Nintendo announced 3DS XL, misses perfect opportunity

Categories: News

Friday, June 22nd, 2012 by Fade to Slack

Stop the presses. Wait, we don’t use presses. Press the stops!

Nintendo has announced the Nintendo 3DS XL for $199.99 on August 19th. The system was revealed via the latest “Nintendo Direct.” According to Nintendo, the system features 90% larger screens and increased battery life.

A lot of 3DS games were also announced in this video, including the next Super Smash Bros (by Namco Bandai) and Professor Layton and the Miracle Mask.

Prior to E3 a few weeks back, we held a little podcast about what we hoped would come out of the event. I named a 3DS hardware revision amongst my expectations, but was really hoping for the Circle Pad Pro integration. Seriously, see all that empty real estate below the buttons there? That’s where the blatantly obvious inclusion should have been.

No, here’s my bad copy and paste job. It took me twenty seconds to put together. Aside from graphical inconsistencies, this is what your system should have looked like. Not understanding its importance just shows how out of touch Nintendo is at this point. The horrible name for the system (try saying 3DS XL five times fast) just solidifies the notion.

I can’t wait for the upcoming Circle Pad Pro XL will look like.

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Fade to Slack is a founding member of Delta Attack, an American expatriate in South Korea, and a true believer in the legitimacy of mobile gaming. Keep up with him on Twitter at https://twitter.com/Fade2Slack so he can justify having a Twitter account.

Fade to Slack has written 308 posts on Delta Attack.

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Mark A. Brooks

At a glance, the XL looks a slight bit uglier, honestly. And bigger isn’t exactly a tempting selling point, I think. Look! It used to sorta fit comfortably in your pocket. Now it doesn’t! Awesome.

That they opted not to include a second analog seems telling of how little support there is for that feature among developers. At the very least, it certainly cements the second nub firmly in ‘afterthought’ territory.
- Fade to Slack
  
  And that’s a damn shame, really. It’s an afterthought only because they allow it to remain one. Of course, it also seems stupid and hypocritical considering I am sustained by virtual controls every day I use my iPhone.
  
  As for its portability, really, it wasn’t going to go anywhere with me. The App Store will forever beat the shit out of the eShop.
  
  I can buy Super Mario Land for a discounted $2.99? Great! How many Angry Birds games could I get for that price again? And the number of colors…?
  - Markham Asylum
    
    I hear that on iOS. Since getting my iPod Touch, my 3DS, PSP, 360, and PS3 have all been making faces like :-<. Not that they won’t get played in the future, but I’m even more price-conscious now than I was before I got my iPod.
    
    Yeah, the App Store definitely beats the eShop. No contest. Nintendo has neither the library nor the appropriate pricing structure to make the eShop attractive to me in general. $5 for NES and GB games? That’s a fucking joke. Put AS MANY NES AND SNES GAMES AS POSSIBLE on the eShop, and price them at $1 for NES and $2 for SNES, then you’ll see me buying a bunch of stuff. You could also put a ton of GBA games on there for $2 each and they’d sell like wildfire. All those old games could be generating a ton of income, but instead Nintendo is mired in the past, just like my love for the company.
    
    Oh, and let’s not forget that eShop downloads are tied to the device through which you purchased them, unless you want to go through a cumbersome process to transfer them. Uh, hello Nintendo, really? Try living in the third millennium already.
http://www.youtube.com/user/Playsbydesign?feature=mhee PlaysByDesign

I feel an almost painful spike of Deja Vu. A portable device that was released with only one analog stick and received a few improved models but never received that analog stick. Wow, another Deja Vu in reading so many peoples knee-jerk reaction to the news. It’s pretty much what people said about Sony when they released the newer models of their PSP system. “Out of touch.””Missed opportunity.” etc.

It comes down to the different units being an option to each other rather than an obligation. This also doesn’t divide the future user base from the current one when it comes to hardware and possibly software. Developers would have to cater to those with an analog stick and ones without meaning there would be many many instances of either the second nub being useless for the game or people without one feeling they are forced to pick up an attachment to play the game correctly. Also a permanent second analog my in fact limit many functionalities of the stylist during gameplay. Reserving it for a “side-kick” role, rather than main feature. Cost is also a factor.

What the west has to remember is that the 3DS is a Japanese console designed with the Japanese people in mind. The Japanese people tend to not use a second analog stick for its common function of camera control. I’ve heard many theories as to why this is. I’ve heard it’s difficult for some to be dexterous in both thumbs at once. I’ve heard rapid movement of the camera gives many motion sickness. Whatever the case: they don’t like it. Especially on a “casual” level. Sony added a second analog stick to the PS Vita not because the PSP wasn’t selling in Japan (it is) but because the PSP wasn’t selling in the West. The main issue with the west was their wanting a second analog.

Different cultures. Different standards in game control. Personally, I feel Nintendo doesn’t want a portable home console experience like Sony has done with the Vita. They are still going to focus heavily on portable -play games and the vast majority of those really don’t need the second analog stick.
- Fade to Slack
  
  The difference between this and the PSP is that there is an existing second analog stick that’s an ugly add-on. Sony never had that, did they? Really, though, do you think comparing a portable after the PSP, which was stomped by the lesser Nintendo DS, is particularly wise? Yes, it sold 75 million over its life, but that’s half as many as the Nintendo DS pushed.
  
  Right now, the 3DS has sold more in Japan than America. Compare that to the lifetime sales of the Nintendo DS, where the Americas sold 22 million more than in Japan, and maybe it’d be wiser to think a little more western.
  
  I want a Nintendo 3DS. The Marks know that. But, yeah, I’m holding off until I get that second analog because it is important to me. I’m not going to buy a Vita because it has two, mind you, because I want Nintendo exclusives. But if I have to wait it out, I’ll wait it out.
  - http://www.youtube.com/user/Playsbydesign?feature=mhee PlaysByDesign
    
    The reactions of people to the the release of the new 3DS model are very similar and consistent to that of the release of the various models of the PSP. That’s what I was saying. Comparing the respective sales of the individual consoles is pretty irrelevant and illogical statement to bring to the discussion. Not sure why you brought them up to be honest.
    
    Nintendo is catering to the “hardcore” Western market with the add-on analog stick. Nothing stopping individuals from going and getting this optional add-on. As I said the inclusion of the second analog as standard would mean a change in game creation philosophy and methods for the console. Nintendo didn’t sit down sometime a few months ago and have a meeting about what they should do to their console. The life of the 3DS is planned out to the time of its retirement before it was even released. My guess is a second analog as standard probably wont be on that time-line considering those that do want the second analog stick as standard are the minority when it comes to the 3DS’s overall sales. After all the DS had no analogs and it’s sales were very impressive. Why should a second analog now be so important?
    
    Also about your 22 million difference as evidence to cater more to the West. I’m sure if you contrast the percentage of the Japanese population that purchased the DS compared to that of America, you’ll find that Japan has a higher saturation percentage. That saturation is what Nintendo uses as a foundation for their overall sales. Suddenly alienating that foundation would be a very poor business decision indeed.
    
    You’re within your right not to purchase the 3DS for any reason you want. However, denying potentially brilliant gaming experiences simply because of no second analog is a bit shallow and narrow minded to me. Especially since we both know a game will be announced that will influence your purchase decision regardless of your current feelings. =)
    - Fade to Slack
      
      I brought them up, frankly, because what you’re comparing them to was what I deem to be a failure. It is relevant when you attempt to discern why something failed. But you’re right, the existing argument was that Nintendo missed the opportunity precisely because the hardware obviously exists when Sony never had that second analog for the PSP.
      
      The thing is, it’s really easy to say that it’s an option there if people want it. It’s also really easy to put it there and let developers choose to use it if they want and ignore it if they don’t. The real heart of the issue, honestly, is that Nintendo fears obsoleting their own hardware.
      
      I fail to see how having a second analog as an option there for Western gamers would alienate Japanese gamers. I think you’re making this assumption that they would have to use it, as if there were a mandate via Nintendo, should they have that inclusion. Just as you said, it’d be an option.
      
      I find Japan’s higher saturation argument to be moot at best. I don’t see the point. If anything, that would better serve my argument than yours. Of course the higher numbers are the law of averages at work. Why, then, wouldn’t you try to expand your reach within the larger market? That, sir, is worse business decision, really. It’s more important to note, thanks to the 22 million unit difference, that the numbers would be expected to be higher in the Americas as they were last generation. They are not. They’re actually about 300,000 units lower right now. Let us not forget the European sales, which were also around 20 million higher last generation than those in Japan.
      
      One of the things we, as iOS owners, have been kicking around here is that there really is a sea change going on here. There will always be a reason to have a console. There’s just no denying that gamers want that powerful experience. However, these handheld systems? They’re not as relevant or necessary as they were in the past. While it’s certainly early in this generation, the Vita’s abysmal numbers prove that making things bigger, stronger, and faster doesn’t necessarily work.
      
      There are about five games that I want for the Nintendo 3DS. As admitted, I do want one already. I’m a Nintendo kid at heart. But I’m simply willing to wait for the 3DS to meet my expectations. I love peripherals for consoles, but I hate them for handhelds. A larger screen and longer battery life just aren’t features that are going to sell the console to me, though I’d likely choose the XL if I were to buy one simply because, you know, why not? But I could just as easily justify buying the smaller one to save some cash. If they really wanted to sell the XL rather than have it as an option to compete with the Vita (while ignoring the mobile threat), then they should have added that second circle pad. Realistically, it’s just one more thing that the PS Vita does have that the 3DS doesn’t.
      
      As Mister Pulver added above, the pricing and lack of an account to tie purchases to are also factors to consider in how Nintendo’s missing the mark and proof that they are behind the times right now. The Wii U is set to rectify that, apparently, and the 3DS has the Nintendo Network on the way. I don’t know if you own an iOS system, but the way I look at game prices has also changed. It’s difficult to justify spending forty dollars on one game when I can buy about thirty-seven paid games after tax for the same price that may deliver every bit as much satisfaction.
      - http://www.youtube.com/user/Playsbydesign?feature=mhee Playsbydesign
        
        My statements seem to have flown over you head. Again, I personally wasn’t arguing numbers and sales of one console to another. I was stating the similarity in reaction to people within the community. People are upset at the lack of a second analog on the 3DS XL. Back when the new models of PSP (READ: PSP 2000 and 3000 models. Not the PS Vita) lacked the inclusion of a second analog stick people reacted in a very similar way in saying Sony had missed opportunities and was out of touch with the Western market expectations. I’m pointing out a consistency in behavior of people between the two consoles in similar situations. Sales of the consoles are irrelevant to that observation.
        
        My point of saturation stands. It shows that more of the total population of Japan purchased the DS as apposed to the total population of America. Those numbers also show that spite population differences the numbers were close enough to assume that the design of the console had mass appeal. Nintendo will continue this trend of mass appeal by catering to their own market first. Hardware wasn’t the issue as software tends to be the deciding factor for console sales. I.E Mass appeal games.
        
        The Japanese people tend to reject things marked as attempt as westernization. This is because of the Japanese culture “country before self.” Diving into a full campaign to gain a few more Western sales would be breaking a very deep cultural tie. Nintendo didn’t feel the need to include one as standard instead keeping it a true option for themselves and other devs.
        
        The 3DS XL wasn’t a re-market for “core” Nintendo fans. It’s an option focused on increasing mass market appeal. The bigger screen for people with straining eye sight and the ability to hit things with the stylist more easily. The bigger grip area, for larger possibly less dexterous hands. The longer battery life, for those that don’t have the mind to recharge it or those too busy with true life to charge it as frequently.
        
        The 3DS and the Vita are designed for different experiences for different types of people and it shows the difference in philosophy and ideals of the two companies. Sony seeks to improve the games themselves to constantly push what they are capable of from a design and medium perspective. Maturing them into a medium of art as well as entertainment. Their consoles reflect this. Nintendo is focused on creating a platform that is simple and has the potential to appeal to as many people as possible. They also focus not on the software but on how the players themselves interact with the medium. A truly interesting ideal for sure. The Wii onward reflect this. I would argue (given the DS’s past) that the intended audience for the 3DS is fine with having only one analog stick as standard.
        
        I can’t speak for Nintendo’s market Vs the iOS market as I’m unfamiliar with both. I will ask: can you experience an iOS game like you could on the 3DS? Not really. 3D. Stylist. Dedicated D-Pad. Dedicated Face buttons. They do make a difference in experience and Nintendo knows that. (Maybe not 3D. Useless feature in my opinion in terms of game design possibilities) Huge difference in iOS platforms like tablets and phones to things like the 3DS is everyone buys a 3DS to play games. Not everyone buys a tablet or phone to play games. You know this. Nintendo knows this. You may ask why buy a $40 game when I could buy 40 games for that. I would say why would I buy 40 games 39 of which I will never get to when I could get a very high quality experience for $40 or even less if I sit and wait for it to come down to $20. Play it at my leisure. Sell it and use the money for another high quality experience. Playing devil’s advocate here. Not everyone is looking for small experiences in mass and not everyone is looking for the highest quality experience at premium price. Using that logic iOS isn’t a threat to Nintendo. They are both different fields of gaming that do nothing but benefit each other.
        
        Fade to Slack
        
        Your point hasn’t flown over my head. Just the opposite, sir. I get it, but I think it’s apples and oranges simply BECAUSE it has an existing second analog available. If there was no need for the second analog stick, then it wouldn’t be available at all. Again, there may be a similarity, but there is a massive difference here as well.
        
        Here’s the problem. You’re selecting your numbers when it helps your argument and then trying to naysay when they go against said argument. The sales do matter with this situation, as it shows past consistencies. If Nintendo can do it when spinning how the 3DS is outselling the Nintendo DS at the same point in its life cycle, then I’d very much say it’s fair game.
        
        You’ve said before, and I let it slide, that Japanese reject things westernization. Even if they did, it’s exactly that irrational xenophobia that could cost them potential sales. Face it, this reaction that people are having? Whether you agree with it or not, it’s a problem. Nintendo’s stuck primarily in the middle, neither hardcore nor casual, hoping that its history and first-party support will be enough to keep them going.
        
        I’m going to gloss over the rest of the stuff because you’re trying to sell, and I’m not buying. I get what you’re saying, but you’re not getting what I’m saying. So, rather than beat a dead horse, I’m going with the agree to disagree route.
        
        That said, since you said that mobile isn’t a threat, I’d like to direct you here. Please read this and then tell me that iOS isn’t a threat. While it’s true that not everyone buys an iPhone or iPad to play games, mobile platforms are definitely being used to play games. With the lower costs, they’re being used in mass.
        
        http://www.macrumors.com/2011/11/09/ios-and-android-grab-58-of-u-s-portable-gaming-revenue/
        
        I’ve used the buffet analogy a lot, and that’s what this is. Quality isn’t as important as quantity when it comes to games. A console is lucky to get, maybe, 10 games worth playing in a year. So far, iOS gets that about every month. The experiences are different, but I guarantee you the reason you are not able to see it is that you refuse to taste the green eggs and ham.
Mark A. Brooks

I think it just comes down to something as simple as people were expecting that second analog to be built into the 3DS’s next design, largely because of the Circle Pad Pro’s existence, and Nintendo didn’t do it. And by people, of course, I mean the vocal minority that makes up gaming’s most passionate core.

If those same folks are ignorant of how the Japanese market ultimately dictates Nintendo’s business practice, it’s only because their sphere of interest doesn’t extend that far. But that’s neither here nor there.

Point is, enough people wanted the nub to make a splash when they didn’t get it. Sure, that splash will just dissipate into a ripple – it won’t affect the 3DS’s success in any meaningful way – but for those people who were genuinely hoping for an integrated second stick, however few or many, I’d call it a missed opportunity.

Nintendo announced 3DS XL, misses perfect opportunity

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