Nintendo 3DS: Can it recover?

Since the release of the 3DS back in March, feelings of the Nintendo 3DS has been lackluster at best. The leadup to the 3DS was general excitement since the 3D worked and most hoped Nintendo had improved upon the previous DS generations. When it released though, Nintendo had a non-functional online store, a forgettable list of launch titles, and a staggering pricepoint given their home console cost less.

Since then, the Nintendo 3DS has had disappointing US sales that have yet to touch 1 million and a looming competitor in the PS Vita at the same pricepoint with impressive compatitbilities. Nintendo needs to do several things to pull this fuel out of the fire before it blows up in their face as a complete disaster.

1. Handheld Selling Games

There are many times an amazing game comes out for a console that people claim is console-buying worthy. Call of Duty could be up there, Metal Gear Solid, Halo, Mario, etc. Nintendo (and Sony in the future) need to have a similar game but something that will sell their handheld. Many were hoping that The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time would be that game. But is it really? A game that was released back in 1998 with a graphical update including 3D graphics is going to be the handheld seller? They need something more and they have the names to do it. With upcoming games like Super Mario 3D, Resident Evil: Revelations, Mario Kart, and more; Nintendo is trying to bring out a variety of games hoping to catch the interest of various gamers and bumping up the 3DS sells.

But a lot of these games seem like merely rehashes of previous games or ones that are already on consoles. Resident Evil: Mercenaries has come out with negative reviews for a full 3DS cost of a mode in Resident Evil 5. Star Fox 64 3D is just another N64 game with updates in the same vein of Ocarina of Time. Super Street Fighter IV, Metal Gear Solid 3, Madden NFL Football...why play these games on a 3DS when they have superior console versions?  There is no incentive to own these games other than to try and pass time with a handheld that has nothing else on it. So why even bother purchasing the 3DS until a better lineup is in stock?

2. The Cost

$250 is a LOT of money. To put it down on handheld that has not proven itself and whose biggest draw is a gimmick most people don't particularly enjoy...it's not going to succeed. Add to the fact the PS Vita looms in the distance and side by side, there is no comparison. The PS Vita will win out of the 3DS if they are at the same pricepoint. Considering how sad the sales have been for the 3DS, a pricedrop at E3 would have been reassuring. But with no mention of one, perhaps Nintendo wants to see how it fares during the holidays. This would have a bigger selection of games built up and they wouldn't have to sacrifice the price difference for a time where they probably get the most sales during the year. But, again, the PS Vita will be out around then too, and it will be in for a battle if they cost the same. If Nintendo wants a sure-fire way to come out on top, a price drop is the only logical answer.

3. No Real Rush

The clock is not ticking down on Nintendo. After the success of the Wii, Nintendo has more than enough money to back a disappointing launch of the Nintendo 3DS. Make no mistake about it, as problematic as this launch has been, Nintendo has a DS successor in it's grasp. But like the original DS, the train didn't take off until it's later generations. They do not need to toss this handheld aside and forget about it, they just need to help it start picking up steam. Better games, cheaper price, improved online capabilities, better store, less focus on gimmicky 3D and instead on how it improves gameplay, and it's street pass capabilities (even though it will work in very few places in the US). It's Nintendo. There are few areas where they have failed miserably. And this is not a Virtual Boy. It hasn't went through the holiday phase, it has next-to-no games available for it, and in truth...it hasn't been out for very long. As long as Nintendo makes wise decisions and don't treat it's software the same way they did the Wii, the 3DS will have a long life cycle. But they can not give up on it. If they do, the 3DS is DOA.


Nintendo has a many franchises they can use to back this system up with. They have a strong following with previous DS owners and plenty of money that they received from DS and Wii sales. They have formulas for success but they do have chances to screw it up. Support is what the 3DS needs, not denial. Yes, it has sold poorly and yes, many people are speaking bad of the system as a whole. Nintendo shouldn't let that get them down. They need to reiterate with it's fanbase how no other system will get Pokemon and how they want to improve this online store compared to the DS and Wii store. They have to let people know this is the new generation of DS and they aren't going to fall back into their safe DSlite zone. They must move forward and improve on the criticisms they receive. If it means a new 3DS with longer lasting battery, more colors, and smaller hardware...then fine. I'm sure with each iteration, the handheld will get better and sales will go up. So despite the past few months, Nintendo should not worry. There is room for improvement and time for it. Fans should not give up hope.