Nintendo 3DS Now More Affordable

If you’ve been on the fence about purchasing a Nintendo 3DS, as of Aug. 12 the price dropped down to $169.99 (from $249.99).

Good opportunity to buy it now, but bad luck if you were one of the 830,000-plus folks who already purchased it at the higher price. On top of that, Nintendo will release a Flame Red color Sept. 9.

“Nintendo 3DS is an amazing piece of technology that offers players incredible 3D games without the need for special glasses,” says Laurent Detoc, president, North America, Ubisoft. “Beyond that, it’s an affordable dedicated gaming machine. Simply put, Nintendo 3DS is a fabulous device. Ubisoft has been a big supporter of Nintendo 3DS since the beginning with eight Nintendo 3DS games released to date and another eight games coming out before the end of calendar year 2011.”

Nintendo is planning the release of two games this holiday season. Super Mario 3D Land will launch in November, while Mario Kart 7 becomes available in December. Super Mario 3D Land is a new platforming game that takes full advantage of 3D graphics to deliver puzzles, more precise jumping action and a remarkable new visual perspective on the Mushroom Kingdom. The game also marks the return of Mario’s fan-favorite Tanooki Suit, which allows him to strike enemies with his tail and slowly descend after jumping.

Mario Kart 7 is a new racing game that includes multiple characters from the Mushroom Kingdom, Kart customization and intense multiplayer action. Players can now race on land, sea and air, sail through the sky with the new hang glider feature and drive underwater in some stages. Both games are completely new and are designed specifically for the Nintendo 3DS system.

In addition to the great games, Nintendo 3DS has a host of features that make it the cheaper, must-have video game system this year. The new Nintendo Video service automatically delivers short 3D videos from the worlds of music, comedy, animation and Hollywood. A free application allows Netflix members with unlimited streaming plans to instantly watch TV episodes and movies.

And, of course, you can access the Nintendo eShop for a wide variety of downloadable content, such as original 3D software, classic games that have been remastered called 3D Classics, Game Boy and Game Boy Color “Virtual Console” games in their original 2D glory, and more than 350 Nintendo DSiWar games. You also can view video game trailers, screenshots and information for games.

The two other colors available are Cosmo Black and Aqua Blue, and if you happen to be going to Japan before Sept. 9, the Flame Red color was released there as Red Flare. The Nintendo 3DS also features parental controls. Visit Nintendo.com/3ds for more information.