Namco Bandai’s Smash Bros., 3DS XL And Tons More Nintendo News

@heavymetalwaffle said:

You think they'll lower the price on the original 3ds model? If they do I can probably justify buying one solely for Paper Mario.

This is more akin to an alternative to a 3DS, rather than a replacement. I wouldn't expect a price drop.

"We have details on the next Super Smash Bros."... mind telling us what those details are? Or is it just the developers we know about now?

@TheHT said:

@mrpandaman said:

Why no second stick on the 3ds redesign?

so they can sell you a redesigned accessory specific to the redesigned 3DS.

CHARGE KIDS TWICE!

ROFL, namco working on smash.

So... they couldn't have announced ANY of this at E3?

@Elazul said:

@Dohers said:

The pixel density on that thing will be horrid.

It's 96 ppi, which is somewhere between a good PC monitor and an iPad 2. How is that "horrid"?

You don't typically have a PC or an iPad as close to your face as a portable console so that isn't a fair comparison. Compared to current smartphones, Vita or the original 3DS it is a lot worse.

And you're right, horrid was over the top. All I really wanted to say was it has a much lower pixel density than the original 3DS so I know I would prefer one of those instead

@Shortbreadtom said:

"We have details on the next Super Smash Bros."... mind telling us what those details are? Or is it just the developers we know about now?

What could you possibly want to know? It's another Smash Bros. game. The same old shit.

Epic Fail

@Crushed said:

AC adapter is included in America.

Second analog pad would be pointless and just split the userbase.

Don't know how Patrick missed the AC adapter being included in America and not, if I remember correctly, in Europe.

Ditto the second analog pad being a bad idea. Save it for the next handheld.

@Dohers said:

@Elazul said:

@Dohers said:

The pixel density on that thing will be horrid.

It's 96 ppi, which is somewhere between a good PC monitor and an iPad 2. How is that "horrid"?

You don't typically have a PC or an iPad as close to your face as a portable console so that isn't a fair comparison. Compared to current smartphones, Vita or the original 3DS it is a lot worse.

And you're right, horrid was over the top. All I really wanted to say was it has a much lower pixel density than the original 3DS so I know I would prefer one of those instead

Fair point, I'm pretty much with you on that. It's just a shame that this beast has double the battery life of the standard 3DS. I was almost considering trading mine in for it based on that alone.

I will most likely get the XL 3DS because I have no 3DS and Smash Bros looks like it could be good.

@kagato said:

Amazon did the same thing with the Kindle, got my girlfriend one for christmas and then had to buy a charger seperately because it only came with a USB. It must cut the cost as the device dropped to below £100 here in the UK.

Does the 3DS charge via USB? If not, then this seems like a different case than the Kindle. It's very reasonable to assume that people can live with charging their kindle via USB (except maybe when on the road), but how would anyone charge a 3DS XL unless they already have a 3DS or DSi XL? It seems like a stretch to assume that your consumers would have that charger.

@Arrested_Developer said:

@MattSchwabby said:

WHY IS THERE NOT A SECOND THUMB STICK ON THAT THING?!

This.

Because there is no fucking reason for it and it would unnecessarily fragment the market; why are you people so stupid?

Really, all this bitching about it not being cost effective for Nintendo to redesign the 3ds.

Now they do, and there's no second thumb-stick? Seriously wtf is this company doing? I really hope Nintendo goes down the drain, the Wii U is a miserable failure, and they're forced to make games on other platforms. It just seems they never learn.

The only people buying handheld devices are core gamers, casuals have phone games, so you need to support those desires the core expresses. You know what, I don't even think two thumb-sticks is only for core gamers, its industry standard.

I know most people disagree but to me Nintendo is the flagship for what is wrong with Japanese game development. Holding on to some obscure traditions unwilling to change, or move with the times. Making Mario 18, Zelda 12, Smash Brothers 6, Jesus Christ its like those stories your grandparents told you over and over.

@Shaanyboi said:

@Cybexx said:

From experience I can tell you there is currently no way to transfer system level information between two 3DSs.

Except... they released a system update allowing you to transfer your complete data between 3DSs... But yeah, if your system is just DEAD, you're fucked.

Good to know they added that, thanks.

@Beaudacious said:

Really, all this bitching about it not being cost effective for Nintendo to redesign the 3ds.

Now they do, and there's no second thumb-stick? Seriously wtf is this company doing? I really hope Nintendo goes down the drain, the Wii U is a miserable failure, and they're forced to make games on other platforms. It just seems they never learn.

The only people buying handheld devices are core gamers, casuals have phone games, so you need to support those desires the core expresses. You know what, I don't even think two thumb-sticks is only for core gamers, its industry standard.

I know most people disagree but to me Nintendo is the flagship for what is wrong with Japanese game development. Holding on to some obscure traditions unwilling to change, or move with the times. Making Mario 18, Zelda 12, Smash Brothers 6, Jesus Christ its like those stories your grandparents told you over and over.

I'm fairly sure a significant fraction of people buying handheld devices are the same people they've always been. Parents buying them for their kids. The sales numbers peaking around the height of gift giving holidays sorta point at that.

@SmilingPig said:

Hmmm. I'll have to try it out hands on and eyes on to see if that is worthwhile, but for touch I always like more real estate.

@Arrested_Developer said:

@iAmJohn said:

@Arrested_Developer said:

@MattSchwabby said:

WHY IS THERE NOT A SECOND THUMB STICK ON THAT THING?!

This.

Because there is no fucking reason for it and it would unnecessarily fragment the market; why are you people so stupid?

Except they already acknowledged there's a reason for it by releasing a peripheral because people were complaining about it from day one.

Yeah and how well is that peripheral doing? Oh wait that's right, they sell it in all of two stores in limited quantities and only two games coming out in the near future support it, one of which is a Monster Hunter so no one outside of Japan will give a shit. That seems like a really smart move - add a second stick and watch as people get enraged about having to buy a whole new system for it or be forced to use that awfully designed peripheral; or better yet, just make it like the DSi where no one ever takes advantage of the added capabilities, thus rendering the upgrade completely worthless.

@HatKing said:

Wait. No AC adapter? Don't you fucking need that to run the system after your bullshit proprietary batteries die??

How is this not really fucking disgusting to anybody else??

That's only japan. It comes with a charger here.

@radioactivez0r said:

Did they seriously say no AC adapter? As though anyone buying this is just upgrading? That can't be right. Also, you forgot to mention that Super Mario Land (I think?) is 2.99 as of right now through some date in June.

It was confirmed that the US version of the 3DS XL will come with an AC adapter. Japan's 3DS XL so far is not. Lil Scoop for you.

I'm upgrading..

I want a 3DS XL, but I'm afraid they'll release another new 3DS next year with a second analog stick.

The way they release new versions of they're existing handhelds so often is really discouraging me from purchasing.

I think i'm ready for some Heihachi in my Smash Bros.

@Shaanyboi said:

@HatKing said:

Wait. No AC adapter? Don't you fucking need that to run the system after your bullshit proprietary batteries die??

How is this not really fucking disgusting to anybody else??

That's only japan. It comes with a charger here.

Yeah, I heard that. Even still, that's fucking nuts.

Handhelds don't need two analog sticks. They aren't consoles. Why expect console experiences on these devices? I honestly do not get peoples' hang-up on this minor issue.

Jesus Christ on a pogo stick, that thing is MASSIVE!

Damn, that was not the redesign I was hoping for.

That thing should have a second circle pad.

@AxleFGK said:

ROFL, namco working on smash.

Useless comment.

Speaking of which...

@iAmJohn said:

@Axelhander said:

Sakurai involvement = garbage Smash game. This automatically makes PSASBR better. Unless Sakurai is merely a figurehead with no say; then there's a chance.

So in other words, no Smash Bros. game has ever been good? Since he's been the main force behind every single one of them. Oh, and Kirby and Meteos.

It's two in the goddamn morning, I'm too tired to be trolled.

Can I chalk up this moronic strawman to it being 2 in the morning, or are you always this dumb?

If it's because you were tired: mistakes happen. You're forgiven.

If it's because you're this dumb: you're dumb. At no point did I say "no Smash Bros. game has ever been good." That came straight from Imaginary Reality 74-B, where your brain currently is.

Well this is how I'll be carrying my XL instead of in my pocket.

cannot wait to see the circle pad pro XL.......lol damn that shit has got to be huge.

@Axelhander said:

@iAmJohn said:

@Axelhander said:

Sakurai involvement = garbage Smash game. This automatically makes PSASBR better. Unless Sakurai is merely a figurehead with no say; then there's a chance.

So in other words, no Smash Bros. game has ever been good? Since he's been the main force behind every single one of them. Oh, and Kirby and Meteos.

It's two in the goddamn morning, I'm too tired to be trolled.

Can I chalk up this moronic strawman to it being 2 in the morning, or are you always this dumb?

If it's because you were tired: mistakes happen. You're forgiven.

If it's because you're this dumb: you're dumb. At no point did I say "no Smash Bros. game has ever been good." That came straight from Imaginary Reality 74-B, where your brain currently is.

Since I'm so obviously dumb, why don't you explain it to me. You're arguing that Sakurai being involved in the game is going to make it a garbage game. That would imply that Sakurai makes garbage games. Sakurai has been in charge of every single Smash Bros. game, which you have just said you enjoy. So where is the connection that this dude who has been the main person behind this series of games since its inception that you have enjoyed is somehow going to ruin the fourth one? I mean, aside from in the magical realm of things you pulled out of your ass, of course.

And I'm the dumb one. Right.

Just saw this on reddit, makes a good point why did they not add a right thumb stick?

Is Nintendo going to make a Circle Pad Pro XL too?

Still no second analogue? I already have a DSi XL so I'll stick with my Legend of Zelda black and gold 3DS thank you very much Nintendo!

But will the Kid Icarus stand be compatible?!

@skrutop said:

@kagato said:

Amazon did the same thing with the Kindle, got my girlfriend one for christmas and then had to buy a charger seperately because it only came with a USB. It must cut the cost as the device dropped to below £100 here in the UK.

Does the 3DS charge via USB? If not, then this seems like a different case than the Kindle. It's very reasonable to assume that people can live with charging their kindle via USB (except maybe when on the road), but how would anyone charge a 3DS XL unless they already have a 3DS or DSi XL? It seems like a stretch to assume that your consumers would have that charger.

It doees indeed charge off USB, all of Nintendos portables have been able to charge from USB since the original DS, its how i keep it from dying at work when im playing stuff at lunch time. Im not saying its a fantastic decision, but i can see why they have made it, at this point most portable chargers for phones, tablets etc have become USBs with a removeable plug on the end.

@Arrested_Developer said:

@iAmJohn said:

@Arrested_Developer said:

@MattSchwabby said:

WHY IS THERE NOT A SECOND THUMB STICK ON THAT THING?!

This.

Because there is no fucking reason for it and it would unnecessarily fragment the market; why are you people so stupid?

Except they already acknowledged there's a reason for it by releasing a peripheral because people were complaining about it from day one.

Yeah and how well is that peripheral doing? Oh wait that's right, they sell it in all of two stores in limited quantities and only two games coming out in the near future support it, one of which is a Monster Hunter so no one outside of Japan will give a shit. That seems like a really smart move - add a second stick and watch as people get enraged about having to buy a whole new system for it or be forced to use that awfully designed peripheral; or better yet, just make it like the DSi where no one ever takes advantage of the added capabilities, thus rendering the upgrade completely worthless.

@Arrested_Developer said:

@iAmJohn said:

@Arrested_Developer said:

@iAmJohn said:

@Arrested_Developer said:

@MattSchwabby said:

WHY IS THERE NOT A SECOND THUMB STICK ON THAT THING?!

This.

Because there is no fucking reason for it and it would unnecessarily fragment the market; why are you people so stupid?

Except they already acknowledged there's a reason for it by releasing a peripheral because people were complaining about it from day one.

Yeah and how well is that peripheral doing? Oh wait that's right, they sell it in all of two stores in limited quantities and only two games coming out in the near future support it, one of which is a Monster Hunter so no one outside of Japan will give a shit. That seems like a really smart move - add a second stick and watch as people get enraged about having to buy a whole new system for it or be forced to use that awfully designed peripheral; or better yet, just make it like the DSi where no one ever takes advantage of the added capabilities, thus rendering the upgrade completely worthless.

You must be a delight to interact with on a daily basis.

He's absolutely right, though.

Like, a hundred percent correct.

The battery life still seems pretty weak. 3.5-6.5 hours, up from 3-5, isn't all that much. I want closer to 8 or 9 like the iPad, I'd even settle for 6.5 if that was the minimum instead of the maximum. That was one of the things I was really hoping would improve with a hardware update. It's not something that will give me trouble day to day, but it makes the thing nearly useless on trips.

A surprising number of people at my store want a DSi XL at my job instead of a 3DS (despite them being the same price) ONLY because they want the bigger screen. I think that Nintendo going for the 3DS XL is pretty smart.

Gimme 7 Golden Coins on VC!!!!!!!!!!!

Giant 3DS looks awesome. Too bad Pokemon Black and White 2 aren't 3DS games.

@iAmJohn: I argued for this game. This one, specifically. You can be quiet now.

Same Resolution = Games will look 90% more blurry... Nintendo Sucks.

I guess they weren't shitting when miyamoto said the 3ds is done. No 2nd circle pad on this is basically the nail in the coffin, topped with the same battery life at max settings. Yikes.

Seriously wtf

I want to know if it will be thicker. The 3DS is awkward as fuck to play for more than 5 minutes, especially if it`s a game where you need to use L and R. If it was thicker my hands wouldn`t need to contort quite so much just to use abxy buttons.

@Olivaw said:

@Arrested_Developer said:

@iAmJohn said:

@Arrested_Developer said:

@iAmJohn said:

@Arrested_Developer said:

@MattSchwabby said:

WHY IS THERE NOT A SECOND THUMB STICK ON THAT THING?!

This.

Because there is no fucking reason for it and it would unnecessarily fragment the market; why are you people so stupid?

Except they already acknowledged there's a reason for it by releasing a peripheral because people were complaining about it from day one.

Yeah and how well is that peripheral doing? Oh wait that's right, they sell it in all of two stores in limited quantities and only two games coming out in the near future support it, one of which is a Monster Hunter so no one outside of Japan will give a shit. That seems like a really smart move - add a second stick and watch as people get enraged about having to buy a whole new system for it or be forced to use that awfully designed peripheral; or better yet, just make it like the DSi where no one ever takes advantage of the added capabilities, thus rendering the upgrade completely worthless.

You must be a delight to interact with on a daily basis.

He's absolutely right, though.

Like, a hundred percent correct.

Yeah he was being aggressive because people didn't understand the point, and yes, I fully agree, second analog is a pointless feature if it's not supported, and since it's a nintendo accessory, of course it's not supported.

@Axelhander: iAmJohn has a perfectly valid point though, and his deduction of your logic is faultless. You on the other hand did nothing to actually argue for 'this game', as you say. I'm just curious to hear why Sakurai's involvement makes 'this game' garbage, when that (according to your own opinion) wasn't the case for previous SSB games?

Also - you should really consider being more polite. I know this is the internet, and that everyone apparently has to treat each other like garbage, but being able to communicate with others without accusing them of being dumb won't hurt you (especially when their logic is faultless). GiantBomb is normally a pretty cool place compared to commenters on other gaming sites.

@Niklas: Not sure what weird alternate version of Earth I find myself in, but wild strawmen like "so anything Sakurai touches is garbage?" are about as "faultless" as a hangnail is fun. So my assessment of iAmJohn's first reply to me, following by his nonsensical defense of it, is accurate and awesome and just.

To answer your specific comments:

1. Sakurai's involvement is something I've written about before. Forgive the shameless plug, but my Bitmob article on the topic explains my position thoroughly: http://bitmob.com/articles/super-smash-bros-brawl-a-beloved-example-of-contemptuous-game-design

2. I was impolite to iAmJohn because he made a strawman argument and fell back on the all-too-prevalent assessment of "troll" when faced with something he personally didn't want to see. These things show me he's an imbecile, and I've no respect, patience, etc. for imbeciles.

My ambassador games will look awesome on that huge screen!