Hacking Should we get a Japanese New 3DS right now?

[MaximusVX]

So, my girlfriend just got herself a 3DS, and she's interested in playing games with me and considering getting me one, but should I get a 3DS XL right now? I see the Japanese version of the New 3DS LL on Amazon for $200, and it looks like a really good buy.


I just don't want to get the XL now and have the New XL come out soon after and be left out on some games and features that are only allowed on the new one. The main reason I'm asking is, I'm also interested in the Gateway 3DS, especially after these past few videos showing that it runs on the New 3DS.

I wouldn't mind having both products and just waiting for a firmware upgrade for the Gateway to flash onto the card before using the New 3DS as my main handheld, but I have a few questions.

I read that the Gateway 3DS is region-free. So does that mean I can take a game dump from a US title and go online with that and play with my girlfriend who has the actual US cart?

Will I still be able to receive official 3DS updates considering that I'll be in the US with a JP system?

And another region free question, there will be absolutely no drawbacks towards playing a US rom on a JP system will there?

Basically my main thought is, will purchasing this just be like having a US New 3DS coupled with a Gateway 3DS, aside from the system language being in Japanese.


Thanks for your time!

 

[w0dash]

Gateway is currently hoaxing everyone, so I would not recommend buying a New 3DS if you depend on region-unlock.

 

[Lazerith]

This is the exact same debate I was having with myself the other day. I want the Gateway, I want a New 3DS XL, Gateway is region free, and the New 3DS XL won't come to the US until later this year.

Ultimately, I decided that I will wait. If a new 3ds exclusive game comes out that doesn't have support on the Gateway and I want it, or if there are any existing 3ds games that aren't compatible with gateway, I won't be able to play the English version on the JP system.

 

[shinyquagsire23]

Gateway is currently hoaxing everyone, so I would not recommend buying a New 3DS if you depend on region-unlock.

Er, they know what they are doing. However, the point remains that you might want to wait until it's actually released.

 

[dustmite]

I have a N3DSLL. I didn't expect it to be so difficult
to navigate the system menus. Always have
to compare the AUS with the JAP manual.
Its a pain.
So I think the AUS version is worth the extra dollar.

 

[Aman27deep]

I would really suggest against a Jap 3DS unless and until you know basic japanese. It's not Spanish, Italian, French or Portuguese that you can 'guess' what means what, or even put words into google translate to help you.

 

[MaximusVX]

I would really suggest against a Jap 3DS unless and until you know basic japanese. It's not Spanish, Italian, French or Portuguese that you can 'guess' what means what, or even put words into google translate to help you.

I wouldn't be able to look up a walkthrough of the 3DS system menu in english on Google and compare it to mine?

 

[Relf]

Also the menus changed from 3DS to N3DS.

It's not terrible if you're willing to put in the time to memorize which menu options are which or dont mind having to look it up but it's definitely not the easiest option. Unless you're really jonesing for Japanese eShop access I'd go PAL N3DS or just wait and see what the US SE N3DS firmwares will be.

EDIT: I have a Japanese Smash N3DS and I love it but it's definitely not for everyone. All my friends/relatives go for my regular US XL when they want to play one.

 

[w0dash]

Er, they know what they are doing. However, the point remains that you might want to wait until it's actually released.

So if you think its fair to announce an unfinished update that will just take "a few days" months before it goes online, then go for GW.

Of course its a smart move to prevent Sky 3DS getting some units sold, but as I have lying around a New 3DS and a GW cart around myself since a few weeks, I would not recommend going that route.

 

[Deleted-355425]

id go for a PAL one, N3DS XL!

 

[Kurth]

For those having trouble with the Japanese menus, I'd heartily recommend using the Google Translate smartphone app (which allows you to translate via the camera).
It does have some quirks (like transfering to a "new body", not "system") but overall, it works surprisingly well!

 

[zwang1208]

If you want to enjoy GW upcoming update, you should get the New 3DS cause GW supports region free, there is no difference between US, JP and AUS. If you don't care about GW, you can buy a 3DS LL now or wait for US release. For me, I bought the New 3DS JP model. If you are waiting for US model, the firmware maybe beyond 9.2, you have to give up GW.

 

[tony_2018]

I think we should get the Australian Japanese one.

 

[MaximusVX]

For those having trouble with the Japanese menus, I'd heartily recommend using the Google Translate smartphone app (which allows you to translate via the camera).
It does have some quirks (like transfering to a "new body", not "system") but overall, it works surprisingly well!

Now this is a very smart idea. Are you in the same scenario that I'm in? Do you have a JP N3DS w/ Gateway?

 

[obs123194]

I got an Australia new 3ds xl for 259.99 Australian dollars

 

[Kurth]

Now this is a very smart idea. Are you in the same scenario that I'm in? Do you have a JP N3DS w/ Gateway?

Yep, I just got my N3ds LL last week.

 

[Shanester]

I'd get one now. I can only imagine what the prices will be once the new 3ds's start shipping with 9.3/9.4. I can't say for sure, but emunand support should be coming in the coming months.

 

[MaximusVX]

Yep, I just got my N3ds LL last week.

Cool, mind answering a few questions?

Have you played any US roms online perfectly?
How hard is it to avoid system updates?
About the header thing..When I'm in gateway mode on the 3DS, can I dump a US cartridge to get the header to apply to other US roms, or do I have to use a JP cartridge to get the header?

 

[Kioku]

Superufo... You'll save yourself a couple of bucks

Got a second N3ds coming in on Thursday.

 

[MaximusVX]

Superufo... You'll save yourself a couple of bucks

Got a second N3ds coming in on Thursday.

Nice, but, about superufo..Does that mean I'll have to get a header dump from a JP game? :c