TheAvenged87
28-03-2012, 03:29 PM
Nintendo's current handheld has been out for more than a year now, so there is a wealth of information out there. Information which I will chuck in here to make it easier for you to enjoy your 3DS outright.
There are some numbered segments that I'll use to divide the content, which should make it easier for you to navigate through this post. Some of you are already past the initial stages mentioned in this post, meaning that you should probably go ahead and ignore the first bit and skip to end. Here we go!
1. Buying your 3DS.
Prices for the 3DS have become a lot more affordable in the last couple of months, so now would be the optimal time to get the unit. There are many in store specials which change too often to be added to this guide, so I will suggest that you keep your eyes on the flyers and newspapers. The general idea is that you buy one where the price is R1899-00 or under for the unit alone. If you can get a bundle for almost the same price, even better.
2. The Accessories
You have the device, now you need some gear to go with it. There aren't many official Nintendo 3DS items available in South Africa, but there are plenty of 3rd party providers which normally sell a combo pack, specifically Nitho, who provide a range of goodies for your handheld at a good price. If you shop around, you will be able to find combo packs that contain a stylus or two, a carry bag, screen protectors, head phones, a touch point for your finger and carry cases for your cartridges. I got a whole set for R150 at Musica. If you can't find one for 3DS, the DSXL packs will do just fine. If you plan on traveling, a car charger might also be useful to you.
3. The games
Last year this time, there were almost no games that were must haves for this console. These days, however, the library has expanded GREATLY. The Nintendo e-Shop has also grown insanely large, allowing many digital titles to stick their heads out. Check into the store frequently to see what is new and also make sure to see what Classics have been remade to fit the 3D standard.
Here are some awesome 3DS games that might get you interested:
- Super Mario Land
- The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
- Mario Kart 7
- Kid Icarus: Uprising (soon)
- Resident Evil: Revelations (soon)
- Metal Gear Solid 3 (soon)
Some games even support online functionality, e.g. Street Fighter IV, which makes use of the online features to pit you in vs. matches against other players.
These should keep you busy for ages. If not, there are a wealth of DS titles that are available for you to play, like Pokemon and Professor Layton titles.
4. Street/Spot Pass
The new Street Pass functionality allows 3DS device to communicate with one another when they are in close proximity. When this happens, information gets passed between them, like Miis (to further your progress in Mii Plaza). Spot Pass allows your device to download content when it is in range of an open WiFi hotspot, like videos and notifications. Events like rAge are make use of the functionality, allowing gamers to exchange info by simply walking past someone else. Keep the communication tools on and see what happens.
5. Other handy tips
5.1 Make sure to create an account on Club Nintendo (http://www.nintendo.co.za).
5.2 Register all applicable games on Club Nintendo to earn Nintendo stars, which can in turn be exchanged for awesome Nintendo goodies.
5.3 Link your device's e-Shop profile with your Club Nintendo account in the Settings menu, once you are signed into the e-Shop.
To be continued...
There are some numbered segments that I'll use to divide the content, which should make it easier for you to navigate through this post. Some of you are already past the initial stages mentioned in this post, meaning that you should probably go ahead and ignore the first bit and skip to end. Here we go!
1. Buying your 3DS.
Prices for the 3DS have become a lot more affordable in the last couple of months, so now would be the optimal time to get the unit. There are many in store specials which change too often to be added to this guide, so I will suggest that you keep your eyes on the flyers and newspapers. The general idea is that you buy one where the price is R1899-00 or under for the unit alone. If you can get a bundle for almost the same price, even better.
2. The Accessories
You have the device, now you need some gear to go with it. There aren't many official Nintendo 3DS items available in South Africa, but there are plenty of 3rd party providers which normally sell a combo pack, specifically Nitho, who provide a range of goodies for your handheld at a good price. If you shop around, you will be able to find combo packs that contain a stylus or two, a carry bag, screen protectors, head phones, a touch point for your finger and carry cases for your cartridges. I got a whole set for R150 at Musica. If you can't find one for 3DS, the DSXL packs will do just fine. If you plan on traveling, a car charger might also be useful to you.
3. The games
Last year this time, there were almost no games that were must haves for this console. These days, however, the library has expanded GREATLY. The Nintendo e-Shop has also grown insanely large, allowing many digital titles to stick their heads out. Check into the store frequently to see what is new and also make sure to see what Classics have been remade to fit the 3D standard.
Here are some awesome 3DS games that might get you interested:
- Super Mario Land
- The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
- Mario Kart 7
- Kid Icarus: Uprising (soon)
- Resident Evil: Revelations (soon)
- Metal Gear Solid 3 (soon)
Some games even support online functionality, e.g. Street Fighter IV, which makes use of the online features to pit you in vs. matches against other players.
These should keep you busy for ages. If not, there are a wealth of DS titles that are available for you to play, like Pokemon and Professor Layton titles.
4. Street/Spot Pass
The new Street Pass functionality allows 3DS device to communicate with one another when they are in close proximity. When this happens, information gets passed between them, like Miis (to further your progress in Mii Plaza). Spot Pass allows your device to download content when it is in range of an open WiFi hotspot, like videos and notifications. Events like rAge are make use of the functionality, allowing gamers to exchange info by simply walking past someone else. Keep the communication tools on and see what happens.
5. Other handy tips
5.1 Make sure to create an account on Club Nintendo (http://www.nintendo.co.za).
5.2 Register all applicable games on Club Nintendo to earn Nintendo stars, which can in turn be exchanged for awesome Nintendo goodies.
5.3 Link your device's e-Shop profile with your Club Nintendo account in the Settings menu, once you are signed into the e-Shop.
To be continued...