Xenoblade leads the way in splitting 3DS userbase ⊟
Along with debuting new hardware this morning (special edition new 3DS XLs for Smash Bros. and Monster Hunter 4G for Japan also snuck out), Nintendo announced a 3DS port for acclaimed Wii RPG Xenoblade.
Xenoblade is the first announced title (for Japan) that will take advantage of the new 3DS models’ improved CPU – meaning it won’t be playable on the older 3DS, 3DS XL, or 2DS systems. The situation is similar to the DSi, which received DSi-only games that older DSes couldn’t run. I remember quite a bit of confusion and anger over how that was handled..
I’m all for games that take advantage of increased capabilities in what’s effectively a new system, but not everyone’s happy to see the 3DS userbase split. Frequent contributor Daniel Feit justified his annoyance by pointing out that handheld lifespans are getting shorter: “Game Boy to Game Boy Color: 9 years. Nintendo DS to DSi: 4 years. Nintendo 3DS to *new* 3DS: 3.5 years.”
Oh, and Nintendo formally announced that Xenoblade’s hero Shulk is a playable fighter for the new Smash Bros.
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