Is it worth buying a 3ds now?

[kingjamie]

I want a 3ds, but i'm not 100% sure if its worth it.
Will Nintendo release a new console soon?
If i do get one, should i get the 3ds or 3dsxl?

 

[david271749]

That's really up to you. I don't think they'll release anything for 2 more years at least. The 3ds is very successful unlike the wiiu. I own both the 3ds and xl. To be honest, I kind of prefer the smaller one. It fits in more pockets, and doesn't look as goofy in public.

 

[bicycle_repair_man]

It depends on how much it's worth I guess.

In the UK at least, Nintendo are pretty much the de facto for handheld consoles, but they're going to have a hard time against phone and tablet games, particularly when these devices are getting more powerful and more capable of delivering credible 3D graphics.

There were rumors last year of a replacement for the 3DS. Nintendo has also suggested licensing its exclusive titles for phones and tablets, so they may pull out of the handheld market altogether. The 3DS has been successful, but the surge in phone and tablet gaming has been huge, so they could go either way. Right now, the handheld market is the only success story Nintendo has quite frankly.

If I'm not mistaken, the Wii U gamepad can be used as a standalone device, so it's essentially a handheld console, albeit a massive, battery-hungry one.

With all that in mind, it's questionable whether Nintendo will release a successor to the 3DS.

 

[david271749]

It depends on how much it's worth I guess.

In the UK at least, Nintendo are pretty much the de facto for handheld consoles, but they're going to have a hard time against phone and tablet games, particularly when these devices are getting more powerful and more capable of delivering credible 3D graphics.

There were rumors last year of a replacement for the 3DS. Nintendo has also suggested licensing its exclusive titles for phones and tablets, so they may pull out of the handheld market altogether. Given the limited success of the 3DS and the surge in phone and tablet gaming, I wouldn't be surprised if they did. The 3DS has only been out for three years, but that's exactly the same lifespan the DS had, so, y'know...

If I'm not mistaken, the Wii U gamepad can be used as a standalone device, so it's essentially a handheld console.

With all that in mind, I doubt Nintendo will release a successor to the 3DS.

"The 3DS has only been out for three years, but that's exactly the same lifespan the DS had, so, y'know..."
"With all that in mind, I doubt Nintendo will release a successor to the 3DS"

What?

"If I'm not mistaken, the Wii U gamepad can be used as a standalone device, so it's essentially a handheld console."

The Wii U gamepad can't be used out of the console's signal radius. It automatically shuts down.

I hate playing games on my phone unless they're emulators. Most games on phones are targeted towards the masses. They're cheap and easy. If you're worried about the money, pick up a used one. The system has a good library.

 

[bicycle_repair_man]

It depends on how much it's worth I guess.

In the UK at least, Nintendo are pretty much the de facto for handheld consoles, but they're going to have a hard time against phone and tablet games, particularly when these devices are getting more powerful and more capable of delivering credible 3D graphics.

There were rumors last year of a replacement for the 3DS. Nintendo has also suggested licensing its exclusive titles for phones and tablets, so they may pull out of the handheld market altogether. Given the limited success of the 3DS and the surge in phone and tablet gaming, I wouldn't be surprised if they did. The 3DS has only been out for three years, but that's exactly the same lifespan the DS had, so, y'know...

If I'm not mistaken, the Wii U gamepad can be used as a standalone device, so it's essentially a handheld console.

With all that in mind, I doubt Nintendo will release a successor to the 3DS.

"The 3DS has only been out for three years, but that's exactly the same lifespan the DS had, so, y'know..."
"With all that in mind, I doubt Nintendo will release a successor to the 3DS"

What?

"If I'm not mistaken, the Wii U gamepad can be used as a standalone device, so it's essentially a handheld console."

The Wii U gamepad can't be used out of the console's signal radius. It automatically shuts down.

I hate playing games on my phone unless they're emulators. Most games on phones are targeted towards the masses. They're cheap and easy. If you're worried about the money, pick up a used one. The system has a good library.

I've since edited my comment after realising I got the information the wrong way around. Apologies for the mix-up.

I'm not discrediting the 3DS or its game library, I was a long-time Nintendo fan up until the Wii and had a 3DS myself. What I am saying is that handheld gaming isn't exclusively Nintendo's territory anymore. Pretty much everyone owns a smartphone which they take everywhere. Yes, gaming on phones is targetted toward the masses. Given the popularity of smartphones, that's hardly a surprise. The question is, will Nintendo capitalise on this or continue to build their own platform? There are rumors supporting both sides.