I mean, there’s clearly a demand for it since the prices have gotten through the roof. Should I really purchase one or is it pointless and a waste of money. What’s the reason behind its sudden resurgence despite it being an “old” console as the Switch lineup has replaced it? Does it have to do with physical game ownership?
I collect gaming handhelds and own several 3ds handhelds, modded and un-modded. I also have a modestly large collection of games. The modding potential is high, but even unmodded, the big draw for me is:
Form factor. The non-xl version is very pocketable, and the XL takes up very little space in a backpack.
Exclusive game selection. There are soooo many excellent titles. The Etrian Odyssey series. Shin Megami Tensei. Fire Emblem. Pokémon. Several Legend of Zelda titles. If you love classic RPGs there’s an abundance here. Sure, you could emulate, but I think there’s no replacement for playing these games as originally intended.
The biggest reason to stay away is obviously cost. I’ve paid up to $1200 usd for new in box examples, and even fairly chewed up 3ds handhelds can run you a couple hundred. The games are also highly collectible, and while there are many cheap titles to be found on eBay, most of the really desirable games can run you $50-$400 depending on condition, obviously with sealed games in brand new condition being extremely costly.
If funds are tight you’d be much better off emulating on one of many quality emulation devices. The market is rife with really good hardware for retro gaming.
Seconding the exclusive games. SMT4 is probably the one JRPG I would like to forget just to enjoy playing it all over again. 4A was a divisive sort of side story/alternative timeline, but I still liked it. From there it’s still got so much more to offer if those kinds of games aren’t to your taste
I got an ambassador new 3ds (cib) for 150 or 200€ or so.
Even at that time I was very surprised. But that was an honest seller with a surprisingly nice attitude.
I also bought fire emblem fates se when it was new. Since it includes all 3 parts I knew I’d be better off buying it directly.
What. I got a New3DSLL used from Japan for like €50 (plus shipping plus VAT) in 2021. No box and charger, minor scratches but otherwise doesn’t look bad, looks obviously used, for that price it didn’t feel bad. Where is it costing 1200 in this year?
Limited edition sealed units, like the purple galaxy or various Nintendo IP special editions. They can get plenty higher than $1200.
eBay for a complete in box, especially for a harder to find SKUs like the Pokemon Red and Blue version of the New 3DS. I saw one of those for 2k on eBay just last month.