Here's a quick review of the Nintendo NFC Reader/Writer. This device lets you use amiibos with your Nintendo 3DS, 3DSXL, and 2DS. It's simple and easy to use and even comes with a pair of AA batteries. Short How-To-Use Video:
Full Review:
Nintendo is releasing a new version of the 3DS called the Nintendo 2DS. No, that is not a typo. The Nintendo 2DS can play 3DS games in 2D. It still supports backwards compatibility with DS games. It will also retain all the other features that the 3DS has. Essentially a 3DS minus the 3D slider.
I think this is a great idea. A cheaper way to be able to play 3DS games and a lot of people don't really seem to like the 3D gimmick. While this new redesign looks more confortable to hold, I am not diggin' the body. I've always liked the foldable design of the DS. Now the screen just look so exposed. That soft pouch shown in the video below will not protect the 2DS all that well. But seeing as they've included the pouch in the video, I am assuming that one is included in every box. With the lack of a foldable design, I hope there is a way to still be able to put the unit into sleep mode. Another disadantage of this new design is that (at least for now) you won't be able to clip on a Circle Pad Pro which might not be a big factor but it bums me out a bit. Perhaps this was the inspiration for the new design.
In North America, the Nintendo 2DS will be available in two color schemes, red/black and blue/black. In Europe, the 2DS will be available in red/white and blue/black options. The Nintendo 2DS is stated to come out in October 12th of this year and will be priced at $129.99.
What's your take on the Nintendo 2DS? Do you think Nintendo has made the right choice with this redesign? Sound off in the comments below.
Source: [polygon.com]
We finally get a real title for the new Legend of Zelda game on the 3DS. The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds.
Set to take place in the same world as The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past, I like how they went with a similar title, Link being a link to something. With the title being "Between Worlds". it's safe to assume that the worlds are the normal game world and the wall painting world and Link is the link between them since he can travel to both world freely. As expected, the whole wall painting mechanic will be used to traverse areas around the world and solve puzzles in dungeons. Your typical Zelda fare.
A Link to the Past was the very first Zelda game that I really played. Technically the first one I played was the very first The Legend of Zelda on the NES but I really got into A Link to the Past when I borrowed a friend's copy on the GBA. And seeing that world in full 3D is just amazing. The top down view and with more emphasis on vertical travel is perfect for the 3DS' 3D slider. A lot of A Link to the Past items also make a return, such as the hammer (which is now orange) and fire rod. I also like how they gave Link his more classic colors such as the gold trim around his hat and the brown undershirt.
The dark triforce symbol on the title screen would lead me to believe that we might also see the return of the Dark World. The title also doesn't specify exactly how many worlds Link will be able to travel to and I wouldn't be surprised if the Dark World was like a surprise twist or something or that notion.
If you've been waiting for a reason to pick up a 3DS, this looks about as good a reason as any. Oh and Project x Zone is also a pretty good reason.
If you were planning to get a 3DS, I suggest you wait a few months. During Nintendo's direct video, the company announced a new 3DS that's literally a bigger version of the handheld. What you're getting out of this new 3DS is a bigger top screen and bottom screen. That and longer battery life. In Japan, the new 3DS will be called the Nintendo 3DS LL, but when it gets released in North America and other parts of the world, Nintendo XL. Yea, have no idea why they could have called it XL for both.
The bigger screens are said to be 90% larger than the old 3DS. The top screen will be 4.88 inches while the bottom screen will be at 4.18 inches. An adapter sadly will not be included because they say it is compatible with the 3DS and DSi XL adapter. Still Nintendo, assume people who haven't bought your hardware exist please.
Japan gets first dibs as usual. The Nintendo 3DS LL/XL will be available in Japan on July 28 for ¥18,900 (PHP10,006.23). For the North American release of the 3DS LL/XL, it has also been announced and will be available on August 19 for $199.99 (PHP 8199.59).
Does a bigger screen and longer battery life a strong enough incentive to get a new piece of hardware? The Nintendo DSi XL did do well. All I thought about when I heard about the announcement is that turning on the 3D will definitely strain your eyes faster thus not having battery life issues since I'll actually stop using the device, and making the screen bigger might just give me a headache. Just my two cents.
[Source: Nintendo Direct, Joystiq]
Nintendo revealed New Super Mario 2, a 2D side scroller Mario game for the Nintendo 3DS. What's shocking is that its set for an August release. In my experience, Mario will always come out a ton of fun, and the fact that it will be out in four months is a real treat for 3DS owners.
It's the same side scrolling Mario game we all know and is fairly similar to the latest Super Mario Bros. from the Wii and the first game. Only information at the moment was the release date and a few screenshots.
This is what the 3DS needs, but I think they need more. Would you get yet another 2D Mario game? I say why not?
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