With the release andincredible success of the Nintendo Switch, it seems Nintendo is ready to let go one of its previous handheld devices. According to the Nintendo support website, the gaming giant will “no longer offer factory repairs” for the originalNintendo 3DS.
We will quickly note that Nintendo makes it a point to stress that this only applies to the 2011 version of the3DS. Gamers who own a New Nintendo 3DS, New Nintendo 3DS XL, Nintendo 3DS XL, Nintendo 2DS, or the newly announced New 2DS XL, can all continue to receive factory repairs for their devices.
Considering how many different 3DS devices are currently available, it’s understandable that gamers may not know which one they own. An easy way to check is by flipping the unit over and checking the model number on the back of the device. All original 3DS devices have a serial number that begins with “CW.”
Despite Nintendo’s plan to integrate mobile and living room gaming with the Nintendo Switch, the company doesn’t seem to be moving completely past its 3DS and 2DS days. Along with the New 2DS XL announcement, the company also revealed that there will be new 3DSgame announcementsat this year’s E3 event. Plus, considering the fact thatPokemon Sun and Moonhas shipped more than 15 million unitsworldwide so far, it seems gamers are also still very committed to the current lineup of mobile gaming devices available from Nintendo.
It will be interesting to see if there’s a shift in thinking as the Nintendo Switch continues to gain momentum. The new flagship Nintendo devices obviously have much more power than the 3DS and 2DS devices, meaning gamers can enjoy titles likeThe Legend of Zelda: Breath of the WildandMario Kart 8 Deluxewhile on the go. The next few years will be very telling about the future of Nintendo gaming.
For those gamers who are still In need of repairs on theNintendo 3DSor older devices, Nintendo does offer alist of optionson its support website.
