Whenever new gaming hardware launches, it’s big news. This is especially true when it’s Nintendo launching a new handheld. Since the days of the Gameboy, Nintendo has been the king of handheld gaming. While SEGA and Sony made attempts to break into the space, Nintendo has reigned supreme. The Nintendo DS has sold more units then any other console in the history of gaming.
Yet despite its success, Nintendo is facing a new threat in the mobile gaming space. Apple has changed the way people think about gaming on the go. Games as cheap as 99 cents are appearing on the phones people carry with them at all times. These disposable experiences are threatening to make the dedicated portable gaming unit obsolete.
Until now, Nintendo has always tried to be the affordable gaming option. They have built an empire off of cheaper but innovated systems. The 3DS, however, will be Nintendo’s most expensive handheld gaming system ever. Games will continue to have a $40 price tag despite the fact that you could get 40 games on your phone for the same price. This time they are hoping that the glasses-free 3D affect will cause consumers to pony up some extra dollars. All of this while the Sony NGP prepares to launch as the Cadillac of handhelds.
If anyone can manage success while caught between a rock and a hard place, it’s Nintendo. While 3D is a gimmick, being able to see it without glasses is pretty cool and will sell a lot of units to people who see the in-store displays. The extra horsepower and features like a 3D camera and augmented reality games help. Don’t underestimate the Nintendo brand and its Mario, Zelda, and Pokemon franchises either.
The future success of the 3DS is still uncertain. Their launch line up is extremely weak and I doubt many initial units are going to be sold based on the current games. Other than a collection of Nintendo 64 remakes, there isn’t much in the launch window at all. Until we start seeing some games that really show off the 3D, the console isn’t much more than a gimmick at the moment.
But hell, being a gimmick sure worked out for the Wii. Maybe that’s all it needs.
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