Twenty free games for early 3DS owners is far from the worst deal in the world. The thing is, it sounds like this “Ambassador’s program” is incredibly rushed.
First off, as was hinted at in the official press release, the NES games that will be offered on September 1 will be “early” versions of the final product. They won’t have digital manuals and there won’t be any cross system multiplayer support. Users will be able to download a free update at an unspecified date to enhance the NES titles.
The GBA offer also suffers from a few issues. None of the games allow for sleep mode usage or SpotPass/StreetPass communication. Oh, and you won’t be able to transfer these games to another system.
Nintendo will begin offering the NES titles on September 1 and the GBA games later in 2011.
This week’s Nintendo Download includes the following featured content:
Nintendo eShop
Let’s Golf 3D – Choose from eight customizable characters and play in exotic locations, including the Mayan jungle and a winter wonderland. The 3D visuals will let you view your ball’s trajectory like never before. (For Nintendo 3DS™)Virtual Console™
Brawl Brothers – Rick and Doug know all the moves, from martial arts to pro wrestling throws, and they don’t hesitate to use them. You really don’t want to mess with them! (For Wii™)
So, that press release Nintendo just issued was a doozy. Nintendo has made a huge announcement by making one of the fastest and deepest price cuts I’ve ever seen. Starting August 12, the 3DS will cost $169.99 It wasn’t much of a surprise given how the 3DS has performed and this will definitely help improve the situation for them.
But now let’s move on to the finer points in that release.
Nintendo has renamed Super Mario/Super Mario 3D to Super Mario 3D Land. It’s coming out in December. Mario Kart/Mario Kart 3D is now called Mario Kart 7 and is launching in December. Kid Icarus: Uprising is still on track for the holidays.
Now, here’s the really cool part for the early 3DS adopters like myself. If you’ve connected to the eShop at least once before 11:59 p.m. EDT on Aug. 11, you’ll be eligible for 10 free NES Virtual Console. And they’ll be available to you before anyone else. Games include Super Mario Bros., Donkey Kong Jr., Balloon Fight, Ice Climber and The Legend of Zelda.
Another nice thing Nintendo is doing is offering 10 exclusive Game Boy Advance games that won’t be available to the public in the foreseeable future. Games include Yoshi’s Island: Super Mario Advance 3, Mario Kart: Super Circuit, Metroid Fusion, WarioWare, Inc.: Mega Microgame$ and Mario vs. Donkey Kong.
This was one of the biggest announcements from Nintendo in awhile and a lot was packed into the press release. Monster 3DS price drop, a couple of “dates”, and some free games/exclusive GBA catalog for early 3DS owners.
Perhaps you guys have some thoughts about this. Feel free to sound off in the comments section!
Star Fox 64 3D, Super Mario 3D Land, Mario Kart 7 and Kid Icarus: Uprising Prep Nintendo 3DS for a Strong Holiday Season
REDMOND, Wash., July 28, 2011 – Nintendo of America today announced plans to drop the suggested retail price of its portable Nintendo 3DS™ system to $169.99 in the United States, as new games based on some of the world’s most beloved video game franchises head to the system. The new price, down from the suggested launch price of $249.99 and effective Aug. 12, makes an outstanding value even better and sets up a strong holiday season for the system.
“For anyone who was on the fence about buying a Nintendo 3DS, this is a huge motivation to buy now,” said Nintendo of America President Reggie Fils-Aime. “We are giving shoppers every incentive to pick up a Nintendo 3DS, from an amazing new price to a rapid-fire succession of great games.”
Azito 3D will be released in Japan on October 13 for 5229 yen.
