When Nintendo announced the release of the New 3DS for western territories during their Nintendo Direct presentation last week, there was one sore spot in the entire announcement- you see, the smaller (and cheaper) model of the New 3DS would not be coming to North America at all (though it would be releasing in Europe)- it was XL or nothing.
It’s not just about the smaller model being cheaper- having two sizes offers options for prospective customers, and someone with smaller hands might feel more comfortable with a smaller handheld than a larger one. The smaller handheld also comes replaceable faceplates, a feature that is not available on the larger handheld at all. And, of course, it being cheaper means it will sell better to the more stingy demographic, such as parents buying them for their kids.
So what I am saying here is, there is a real market for the smaller model (personally, that is the one I would have bought), and people are letting Nintendo know this. As Kotaku reports, people are starting petitions, Facebook groups, and big Reddit threads where they’re organizing to call and e-mail Nintendo support lines until something gives.
The idea is to spam Nintendo until Nintendo gives in. The precedent of this having worked before- remember Operation Rainfall?- gives everyone hope.
Of course, chances are Nintendo already planned on releasing it in North America some time later over this year- but because they have not communicated that properly with their fans, the fans’ frustration is justified. Really, I hope they bring the New 3DS over to North America too- options are a good thing, you see.
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