After the Nintendo 3DS handheld console was discontinued back in 2020, ending hardware production for a system that sold less than its best-selling predecessor, it was the beginning of the end of another era. Now it has been revealed that Nintendo has been quietly reprinting 3DS games in the UK and Europe.The Nintendo 3DS launched back in 2011 to mediocre success compared to the original Nintendo DS console. The goal of the 3DS was to revolutionize the way handheld gaming was experienced with its stereoscopic 3D effect on the top screen. This screen showed specific 3DS games in 3D without the need for 3D glasses, and it had a slider to adjust the intensity of the effect. Nintendo announced it was discontinuing production of the console in 2020, and the e-Shops for Wii U and 3DS will shut down in 2023. However, hard copies of 3DS games are available at most game stores and are still available digitally while the eShop is still open.Recently, gamers learned that Nintendo has apparently been reprinting some 3DS games in Europe and the UK that were previously thought to be only available digitally. Twitter user pikuri posted some images showing the telltale difference between original and reprints of games being a narrower game case, similar to that found in Japan. The size difference is very subtle, but it's still noticeable. They also posted a list of hard-to-find titles that have been reprinted, examples are Fire Emblem: Awakening, Stella Glow, Kirby Planet Robobot, and Bravely Default.
The announcement of the Nintendo 3DS being officially discontinued and the shut-down of the e-Shop next year is a big contributor to the deprivation of 3DS games that many fans could be feeling as Nintendo moves on to focus on the Switch and other things. This news of reprints popping up could lead to more easy access to some games that have now become rare and more expensive to buy if found at all.
Most common DS and 3DS games can be found online and at retro gaming stores these days, but there are still some titles that have become rare enough that they aren't found in stores and are overpriced online. Nintendo could be trying to nullify this with these reprints, seemingly giving the 3DS a final hurrah in its legacy.
For fans of the Nintendo 3DS that still own a console and enjoy the games on it, this is some great news. Rare games might be a little easier to find these days even with the end of the 3DS era officially coming to a close in a little less than a year. 3DS fans will still be able to find some previously hard-to-find titles as well as take advantage of the 3DS e-Shop and the sales while they still can.
Source: Nintendo Life