Maybe if they released some games for the system they wouldn't have to do this... I think we're passed the era where you can get away with releasing "cool" new technology that won't have a decent software selection for the first 6+ months of its life-cycle and expect it to sell well. You know, unless you're Apple I guess. 9_9

"Nintendo currently has no plans to make these 10 games available to the general public on the Nintendo 3DS in the future"
 
Welcome to Nintendo, where freaking lunatics are in charge. I wonder how they justify that. "Oh, we don´t WANT to sell the good stuff to you- here have some old-ass NES games on your new system"
 
Stupidity is spreading.

Still waiting for the 3DS remodel.

Nice to know Kotaku went with the classy title "3DS In Crisis, Nintendo Must Execute a Drastic Plan B"

So, yeah.  Kind of expected a price drop due to the Vita price, but not that steep.  I'll probably ask for one of these for Christmas or something now.

So be it.  Price drops are inevitable.  I harbor no ill will, but if Nintendo sees fit to reward me for buying early, I have no reason to complain.  

I have a jar on my dresser marked 3DS Fund with about 150 bucks so.far. childish maybe but effective. August 12th. Is the day.

20 Free games, I'm ok with this. I have question all you had to do is access the e-shop to qualify right? I didn't buy anything but I did download the Pokedex and Exclitebike.

Nice to know Kotaku went with the classy title "3DS In Crisis, Nintendo Must Execute a Drastic Plan B"

Hmm now get it to 150$ and I'll start thinking about it. Maybe a hardware revision while you're at it, nintendo.

I'd still much rather have a Vita. $169 isn't a value when there are no games to play and 3D is all hype.

holy shit yes?

Tempting... but still, waiting for Luigi's Mansion 2. Hopefully there will be a hardware refresh or some sort of special edition color or something by then.

LOL early adopters

Hopefully this means the DSi XL price will drop drastically as well. . . I've been wanting one of those for a while.

I think the Vita is fine at $250, because that still seems like an insane deal that you know Sony is loosing gobs of money on each unit. As for this whole perception the DS set the world of fire out the gate, the internet has a short memory. There was 9 whole months between the launch of the DS and the first good game, which was Kirby's Canvas Curse. I'm not talking about system seller, I'm just talking good. The 3DS already has Pilot Wings, Ghost Recon: Shadow Wars, Ocarina of Time 3D with other games that are worth renting like Steeldiver and Dead or Alive. It should have more and it doesn't quite have its killer app but it at least has games worth playing at this point unlike the DS which didn't become relevant and big till the DS Lite.

Dear Nintendo,

I hate you for gipping me 80 bucks, but...

I love you for making it up to me with free games.

Why is it that Nintendo's strategy for appeasement always relies on them giving you their old good games on your new system instead of, I don't know, actually trying to make better ones?

Nice, definitely buying one. I'm honestly more excited for the virtual console and GBA games on the horizon. I've been itchin' for some Yoshi's Island for some time now. I have to imagine that they will be released to the rest of us eventually.

Price drop sure makes the 3DS more appealing...

I hope they don't make Metroid: Fusion exclusive to early adopters because I can't afford to buy one till the price drop and I want me some Metroid: Fusion.

Oh my God. I never finished Metroid Fusion because I lost my cartridge while I was in the middle of it. NINTENDO LOVES ME YOU GUYS THEY DID THIS FOR ME

Still holding out for the 3DS lite.

What it should've been from the start. I will get one now.

Still not interested yet. However this does make it much more tempting but the lack of games I'm interested in still holds me back.

@Hairydutchman said:

What it should've been from the start. I will get one now.

I'm not quite ready to jump on it, but if they ever get a solid lineup of games, this price is perfect.

I've just realized that I've kinda lost interest in the 3DS. Maybe it's just not wanting a dedicated gaming handheld anymore or the line-up not really doing it for me.

I was ready to curse and swear when I read on twitter that the 3DS was getting dramatically cheaper after I bought one at launch (thanks @willsmith). But with the prospect of FREE games (a lot of free games!!!). I'm kinda stoked I got it when I did, because I played the ass off of SF4 until Zelda came out, and now I'm loving that!
E-Shop. Engage!

OK, so now the that the price is right, how about some games?

Here's my take on the 3DS. 
 
People are rejecting 3D entertainment (in general) for two reasons. 
1. It's not done very well and really has very little impact on the experience. 
2. A LOT of people get headaches from 3D. 
 
SO why would ANYONE buy a 3DS, especially all those people that get headaches. Sure it's a Nintendo device, but that's about it. Besides the few exclusive first party stuff there is very little that makes this handheld different from the DS. Is it more powerful than a PSP even?
 
On a personal note, I get sweaty hands when I play and the analog stick on the 3DS become completely useless for me. My thumb cannot stay on it and I lose all accuracy. MASSIVE fail.  
 
I work as a game tester currently so it's entirely possible that I'm a little jaded by that. Nonetheless everyone in my office turn the 3D off.

Still don't want, no games I would want to play.

Decent video games are still not available for my mobile phone!

Honestly, the reason the 3DS didn't sell was not because it was too high in price, it's because there was literally nothing to play on it.

Aw! I'm never lucky enough to be apart of one of these. Maybe God will grant me the money for a 3DS before the 11th

When I saw the price I got a bit of an urge to get one, but then remembered there are still no good original games for it(ignoring the N64 games I already own and can emulate with better graphics). Maybe when Paper Mario 3DS comes out I will pick it up. Even then, the battery life concerns me and so does the looming 3DS Lite release.

Disappointed that I didn't hold out until the price drop, but I'm sure glad about the free games. I cant wait to play Metroid Fusion... For free!

I'm glad they're giving something to those of us who have been waiting since March for something worthwhile to play (you know, if you don't like Street Fighter or find Zelda boring).

OH! and these games are WAY BETTER THAN SONY"S OFFER OF SHIT.

At best, $170 puts this in the realm of "possible" as a christmas gift for my kid (if there's a killer software library by then).

@Tally_Pants said:

OH! and these games are WAY BETTER THAN SONY"S OFFER OF SHIT.

Ok were comparing NES and GBA games to PS3 and PSP retail and downloadable games? I enjoy Wipeout HD and I'm sure 3DS owners will enjoy this package, get over yourself.

I almost want to get one now, just for the free VC games. I figure, buy it now at $249.99 at Future Shop/Best Buy, and come August 12, price-protection it for the $80 difference. Best of both worlds?
 
...if only the 3D didn't strain my eyes and if there were just more exciting games for the system.

I'm tempted to get a 3DS NOW before the price drop since Nintendo's saying those GBA games will be exclusive. And I bet they're expecting some sales from this. Sneaky, sneaky Nintendo...

Metroid Fusion is amazing.

Alas, until they release a new Castlevania I think I can wait.

At any price, it's still a clamshell full of ca ca-poo poo. I bought one at launch and like the Conductor, I don't know/care where that little glitter machine is. I'm sure it's probably dead though, or at least comatose.
 
You're likely going to get screwed buying it at $170 too because of impending revisions, which are more than necessary. They're pretty much admitting the 3ds is a mistake.

Nice!

I can't feel bad about this as an early adopter. I've managed to get a ton of mileage from my 3DS and do not regret the purchase one bit. And free games? Bring 'em on!

this is why i held out, no games, poor sales.... significant price drop was obvious

Apples iPod Touch and iPhone have games.  Yes they exist, but have the quality of games from sites like newgrounds and ebaumsworld.  iOS has games, but they are basically complete shit.  Rage and Infinity Blade drain the battery like none other, and the gameplay is comparable to a mediocre DS game.
 
iOS has only convinced the largest demographic (the dumb sheeple) to buy it becuase it looks cool, these people have no knowledge on how to find a satisfing gameplay experience and they don't know what to pick if they have a choice to make.  
 
The only reason iOS gaming is so popular is because people are retarded and don't know what quality is.