Nintendo’s stereoscopic 3D handheld launched in Europe 8 years ago today! Can you remember the 3DS launch day? I can!
It was a beautiful Friday morning in West Yorkshire. I walked into a local GAME store, picked up my pre-ordered console, and a copy of Rayman 3D and Pilot Wings Resort. Some would call the launch line-up underwhelming, but I had a great time playing both titles. O yes, we mustn’t forget both the included A.R cards and pre-installed Face Raider title.
As with all new hardware, I spent a lot of time familiarising myself with its features. From the start, I was a big fan of the 3D effect. Pilot Wings Resort made good use of 3D, but it wasn’t until the release of Super Mario 3D Land that I realised just how good it was. Without question, Mario’s first 3DS title was the first real system seller.
Before this, of course, the system struggled to sell due to its high price point and lack of titles. Are you a 3DS Ambassador? I am. The title 3DS Ambassador belongs to early adopters of the console. Due to poor launch sales, Nintendo was forced to slash the original RRP and fearing a backlash, decided to give 20 free classic titles to early purchasers. The 20 free games were a mixture of classic NES and GBA titles. These included games like the Original Super Mario Bros, Both NES Zelda titles, Metroid and Metroid Fusion, Zelda: The Minish Cap, Super Mario Kart: Super Circuit, and Yoshi’s Island. At the time, lots of players were upset about the sudden price drop, but the free and gradual availability of the above-listed titles helped to ease the pain.
Do you have 3DS launch day memories? If so, which launch games did you buy? And do you share the opinion of many that the 3DS is long past its sell-by date? I think the console still has a great deal to offer due to its lower price and massive game library. What are you’re favourite 3DS games?
I look forward to reading your comments. 🙂