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.