The hardware kind of sucks but good games makes it worthwhile. Agree with many of the complaints though, especially battery life. Picked up an XL hoping for revision improvements but it's only better in some aspects and worse in others. Still, most all of that melts away in game which is ultimately the most important factor.
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Any other new owner underwhelmed by the 3DS?
- Thread starter BomberMouse
- Start date
family_guy
Member
I agree with most of OP points. I got an XL and was completely unimpressed so I sold it. I'm not saying there are not some good games on it, but everyone one would be better off if Nintendo just went third party. I have to laugh at the multimedia apps. Who's going to watch Netflix on that screen?
I have a Vita and it's just so much better for my personal taste. The screen, the battery life, the ergonomics, the controls, the multitasking. It may not have as many AAA titles exclusively for the system, but I have at least 10 games for it, half of which I got for the price of a subscription to PS+. Additionally it plays many PS1 and PSP games.
I have a Vita and it's just so much better for my personal taste. The screen, the battery life, the ergonomics, the controls, the multitasking. It may not have as many AAA titles exclusively for the system, but I have at least 10 games for it, half of which I got for the price of a subscription to PS+. Additionally it plays many PS1 and PSP games.
What are you trying to imply here?
Just because it has great games doesn't excuse it from being a hot mess.
peanutbutterlatte
Member
I for one am inplying that people calling iy a hot mess haven't seen that many hot messes. It'a perfectly fine.
titusandronicus
Member
After using iOS 6 and 7 all the time the OS is atrocious in comparison, but I rarely go through the menus and the software library makes up for it.
EDIT: In regards to the hardware, it is quite oddly shaped with lots of strange curves and edges but the materials are better than the 3DS XL's so I prefer it.
EDIT: In regards to the hardware, it is quite oddly shaped with lots of strange curves and edges but the materials are better than the 3DS XL's so I prefer it.
I agree. Before seeing this thread, my only complaint was the e-shop UI. The rest of the system is fine imo. I was actually very pleasantly surprised that a Nintendo system even had download queuing. I guess it all comes down to expectations.
pretty sure Nintendo leaves it up to the publisher to put the limit on demos
I really don't see why this is something to be upset about though. it's just a demo. most can be played 30 times. who plays a demo 30 times?
Magicpaint
Member
Yeah, I think 'functional' is more accurate in my book. I have no major issues with anything. The screen resolution is poor, but it doesn't actively hinder my experience outside of one or two instances and the 3D is a decent pay off for that.
Hot mess? Lol. It works exactly as it is intended to work for me.
You should return the broken "hot mess" 3DS you were sold.
My point is that Sony and MS aren't any less greedy. If we're talking greed, microtransactions in full price titles are certainly relevant.
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.
Now, PS+ definitely is pretty cool. I'm a subscriber as well. But Sony doesn't offer this service because they're nice. It's not "for the players" - they do it because they profit from it.
Just not the best system out there to actually PLAY video games.
Unfortunately it's the only one available to play some of those games.
I owned a Game Gear and know a hot mess when I see one.
The 3DS is a hot mess of hardware and OS, enough so that it's prevented me from actually buying it.
March of the Crabs
Member
Some of that is true, but you CAN download and play games at the same time. Just sayin.
Prevolition
Member
Nothing you listed has kept me from enjoying my OG 3DS every day since launch.
I should be able to freely import games from Japan without the need of buying another 3DS.
The GB was region free, the GBA was region free, and the DS was region free, what's the 3DS' excuse?
There is no denying that the 3DS has a vast and great library. But most of the better games (i.e DQ, etc) are still stuck in Japan
Magicpaint
Member
Yeah, there's no defending region locking. Such a terribly anti-consumer practice and Iwata's reasoning for it is just BS.
How many free games does Sony offer in compensation for gauging on memory cards? Or for not letting you play your PSP games on Vita?
Remind me.
I mean...get a grip dude. Nintendo is greedy! And Sony isn't? There is a difference between being a fan of something and being just a mindless advocate. You are the latter. Any time anyone points out anything about Vita you have some excuse, and any time anyone says anything good about Nintendo you show up to post 20 times in a row about how Nintendo is awful. Sony doesn't let you play PSP UMDs on Vita. That sucks. No, but that's ok because reasons. Nintendo only offers 22 games for the price drop? Inexcusable!
It's like self-parody.
I just got a 3DS for Zelda and I re-confirmed that the hardware is shit, the placement of everything is odd and it feels cheap as fuck, everything.
but there's Zelda, Etrian Oddysey, Mario Land and nice software so I'll just come to terms with it.
so yeah, I am with OP on this.
but there's Zelda, Etrian Oddysey, Mario Land and nice software so I'll just come to terms with it.
so yeah, I am with OP on this.
Yes Mario and Zelda and the only thing Nintendo makes. Yes, those are the only games you'll find available for the system.
Good games are good games, who cares who makes them?
In this I'd say that it's not that the Vita doesn't have excellent exclusives, it just cannot compare with the AMOUNT of excellent exclusives. So the quantity is the antithesis and not the quality of the software.
It is very anti-consumer.
I don't care about the shoddy hardware or OS. Those really don't matter to me. Region locking is the one true thing bringing the 3DS down
Again Dave, how many ROMs do I get for lack of BC? How many do I get for memory card prices?
22 games for a price drop is unprecedented- Nintendo doesn't owe anyone anything for lowering the price. But here you are spinning it as a negative. It makes you look completely ridiculous.
Starwolf_UK
Member
Except when idiotic publishers (NISA Europe) decide that 3 uses is enough for Etrian Odyssey 4. Jokes on them, I've not played the game yet and would only buy the full version if I finish the demo first.
Berek Halfhand
Member
I think the OP is just flat out retarded.
pretty done
Member
It's okay to want good hardware. No one is saying 3DS has no games, but everything else besides the games lineup is piss poor. Not worth owning for me yet.
Revolutionary
Member
Not a new owner, but I've always been disappointed with the 3DS. 2013 is the year it got the most usage from me.. but it's still only 4 games we're talking about.
Edit: and yes, the OS is awful. Wii U as well since it's basically a home console version of the 3DS OS
Edit: and yes, the OS is awful. Wii U as well since it's basically a home console version of the 3DS OS
I love the OS design. Mine is an ambassador XL (ie, transferred from an ambassador OG 3DS) and my main menu is basically a lovely toybox full of old and new goodies. It's quick and responsive to find a game, tap it, and play, or just to arrange your icons or other details via touch. The aesthetic design is clean and attractive, with nice touches... I'm not sure what could possibly irritate anyone with it.
Yeah, this is stupid. The demo is really good, but 3 uses is just simply not enough.
Yeah, I don't quite get it either. Maybe because some people are impatient? And used to super 'snappy' OSes that can do anything on a whim?
And yet conversely are also so patient they sit through game demos over 30 times to make sure it's right for them...?
I dunno. I just click on a game I downloaded and play it.
I have to agree in some aspects. I think the games library is fairly decent but it seems like the hardware is a constant barrier to my enjoyment. The flimsy build quality and the loose hinges, the low res screens, the cramped feel of playing on it, woeful battery life, the fact that you have to have a near perfect viewing angle to enjoy the 3d, it's not a great experience all up. This isn't even getting into the online infrastructure and accounts which I've given up on.
As someone who's not a big handheld gamer these days the 3DS makes it difficult for me to get back into that world again.
As someone who's not a big handheld gamer these days the 3DS makes it difficult for me to get back into that world again.
I'll agree the ergonomics and design leave something to be desired, and I'm disappointed by the internals as well, especially for the price the 3DS commands. The camera is pitiful and near unusable, and they have removed 3D from the 2DS version, thereby removing the very purpose for what the system was made for.
Usually the hardware is pretty top notch for the times, but it's not this go around. Everything from cpu, gpu, RAM, screen and cameras is poor. The GBA felt pretty good to hold, and it was really only the lack of backlighting that hurt them. The SP was nice, but I could only play it with this huge purple grip thing I bought. Loved the micro though. Hated the ds phat, loved the lite.
Ideally, I'd have wanted what the PS Vita is, but with Nintendo games, quality and ingenuity behind it. Nintendo really needs to up their manufacturing and design capabilities again. The buttons are so poor, cheap quality, the volume sliders. The entire system just screams 'crap' in a sense. Doesn't feel like a premium electronic at all. There are free smartphones out that have better internals than this $100-$200 system. I really wonder just how much profit they make on each, even when it's on sale too.
Usually the hardware is pretty top notch for the times, but it's not this go around. Everything from cpu, gpu, RAM, screen and cameras is poor. The GBA felt pretty good to hold, and it was really only the lack of backlighting that hurt them. The SP was nice, but I could only play it with this huge purple grip thing I bought. Loved the micro though. Hated the ds phat, loved the lite.
Ideally, I'd have wanted what the PS Vita is, but with Nintendo games, quality and ingenuity behind it. Nintendo really needs to up their manufacturing and design capabilities again. The buttons are so poor, cheap quality, the volume sliders. The entire system just screams 'crap' in a sense. Doesn't feel like a premium electronic at all. There are free smartphones out that have better internals than this $100-$200 system. I really wonder just how much profit they make on each, even when it's on sale too.
greatnorthern
Member
I had a 3DS for a while, but couldn't get over how bad most games looked. Pixels were like the size of my fist.
Ludicrous Speed
Banned
Agreed about the hardware. OS is fast and functional (lol ps4). The games though are what makes this little thing. LOVE it. Poured hundreds of hours into it and I've only had it a few short months.
Ah, I see. I kinda agree with that, certainly none of them are charities. Cyberheater didn't actually mention greed though, that's why I wasn't following.
No doubt. Everything that all of them do is motivated by profit. It just so happens that they achieve their profits with a differing level of benefits to the individual. We all value different things, some companies serve us well and some don't.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.
Now, PS+ definitely is pretty cool. I'm a subscriber as well. But Sony doesn't offer this service because they're nice. It's not "for the players" - they do it because they profit from it.
I believe Sony include 8 or 10 games with the purchase of a memory card nowadays. I'm not sure of that though as I haven't bought one for a long time. As for reminding you about PSP games, I'll just remind you that I bought my Vita, signed into PSN and then went and downloaded my PSP games from the store. As you know, since we've had this conversation before.
You are to me as I am to the Vita. A hound with a bone.
To be honest, you're so far off base with the rest I'm not even going to bother defending myself. Yes, I display a clear bias toward the system that I favour, but unless you're going to start quoting and arguing actual points rather than putting words in my mouth and creating straw men, I feel no need to justify that to you.
The sound in Soul Hackers is particularly shitty. Not a 3DS problem. If you aren't using earbuds/headphones or plugging in an external speaker, you're doing it wrong.
All the issues listed in the OP I have no problem with. Region lock? I don't import and all the games I want are coming or have come to NA. Account system? I don't download anything. UI? Haven't had a problem navigating it and UI is one of the things I don't even care about as long as it functions (it does). Ergonomics? OG 3DS feels fine in my hands. Battery life? I play at home.
Games are good. I only wish it had a better screen to reduce jaggies.
NaDannMaGoGo
Member
I really dislike the weak hardware (in terms of performance) and the laughably low pixel density. Games simply do not look great even if they look great, if you get what I mean. No matter how good the art style, I'll still easily see the pixels' borders.
And then everything is so slow and takes forever. Being used to a PC with an SSD I cannot stand loading everything for multiple seconds constantly, whatever you wanna do.
And then everything is so slow and takes forever. Being used to a PC with an SSD I cannot stand loading everything for multiple seconds constantly, whatever you wanna do.
Ludicrous Speed
Banned
Why the hell did this need to become a 3ds vs vita thread? Every.fucking.time.
Vita has better hardware but the 3ds has vastly superior games (imo). a lot of salt in here
Vita has better hardware but the 3ds has vastly superior games (imo). a lot of salt in here
peanutbutterlatte
Member
flyinpiranha
Member
Great points. But anybody who looks at a Nintendo device for account manageability or OS level-software use is looking in the wrong place.
Personally, I'll take the organization of the 3DS menu over the stupid bubbles on the Vita (even with folders).
Get a good grip for the 3DS and ergonomics are fine (had to do the same for the Vita, I felt like a crab trying to play it)
Screen resolution? You obviously need to see some of the better titles like SMT IV, ALBW, Super Mario 3D Land, Fire Emblem, Monster Hunter 3U, Kid Icarus ... but it's basically an RPG/Nintendo system for me. Outside of Monster Hunter I don't think I've purchased any of the "adventure" games besides Layton and Kid Icarus.
Complaining about the hardware seems odd since the thing has been out for a while now and you can find a million videos and comparisons of the games. Your list is completely rational, but it's all been known for the life of the console and that's going on a couple years. Not doing any research before your purchase was the biggest mistake.
It's a great system. I own both handhelds (and a few games on iOS - which I don't play more than a few minutes before I realize how SHITTY touch controls are) and the 3DS has had an amazing selection of games for my tastes. If you purchased it for "the hardware", that's on you. Look at the games and watch videos and see if it's something that has all that you're looking for gamewise.
Personally, I don't play the UI or the stopwatch/clock applications. Those are for 7 year old kids who want to play around and have a 'mini-computer'. I can't even fathom any adult wanting to use their 3DS for those applications, but to each his own. It's a games machine to me.
Personally, I'll take the organization of the 3DS menu over the stupid bubbles on the Vita (even with folders).
Get a good grip for the 3DS and ergonomics are fine (had to do the same for the Vita, I felt like a crab trying to play it)
Screen resolution? You obviously need to see some of the better titles like SMT IV, ALBW, Super Mario 3D Land, Fire Emblem, Monster Hunter 3U, Kid Icarus ... but it's basically an RPG/Nintendo system for me. Outside of Monster Hunter I don't think I've purchased any of the "adventure" games besides Layton and Kid Icarus.
Complaining about the hardware seems odd since the thing has been out for a while now and you can find a million videos and comparisons of the games. Your list is completely rational, but it's all been known for the life of the console and that's going on a couple years. Not doing any research before your purchase was the biggest mistake.
It's a great system. I own both handhelds (and a few games on iOS - which I don't play more than a few minutes before I realize how SHITTY touch controls are) and the 3DS has had an amazing selection of games for my tastes. If you purchased it for "the hardware", that's on you. Look at the games and watch videos and see if it's something that has all that you're looking for gamewise.
Personally, I don't play the UI or the stopwatch/clock applications. Those are for 7 year old kids who want to play around and have a 'mini-computer'. I can't even fathom any adult wanting to use their 3DS for those applications, but to each his own. It's a games machine to me.
Why add fuel to the fire then?