January 5th, 2012

Rumor: Nintendo is working on the 3DS Lite

256 Comments

A magazine in Japan is reporting that Nintendo is working on the 3DS Lite, a redesign of the 3DS with supposedly better battery life and a thinner design. There may also be a tiny performance improvement to speed up transitions between menus. This was always going to happen at some point so, the only question is, is this happening now? And even if this report is accurate, does that mean the new hardware will be released within the next year? Or is this only in the earlier, concept stages? There’s a lot of things we don’t know. The only constant is that, at some point, there will be new hardware. What do you think?

Update: The much-better-informed-writer of this blog (aka, Franco) has let me known that this “rumor” has been debunked. The magazine has stated that this information was speculation on their part. They don’t know anything in particular and were guessing as to what the 3DS Lite will be. I will leave this post here however so the trolls can add another notch to their belt of things they can hate me for. I’m kind like that.

  • ddd

    ss

    • Zack

      I already bought the 3DS for $249 right before they announced the price drop. I can’t take anymore stabs in the back from Nintendo. I’m glad it’s just a rumor so by the time it does come out, the 3DS will already be pretty old and due for a re-design. So I won’t care.

    • Alvaster

      Totally agree. Though, Nintendo said it themselves: they’re not looking to redesign the 3DS cause it’s so damn good (by them). Though, they have been talking alot of lies lately…hmm

    • Zack

      I think what Nintendo means is that it hasn’t been long enough for the 3DS to need any improvements. Everything they wanted in the 3DS was already built into it on day 1. So only time and new technology will make room for improvement.

    • iPoopPoopPoopOnTheFloor!

      I honestly think that Nintendo is itching to improve the 3DS if anything.. I think they released it quickly to get ahead of the competition but they realize now that improvements it needs..

      I think they only reason they’re holding back is ’cause they know the uproar it’ll cause.. so only for strategic reasons, I think they’re just going to wait it out even if they know they don’t have to

    • http://koko.net.com/3dsblog koko

      NNNNOOOO

  • ddd

    Im glad im f i r s t

    • jd2701

      I’m glad you’re F A I L ^_^

    • MrKoopan

      but…he WAS first^^^^^

  • Sept

    Nintendo’s trollin’ early adopters.

  • ddd

    HI DAVID AGAIN!!!

  • Joseph

    Is that it?… (assuming if this rumor is true)

  • Nathan Markman

    can the 3DS get any thinner O.o and i thought it would only require dual analog

  • Brandon

    Too early for a redesign.

    • PlayStation U 360

      Ds lite came 2 years after ds
      has been out of a year
      should take a year for 3ds lite to come out
      1+1=2
      It’s just the right time

    • Co-Wink-Key-Dink inc

      That may be not be true since the DS technology was way under-powered than the PSP, it’s why the PSP had more slim designs and how they came slowly over the series of it’s life time. The DS lite did not have lighter designs because there was no need for that because the simple technology is already light enough and because the unit is already small enough.

      Say “Yay : _]

      for the first PSP comment

    • Belinni

      But remember, as the consoles get better their staying power also increases.

      It will take longer for a 3DS 2 (I won’t say lite as there is no reason for Nintendo to call it that) to come out because they have put everything they could into the first 3DS. Anything else will take more than just 2 years to do, even if all they do is place a second slider pad below the buttons and make the menus faster.

      Having said that I’m glad the rumor was fake, I kinda hate it when people get the next upgrade and flaunt it off to those who had the original. It’s why I kept my DS Phat until the true successor, the 3DS, came out. It never broke until the last 2 months of it’s life, I’ll never forget beating Bowser in SM64DS for the first time!

    • ColorblindMonk

      Redesigns are not constrained to a fixed schedule.

    • reggie fils-aime

      ds lite came one year after the normal ds

    • najee

      also the nintendo dsi XL came out the year after the dsi .but it was a very little improvement

    • Megatron

      EXACTLY, but I assume because such stiff competition Sony Nintendo like always is desperate.

    • Flip (0216-0815-1147)

      The ds lite came out early because the original DS was EXTREMELY horrible. The 3DS design is still great for nowadays. And Nintendo didn’t even released their console for this generation. I think there is no sense to release it before the Wii U launch (except if it is a 3DS XL, with no changes besides bing bigger.

  • Mario

    im actually really exited for this. i would buy it

  • [V]ark

    Too early for a redesign.
    Circle Pad Pro isn’t even here yet

  • Mr. Koopah

    FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU!!!!!!!!!!!

  • http://deleted its over 9000

    i hate nintendo for this

    • Colorblindmonk

      Oh, get over it.

  • Youngster Joey

    No mention of 2 circle pads…………….

    Either nintendo is Stupid or this is not true at this point

    • Gastrogenous

      There’s not need for another Circle Pad, Metroid Prime Hunters worked just well with a Control Pad and the Touchscreen.

    • reggie fils-aime

      but some games require you to use all buttons so the touchscreen is not that convenient

    • ColorblindMonk

      Those are only a few games with the trouble of inconvenience, to which the circle pad pro alleviates. If people don’t like how bulky it is, they can take out the little bits of wires and mold their own plastic shell.

  • Areuto

    Nintendo let me be the first to call BS!!!

  • Mike S

    Saw this earlier today, I don’t believe it.

    • Mike S

      Also, thinner?!?!?!? If anything the 3DS needs to be THICKER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    • Eragon Fowl

      My nintendo news said it would be thicker.

    • Mike S

      That’s where i saw it earlier, I was just stating my opinion. It also needs to be made of a new material that doesn’t get smudged so easily (thank GOD for the microfiber cloth i have to keep it clean). I really don’t know why they didn’t stick to the plastic of the DS lite/i for the inside where the buttons are.

  • http://passid.ca/FoB Free of Birth

    I just now read this on another website.

    • http://passid.ca/FoB Free of Birth

      Also, I just got my 3DS 3 days ago, so…

      And it’s just a rumor anyways. Those who says otherwise, then fine.

    • Rod

      Hurray for TK icon. Digimon ftw.

    • Belinni

      I’m not going to lie, when Puppetmon said “I have friends…” when sad and alone in the forest after being ditched by TK I almost cried.

      Though I may be off on one of those details as I saw that episode when I was 11.

    • http://www.en.gravatar.com GameManiac

      Since this is where Digimon is being recalled…

      If I could choose which season was my favorite, it’d he season three (Digimon Tamers), the one with Guilmon, Terriermon, and Renamon. It’s easily the darkest the series has gone, as well as the most real world realistic.

      The other seasons were a bit of a blur to me, and the fact that I’ve bothered re-seeing Digimon Tamers through Youtube (and downloading the videos via Realplayer) doesn’t help that.

      Does anyone recall the Gravatar pic I used to have, the one of Renamon?

      What about Kaizar’s? I forgot what that Digimon was called.

    • epicgameturtle

      BTW

    • epicgameturtle

      Crap, why’d it send… ANYWAY, where is Kaizar I haven’t heard from that person in a long time (before I even started to blog)

    • epicgameturtle

      Never mind, just found him (guessing its a him?)

    • Belinni

      I’m pretty sure Kaizar’s gravatar was WereGarurumon.

      That or just normal Garurumon, I used Gabumon’s evolution line all the time back when I played Digimon Rumble Arena 2 on the gamecube!

      Never got the third game it deserved…

    • http://www.gamesradar.com GameManiac

      I’m only familiar with the DS Digimon games.

    • http://passid.ca/FoB Free of Birth

      I’ve never played the Digimon games but I love the tv series.

    • http://nintendo3dsblog.com/photos-of-a-kid-icarus-uprising-float-in-japan Kaizar

      Yeah season 3 is my favorite too!

      SHABLAGOO!

    • http://nintendo3dsblog.com/photos-of-a-kid-icarus-uprising-float-in-japan Kaizar

      And my other Gravatar is Weregarurumon for the same e-mail & user name.

      MINT BERRY CRUNCH!

    • http://www.en.gravatar.com GameManiac

      Damn, I forgot to say this!

      If there was a Digimon game announced for the 3DS, would anyone buy it?

    • Belinni

      If it would look anything like Digimon Masters Online but with better gameplay I would totally buy it.

  • N

    It’s pretty thin as is. It’d make more sense if Nintendo worked on an XL edition. That I can get behind.

    • Link/KingofIkana/BigFatGoronDude

      Yeah an XL version would rock. Then I could have two suitcases – a PS Vita and 3DS XL. nah jk..I would love a bigger screen on the 3DS, the shell size is fine.

    • Belinni

      If anything they should invest in a second circle pad, faster screen transition times (which I think a system update could do anyway), improve the gyro sensor a bit and make it so the cameras and the gyro sensor work in conjunction with the 3D effect so we could look at the screen from any direction and not lose the 3D effect (like that iPad 2 feature).

    • epicgameturtle

      I didn’t know IPad 2 supported 3D

    • epicgameturtle

      Stereoscopic 3D that is.

  • Gastrogenous

    Fine, I think that if they released it by the end of the year no one will care, the 3DS will already be having its first year in a month so I don’t see why anyone would get mad if a new model comes around.

  • http://www.youtube.com/user/Sumwheat Ran

    Ya just says there’s a possibility that in spring for a updated system

    • Colorblindmonk

      From what I’ve been reading, they’re probably talking about next spring, like 2013 spring. That would be the earliest I would expect to start hearing talks about a lite from execs. It’s still all rumors at this point.

  • fake

    it better be fake because i don’t feel like spending money for another handheld…

  • AM

    I believe there will be a redesign at some point, but not yet. The reason is, Nintendo’s hardware department is most likely busy with Wii U. Nintendo is using the current hardware as a basis for different colours. Lastly, the console in its current form is selling well, I am sure that Nintendo would not want to alienate the people who just got a 3ds by introducing 3ds lite.

  • CerealKiller528

    If their ever is a 3DS Lite, Nintendumbasses can expect a foot up their ass.

    • Colorblindmonk

      People like you are easily swayed. When Ninty puts out their next batch of games, nay sayers tend to start singing praises.

    • Belinni

      Maybe people like that have yet to develop individuality.

  • miiworld2

    GAAAAASP…
    WHAAAT?!!!

    …wait. I saw that coming.

    • miiworld2

      Oh wait… it’s still a rumor and speculation.
      Well that’s not gonna stop me from getting me a 3DS Lite in the future.

      Yeah, I’m kinda like that.

  • FalconPuncher

    Oh, so it’s fake? THANK YOU GOD I was just about to set my 3DS on fire after this. Geez…Nintendo should just focus on games and the Circle Pad pro for now, I’m happy with the system the way it is :/

    • Colorblindmonk

      I’m glad I’m not the only one who thinks the same. :D

    • reggie fils-aime

      game developers are not the ones that develop the handheld you know
      and the circle pad is a good solution to the lack of a 2nd analog stick but it would certainly be better if it came already with the system
      and what do you mean they should focus on games?
      havent you seen the 3ds line up of 2012?

  • ChrisM.

    Why would people hate david for this.. He only gives the news… and actually updates his posts whenever needed lol..

    • my name is of no importance

      ^ very true

    • ladydias

      Because trolls are trolls are trolls and they live to annoy normal people and pick on anything they feel is popular enough to do so.

  • Evan

    Can’t wait. My body is ready for a better product. I doubt it’ll come out this year though.. if it does then it’ll only be in Japan.

    • epicgameturtle

      Like the Gameboy Pocket? Probably, lately Nintendo likes making lots of Japanese exclusive stuff. (America gets NOTHING)

    • J1990

      you’re thinking of the gameboy light. i had a gameboy pocket that i bought in america

    • epicgameturtle

      Ahh, yes I was

  • SakuMo

    The ONLY thing I would really want them to fix in a redesign would be the start, select, and home buttons. That is literally my only complaint about the current design. That said, I think it’s too early for a redesign, and making one would really shoot them in the foot, especially considering that 3DS momentum is just starting to pick up. 2013, sure, let’s start *talking* about it, then maybe put it out later that year/early 2014, but this is way too soon.

    • Zack

      Ikr, I hate those buttons >.> I can’t see where they are when I’m playing in the dark, and it’s hard to push them spot-on. I want buttons that I can feel with my fingers and know exactly where and what to press. I want an actual button that pushes down, not just some soft spot in a strip of plastic.

    • Belinni

      ^ This.

      Berry Much.

    • Luciano Fran

      Yeah I wanna know where Im touching while Im in the dark lol I wanna feel something hard so I can know where Im touching

    • SakuMo

      I work at my local GameStop, and our poor display 3DS has the imprint of the buttons underneath worn into the plastic sheet that’s over them from overuse, and I seriously worry they’re going to stop working soon. For my own 3DS, I always worry about pressing too hard and causing the same problem. It’s really my only complaint about the whole system. Battery life, second analog are all secondary to that one gripe.

    • Zack

      @Luciano Fan That’s what she said…

  • DUDEARON

    SHIT

    • http://passid.ca/FoB Free of Birth

      No this is Patrick.

    • ImmaKazoo

      Lol Good one

  • Link/KingofIkana/BigFatGoronDude

    1221335!”!”XXXxxxxXXX@@@@@???S####57£££”£”4%^%^%&*(*@@@@@!!”!”!V “££%%&&( you Nintendo if you release a new 3DS in 2012 when I have £%$%%^ all to show for my purchase since launch that’s worth a crap.

  • RoflWaffle

    yay! it’s fake

    • Total911

      WOOOOO!

    • epicgameturtle

      Or is it?!

  • Roxas

    Off topic but zen pinball hits the eshop next week

    • epicgameturtle

      Is that 3DSware? If so, tell me if it’s good.

    • Roxas

      Its 3DSware

  • Wildman

    Debunked.

    I’m sure they’re working on something, but it probably won’t see the light of day until 2013 or 2014 at the soonest.

    • http://nintendo3dsblog.com/photos-of-a-kid-icarus-uprising-float-in-japan Kaizar

      WRONG.

      Both Nintendo & Ga,e Informer Magazine has said that they will NEVER make another DS for the next 7 years.

      *facepalm*

      MINT BERRY CRUNCH!

    • http://nintendo3dsblog.com/photos-of-a-kid-icarus-uprising-float-in-japan Kaizar

      ^Game Informer Magazine (correction)

    • http://wix.com/glennsantiago13/GFBAProductions Glenn

      Kaizar, they’ll NEVER make another DS, because the 3DS line has replaced it.

    • epicgameturtle

      Oh you smart-ass, lol

    • Areuto (which by the way is not my real name)

      If Nintendo were to never make another DS or 3DS than there gonna eventually have to come up with a different handheld (and were not gonna expect to hear development for another one less than 6-7 years)

  • pumaX

    *Checks Twitter*
    *Saw this*
    *Clicks link*
    *Reads news*
    *saw update*
    *facepalm*

  • Ruīji !

    Aww your so nice to the trolls David! Sadly they don’t practice the golden rule… ):

  • Matthew

    Some Ol’ Bullshit. Cmon. I just got a 3ds. Yes it’s optional, but I get every new Ds (Except the XL)

    • http://www.youtube.com/flyinglevel Nick Knack

      i got all but the phat, I didn’t skip the XL because XL> all

    • epicgameturtle

      I got an original DS used and skipped all the other models until the XL

  • http://nintendo3dsblog.com/photos-of-a-kid-icarus-uprising-float-in-japan Kaizar

    I knew this was fake, because both Nintendo & Game Informer Magazine has said the there will NEVER be another 3DS (except for different colors).

    SHABLAGOO!

    • xenoleingod

      first off nintendo never claimed that they just said they’re are no plans to make new 3ds atm and 2 game informer is just a grown up version of ign still stupid but a bit more informed

  • Mega

    maybe in 2013 we might see a 3ds lite but of course not a XL that might hurt your eyes. but i will trade my 3ds for a lite one just for the battery life :D

  • Mike S

    On an unrelated note, David, are you going to E3 2012?

  • sam765

    3DS XL with 4 inch screen and dual sticks for 199,- Euro would be nice…:)

    • http://nintendo3dsblog.com/photos-of-a-kid-icarus-uprising-float-in-japan Kaizar

      The 3DS is 3.53 inch

      So what would you need with 0.47 inch more.

      Even 1 inch is way to small of a difference.

      THIRD POWER!

    • sam765

      Well the difference is very huge like the DSi vs DSiXL, that’s why the XL sold very well…

    • Letat

      As long as you all know a bigger screen = less picture quality. If you think the 3DS has decent graphics now- you wont want to see it when its blown up on a bigger screen. Trust me on that.

  • Esai

    …..nintendo…why..

  • Johan

    If they make another 3DS I wont buy my mom is already angry since I got mostly all the ds

    • http://www.youtube.com/flyinglevel Nick Knack

      thats a stupid reason to be angry. Can’t battle your self in pokemon on 1 ds!

  • Alex Atkin UK

    As has been said before, the 3DS is already as close to a 3DS Lite as you will get. A smaller 3D screen would suck, the buttons are already too small and how would they fit dual slide pads on (which they would have to do as it would be silly to have to release a slide pad lite)?

    Now a 3DS XL on the other hand, I seriously hope they will release and it makes sense to do so.

    For starters, 3D works better on bigger screens, a bigger battery would be helpful, and putting a second slide pad on as standard would make sense as it would be more pocketable than a normal 3DS with the slide pad attachment. Hopefully they would make the buttons and D-pad slightly bigger as they are a little uncomfortable for me.

    • sam765

      Why do you think Nintendo deliberately skipped the 199,- when they lowered the 3DS price? Because they reserved it for the 3DSXL…

    • epicgameturtle

      As long as it SMELLS LIKE CHERRIES!

  • TVSmasher66

    TROLOLOLOLOLOL

  • John

    Hey, why can’t you just delete the article if you found that it’s fake? Or at least change the title so it doesn’t confuse/mislead people when they see a title that says something about a 3DS lite when it’s fake…do something like “FAKE: Nintendo is…” instead of doing updates. Although you should just delete the article…it’s like me writing something about a nuclear war and then finding out it’s not real and not deleting the article, lol. But I do enjoy your blog, and I’m glad you bring rumors to our attention. Just implement it a little better when you find out it’s not real, to keep the trolls down.

    • Noah

      ^ This. I was skimming through some of the more recent comments and a ton of people are still discussing this nonsense as if this debunked rumor is true. So much headshaking.

    • xenoleingod

      because david said months ago that this site will accept rumors of any kind regardless if there no truth to it thats how he wanted the website to be

    • Noah

      This is not rumor though. This is pure SPECULATION. It’s basically just the author’s guess at what will happen in the future. They also go on to say that a Monster Hunter game will be coming to the Vita. Rumors are different. Rumors are supposed to be based on info leaked from credible sources (when they’re real).

  • emmanuel

    THIS ISNT FAIR I SPEND 260 FOR MY 3DS AND THEN I SEE THAT THERES A RUMOR ABOUT A 3DS LITE I DONT WANT 2 SAY THIS BUT NINTENDO IS CRAZY.

    • JMAN

      at least system transfer is available…

    • http://youtube.com gu

      DID YOU NOT SEE THE UPDATE YOU DUMBASS

  • Darkspines

    I will only get a new 3ds if:
    -Has a larger battery life
    -comes with the second analog sick already built-in
    -has no freakin region lock

    • Omarsonic9

      ME TOO

    • person

      Haha, this I guess would give me a reason as well. But it doesn’t mean I will actually buy one. I already have my 3DS and I wanna get a PS3 and Vita too.

    • reggie fils-aime

      you just wrote all my desires

    • epicgameturtle

      What if I’m stuck between the decision of waiting for a Wii U or getting a PS3 for my mid-April birthday? (Note: I can wait and save my big present money)

    • epicgameturtle

      Oh yeah and I want a PS Vita too. (Note: I think it’s funny how nobody has said anything about Xbox 360 on this blog, from what I can remember)

    • 3DS Guy

      That’s because Xbox sucks

    • Belinni

      While I respected my 360 while it lasted (It died a week after I finished Dead Rising: Off the Record), the Wii U is coming out and the 360 will probably become the new Wii but without the millions of people buying it.

      I’m sure most would agree that the PS3 and the Wii U (which can both play some very pretty games) would be held back because of developers trying to make a quick buck porting all their games to all 3 systems.

    • epicgameturtle

      The only problem with the 360 is it’s basically all shooter games! At least PlayStation makes some like LBP.

    • epicgameturtle

      I meant like games other than shooters. Shooters SMELL LIKE CHERRIES!!!

  • Co-Wink-Key-Dink inc

    But nintendo said they crammed the technology in the smallest and lightest they can, and if technology advances, it may then get smaller, but then, that may happen in like 3 years and besides

    ISN’T IT LIGHT ENOUGH FOR YOU TO CARRY!!! WHO GIVES A CRAP ABOUT LIGHTER STUFF WHEN IT’S ARREDY LIGHT ENOUGH FOR YOU TO CARRY AND TAKE WITH YOU.

    • Belinni

      I want my 3DSPlus to be light enough so when it falls off my desk it takes 14.8 seconds to actually hit the floor.

    • Co-Wink-KEy-Dink inc

      Why another .8 seconds?

  • holonboy

    You’re so kind David.

  • Omarsonic9

    Come on now.. the 3ds is already thin! and and.. damn

  • Rhino Pubes

    I was about to say…”Still no 2nd analog stick!?”

  • Noah

    I really, really doubt that Nintendo will release a redesign or hardware update for the 3DS in 2012. They don’t need to and they know it would just be a controversial move. For people still bitching about the lack of a 2nd analog, they can either get the peripheral Circle Pad Pro or collect their tears in a bucket.

  • supermariofan

    note to self, onlly buy one version of tthe same system

  • person

    It will probably take until next Christmas either way. But I’m happy with my current one, doesn’t need any bigger changes. Nothing you can’t already buy and add at least.

  • supermariofan

    interesting…no news on the wiiu or the games it hasn’t been a full year when the 3DS was launched.
    Nintendo what are you guys planning

    • Mike S

      Nintendo is planning on making new games and consoles as they always have, simple as that :)

  • http://chibi-creations.blogspot.com/ ChibiKage89

    Yeah kinda doubted this one. Nintendo already said that they didn’t had any plans to make a lite version and with the price cut I doubt they would make something like this so soon.

  • Reggie´s mom

    My son have one.

    • reggie fils-aime’s back up clone

      Hi mom

    • http://passid.ca/FoB Free of Birth

      Hilarious, in a non-sarcastic way :)

  • Brett

    Of course it’s fake :P You’d have to be a fool to believe this. The 3ds has recently started to sell well, so they have no reason to make a lite. Also, the 3ds is already slim, so what could they possibly change? Plus, the wii U is in development, so the hardware guys are pretty busy with that.

  • daniel

    all the bloggers where POWNED!

    • daniel

      i knew it couldt be true….. its wayto early even for it to be released on 2013, it might take like the original ds that took like 4 years to become different. plus not much sense on redising because the 3ds is allready a beauty queen…

  • Mike S

    Has anyone noticed that Nintendo only really releases different versions of their handheld consoles, and not their home consoles? I feel bad for the people who shelled out money for all the different GB capacity Xbox 360′s and PS3′s that have come out over the years XD

    • daniel

      LOL true, like for the xbox kinect you needed the kinect thingi seperately (im mexican ignore my grammar) instead of selling it With the console!

    • supermariofan

      yeah!!! its better that they didn’t

    • Mike S
    • supermariofan

      MKWII sold more than black ops…wow

    • Mike S

      @supermariofan those numbers probably haven’t been updated in a while so you might want to look at VG chartz for the real numbers.

    • supermariofan

      that makes more sence but mkwii is still selling more, I thought black ops would sell as much if not more still…wow

    • http://www.youtube.com/flyinglevel Nick Knack

      Black OPs shoulid sell 0 copy’s because It’s a stupid yearly RE-Hashed FPS game. RE-HASH more Pokemon games please!

    • Brett

      Maybe cause modern warfare 3 came out? Why would people get a game when a newer one is out?

  • ChaosInvoker

    Just thinking of the things that could be improved:

    -Battery life (this is the biggest improvement possible)

    -Improved cameras (the pictures are kinda fuzzy)

    -Remove the friend code system and add a more user friendly way of communicating with friends.

    -Bigger screens (this is one of the biggest reasons I played the PSP more than my DS)

    Not sure if this qualifies as enough reasons for a redesign:

    -How much thinner do you plan on making it?

    -Improving the brightness won’t help too much

    -Menu system is already user freindly

    The redesigns in the DS were considered when they made the 3DS, at this point I can see maybe one redesign in the 3DS lifespan, but that’s all it needs! The reason the DS had so many remodels is because there was a lot to improve and add to it. The 3DS is pre-equipped with all these improvements and their isn’t much more you could add or improve on it.

    I knew (even before I saw the update) this rumor wasn’t true. If I had to guess the earliest we’ll see a redesign for the 3DS is sometime in 2014.

    • daniel

      YAH! btw many of the improovments you said can be made with the updates of the 3ds its not nesesary to buy a new thing!

    • reggie fils-aime

      i dont agree with the friend codes on or the bigger screen one

    • Devinal215

      Even if they try making the screens bigger for the 3DS the resoulution for the games will still be the same only extended, look at the DSiXL and when you put a DS game in the 3DS. But if they could inprove on that, the battery life, camera, and even add flash to watch videos online plus a few other system things i wouldn’t mind upgrading

    • Devinal215

      ^By system things i mean adding extra stuff onto the 3DS

    • ChaosInvoker

      When I said a bigger screen, I meant slightly increasing the size not creating a notebook sizeded handheld like the DSi XL.

      The image won’t look very distorted with a slight increase in size. The XL was an exaggerated idea of a bigger screen, I don’t want the next 3DS to change sizes too much.

    • LaLaLa

      The Brightness Is Good For Me, It’s Good At 1

  • Cory

    Haha, I love the owning comment in the end David! ^.^ I’m really glad this was debunked however, but if there is a redesign, it would make sense to have the dual analog setup. Though, they would probably move the D-Pad back up and put the sticks on the bottom, because the buttons being down there (for the other stick) would be awkward. And I’m sure they wouldn’t want one stick being up and the other down. Anyways, thanks again for informing us David! ^.^

    • Mike S

      How about this: move the power button to the left side of the console and put the 2nd circle pad under the A/B/X/Y buttons.

  • Meesho

    Pretty sure Nintendo said they don’t have an improved 3DS planned yet and that they put everything into the 3DS. I think they said it would be at least a couple years before they released a new one. If they did it soon it would probably hurt them, seeing as they already did the price reduction thing. Having an improved, cheaper 3DS even just a year after the first one would make a lot of people mad.

  • bouncer0304

    I’m sure i read on either ONM’s website or the magazine that Nintendo said they’d based the 3ds on the ds lite, so it wouldn’t get any smaller. Thing is, if a redesign is in the works, by the time it’s actually finalizated, it could be out next year. Thing is, IF it’s true that the battery will be better and it’ll have a second circle pad, then it’ll have to be bigger to accommodate. I’ll be annoyed if the updated version is out before next year!

  • Mastr

    First Nintendo region-lock the 3DS to make consumers buy NA,JP, or EU 3DS and now this, like this is really getting ridiculous Nintendo.

  • http://www.youtube.com/user/darkgamer001 darkgamer001

    Not surprised that rumour has been debunked. Let’s look at some things we’d want from a redesign. In-built second slide pad, better battery life and better cameras, and some ppl might possibly want a bigger screen (although 3D images might appear more fuzzy with larger screens).
    Imo, a redesign is more likely to introduce a 3DS XL, rather than a 3DS Lite.

  • Baily Brindle

    well, we all knew this was coming. its been roughly a year anyway.

  • FL767

    3DS Lite causes:

    -stubborn people who didn’t buy the 3DS expecting this to say “i told ya so”.

    -more brand confusion with the DS line, which also hurts the Wii U

    -if it has the pro pad built in, even more i told ya so’s. The incapable developers who requested the slide pad pro will now have an excuse to use it more instead of competent touch controls, too.

    -horrible sales numbers for both the 3DS and 3DS Lite

    -general humiliation of Nintendo.

    Good thing they’re not the idiots people seem to think they are.

  • JMAN

    needs moar slide pad

  • reggie fils-aime

    you guys seriously should stop complaining about a 3ds lite being released
    its almost gonna be a year and its obvious that the 3ds has many flaws that can be fixed
    i mean werent you complaining about the battery life or the lack of 2nd analog stick or the positioning of the stylus
    well a redesign is the solution to all this problems, besides you dont need to buy it if you dont want too
    i seriously hate when people complain about something so retarded

    • http://www.gamerparadice.yolasite.com J2Dinc

      Exactly Reggie, fight for your company

    • reggie fils-aime

      sorry i got really mad i wonder what people comments would have been like if this was actually real

    • Co-Wink-KEy-Dink inc

      I’m a dude and I say “20 DOLLARS IS CHEAP!#$%#$%^”

      That’s what’s Reggie said

  • http://www.gamerparadice.yolasite.com J2Dinc

    My cousin hates you… but he’s mad bro :)

  • kevin

    i want bigger screens and a better screen resolution. oh, ah a micro usb port for add ons and accesories, instead of the IR one

    • Letat

      you can get bigger screens- but you will never get better resolution, it will remain the way it is now- hasn’t every other nintendo handheld taught you nothing? and you wont get a USB port- let alone for accessories, IR is superior in that sense- what r u thinking?

  • http://www.blogwiiu.fr blog Wii U

    If Ninty follow roughly the same timetable as with the DS, it’ll be unveiled by E3.

    And to those screaming treason: grow up. This always happens. How did you not see it coming? Same for pricedrops.
    You get to enjoy your console while the others wait.

    • http://gravatar.com/elffcc Big E

      It does not always happen. Nintendo, Sony, and…Microsoft…only revise their consoles if they feel they need it. The 3DS does not need any revision to its hhardware right now. The only things people really complain about are the battery life and 2nd anal*og* (Look at comment below) stick. Nintendo has resolved the analog…..Circle Pad problem by releasing the Circle Pad Pro (Which is optional for its supported games…At the moment). I’m sure Nintendo is working to resolve the battery life issue (It’s only an issue because people only look at the negative side of things instead of the positive *Pivots head slowly and stares at the people who hate Final Fantasy XIII*). Just because Nintendo had 3 revisions of the Nintendo DS system does NOT mean the same will happen to the Nintendo 3DS.

  • cm93

    3DS is perfect the way it is
    no need for lite yet, unless games get more demanding and require the 2nd anal. stick

    btw.: commenting from my 3DS

    :P

    • rokumanxes

      Considering you were just two letters away, I don’t really think “analog” needed abbreviated…

      And supposing it were a long enough word to need an abbreviation, I don’t think “anal” is how it would be done…

    • Brett

      ROFL. I don’t want ANYTHING to have a “2nd anal stick”

    • lucalu

      XD lmfao

    • Peter

      Hopefully, no future games for the 3ds will require an anal stick…

  • Soeroah

    I hope not. As of this writing, the article says it’s been debunked, but the worry is still there and always has been for me.

    Nintendo said they wouldn’t make a revision of the 3DS due to not knowing what else they could add. In a worst case scenario, I at least hope they allow us to perform system transfers to newer models if we decide to trade-in the current 3DS for an upgraded model.

    I don’t want to lose all my data.

  • lucalu

    FEB 5 2011= PAPER MARIO+LUIGIS MANSION

    • epicgameturtle

      Seriously!? Checking GameStop now! GameStop SMELLS LIKE CHERRIES!

    • lucalu

      fudge cock i meant 2012

    • lucalu

      not my info freind on pass id told me btw hes from mehico

    • epicgameturtle

      Aww, now I is dissapointed…

    • epicgameturtle

      dissapointment does NOT SMELL LIKE CHERRIES…

  • epicgameturtle

    The 3DS Lite SMELLS LIKE CHERRIES!

    • Jmaster720

      what is with you and smelling cherries XD

      just asking?

  • Adam

    Okay seriously guys, take a 3DS and a DS Lite and compare them. the 3DS is actually a bit smaller, but a bit wider. It also weighs a bit more, but really there’s barely a difference. People keep talking about a 3DS Lite, or how they’re waiting for the 3DS Lite instead of 3DS, but what would the 3DS Lite be?

    • epicgameturtle

      *Takes deep breath* Lighter, faster, smaller, longer (the battery life you sickos), maybe second circle pad built in, stylus in DS Lite location, and would SMELL LIKE CHERRIES!

    • Belinni

      For more information just ask Daft Punk.

    • lucalu

      what happend to SMELLS LIKE PEACHS

  • http://..... luisj96

    oh shi

    • me

      true story

    • http://gravatar.com/elffcc Big E

      It made me cry rainbows.

  • Jono

    I find it surprising that my 3DS lasts longer than my mums (new) i phone. And the battery life never bothers me at all. I would also only buy a “DS” max every 3 years.

  • epicgameturtle

    Off topic but does anyone have hands that tilt the screen backwards without even knowing?

    • Zack

      Uh, you mean does anyone hold the 3DS in such a way that you keep pushing the screen back?
      No. It’s just you.

    • Belinni

      My hands move the 3DS to the ‘Sweet Spot’ without me even noticing. It happens when I play without 3D as well.

    • epicgameturtle

      I mean like the whole system.

  • Jono

    (off topic) I found this cool download via youtube to play videos in 3D on your 3DS! http://www.taringa.net/comunidades/nintendo3ds/4243825/Como-convertir-un-video-a-3D-para-verlo-en-el-3DS.html

  • Eric

    Whenever it exists, if it ever exists, I’d bet a fair amount of pesos it won’t be called “3DS Lite”. They ran into the issue of it being too similar before, there’s no way they would name the redo something similar to the last time around.

    They should call it 3DS/3DSPlus. That is a sexy name.

    Although it isn’t totally necessary, I see them doing it sometime down the road. You just know those guys from the other company will release another iteration of their handheld with a better battery… and I don’t see Nintendo following too far behind when they’re the underdog in terms of battery life.

    Two analog sticks, ZR/ZL buttons, improved battery life, cheaper and in more colors and maaaaybe a different design… sounds like the kind of thing that would put it over the edge like the DSLite did, so long as they wait at least a couple of years before releasing it.

    • Jmaster720

      This ^

      no really this ^

    • UnchartedAssassin3D

      They’ll probably release the new 3DS model within this year, or at least introduce it.

      I have no idea how Nintendo will be able to add those trigger buttons (ZR ZL) and not make the 3DS model look bulky or oddly shaped.

      I think what Nintendo should do is release a new 3DS model with the trigger buttons and second circle pad within this year, but have it priced a bit higher, maybe $189.99 U.S while the original 3DS model stays at $169.99 U.S. That way, it won’t seem like such a rip off for the new 3DS lite owners to buy the new models with more buttons and features than the original 3DS owners. And if the original 3DS owners wanted to have the same button functions as the new 3DS models, then they can just buy the $20 second circle pad pro

  • Link

    Well i’m still on the lookout for Minecraft 3D. Which would probably use the second circle pad for the camera controls.

    • LaLaLa

      Probably not gonna happen. If it does, It would take a long while because of minecraft kinetic

    • me

      or
      the motion controls, ahh i love nintendo and their multiple options of controls.

    • Jmaster720

      that would work pretty nice :) I don’t usually post links to vids but look at this Minecraft Homebrew on the original DS

  • Reshiram52

    jajajajaja

  • Mr Emcee ClapYoHandz

    MASHED POTATOES

  • Ness

    i think nintendo is going to something else (not the Wii U) i think they r going to the next generation…..

  • Aneudi

    Updates came out for some games from the NA eshop like Pushmo, Freakyform, Zelda DX, SML2, Netflix, etc. Just go to Your Downloads and click update. If you click the Update buttom in the settings menu of the eshop, it will not show up, you have to check it like the ambassador games. So far i do not see any differences in the games. I just want game demos tommorrow!!!

  • Jmaster720

    Better Have a second analog THIS TIME

    FO SHO!!!!!!

    • Jmaster720

      or circle pad I mean :P

  • Bubba

    I seeiously doubted that was true, cause if they were workin on a new one, theyd have the new circle pad built in. That pic dont show dat.

  • http://pen-island im so beautiful

    totally false a new 3DS wud include right slider

    • UnchartedAssassin3D

      That’s just an old 3DS picture. It’s not like they are going to show you the real thing without Nintendo’s consent

  • me

    ummmmmmmm, guys if you didnt notice, its been confirmed that the rumor is false

  • miiworld2

    Even if this was true, I bet my house that every one of you guys will SO buy it.

    • Areuto

      Well I would trade in my 3ds for the 3DS lite at least

    • http://gravatar.com/elffcc Big E

      No thanks. The only things I need are the Circle Pad Pro and a longer lasting battery (One that lasts at least as long as the original DS model’s battery)…Actually, I don’t need a new battery. Mine’s fine…I just want the Circle Pad Pro…

    • Megatron

      No sir, I promised myself that if the 3DS took under any new forms( other than add-ons) I would trade my 3DS in for a new VITA!

  • tob2007

    I guess a 3DS lite would be cool, but I think it would feel strange in my hands.

  • Megatron

    In my opinion (granted this is true), eat crap

  • http://hybrilynx.net/ Hybrilynx

    the 3ds is kind of un tech anyway. if they wanted to make a better one, i wouldnt complain. hopefully they will make pikmin with the same graphics as the streetpass pikmin picture.

  • http://koko.net.com/3dsblog koko

    GET LOST

  • kevbot

    Perhaps they’ll time the release of a 3DS lite to be near the release of Pokemon Gray?

    http://gimmegimmegames.com/2012/01/pokemon-gray-inbound/

  • Natto1995

    WHAT NEXT A 3DS XL O-O

  • Mash

    It does not need Changing Battery is Fine and the Design is Great.

  • Castle

    A new 3DS version. ohhhhh come fast. Hope this is true.

  • crash

    This really stinks, i mean, if it were to be true. I already spent $250.00 on my 3DS launch day, which was before the price drop, and now i have to spend $40.00 out of my Wii U savings for Wii motion plus because Nintendo didn’t tell me that Skyward Sword REQUIRED it to play any of the game. And now if this comes out… i don’t know what i’ll do!

    • littlebigmusic

      Actually they made it pretty clear that Skyward Sword required Wii motion Plus. I mean, at E3, all they talked about was how Wii motion Plus will revolutionize Zelda and stuff like that.

  • Dan

    If they were to release a re-design it would HAVE to have the second slider on it

  • `luke

    they should make the 3ds have 3g so we can go online anywere:D

  • littlebigmusic

    Lies and slander. Nintendo already stated that there aren’t going to be any new versions of the 3DS anytime soon.

  • PKM

    Wait Lite ? its already like lite and small i dont see any reason for making it even lighter, they should keep the size add things like battery and making it something like 3ds plus like David mentioned before.

  • zac

    Rumor! its not true why would Nintendo be working on Wii U and 3DS Lite

  • UnchartedAssassin3D

    If the second circle pad says anything, it’s that Nintendo lied about the 3DS “being complete” and there is still a 3DS w/ two circle pads to come in the future.

    But I don’t know whether they would add the new trigger buttons (I think they are called ZR and ZL, not sure)

  • Mario.C

    If it was going to be an upgrade to the 3Ds, it’s obvious they would of added the second analog stick.

  • weee

    I like the 3ds the way it is lol I have troubles on handling thin handhelds XD and if there’s any upgrade, I will buy the new battery not the new system

  • Brad

    If they are making a 3ds lite they should add another circle pad and raise the price some more

  • The Water Waka

    Hm. This begs the question (which you have already mentioned in this article), why now?

    Personally, I wouldn’t release a better version of a console/handheld system until about 3-7 years after the system has been released. Looking at the timeline of the release of Nintendo systems, the 3DS Lite will probably release in 2014-2017.

  • FLUDDzone

    The next 3DS is definitely not going to be talked about by Nintendo until E3 2013 at the very earliest. But mostly like like 2014 or 15