The disparate prices between titles matches up with pricing in Japan, though it is a bit more standardized. We'll keep poking Nintendo for official details.
Retailers: 3DS games priced at $40-50 in US; £33-40 in UK; €50-60 in Europe
by Richard Mitchell 
on Jan 19th 2011 3:30PM
102
The disparate prices between titles matches up with pricing in Japan, though it is a bit more standardized. We'll keep poking Nintendo for official details.
Reader Comments (102)
Posted: Jan 19th 2011 3:37PM 12thSAGEofGAMING said
well I would believe with all the things the 3DS can do as far as shadows and complex geometry it would take more effort to implement it and test it for free-bug play.
... sound like that will use up more money. in retern more is needed: i didn't expect over-night iphone hits with better graphics - lol
... sound like that will use up more money. in retern more is needed: i didn't expect over-night iphone hits with better graphics - lol
Posted: Jan 19th 2011 3:37PM Onomah said
Too rich for my blood. Anything more than €50 is kind of out of the question.
Posted: Jan 19th 2011 3:38PM Epoque said
Methinks I'm going to give up portable gaming next generation less I come into a major windfall. Sorry Pokémon, but I can no longer afford to attempt to catch you all.
Posted: Jan 19th 2011 4:36PM JONNNathannn said
@Epoque between smartphones having more fun diversions and some good 3d games and these prices going up Nintendo is making what I play on the go an easy decision.
Reply
Posted: Jan 19th 2011 3:38PM Shogan said
Not liking the whole inflated pricing thing with this. I love my DS and have had every version, but it's it's portability and the (relatively) cheap games that are a big part of it's appeal to me. $40 for a handheld game is pushing it quite a bit.
Posted: Jan 19th 2011 3:39PM AcidBurnISU said
$250 for the device and $40-$50 for the games. Wow, that is getting pretty spendy for a handheld device. I think it might be a cool little device, but I just can't see myself spending that kind of money unless its an actual console.
Hopefully prices will drop to something I consider more reasonable.
Hopefully prices will drop to something I consider more reasonable.
Posted: Jan 19th 2011 5:16PM A Sandwich said
@AcidBurnISU
Pretty spendy? It's basically the same price point that the PSP launched at and that was 6 years ago.
Reply
Pretty spendy? It's basically the same price point that the PSP launched at and that was 6 years ago.
Posted: Jan 19th 2011 5:20PM Vidikron said
@A Sandwich
And how did it do compared to the much cheaper DS? Also, keep in mind that the market was drastically different back then. Smart phone/PMP gaming was basically non-existent. Now there are hordes of very capable multi-function devices on the market selling legions of $1 games.
Reply
And how did it do compared to the much cheaper DS? Also, keep in mind that the market was drastically different back then. Smart phone/PMP gaming was basically non-existent. Now there are hordes of very capable multi-function devices on the market selling legions of $1 games.
Posted: Jan 19th 2011 5:25PM TheOtherJames said
@A Sandwich
Yeah, and that's a big reason I haven't bought a PSP.
Reply
Yeah, and that's a big reason I haven't bought a PSP.
Posted: Jan 19th 2011 5:34PM A Sandwich said
@Vidikron
You're comparing apples to rainbows. And trust me, when people actually see the 3DS, it won't matter. I think you're underestimating how much of a game changer this tech is actually going to be. Everybody that wasn't going to buy one anyway is on this thread bitching and moaning about price points that Sony established at the beginning of last gen. The fact is that no one was this excited about the PSP, especially not developers. And there's not a cheaper competitor this time around, either. Do you really think the PSP2 (now with early PS3 level graphics!) is going to launch for less than $300? So once again Nintendo will have the cheaper handheld except that this one doubles as 3-f*cking-D camera. If you want to make the mistake of discounting Nintendo in the handheld game market, go right ahead.
Reply
You're comparing apples to rainbows. And trust me, when people actually see the 3DS, it won't matter. I think you're underestimating how much of a game changer this tech is actually going to be. Everybody that wasn't going to buy one anyway is on this thread bitching and moaning about price points that Sony established at the beginning of last gen. The fact is that no one was this excited about the PSP, especially not developers. And there's not a cheaper competitor this time around, either. Do you really think the PSP2 (now with early PS3 level graphics!) is going to launch for less than $300? So once again Nintendo will have the cheaper handheld except that this one doubles as 3-f*cking-D camera. If you want to make the mistake of discounting Nintendo in the handheld game market, go right ahead.
Posted: Jan 19th 2011 5:44PM Vidikron said
@A Sandwich
I really don't know what's going to happen. However, I think you're underestimating the impact of the rise of smart phone gaming. Maybe you're right, maybe the autostereoscopic 3D will blow people away, but it better if they want to convince to drop $40+ on a game instead of $1 for a new game on their phone.
Reply
I really don't know what's going to happen. However, I think you're underestimating the impact of the rise of smart phone gaming. Maybe you're right, maybe the autostereoscopic 3D will blow people away, but it better if they want to convince to drop $40+ on a game instead of $1 for a new game on their phone.
Posted: Jan 19th 2011 9:42PM ShadowXIII said
@Playace
...I can't believe *you* guys...its like you LIKE being robbed or something...
The world needs suckers too I guess :/
Reply
...I can't believe *you* guys...its like you LIKE being robbed or something...
The world needs suckers too I guess :/
Posted: Jan 19th 2011 3:39PM iPear said
I'm definitely not ready to pay 250.00 on a 3DS. The main reason I've owned almost every portable nintendo gaming system is because they're priced pretty cheap. But now the system, and even the games are closing in on the price of a lot of home console titles. I guess it makes sense that the 3DS is priced so high because of the kind of technology it's providing, but still, even with that in mind, the price is a major deterring factor for me.
Posted: Jan 19th 2011 3:40PM 2Slick said
I can't be the only one lurking on here that doesn't care about this device, am i?
Posted: Jan 19th 2011 6:34PM superdarrin said
@2Slick and yet, you took the time to comment on a story about it?
Reply
Posted: Jan 19th 2011 11:14PM Chareth Cutestory said
@superdarrin
Some people like to confirm whether or not they took crazy pills when they woke up in the morning.
I'm certainly not among the "preordered today" crowd. 3D has almost ruined movies for me, and now I'm afraid its going to wage war on my vid'ya games.
I know the 3D I get at the movies gives me a headache, and that's enough to fuel some doubt.
Without the 3D as a selling point, this is just another PSP launch, but with the huge willing market that Nintendo has always had.
Reply
Some people like to confirm whether or not they took crazy pills when they woke up in the morning.
I'm certainly not among the "preordered today" crowd. 3D has almost ruined movies for me, and now I'm afraid its going to wage war on my vid'ya games.
I know the 3D I get at the movies gives me a headache, and that's enough to fuel some doubt.
Without the 3D as a selling point, this is just another PSP launch, but with the huge willing market that Nintendo has always had.
Posted: Jan 19th 2011 3:40PM Berzerk said
Not unexpected really. DS games and systems were around the same price when they launched. It's only recent that the cost has gone down to $30-40 for most everything.
Posted: Jan 19th 2011 3:45PM eat it said
I'm out. But mostly because I don't really have a long commute or anything like that to actually warrant a handheld.
Posted: Jan 19th 2011 3:46PM copa said
I'm curious how the market will react to the 3DS. I have never gotten rich betting against Nintendo.
But we have two kids with DS's. We are not going to pay $500 for two 3DS units, plus $40 per game.
My son is more interested in an iPod ($200 + $1-$2 per game). My daughter is under 6 years old, so the Surgeon General declared that a 3DS would melt/explode her eyeballs.
It feels like this system is too expensive for younger consumers, but older consumers are moving to iOS/Android.
But we have two kids with DS's. We are not going to pay $500 for two 3DS units, plus $40 per game.
My son is more interested in an iPod ($200 + $1-$2 per game). My daughter is under 6 years old, so the Surgeon General declared that a 3DS would melt/explode her eyeballs.
It feels like this system is too expensive for younger consumers, but older consumers are moving to iOS/Android.
Posted: Jan 19th 2011 4:01PM Vidikron said
@copa
Plus, if you put the same account on two iDevices they can share the same software for one purchase. Technically you can play one cart in two systems, but not at the same time. I too am wondering if they're misjudging the current market and perhaps have gotten a little too full of themselves. Either that or they're really putting a ton of faith in the whole 3D thing.
Reply
Plus, if you put the same account on two iDevices they can share the same software for one purchase. Technically you can play one cart in two systems, but not at the same time. I too am wondering if they're misjudging the current market and perhaps have gotten a little too full of themselves. Either that or they're really putting a ton of faith in the whole 3D thing.
Posted: Jan 20th 2011 4:54PM Timerider said
@copa
Wait, wait.
You would buy both your kids videogame consoles? My parents wouldn't pay for anything videogame related. I had to buy all my own hardware, and I couldn't start to afford any of that until about 13, and the consoles had been out for 2 years.
Maybe you should just let your kids buy it.
Reply
Wait, wait.
You would buy both your kids videogame consoles? My parents wouldn't pay for anything videogame related. I had to buy all my own hardware, and I couldn't start to afford any of that until about 13, and the consoles had been out for 2 years.
Maybe you should just let your kids buy it.
Posted: Jan 19th 2011 3:46PM phobic99 said
With prices like these, looks like I'm sticking with "inferior mobile phone gaming LOL!".
Someone else said it already here... "Too rich for my blood." At least when it comes to portable gaming.
Someone else said it already here... "Too rich for my blood." At least when it comes to portable gaming.
Posted: Jan 19th 2011 3:49PM HappyFunBall said
Wow. $50 for a game? Way too much. That's a 50% premium over the $35 Pokemon games of today.
Guess I'll be waiting on deals for this puppy.
Guess I'll be waiting on deals for this puppy.
Posted: Jan 19th 2011 3:53PM Pandaman said
I can do $250 for the system.
...but $50 a game??? I barely do that for my console!
...but $50 a game??? I barely do that for my console!
Posted: Jan 19th 2011 3:54PM Drew327 said
Yuck. I've been considering getting an 'i-device' for mobile gaming, which, while expensive initially, at least has tons of games around 1$. This kind of news keeps pushing me that direction
Posted: Jan 19th 2011 3:54PM Prboi said
Posted: Jan 19th 2011 3:55PM merobb said
So in other words...
First-party games = $50
Third-party games (majority) = $40
Big surprise.
First-party games = $50
Third-party games (majority) = $40
Big surprise.
Posted: Jan 19th 2011 3:59PM phatman516 said
so i can get a Wii or PC game.... or a 3DS game....
Posted: Jan 19th 2011 7:09PM AltairtheAssassinwhokillstuff said
@phatman516
Or minecraft for $20.
Reply
Or minecraft for $20.
Posted: Jan 19th 2011 4:00PM xTetheredWingsX said
How can you compare this to iOS/Android at all? The games are a far more deep and enriched experience compared to Paper Toss.. Yeah, it's a little pricey, but worth it.
I'm sure Nintendo will do quite well with this device. "It prints money" after-all.
I'm sure Nintendo will do quite well with this device. "It prints money" after-all.
Posted: Jan 19th 2011 4:15PM Shockwave said
@xTetheredWingsX
The problem with the system though is that the games are meant to be played longer than Paper Toss. But that's all the time adults really have for portable gaming.
I'm not a kid on a school bus anymore where I would have time to play this. If I made time to play portable games, like with my DS and PSP, it's usually in my house.... connected to the wall.
The worst thing is, is that unlike previous popular mobile systems, kids can't afford this, and parents I guarantee you will NOT buy this for their kids until there is a price drop. Heck, parents in our office are JUST starting to buy consoles for their kids with current console prices.
Nintendo is pricing this for adults, not kids, yet the people who are going to get the most out of it are kids, not adults. The games are lengthy, but honestly, all I need is 5 minutes of Bump N Jump on an emulator on my EVO to make me happy while waiting in line at a store.
Reply
The problem with the system though is that the games are meant to be played longer than Paper Toss. But that's all the time adults really have for portable gaming.
I'm not a kid on a school bus anymore where I would have time to play this. If I made time to play portable games, like with my DS and PSP, it's usually in my house.... connected to the wall.
The worst thing is, is that unlike previous popular mobile systems, kids can't afford this, and parents I guarantee you will NOT buy this for their kids until there is a price drop. Heck, parents in our office are JUST starting to buy consoles for their kids with current console prices.
Nintendo is pricing this for adults, not kids, yet the people who are going to get the most out of it are kids, not adults. The games are lengthy, but honestly, all I need is 5 minutes of Bump N Jump on an emulator on my EVO to make me happy while waiting in line at a store.
Posted: Jan 19th 2011 4:26PM xTetheredWingsX said
@Shockwave
I completely agree with you. It's obvious that they are hitting everyone up for the "Early Adopter Fee", and the price will drop of course. Everyone thought the DS was expensive in the beginning as well, same with the PSP. But, the numbers don't lie, people will buy it.
Reply
I completely agree with you. It's obvious that they are hitting everyone up for the "Early Adopter Fee", and the price will drop of course. Everyone thought the DS was expensive in the beginning as well, same with the PSP. But, the numbers don't lie, people will buy it.
Posted: Jan 19th 2011 4:38PM JONNNathannn said
@xTetheredWingsX See, the fact that you select Paper Toss for your argument shows your bias. There are some great hardcore games on iOS and Android, like Square Enix's RPG Chaos Rings and Real Racing 2.
Reply
Posted: Jan 19th 2011 5:21PM A Sandwich said
@JONNNathannn
You show your bias by calling those games hardcore. They may be deeper than Paper Toss, but not by much.
Reply
You show your bias by calling those games hardcore. They may be deeper than Paper Toss, but not by much.
Posted: Jan 19th 2011 5:24PM Vidikron said
@A Sandwich
I agree that there really aren't very many truly deep games on iOS/Android, however they're MUCH cheaper and the hardware is a sunk cost for many people. So it's going to become a question of whether or not those games are "good enough" for some people.
Reply
I agree that there really aren't very many truly deep games on iOS/Android, however they're MUCH cheaper and the hardware is a sunk cost for many people. So it's going to become a question of whether or not those games are "good enough" for some people.
Posted: Jan 19th 2011 5:39PM A Sandwich said
@Vidikron
I think those games will be "good enough" for a lot of people. But I'm telling you, once this hits demo kiosks, none of that will matter. People are going to think that it's either reverse-engineered alien technology or created by the very hand of God (depending on their belief system). And everyone will want one.
Reply
I think those games will be "good enough" for a lot of people. But I'm telling you, once this hits demo kiosks, none of that will matter. People are going to think that it's either reverse-engineered alien technology or created by the very hand of God (depending on their belief system). And everyone will want one.
Posted: Jan 19th 2011 5:55PM xTetheredWingsX said
@A Sandwich
Very well put Mr. A Sandwich. What type of meat are you anyways? :P
Reply
Very well put Mr. A Sandwich. What type of meat are you anyways? :P
Posted: Jan 19th 2011 4:06PM BarryOgg said
This is getting ridiculous. Right now, it seems I should import one from the US, because even if I had to import every game, I'll still make a better deal in the long run.
That, or say "screw it" and get a R4.
That, or say "screw it" and get a R4.
Posted: Jan 19th 2011 4:07PM Anciegher said
50-60€?? Are they joking?!
Posted: Jan 19th 2011 4:14PM sparkster said
@Anciegher
Man, I sure hope so. 250€ for the system plus 60€ for a game... That's a total of 310€ = 410$. I mean I was considering to import my system from the US anyway, since the system is region locked and they just get more games (and all of em sooner). The price would be another argument for doing so...
Reply
Man, I sure hope so. 250€ for the system plus 60€ for a game... That's a total of 310€ = 410$. I mean I was considering to import my system from the US anyway, since the system is region locked and they just get more games (and all of em sooner). The price would be another argument for doing so...
Posted: Jan 19th 2011 5:26PM Sundalic said
@Anciegher If I'm honest, I was unlikely to pick up one of these anyway (my DS and DS Lite have been sitting unused for a couple of years now) but those European prices are ridiculous; I'll be sticking to mobile gaming on my iPhone (just imagine the amount of quality experiences I can have on iPhone for the same €)
Reply
Featured Stories
Super Joystiq Podcast 004: 38 Studios meltdown, Gravity Rush, Civilization 5: Gods & Kings, Dragon's Dogma
Posted on May 25th 2012 3:30PM