Nintendo preps pre-TGS 3DS event - hardware reboot imminent?

This 3DS reboot rumor comes from French site 01Net, which cites a source from within Nintendo claiming that the 3DS will re-launch in 2012, sporting a remodeled body and a second circle pad. Nintendo is apparently disappointed that it didn’t originally include a second circle pad with the 3DS, and hopes to not only add one in this new iteration, but to create a detachable version for the current 3DS that will retail for around $10. Looking at our current 3DS it’s hard to imagine exactly how that would work, but we have a feeling Nintendo’s designers have some trick up their sleeves.

Also of interest is the rumored new 3DS’s second big alteration: moving the focus away from 3D, and possibly even changing the name of the system. If the rumor is to be believed, Nintendo is going to "radically tone down" the emphasis on the system’s 3D capabilities with the new iteration, distancing themselves from the fledgling handheld’s lackluster reception. As is the case with rumors of this magnitude there’s a change that some, none, or all of it is correct. It could just mean that the 3DS is going to be getting a new advertisement campaign that focuses more on the connectivity, games, and enhanced graphics, but it’s too soon to tell for sure.

Nintendo has already come out with a typical, “We do not comment on rumor or speculation,” but with September 13 just around the corner we won’t need to wait long to find out the truth.

Aug 23, 2011

Source: Andriasang, Eurogamer

Hollander Cooper

Hollander Cooper was the Lead Features Editor of 12DOVE between 2011 and 2014. After that lengthy stint managing GR's editorial calendar he moved behind the curtain and into the video game industry itself, working as social media manager for EA and as a communications lead at Riot Games. Hollander is currently stationed at Apple as an organic social lead for the App Store and Apple Arcade.