This isn’t the first time jefbot’s been punished for early adopting (see JEFBOT.44) and it certainly won’t be the last. It’s the dilemma of many a videogame, DVD/Blu-ray, console, computer, tech and gadget buyer (read: geek) that whatever you buy is most often going to depreciate in value as soon as you buy it. In this case, with the 3DS, Nintendo slashed its price way faster than any console (handheld or otherwise) I’ve ever seen. Sales haven’t been great, but I’m surprised at just how panicked the company seems. I suppose they’re trying to get a jump on the install base before the Playstation Vita comes out later this year. To be fair, Nintendo’s giving 20 free games to their “Ambassadors” that bought the 3DS system early, and many of the games are ones I covet, which lessens the sting a bit. Also, the social aspects of the system have pretty much paid for the console itself, as I’ve gotten many new eyes to the JEFbot site and bodies to the JEFbot booth, most recently at the Phoenix ComiCon, with the 3DS’s StreetPass function, which lets me pimp the site out to other, nearby 3DS users, so it’s not like I’d get in my DeLorean and go back in time to not buy the system if I had the chance to do so. I like the system, and while it could use some more AAA titles, it looks like many will be coming before the 2011 Holiday season, which is fine with me since I don’t have much time to play much right now. Heck, before the 3D remake of Ocarina of Time came out, the game I played most on my 3DS was last generation’s Pokémon White.
So, if you’re on the fence about buying a 3DS, I’d wait for the price drop in a couple of weeks (unless you’re interested in the 20 free games). Yeah, the 3D is a bit gimmicky, but like most uses of 3D technology, it can sometimes be put to good use (like in the aforementioned Zelda game) and you can always turn off the 3D if you don’t like it and play in 2D instead. With 3DS updates of games like Mario Kart, Super Mario Bros., Luigi’s Mansion and Kid Icarus – not to mention the inevitable 3DS Pokémon – coming out, I’m sure this little system is down but not quite out, yet.
Oh, another cool thing is linking with JEFbot readers via Friend Codes, and I’ve met a bunch of you via this system. Here’s mine for those who didn’t see it before, or who have recently gotten a 3DS. After you put my friend code in, email me yours and I’ll add it to my console:
JEFBOT FRIEND CODE: 4339-2500-5008
Oh, I thought everyone is all hot about the 3DS, it was the new craze when they announced it and now its not selling? Oh well, maybe its because the new vita 😀
yep, it sold huge when it first came out, Eddie, but then fizzled. mostly due to a weak line-up of launch games, methinks. ah, well. stronger games coming soon should help.
and, hey! check you out coming in first this time. which means the Shades of Firsting are yours, and these happen to let the wearer see the world in 3D. even when you aren’t watching a 3D movie! enjoy!
😎
Nah, can’t be because of the new Vita coming out. A lot of PSP/Sony fans on a site that I visit are still in the “not going to buy it until it comes down in price” wagon. Which means it might sell WORSE than the 3DS.
i wouldn’t count the Vita out just yet, McClaud, i know a bunch of people who are excited about it (including myself!). dual sticks/almost as powerful as a PS3/front and back touchscreens/sweet games including a new Uncharted/same price as the 3DS (well, a week ago. heheh.) not saying it’s guaranteed to sell well, but Nintendo has got to be feeling some pressure to get their install base up before Sony’s handheld hits. especially if it wants to entice 3rd party developers.
I agree that it’s not out of the running, but I’m wondering if it will do well right out of the gate. I mean, there were apparently a lot of PS3 fans frothing at the mouth for the Move, and it had an awful opening day.
Personally, I like the Vita and the DS going head-to-head, because the real winners are gamers like us. (which is why I always give XBox/PS3 fanboys who call for the death of the other console a hard time – we win when they compete).
Hahaha….well, I’ve always loved the 3DS, for what it’s worth…..
i’m still digging it too, ZAD-Man. Ocarina is seriously beautiful and remains awesome.
Wow, you got the strip up uncommonly early today. Does this mean you plan to get some decent sleep for once? 😉
I’ve been watching too much Babylon 5 lately…I snickered every time the word “Ambassador” was used in today’s strip and imagined Londo’s voice saying it. 😀
hoping to get to bed early, T, but still on Hawaii time and totally not tired. will be hating tomorrow morning, though. ugh.
and you and i are totally on the same wavelength – when i was conceiving the strip, i was totally thinking of having jefbot wearing a self-made Kosh environment suit, all stoked that Nintendo had made him an “Ambassador.” but i thought that would just be confusing, and really just for us B5’ers. will hafta do some sort of homage to the show in a future strip, tho.
There are serious disadvantages to moving timezones….it wasn’t so bad when we came home from California, since that was just an hour off, but…
Geeks of a feather flock together, my friend. 😉 I would love to see ‘Bot in Kosh’s encounter suit; that’ll totally make my week.
And maybe Cornfather in Lando’s robes?
“But in purple . . . I am stunning!”
i’ll the Lando robes into consideration, Sarah W. 🙂
i don’t think i’ve been able to fall asleep before 3:30am since getting back, T. blegh. usually i reserve that kind of schedule for comic strip-drawing nights. ah, well. trying to use the awake time to get some work done!
as far as a jefKosh drawing, we’ll see. it might have to take a back seat to some fun stuff i’m planning on unleashing on botReaders soon!
Darn it! I’m never first!
gotta be quick, twisted sister!
At the risk of being stripped of my “Geek” title, I shall admit this; I don’t play handhelds. My usual mode of transport is my feet, so I can’t play on the way to work; I’m usually doing something that requires my attention when not at home; and I absolutely abhor tiny screens. Oh, yeah, one other little problem… they require money to purchase, something I do not have an abundance of right now. Besides, I’d rather play games in the safety of my home, where cursing at the screen won’t get you arrested (seen it happen) and throwing the controller only causes damage to my stuff, instead of the neighbor kids’ head (again, an event I actually witnessed).
i play my DS (and 3DS) more than my 360/PS3/Wii now, Maddgodd81, since i don’t have as much time to sit and play the home consoles for hours on end, anymore. the handhelds are nice to just open, play for ten minutes, then close and be on my way. looking forward to the Vita! but yeah, rent and food is more important than gaming (well, sometimes. heh.) so i can understand the portable platforms not being a priority. (how’s that for alliteration!? gods, i must be getting tired.)
I only play in PC but is the same deal every time I bought a new one. If I wait 2-3 months a more advanced one is cheaper, damm.
And I love Babylon 5, Ambassador JefBot.
i might have to draw jefbot in Kosh’s suit, just to get it out of my system, now. at least i’d know you and Tiana would appreciate it. 🙂
Do! That would be so cool!
Do I sense another wallpaper on the horizon?
possibly, Maddgodd81. i might have to put it on the back burner for the time being, though.
yeah, i know how you feel, CE – i’m thinking about buying Mac Pro, but been waiting for months for them to update the line, cuz i know once i buy one, the next version will be more powerful and less expensive. BUH.
Whee, can’t wait to get a 3DS now. Been saving whatever small amounts of money I get left over from my wages to buy one and now with the price drop coming I only have to save another €40 😀
Hmm would I be right in saying that the colouring in this strip looks different? There doesn’t seem to be a slight texture overlay on either of the guys hair?
i’m sure you’ll love it, Kaze! (and make sure to send me your Friend Code when you get it.) 🙂
i dialed the texture down a bit on this one, which is probably why the coloring looks a bit different. brought the opacity on it to around 24% or so, when it’s usually upwards of 51%. thanks for noticing!
poor nintendo 3ds people… sorta like those guys who bought the psp go.
i almost bought a Go, jiro! i actually still have one in my Amazon shopping cart, waiting for it to drop under $99, as i like the form factor and wouldn’t mind playing games on it. and i think Nintendo can still resuscitate the 3DS. *fingers crossed*
thank god i didnot buy one…..BTW…i have two, a GB Color and GB advance but both mysteriously disappeared.
hmm… videogame gnomes, perhaps?
I’m sticking with my laptop for now—I am old, Father William, and even my Netbook screen is becoming too small for me.
Age, it is hard on the eyeballs . . .
yeah, i’ve been kinda spoiled by my iPad’s big ol’ screen for gaming and video-watching, Sarah W, but it’s nice to be able to put my 3DS in my pocket, even if the screen size is a bit eye-straining.
I was gonna say Sucker (with a winky face, of course), but it sounds like the perks of the 3DS are actually pretty nice, especially for you Ambassador since you have been able to use it to get new readers.
Can I just tell you how much I love the Cornfather. And after reading his Tweets (when I am actually on Twitter) and his FB posts, I know that he really is this awesome. Best fangirl voice: “I love you Cornfather!!!!!!!!!!!!!” 😉
as long as you put the winky face, shanna, all is forgiven! heheh. and yeah, i still love my 3DS, even if Nintendo’s de-valuing prematurely, IMHO.
did the Cornfather put you up to all that fangirl-gushing!? 😉
Authority from pity, how pityable.
*sob*
Wow…Exhaulted One AND Ambassador? Aren’t you just the cat’s pajamas!
*snooooore, jerk awake* What huh? Stoopid Insomnia!
I need a new DS of some sort. The upper case is cracked on mine, by the hinge. Suuuuuucks.
although i’m only Ambassador for a day, Pixie, which is kinda sad. :'(
and i second your “stoopid insomnia”! i hates it!!!
if you’re in the market for a new DS, i’d suggest the 3DS when the price comes down (unless you want the free games) as then you can play 3DS games *and* DS games. still loving my DSxl, too – screen’s big and the resolution’s great.
PCs forever.
can’t go wrong there.
There are times when I’m glad that my finances rarely allow me to be an early adopter. I’m a cautious person by nature, though, so while tech innovations excite me I like to see how they work out for people I know before I get completely onboard.
i’ve tried to cure myself of early adoption, Sharra, but have found it nearly impossible on most occasions when i’m excited about something! this will probably repeat when the Wii U comes out, sadly.
Some people are just like that, I think. Glad it’s you and not me!
I hate when companies do that! No one is worse than Apple… But God, what would we do without them? It’s like an abusive relationship… We hate that we stay, but we stay because we love them!
very true, FunnyShaffer. they have me for the next update of the iPhone, iPad and (possibly) iMac. (unless i go Mac Pro.)
Despite work the next morning, I was one of the ones waiting at our local Gamestop for the 3DS launch. I’m still glad I got it, even though they’re really slicing the price. The Ambassador program more than makes up for it. As for the long-term viability of the system, I’m not worried. They’ve got some good games coming down the pike, and the original DS didn’t exactly set the world on fire in its first few months either.
true dat, Striker. and i’ve been much happier with my 3DS than i was with the original “fat” DS. i thought that thing was ugly and didn’t have much killer software when it first came out. i still have it, tho, collecting dust after the DS Lite was released.
Haha its funny when I read an article talking about it I thought about you. xD If the 3D DS actually kicks off I might get it, but I figure if they still make games for mine I’ll be good.
thanks for thinking of me, Nat. heheh. i’m sure the 3DS will be around for a while, but if you’re still happy with your DS, i’d just wait for the inevitable 3DS Lite.
I just don’t have much love for Nintendo. I love my GBA and what games I have for it (most of them anyway) to pieces, but otherwise I could care less. And the only thing I buy as soon as it comes out is video games, and that’s only if I’ve pre-ordered it.(example of when not buying a game the day it comes out can be good: got Portal 2 the day the price dropped $20)
Also, any word from Sonitan recently?
http://www.nerfnow.com/comic/124
Well wouldn’t you know it. I found something funny AND Nintendo related! 🙂
heheh. eww.
And yet if you think about it it makes perfect sense. Bowser’s plumbing gets clogged, he kidnaps the princess, Mario comes to rescue the princess and cleans out the plumbing for free while he’s at it. Pure genius if you ask me.
even tho i ended up not playing with the Wii as much as the 360 or PS3, i still have love for Nintendo, Fijiman. and as long as they keep making awesome Mario/Zelda/Metroid/Pokemon games, that love will continue. (yes, i’m an unabashed Nintendo fanboy.) 🙂
and if i hear anything from Sonitan, i’ll let you know.
I’m sorry Bot, but I’m going to point and laugh.
*point*
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
be sure and remember to point and laugh at your buddy, Nate-dog, too, TCG. 😀
Consider it done!
excellent. >:)
hmmm…. tempting…. are they really as great as they say they are?
PS. Yep! im back! long time no see.. uh comment O_o. had a lot of studying for my mid-years,on top of my 18th being halfway through said exams *sigh*.
Well it’s good to see that you’re back.
welcome back, Leithal! hope your exams went well! 🙂
and i love my 3DS, but i could see waiting for the next update, which will no doubt be thinner with better battery life and a bigger game library.
I haven’t been an early adopter since the Gameboy Color. It seems like they come out with a new handheld system every six months, so I just wait until one of them fades into obscurity and falls in price by about 75 – 85%. In fact, I just got my first Gameboy Advance SP this June.
good strategy, Erik the Dude. lots of those old games are still awesome, not to mention the GBA SP was one of my favorite systems ever!
I never early adopt on Nintendo. The reason being in six months, the price will be cut and/or there will be a new “thing” in the works. After six months, you buy in if it’s still good and get at least 2 years before Nintendo announces the 3DS-U or whatever.
if only i could control myself and wait, McClaud! must… have… next… shiny… new… thing….
I’d try and help you kick that habit, but something tells me you’d kick me instead. LOL
I want a 3DS in a better color. Then I’ll get one.
sucks we don’t get cool colors like Japan does, DJ. i was waiting for a mint green or tangerine DSi – like they had in the East – forever, cuz they never made their way to these shores. seems America mostly likes black, white, red and blue. only occasionally do we get something cool.
Did the ambassadors on Star Trek also wear red shirts?
heheh. possibly, Stan Yan. i’m afraid to find out.
It’s nice to know that the Honorable Jeff Schuetze is not nearly so close to buyer’s remorse as His Excellency Jefbot! (I believe those are two proper styles of address for ambassadors; enjoy them while you can, hehe.)
hopefully i can enjoy the titles “Honorable” and “His Excellency” for more than a day, Kim! also, tell me they’re not bestowed out of pity. 🙂