Help on 3DS prices...

[Hanafuda]

3DS was the last Nintendo game console that actually felt, played, and looked Nintendo, and offered games that had a classic Nintendo vibe. I can't say any of that about Switch, which was a fine console but more in a generic sense. Like the Nintendo I had been a fan of since 1986 (I was 19yo then) was killed, and its hide is now being worn as a skinsuit by the people who took control after Iwata died.

Whether you're looking for a lnib collector piece or just a beater to wear out, either way I don't think it will ever be getting cheaper or easier to obtain a working 3DS than it is right now.

FWIW I paid about $320 for a lnib N3DSLL last summer, and it was a bitter pill at the time. But I don't think so anymore, I think I got a damned good deal considering the prices I'm seeing now for very used loose consoles. You can see it here https://gbatemp.net/threads/is-a-console-ever-too-nice-to-mod.675924/ and I still haven't modded it.

 

[Orioncle]

I was able to snag a Japanese pink N3DSXL with dual IPS in excellent condition for a little less than $200 CIB

3DS was the last Nintendo game console that actually felt, played, and looked Nintendo, and offered games that had a classic Nintendo vibe. I can't say any of that about Switch, which was a fine console but more in a generic sense. Like the Nintendo I had been a fan of since 1986 (I was 19yo then) was killed, and its hide is now being worn as a skinsuit by the people who took control after Iwata died.

Whether you're looking for a lnib collector piece or just a beater to wear out, either way I don't think it will ever be getting cheaper or easier to obtain a working 3DS than it is right now.

FWIW I paid about $320 for a lnib N3DSLL last summer, and it was a bitter pill at the time. But I don't think so anymore, I think I got a damned good deal considering the prices I'm seeing now for very used loose consoles. You can see it here https://gbatemp.net/threads/is-a-console-ever-too-nice-to-mod.675924/ and I still haven't modded it.

Nintendo's soul died with Iwata

 

[Hanafuda]

I was able to snag a Japanese pink N3DSXL with dual IPS in excellent condition for a little less than $200 CIB

Yeah I'm aware I paid a premium for the special edition model and that retailer's certificate, but in the long run well spent I think.

You got a very good deal.

Nintendo's soul died with Iwata

Sadly yes, and I wasn't even a great fan of the guy. But Miyamoto didn't and never did have the business tenacity, just goofy creativity. Years ago I wondered what old man Yamauchi was thinking to give Iwata the crown, but it didn't take long after Iwata died to realize how good a job he really did keeping the barbarians at the gate. Oh well.

 

[Kwyjor]

Lately though I've kind of fallen in love with the 3DS, It just looks so cool and innovative and had a great game library too not even mentioning the modding community.

In the end, isn't it really just the games that matter..? It's hardly worth paying a premium for something that "looks so cool and innovative" if it's just going to collect dust.

Do you know what specific games you want to play..? Like, in my opinion The World Ends With You is absolutely made for a dual-screen device, but if you just want to play Pokemon X/Y/OR/AS/US/UM, wouldn't an emulator suffice..?

3DS was the last Nintendo game console that actually felt, played, and looked Nintendo, and offered games that had a classic Nintendo vibe. I can't say any of that about Switch, which was a fine console but more in a generic sense. Like the Nintendo I had been a fan of since 1986 (I was 19yo then) was killed, and its hide is now being worn as a skinsuit by the people who took control after Iwata died.

Or maybe you're just not 19 anymore..?

 

[Orioncle]

Sadly yes, and I wasn't even a great fan of the guy. But Miyamoto didn't and never did have the business tenacity, just goofy creativity. Years ago I wondered what old man Yamauchi was thinking to give Iwata the crown, but it didn't take long after Iwata died to realize how good a job he really did keeping the barbarians at the gate. Oh well.

Same. Looking back, Iwata always put the customers first. I really think he took WiiU's failure to heart and that contributed to his passing. Miyamoto is a creative genius but has always been business first and anti consumer

 

[Hanafuda]

Or maybe you're just not 19 anymore..?

Valid take but I don't think that's it.

 

[EduAAA]

Good for you I guess?

No, I already have 2, just sharing how much a N3dsxl is here, may be useful, calm down

 

[SpaceGameJunkie]

No, I already have 2, just sharing how much a N3dsxl is here, may be useful, calm down

Apologies, it looked like you were being something of a braggart, but if that wasn't the case I am sorry.

 

[Hanafuda]

If you think It's gonna be worth it considering how handheld devices are evolving and we went from Nintendo 64 running at full speed to PS2/GC/Wii (as well as some handhelds can run 3DS at full speed too iirc) go for it

Honestly, It's not worth its price nowadays.

Depends on how you gauge this I think. In 5-7 years the Thor or Odin 3 or any of the other current crop of handhelds will most likely be worth, well, nothing to most people. While a well-preserved N3DSXL/LL will probably be worth more than even the current prices we're seeing. Especially for collector grade examples.

 

[Mayo1990]

Depends on how you gauge this I think. In 5-7 years the Thor or Odin 3 or any of the other current crop of handhelds will most likely be worth, well, nothing to most people. While a well-preserved N3DSXL/LL will probably be worth more than even the current prices we're seeing. Especially for collector grade examples.

Is it about the resell value or the play value? Because if OP wants to play games, my advice is the one of he should follow. If he wants a 400 bucks handheld that got price inflated and won't get raised further because It's clear that people aren't hooking the bait then he should follow the advice others gave and buy one from Japan if he really wants one so badly.

 

[Hanafuda]

Is it about the resell value or the play value? Because if OP wants to play games, my advice is the one of he should follow. If he wants a 400 bucks handheld that got price inflated and won't get raised further because It's clear that people aren't hooking the bait then he should follow the advice others gave and buy one from Japan if he really wants one so badly.

My answer to that is "yes." But that's not the case for everyone. So yeah I agree with that - OP needs to distill his priorities and choose accordingly.