This is not about bashing the 3DS. Not at all. This is a personal analysis of what I'm seeing in Japan. I have no insight into the American or European markets... I haven't really been out of Japan in 3 and a half years. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ I remember when the 3DS came out here in Japan- sales were brisk. Stores put up signs asking customers to limit their purchases to one console. They were tough to find for a bit. Oh, how things have changed. I just got back from Dorama, a game, DVD, CD, Book, Hobby store. They were selling NEW 3DS systems for 18,880 yen; that's a drop of 6,120 yen (or $74.76). That's a big deal. It follows a trend I've been seeing throughout Tokyo. First it was Ridge Racer and SFIV dropping to 2,980 yen at some stores. Then I saw stores dropping their entire stock of 3DS games to 2,980 yen and lower. Not all of the stores mind you, but prominent gaming stores. Many stores still sell the games for 5,480 yen new; but I'm seeing more and more price drops. Some stores aren't even carrying Steel Diver and Dead or Alive. And now today I see a retailer dropping the price of the actual hardware. Ouch. And it got me thinking, what got us to this? 1) Poor launch lineup. Nintendo was relying on Nintendogs + Cats and Professor Layton to move systems; and they did. But after the shine wore off those games, the rest of the playing field was very shallow. Since launch there's been a lot of holes in their release schedule and no big system moving games on the horizon (I don't care what you fanboys say, OoT is NOT a system mover with the general public.) 2) Lack of Game Store. It was suppose to come at launch... then in early May... then in late May... and now in June. But really, the store is becoming moot. Can you tell me what's going to launch with the game store? I can tell you what's NOT going to launch with it. I can tell you that there will be some Game Gear games, and some original Game Boy games. 3) Not Different Enough. This is a big one... I think that the average consumer looks at the 3DS as another DS, and they already have a DS... in fact, they might have have 2 or 3. It looks so similar to the DS that I think people look at as a DS that does 3D. 4) Too Many Versions. People know there's going to be a 3DS Lite. There's been a bajillion versions of every other Nintendo handheld and consumers have gotten wise. There no urgency to buy the 3DS that's on store shelves now, people know that if they wait there will be a better version soon. And there's no compelling software that makes them want to re-envest in a new handheld when there's still quality software coming out for the old model. So what are you seeing in your neck of the woods? What are others seeing around Japan, America, Europe? What are YOUR thoughts?
Dead or Alive on the 3DS is mighty impressive. Unlike most games the 3D effect comes out of the screen. Most games seem to have you looking in to a box. Yakumo
Japanese retailers seem to be struggling to get rid of them, the PSP has been consistantly outselling it by quite a significant margin. I grabbed mine about a month ago for 22,000 yen, and the store had mountains of them. The lack of killer app in Japan is a real issue. None of the existing titles are system sellers in Japan, and I'm not seeing anything appearing anytime soon that will change people's mind. By comparison, the PSP seems to be getting a new big title every couple of weeks. I saw an advertisement for Zelda: Ocarina of Time on TV today (which is surprising because the game is still quite a way away), yet that series has (apparently) always sold better in the west anyway. I wouldn't be too surprised if the system does pick up steam later - the original DS had a slow start, after all. But if Sony offer a really compelling software lineup and price point with the NGP, Nintendo might find things a little harder this time. This week's charts are very telling, and also quite consistant with how things have been for the past couple of months. http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2011-05-25-portal-2-dead-or-alive-crack-japan-chart Some people cite the earthquake as the reason for the 3DS's slow growth, but I think anyone who lives in Japan will agree that this is not the case (after all, it clearly hasn't stopped people buying PSPs).
If you ever see Steal Diver, Dead or Alive or One Piece for 2,980, let me know. I'd love to import those games. Nintendo really cocked up the 3DS launch. People keep pointing back to the DS launch and saying how bad it was but that was a long time ago and by now nintendo knows what sells butt loads of units. They really should have had a heavy hitter out at launch. Sadly I kind of wish I maybe held out on importing my 3DS, I didn't expect the Canadian exchange rate to stay so strong this long and I didn't expect prices to tank this fast. =/ If you see it, try Gundam 3D battle out, the 3D effect on that one is pretty nice. I was actually impressed by it (unlike any of the other 3DS games I have or 3D games on PS3). Also, sadly Dead or Alive sold like crap last week (20k units). =(
I got dead or alive on the 3DS , and the game is really beautiful ! The .3D is really good! Sexy girls ( with nice boobs)! and i think the success will be taking a long time... Wait the zelda , mario or resident evil games and the 3DS is going to be a great ! ( i think )
Subbie is right. Ds launch was pretty horrible. There weren't any games that were really worth playing until a long time after launch(not including SM64DS) i'm sure the 3DS will pick up here eventually
I've said it before: the fact that modern cell phones can play games now has cut into the sales of portables big time. I think dedicated portable gaming systems are a dying breed at this rate.
But Super Mario 64 DS was a big title. It was something. Though I do agree that DS had a slow start. I got my DS with SM64DS, later got Kirby Canvas Curse, and then didn't buy another game until Mario Kart DS. I don't think anyone should be all alarmed at the slow pace. It's just going to take time. It's not like it can fail at this point. Atleast that would be extremely surprising.
there certainly doesnt seem to be any rush to get them in the UK from what i have seen in my area, dont know anyone who even has one yet but they all have the DS-Lite etc. but all the stores i have seen have plenty
Most of the people I know are using the 3DS to play their old DS games instead of 3DS. It'll probably pick up, but until they stop re-releasing old games and sequels and actually do something innovative because at the moment, 3D only holds your attention span for so long.
GAME have the black model in stock for £159.99 with games from just £15. Already games like Ridge Racer, SSFIV 3D and Pilotwings Resort have been reduced to £20 and these are supposedly some of the machines better titles. When someone does it for a ton as a loss leader I'll get one but until then I'm in no rush.
That's actually the reason I bought one - I needed a new DS anyway (that and I cannot resist Ridge Racer). There's not a lack of decent games if you already own one, just a lack of any one game good enough to justify the initial purchase. Still, I am looking forward to Resident Evil Mercinaries, 2nd June release here.
This. They've sold a few million of them. Doesn't seem bad to me. What's a "gentile decline", by the way?
Have you not heard of the Jewish videogame invasion? Harvest Moon: Kibbutz Edition and Orthodox Chocobo Racing are destined to be one of this summers biggest sellers ;-)
A gentile decline is when something launches to great hype and quickly looses momentum. When I first got my 3DS, when I went into Tokyo I could count on picking up many Nintenfriends on street pass. Then it seems I got fewer and fewer. Last week I was excited when I got 2 because I had started to get none. This is on packed trains and with lots of tromping around. I think Nintendo's made a big mistake conditioning the public to wait for future iterations of their portable hardware and not distancing the 3DS far enough away from the DS for the "normal" people who play games. Yes, I think smart phones have had a sizable impact on portable gaming market; but that being said, I still see the majority of people gaming on PSPs and DS Lites.
Maybe it's just down to the fact that it's expensive and people aren't willing to pay for it in larger numbers or atleast not for the games available now. That's pretty much my opinion. $250 in the US I believe, and no games out are worth that.
You mean gentle. Gentile means something very different... Consumed's post should give you a hint Exactly. As soon as Super Mario 3DS and other high-profile games come out sales will pick up, just like with DS.
http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gentile http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gentle you're being mocked for using the wrong word. =P
