By: Mike Strong, Arts and Living Editor
In recent history, Nintendo has made a reputation for itself by giving its products bad names. This stigma is being upheld through the company’s upcoming handheld device simply called the “New 3DS.” This new system, which releases in less than two weeks, is both completely new hardware and exactly the same. Apparently, sticking the word “new” on the device is enough to clarify that this is not the same 3DS you bought a couple of months ago.
What allows this system to qualify as a separate device from the original 3DS is its ability to play upcoming games that will be exclusively playable on the new 3DS. For example, Nintendo will release a New 3DS exclusive port of the Wii game, Xenoblade Chronicles. In case you were wondering, this is where the new Shulk character in Super Smash Bros. comes from.
This new system is still fully compatible with every game that prior 3DS’s could play. That includes classic DS games, of course. So then what makes this a worthwhile upgrade for anyone that already owns a 3DS? Thankfully, there are actually quite a few handy additions to the new model. Perhaps the most important upgrade would be the new camera control analog stick referred to as the C-stick. This control option was previously only available to 3DS owners in the form of a bulky attachment for the original 3DS. This new analog stick, which closely resembles the mouse nub found in the middle of older laptop keyboards, gives players accurate control over camera movement in 3DS games, as well as smash stick moves in Super Smash Bros. for 3DS.
The next improvement to the system comes in the form of face-tracking infrared technology that allows for “super stable 3D.” The sensor, which is located right next to the front facing camera, follows your head movements and automatically adjusts the 3D affect. Now, you will not have to hold the system in the perfect position to maintain the 3D affect without losing focus. Those who have already gotten their hands on the New 3DS report that this tech works incredibly well and makes them want to use the 3D affect more than they ever did on the old system.
The only reason upcoming games like Xenoblade Chronicles 3D will be exclusive to the New 3DS is because the system boasts improved internal components. The upgrades improve the system’s performance in all games it can run, old and new. When starting up original 3DS games, loading times will be slightly improved. Games that previously had framerate issues while in 3D might run a bit smoother also. The new components, which are twice as powerful as they were before, make things work snappier at a system level, not just within games. Where the operating system moved noticeably slower on the old 3DS, it is now quick and responsive.
There are a few extra pieces of odd information regarding the system’s North American release on Feb. 13. The system has already released in other territories and comes in two size options. Just as there is currently a 3DS and a 3DS XL, other countries have the choice of a New 3DS or a New 3DS XL. But here in the states, Nintendo has made the decision for us and only given us the XL version. While the XL version is the superior model, it is unfortunate that we are stuck having to pay for the more expensive and bulkier version. It is also worth noting that purchasing the system will not get you a charging cable. This choice was made to reduce the cost of the system, but we are left having to throw down a separate $10 if we don’t already have a charger.
