A year ago, Josh_Laddin wrote in his review of the Ninendo 3DS:
I unflinchingly recommend the 3DS to anyone who enjoys handheld gaming, cool gadgets, or even just showing off to friends. The $250 price tag might scare some away, but the great potential of the system is plain as day. With the immersive AR capabilities, backwards compatibility for DS titles, awesome graphics, and of course, glasses-free 3D, this is one monster of a handheld.
Today, moreso than ever before, the Nintendo 3DS has fulfilled the promise its hardware made at launch. We've written countless words about the 3DS, and one year later, let's look back on the system's launch, first holiday season, and some of the best games available for the 3DS now.
The Launch
Keri's ol' outlet Kombo.com posted a video detailing exactly how the 3DS works. The short answer? Magic. The long answer? I don't know, but apparently, as I wrote in a prior manifesto:
The 3DS uses stereoscopic images, directed at the user's eyes for convenience, to achieve its 3D effect. Everyone's seen stereoscopic images online where the 3D end-result comes from crossing your eyes and giving yourself a big headache. I've never been able to accomplish that feat. Besides, my eyes are messed up enough as it is.
If that wasn't enough, Josh answered the rest of our questions in a handy FAQ.
The Nintendo 3DS had a… less than stellar launch lineup. Games like Super Street Fighter IV 3D Edition and Pilotwings Resort just couldn't prop up gamer's tents. Where were the Marios and Zeldas?!
Despite the positive reviews and excitement surrounding the newest piece of gaming hardware in years, $250 was pretty steep, so Anthony rounded up the best deals for eager early adopters (like himself!). Still, the best retailers could do was offer credit towards another purchase or bonus cash for trading in an older DS system.
The Cut
Following the launch of the 3DS, Nintendo found themselves with slipping sales figures and diving profits. Apparently, glasses-free 3D still doesn't hide the doom and gloom from the picture. The next move from the fabled Japanese publisher, the summertime-pick-up The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D, would have to be a drastic one.
Certainly, the early adopters would agree that slashing the Nintendo 3DS system price from $249.99 to $169.99 would be drastic enough. Having a Zelda on store shelves next to the newly reduced price didn't hurt the 3DS either, but now the most dedicated Nintendo fans were hurting from the cut.
Rightfully guessing that early adopters would need to be rewarded for supporting the company in its new hardware gamble, Nintendo announced that 20 free games would be handed out to 3DS owners who bought the system at the original $249.99 price. Classic Nintendo titles can apparently heal all wounds.
Next page: The 3DS also rises….
The Games
And just like that, the 3DS seemed to be back on track. Coming out of the summer drought with a newly discounted price and a laundry list of must-have titles, including first-party favorites like Super Mario 3D Land and Mario Kart 7, the 3DS catapulted to a high with a very successful holiday season.
Immediately following the price drop, 3DS sales were tracked at a 260% increase, and third-parties took notice of the newly expanded notice, locking down release dates for big names like Metal Gear Solid: Snake Eater 3D, Resident Evil: Revelations, and Tales of the Abyss 3D.
New handheld colors were announced to give people more choices at the register, and collector's edition system bundles put even more pressure on fans of Nintendo franchises like The Legend of Zelda.
Today and the Future
Even old friends will start joining the fray, including the return of Kid Icarus in Kid Icarus: Uprising. Luigi's Mansion 2 will be sure to spook up a few more Nintendo fans who've yet to pick up the 3DS. The Nintendo eShop now supports DLC and demos, giving gamers a chance to try before they buy.
Even Netflix, Nintendo Video, and the music app are getting a good go-round by gamers enjoying the other side of things when they're not playing games in 3D. Virtual console titles and download-only games are piling up and are actually worth playing!
The 3DS has fulfilled the promises it made during the launch, truly earning the A- it received here at GameRevolution, but the future holds so much more to look forward to. How do you want to see Nintendo shape the handheld platform of tomorrow with firmware updates and integration with the company's upcoming home console, the Wii U?
Let us know in the comments and don't forget to share your impressions of the 3DS's first year!
