When Will You Buy a Nintendo 3DS?

For the Nintendo 3DS, probably the question now is no longer "am I gonna buy it?" but "when will I buy it?"

Nothing excites the urge to buy something than the glamor of a hype. “It’s new!,” “It’s different,” and for this particular era, “It’s 3D!” But most of the times, we just fall into the trap of the hype and usually get disappointed at the very end (M. Night Shyamalan’s The Last Airbender in 3D). Sometimes however, no matter how bad the reviews are or will be, you cannot help but take a bite at it for yourself, especially if its completely innovative beyond human comprehension. Nintendo is just a couple of weeks away from unleashing its 4-million strong (or weak) army of Nintendo 3DS throughout the world. The question probably now is no longer “Am I gonna buy it,” but “When.”

Overall, there are 3 factors that comes into mind whenever we ask ourselves is it right to buy the Nintendo 3DS or a new handheld console upon release. The games, the value/features, and the psychological reward that comes with it (aka bragging rights).

Games:

When it comes to gaming consoles, we usually think first what games come with it. Though Nintendo 3DS may be an exception as its 3Dness can prove to be a factor that can make people forget how crappy games are until probably next year (Nintendo Wii for example). Let’s review what games we can play once Nintendo 3DS kicks in the market.

February 26 Game Releases

Combat of Giants Dinosaur 3D

Professor Layton and the Miracle Mask

Ridge Racer 3D

Samurai Warriors Chronicle

Super Street Fighter IV 3D Edition

Tobidasu! Puzzle Bobble 3D

Winning Eleven 3DSoccer

Nintendogs + Cats

From the line-up, we can see that there isn’t anything much to play that will keep everyone happy. There are other games coming in March. The 3DS can also play Nintendo DS games. So once you’re done being mystified by the 3D feature and want to play other games, then there’s your answer.

Value/Features:

For (roughly) $300, you have a 3D gaming console, a 3D camera that can shoot photos (and soon videos) in 3D, plus a chunk of features that doesn’t really matter as much as the first two, it’s a pretty good deal. However, we have several issues regarding battery life and sicknesses relating to the eyesight that limits our 3D playtime. Will we see an improved version overtime? Most probably not with the same unit. Don’t expect also for the price to go down until December 2011 (or if the console miserably fails to impress the industry). Hot-off-the-grill consoles usually don’t lower their prices until a year from its release.

Psychological reward (aka bragging rights):

You will have in your hand the very first 3D gaming handheld console in the history of humanity. Even if the 3Dness of it would be less superior than what we’re seeing at the movies today, that piece of plastic and metal has already astounded the industry ever since the rumors. If you’re planning to buy one during the release date, having one of the only 4-million Nintendo 3DS available around the world is already something to be proud of (unless the console really sucks)

So, when are you going to buy the Nintendo 3DS? Will you join the crowd camping overnight, or maybe days, for opening day? Or are you gonna let the hype die down and wait until the prices go down as well? Or are you not gonna buy a Nintendo 3DS at all?