclusives.
RibbedHero
Member
If people only care about games but not the hardware then why aren't you all carrying around a DS or PSP? They have libraries multiple times better than either the 3DS or Vita and are much cheaper too! I doubt anyone has exhausted all the great games on the DS and PSP.
Simply put, hardware matters, and anyone arguing "it's all about the games" is being very disingenuous (consciously or subconsciously).
Simply put, hardware matters, and anyone arguing "it's all about the games" is being very disingenuous (consciously or subconsciously).
SturokBGD
Member
If Nintendo went third party, there would be no such thing as dual screen gameplay or glasses-free stereoscopic 3D. There would be no choice, no alternative. I mean, why would there be? What you should say is that everyone would be better off if Nintendo made their hardware better.
Dual screen hasn't brought much of actual use to games, although if it HAS to be done it can still be done on the other systems, and 3D is a massive joke. It adds nothing to games and for me at least it gives me headaches by distorting the screen so much.
Yes and no.
No because the 3ds is home of 3 of my favorite games this year. And overall has a nice lineup which makes up for the shortcomings that for me aren't a big deal. I bought the thing to play games... And it does that pretty well.
However, I do think that aforementioned lineup is a bit overrated. Most of the games I bought are great but I have like 6 games total right now. I found smtiv to be kinda boring. Same for The other atlas game. 3d land is ok and I never was into top down zeldas... And most of the games I would love to play aren't coming over. So I think the whole lineup thing only applies if you live in Japan.
I also think that they are begining to make the same mistake Sony continues to make and male games that would be better off on a console. The 6 games I have that I love all fit perfectly as handheld games. Every vita game makes me wish it was on the ps3. That alone makes me put the 3ds over the Vita but I do think the amazeballs lineup is overstated.
Besides in this current industry if you only one one, you are doing it wrong. I'm holding out for Square to stop being dicks and give me my ff0 port... Pls
No because the 3ds is home of 3 of my favorite games this year. And overall has a nice lineup which makes up for the shortcomings that for me aren't a big deal. I bought the thing to play games... And it does that pretty well.
However, I do think that aforementioned lineup is a bit overrated. Most of the games I bought are great but I have like 6 games total right now. I found smtiv to be kinda boring. Same for The other atlas game. 3d land is ok and I never was into top down zeldas... And most of the games I would love to play aren't coming over. So I think the whole lineup thing only applies if you live in Japan.
I also think that they are begining to make the same mistake Sony continues to make and male games that would be better off on a console. The 6 games I have that I love all fit perfectly as handheld games. Every vita game makes me wish it was on the ps3. That alone makes me put the 3ds over the Vita but I do think the amazeballs lineup is overstated.
Besides in this current industry if you only one one, you are doing it wrong. I'm holding out for Square to stop being dicks and give me my ff0 port... Pls
Way to generalize.
But I do still play my DS sometimes.
The 3DS is newer than those, and is the platform that is currently getting the games. It's only natural that I'm going to want the newer platform getting all the good games that I can't play on systems I already own.
That is absolutely correct and the fancy features of each console like streaming and social are the things used to sway a buyer from 1 console to another.From the perspective of a PC gamer the real differentiating factor is the game library.
I dare you to count how many times you actually die before completing all 16 worlds
FlashbladeGAF
Member
lol
Hardware matters, but not the same way the games do.
Everyone has a franchise that they will play regardless of how sleek the OS on their hardware is.
Whether it's Shenmue 3, God Hand 2 or even real games like TitanFall, if the game looks great and runs great, it doesn't matter how fast or slow my menu OS is. Once I get to the game it's all good.
For me, a great OS is a nice little treat, but the main course is the games!
Magicpaint
Member
I can play all my DS games on my 3DS.
TheAngryMonkey
Member
I agree with OP on some of the points, particularly:
* Multitasking was a huge let down compared to iOS. The process of jumping between installed apps is just dumb. Great that in game/app I change brightness, browse the web (terrible browser anyway) look at my friends but not interact with them in anyway but that I can't put a game to sleep and open another one feels so outdated when you're used to iOS.
* When I got the DS Lite years ago I thought battery life was terrible. Then the OG 3DS came along and it was half of the DS Lite. The XL brings it back into acceptable territory but the OG 3DS is still bad.
* It either downloads while I watch or when the lid is closed, there isn't a "in the background" option and that makes me sad.
Where I don't agree with OP and others:
* I find the UI to be good enough and honestly there isn't anything slow about it
* The volume slider is great, I *hate* software volume controls
* Multitasking was a huge let down compared to iOS. The process of jumping between installed apps is just dumb. Great that in game/app I change brightness, browse the web (terrible browser anyway) look at my friends but not interact with them in anyway but that I can't put a game to sleep and open another one feels so outdated when you're used to iOS.
* When I got the DS Lite years ago I thought battery life was terrible. Then the OG 3DS came along and it was half of the DS Lite. The XL brings it back into acceptable territory but the OG 3DS is still bad.
* It either downloads while I watch or when the lid is closed, there isn't a "in the background" option and that makes me sad.
Where I don't agree with OP and others:
* I find the UI to be good enough and honestly there isn't anything slow about it
* The volume slider is great, I *hate* software volume controls
Even if the 3DS was dead the Vita wouldn't be selling "well." The 3DS is marketed and catered much better to what the market wants in a handheld (cheap, not easy to break, a minimum quality in graphics surpassed, more reconisable brand name, fully backwards compatitable) than the Vita is. Even if the 3DS was removed from the market the handheld gaming space would shrink AT THE VERY LEAST 50%.
Do you know what that would do to handheld gaming? We wouldn't see most of the awesome games the 3DS has on it coming to the Vita because of that. You can't simply say "It'd be better if X went third party" and then assume theirs and other output to be equal.
captmcblack
Member
I am not a new owner, but I am definitely "underwhelmed" by the 3DS...if by "underwhelmed", I mean "disappointed that it isn't more insanely great than it already is".
The game library is just top-notch, even if it's more Nintendo-heavy when dealing with the top games than the GBA and DS were. The graphics are great, even though I wish they'd either used a better GPU or a sharper screen. I don't care how clunky the eShop is, but I acknowledge that it could be better. No account system is why I don't buy games digitally if they're available at retail...but I do that in general on all consoles/devices anyway.
Definitely the 3DS could've been better in many ways...but to me, it's the difference between an A- student and an A student. It's really damn good as it is, specifically because the games are just too sweet. If you can't find anything that plays well enough to ignore the less than great aspects of the machine, you probably are just not a fan of Nintendo (and that's fine).
The game library is just top-notch, even if it's more Nintendo-heavy when dealing with the top games than the GBA and DS were. The graphics are great, even though I wish they'd either used a better GPU or a sharper screen. I don't care how clunky the eShop is, but I acknowledge that it could be better. No account system is why I don't buy games digitally if they're available at retail...but I do that in general on all consoles/devices anyway.
Definitely the 3DS could've been better in many ways...but to me, it's the difference between an A- student and an A student. It's really damn good as it is, specifically because the games are just too sweet. If you can't find anything that plays well enough to ignore the less than great aspects of the machine, you probably are just not a fan of Nintendo (and that's fine).
People buy new hardware because they are on sale and marketed. 3DS started to sell because its price was slashed to match the DS and the DS was discontinued. Same happened with the GBA to DS transition.
metikulous
Banned
I wish there was a ps+ type system in place for the 3ds (...and I guess the Wii U). It might get the lesser known games out there so people get hyped for new iterations.
Other than that, and the universally hated lack of an account system for which I still haven't bought anything digitally, I'm enjoying wearing out the soft reset buttons while playing through fire emblem: awakening on lunatic mode.
Other than that, and the universally hated lack of an account system for which I still haven't bought anything digitally, I'm enjoying wearing out the soft reset buttons while playing through fire emblem: awakening on lunatic mode.
I like my 3DS but Nintendo design leaves something to be desired. I also own a Vita and the ergonomics and beauty of it make the 3DS look pedestrian by comparison. I do appreciate the 3D now, and the quality of the library is unparalleled right now. But in terms of what system I prefer to have in my hands while laying in bed -- right now that is the Vita.
I just bought Pokemon X and have a Link Between Worlds to go through so I am expecting to be thoroughly impressed but right now I am still lukewarm with my new 3DS.
I just bought Pokemon X and have a Link Between Worlds to go through so I am expecting to be thoroughly impressed but right now I am still lukewarm with my new 3DS.
SturokBGD
Member
Yeah that's great but not everyone is Derrick01.
the 3DS plays DS games so.....
Hmm. I guess OP has good points, but most of those criticisms are irrelevant to why I enjoy my 3DS.
I'd actually say it pretty much rekindled my interest in videogaming. A great selection of cheap Gameboy and Gameboy Color games on a platform that's better their original platform, lots of DS games I missed, and of course the ever-more-entertaining list of 3DS games, including what must be some of Nintendo's best-ever handheld games I've always had an enormous variety of things to do on my XL since I picked it up last Christmas.
I'd actually say it pretty much rekindled my interest in videogaming. A great selection of cheap Gameboy and Gameboy Color games on a platform that's better their original platform, lots of DS games I missed, and of course the ever-more-entertaining list of 3DS games, including what must be some of Nintendo's best-ever handheld games I've always had an enormous variety of things to do on my XL since I picked it up last Christmas.
clay_ghost
Member
This thread only reminds me how much i was blown away by the constant flow of GREAT to good gamesthat the DS and to a lower extend the psp offered last gen. 
I believe the 3DS can match psp 's library but that is still some time away.
DS/PS2/SNES library are godly i know better than to expect this much from 3DS lol
Vita's library was really disappointing to me but i have accept it for what is it :/
I believe the 3DS can match psp 's library but that is still some time away.
DS/PS2/SNES library are godly i know better than to expect this much from 3DS lol
Vita's library was really disappointing to me but i have accept it for what is it :/
GuitarAtomik
Member
Pretty much agree with the OP specifically the OS/UI/and ergonomics. Especially now that I have a Vita. I have a HARD time playing anything on the 3DS for more than maybe half an hour before my hands get super cramped but I was able to hold and and play the Vita for hours at a time without any problems. Honestly, I also like the game library more as well. Specifically the indie stuff on the horizon. If it wasn't for Bravely Default and the fact that I haven't fully finished 999 and Fire Emblem, I would have traded in my 3DS a while ago.
KillerMan91
Member
Yeah. After 180 on Xbone Nintendo is by far the most anti consumer gaming company there is. No account system, region locks and in EU you have to buy fucking charger separately from XL. Just wtf. Their greed really doesn't have limits. Games are good I must admit but the attitude Nintendo has towards customers put off my purchace for long.
Prince Vultan
Banned
Didn't mean to if I did so.
Just got a little riled at seeing people raging at the OP and saying how "retarded" he is for making what I consider to be fair enough points for the most part.
I find that pretty much all of the complaints here are subjective really.
I also find it strange that people are complaining about the resolution so much, we went from the DS just about 2~3 years ago running at 256x192 to 400x240, i really don't think 720p is needed.
720p would mean higher resolution models, higher resolution graphics, textures, world detail. All of this would mean more MONEY to develop the games, and honestly we would NOT see as many games or as many games from smaller studios on the portables.
Besides, higher resolution also means more power which means the battery lasts for even less time.
I'd rather have low res, bigger battery than higher res and shorter battery, i'd also have more games or more niche games than just generic safe games because no one has the money to attempt something new on the system.
I also find it strange that people are complaining about the resolution so much, we went from the DS just about 2~3 years ago running at 256x192 to 400x240, i really don't think 720p is needed.
720p would mean higher resolution models, higher resolution graphics, textures, world detail. All of this would mean more MONEY to develop the games, and honestly we would NOT see as many games or as many games from smaller studios on the portables.
Besides, higher resolution also means more power which means the battery lasts for even less time.
I'd rather have low res, bigger battery than higher res and shorter battery, i'd also have more games or more niche games than just generic safe games because no one has the money to attempt something new on the system.
Imbarkus
As Sartre noted in his contemplation on Hell in No Exit, the true horror is other members.
KillerDark
Member
It has a very strong lineup of games and frankly thats all I really care about. I don't care at all about clocks, notepads, etc... if I wanted that stuff I would use my phone. The UI is tolerable (not good but certainly not horrible), battery life is ok, I find it comfortable to use. My only main complaint is I hate the start "button"
His points were mostly fair, where they dipped into "retarded" territory was "iOS is better in every way except the games have awful controls." So basically "iOS is better except it sucks."
His points are all fine, but all also ultimately pretty irrelevant. I ask again, what do you actually use the 3DS UI for? I didn't even know the 3DS had a browser until I read this thread, and I've owned one for years! Why would I multitask?
His points weren't wrong, they just missed the point of the system.