Why Nintendo Will Soon Announce the 3DS Redesign

Posted by Matt Porcaro on Feb 21, 2012 in 3DS, Headline | 0 comments

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Since the launch of the Nintendo 3DS in March of 2011, many gamers have wanted a redesign of the handheld system. Nearly twelve months have passed, and I think we may finally get some news on the subject – here are my reasons why:

 

1. 3DS Hit the Numbers

It took 16 months from the launch of the DS for Nintendo to release the DS Lite. In that amount of time, the “original” DS sold between 14.43 and 16.73 million. The 3DS has sold more than 15.03 million (as of December 31st, 2011) and is well on it’s way to surpass that number in 12 months (if it hasn’t already).

 

 

2. It’s That Time Again

As I said previously, the DS Lite came out 16 months after the original DS launched. We are now nearing the same time frame with the 3DS. Even if Nintendo announced the 3DS Lite (or whatever it’s called) tomorrow at the Nintendo Direct event, my guess is that it wouldn’t officially be available for purchase for a couple months at least. I’d expect within the next 5 months or so we’ll be playing on a newly redesigned and re-imaged Nintendo 3DS.

 

3. Demand

Nintendo isn’t one to roll over and do tricks on command, but I think the demand for a redesigned 3DS is high. I’m not sure if there was as much vocal expression back in 2004 when the original DS launched, and people certainly didn’t call that a failure. I don’t think anyone really expected a redesign, though they possibly wanted a brighter screen. All last year, however, I heard nothing but angry rants and nerd raging demands from haters and Nintendo fans alike (although, in my opinion, true Nintendo fans never feel screwed over). “No 2nd analog stick, no purchase” seems to be the most common threat, and I think Nintendo aims to pacify the complainers and give the people what they want.

 

4. The Circle Pad Pro

The existence of the Circle Pad Pro further proves there is demand for a second analog stick. More games are supporting the dual analog device, from developers like Capcom with Monster Hunter Tri-G and Resident Evil Revelations to Konami’s Metal Gear Solid: Snake Eater 3D. What’s even weirder than the existence of the Circle Pad Pro is the fact that it is so hard to find! As a GameStop exclusive, the add on is sold out in stores everywhere. Really, the only place to find one right now is Nintendo’s own website. Why make it so rare? Is it because a redesign is coming soon anyway?

 

 

5. E3 2012

This year’s E3 is going to be ALL about the Wii U. We’ll find out about the launch date, price, launch games, if it has a new name or not, all of it. Sure there may be some 3DS games announced, but I don’t think Nintendo wants the Wii U to share the spotlight with an announcement of a 3DS redesign. Less attention for the Wii U would not be a good thing, which is why I think the announcement of the 3DS redesign would be sooner than E3.

 

There are many reasons why Nintendo could announce the 3DS redesign soon. If not tomorrow, then GDC would be the perfect time and place for it. Why else would they have a large booth at GDC? Could it be to accommodate a bunch of NEW 3DS Lite demo units? Adding a second stick and other features would be important news for developers. Hmmmm… soon we will know!

• February 23, 2012 -- Discussion Point Follow-up: Nintendo may be “Testing the Waters” with Circle Pad Pro
• February 14, 2012 -- Discussion Point: Nintendo Pro
• February 8, 2012 -- Where are All the Circle Pad Pros?
• March 8, 2012 -- The Mush Room Podcast