It's been no secret that I wasn't excited about the 3DS, but even I can't argue with an $80 price drop AND 20 free games.

As of 645 AM ET this morning, I bought one for $169.96 at Walmart. So if you've been on the fence, now is the time to act so that you can register in the eShop before Friday and get your free games.

I checked the southern Wal-Mart in Terre Haute, IN to see if the price drop was for real. The electronics department had just changed the stickers and had three of each color in stock. But as I stood there, with cash in hand, I could not bring myself to purchase the system. It's certainly a great deal and I wouldn't begrudge anyone from taking advantage of it. Dutiful consumer as I am, I'm still contemplating a return visit and purchase. But as it stands there are no games I really want to play on the 3DS and the winter lineup does little to excite me. My Mario Kart boner was forever doused upon by the icy cold contents of Mario Kart Wii and even the new Mario Bros. looks about as "workman like" as a first party Nintendo game can be. As for the 20 free games, or the primary reason for my possible purchase, I do for some reason want them but I already own the majority multiple times over. Finally, I thought of how, as this new handheld sat unused I will be playing Batman, Skyrim and Uncharted, all of which will be coming out within the space of three weeks and could be bought with this impulsive 3DS money.
 
So once again, its a great deal, one I might for some indefensible reason act on. But as of this morning I have resisted temptation.

Does this price drop have anything to do with the lawsuit against Nintendo regarding the 3D technology?

It just isn't enough. No Picross 3D, no Professor Layton, and no Pokemon. And no Paper Mario 3DS just yet.

It just isn't enough. No Picross 3D, no Professor Layton, and no Pokemon. And no Paper Mario 3DS just yet.

Nintendo really fucked up with this Ambassador Program. If they wanted to do something special as a "thank you" for people who bought the 3DS for $250, they should've made sure that retailers respect the date they set up for the price-drop. The fact that people who bought the 3DS for $170 are now also getting into the Amvassador Program makes it.. not so special anymore. XD

I debated it as well, but I was probably going to buy one by the end of the year anyway and couldn't pass up on the free games.

Still want my Pokemon 3DS, the system might be even cheaper when it comes out. Not that they would do another huge price cut like this one but you know...just even cheaper.

Not till Luigi's Mansion 2 comes out- I've got all of those GBA games on my Xperia Play.

Target has it for this price already as well.  
 
I just picked mine up along with Zelda tonight. I'm loving it so far! And 20 free game whoo!