3DS Japan launch

[DeckardBR]

So the launch is only in a day or so. Anyone buying one of these first day? Either standing in line in Japan (how lucky for the experience!) or ordering from Play Asia?

I hope you all post your first impressions and if you are surprised, disappointed etc. I always enjoy unboxing or line stories also as I'll be sitting this one out for the US release, unless the japanese impressions are through the roof positive.

[Skaarg]

I'm really curious to hear first impressions as well. You can only go by media impressions so much, but once it's actually in peoples hands with finished games is when you really know how good it'll be.

Hopefully too this will allow me to finally decide on a launch title to buy.

[subbie]

I want one but i'm not paying the jacked up import cost for one.

Who ever is crazy enough to buy one now for the jacked up prices is being silly. In a few months it will drop to be more reasonable.

[subbie]

Oh it looks like some people in HK are posted up videos of the JPN system already.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wSCv0...layer_embedded
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6G5DC...layer_embedded
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FWWng...layer_embedded

[XxHennersXx]

I like the way the DSi looks FAR more. I want a 3DS though, but should I wait for the (inevitable) revised and more executive looking 3DS?

[DeckardBR]

excellent youtube links there so we can see the full unboxing.

The box and unit itself are very elegant. I like how the 3D button lights up near the switch for 3d, very nice.

[Taucias]

IMO they made a big mistake having the bottom screen smaller than the top.

I like the start & select buttons though.

[Vosse]

I really love the look of the system except for the GOD AWFUL two-tone paintjob.

Those colors just don't look right together at all!

[LeGIt]

I've never seen 3D done well in any film yet and I don't expect this system will fare much bdtter. By 3D they usually mean the focus/target is displayed much like a cardboard cut out, there has never been any substantial sense of depth :( I'd still like one but I can't afford it so =/

[subbie]

http://www.andriasang.com/e/gallerie...cs/2132441685/

:shrug: Not sure who I was talking with on the subject but it now is confirmed that Japanese launch units are made in China (someone was holding out that early jpn units would be made in japan).

-edit-
some nice pictures of the system in general
http://www.andriasang.com/e/gallerie...s_system_pics/
http://www.4gamer.net/games/127/G012721/20110226003/

[la-li-lu-le-lo]

It might be worth it to get one at launch just for Ridge Racer 3D alone.

It's probably not a good idea to get a Japanese one if you live in America or Europe though, since they're region locked. That is unless you just have money to burn.

[n64coder]

So is the 3DS sold out in Japan or is it easily available? If it's sold out, what are the prices on the secondary markets?

[ASSEMbler]

Too much money atm

[spot778]

Too much money atm

This and the fact it's region locked

[n64coder]

Too much money atm

Which price are you referring to? The MSRP? Or the secondary market price?

[1080Peter]

Too bad legitimate usage of region-free hacks will be superceded by piracy from the masses. :(

[Shadowlayer]

Pirates are going to pirate it anyways, they don't need an excuse when they have the perfect reason to do it: play the games for free.

[CrAzY]

Too bad legitimate usage of region-free hacks will be superceded by piracy from the masses. :(

That's only to be expected. The masses who will use whatever exploits that become available will 9/10 times be doing it for piracy.
Even if its a way to play imports, go into the average person's mind....

"Import copy of said game for a bloated price now that I have hacked my 3DS so I can play it... or wait, I can just download that game now!"

Either way, I can't wait to see how fast this baby gets cracked open! :-)

And damn, for people complaining about the colors or the look, that thing looks fucking hot! One thing I noticed in the videos above though is the power button. Looks as if it would be accidentally pressed every once and awhile, so I am assuming its a hold down for 3 seconds to power off kind of button.

I can't wait! :clap:

[subbie]

Just a heads up for anybody thinking of importing. Wait it out a bit. Stores in japan are getting restock, units on yahoo auction are not going that much above price & 1 import shop currently has units on sale now for just shy of $400. A few days ago it was a 1 week sale for $430. This is a far cry from the $470+ places like play-asia & ncsx are trying to get off people.

In a few weeks import prices should be down to $330.

[jp.]

Why would anybody want to import one? The thing comes out in the US and Europe in less than a month!