How much longer is the 3DS Lifespan

> Nintendo recently released a new model of the system which usually means a few more years lifespan

- As with the DS, the lite model came out then the XL and the 3DS came out a few years later

- This is one of their most succesful products so I don't see them offing it quite soon

<>But How many more years until we see a 4DS or... whatever

I can easily see another 3 - 4 years for the 3DS.

Its bumpy start is finally over and is now considered as a must-have for anyone interested in handheld gaming.

Well, if the DS life span is anything to go by. The 3DS will last another 4 years at least.

4 years, 7 months, 1 week, 2 days, 17 hours, 23 minutes and 15 seconds from the end of this post.

I'd say it depends on the Wii U

If the console continues to fail in it's second year I would think that Nintendo would start on the 3DS follow up.

As we've seen the 3D is not a make or break part of the system. I think they go for a more Vita'ish system next gen.

Long enough where you don't need to worry about it right now. Just indulge in the library and experiences!

4, or 4 and a half years.

2 or 3 years..

I'd say it depends on the Wii U

If the console continues to fail in it's second year I would think that Nintendo would start on the 3DS follow up.

As we've seen the 3D is not a make or break part of the system. I think they go for a more Vita'ish system next gen.

Jaysonguy

So if the Wii U is a failure, and 3DS is the one thing they're getting right, then they should follow up that success with something more like the Vita.

Why would they do that? 

[QUOTE="Jaysonguy"]

I'd say it depends on the Wii U

If the console continues to fail in it's second year I would think that Nintendo would start on the 3DS follow up.

As we've seen the 3D is not a make or break part of the system. I think they go for a more Vita'ish system next gen.

Audacitron

So if the Wii U is a failure, and 3DS is the one thing they're getting right, then they should follow up that success with something more like the Vita.

Why would they do that? 

There is still at least 3 years left before the next NEW handheld system from Nintendo.

Long enough where you don't need to worry about it right now. Just indulge in the library and experiences!

xGamePlayerx19

This is pretty much what I'm thinking. Can't say if it will be two years or five years but they are clearly sticking w/ it for now.

[QUOTE="Jaysonguy"]

I'd say it depends on the Wii U

If the console continues to fail in it's second year I would think that Nintendo would start on the 3DS follow up.

As we've seen the 3D is not a make or break part of the system. I think they go for a more Vita'ish system next gen.

Audacitron

So if the Wii U is a failure, and 3DS is the one thing they're getting right, then they should follow up that success with something more like the Vita.

Why would they do that? 

I thought this was obvious...

The 3D was a gimmick that hasn't caught on, all its done was ruin the visual fidelity of games and suck away at an already awful battery life.

Nintendo sees that the 3D is useless by releasing the 2DS

Nintendo's own stats have shown that they have a much larger number of people interested if they ditch the 3D. When it comes to keeping the company afloat a system more like the Vita is the way to go. Maximize the potential for games instead of watering them down with gimmicks.

[QUOTE="Audacitron"]

[QUOTE="Jaysonguy"]

I'd say it depends on the Wii U

If the console continues to fail in it's second year I would think that Nintendo would start on the 3DS follow up.

As we've seen the 3D is not a make or break part of the system. I think they go for a more Vita'ish system next gen.

Jaysonguy

So if the Wii U is a failure, and 3DS is the one thing they're getting right, then they should follow up that success with something more like the Vita.

Why would they do that? 

I thought this was obvious...

The 3D was a gimmick that hasn't caught on, all its done was ruin the visual fidelity of games and suck away at an already awful battery life.

Nintendo sees that the 3D is useless by releasing the 2DS

Nintendo's own stats have shown that they have a much larger number of people interested if they ditch the 3D. When it comes to keeping the company afloat a system more like the Vita is the way to go. Maximize the potential for games instead of watering them down with gimmicks.

The second screen is also a gimmick and a battery drain.  If they want to make it more like the Vita, they might as well take out those as well.  Will that translate into better sales?  Debatable.  No question about it, the Vita is better tailored to pure gaming, but that just hasn't been enough, has it.

The 2ds is an example of Nintendo identifying a demand, rather than a rejection of 3d.  It's a budget device aimed at young children who may have difficulty with things like 3d and hinges.  There will be a segment of their market that will find this an attractive proposition.  That doesn't mean Nintendo decided "3d is useless".  It just means that if they see a means to expand the userbase, they will.

I think it's a near certainty that their next generation handheld device will add a second circle pad and a better screen, but not because they are influenced by the Vita, it's just the logical next step.

Don't discount the novelty value of 3d.  Kids understand this appeal, curmudgeons on the internet do not.  It adds something you simply can't get from any comparable device.  The 3DS is already well on course to outsell the DS.  That's hardly a sign of that people are rejecting the technology.