3DS Ambassadors

Recently Nintendo have released several updates regarding the 3DS console, the highlight of which must be the $80 price drop on 12^th August in America. This action will no doubt boost sales which have been exceptionally lower then expected since it’s release 3 months ago. The real issue I wanted to focus on was for those of you like me who have already purchased the system at full price. I don’t feel too hard done by as Nintendo have a solution….

For those of use who paid full price in the last 3 months Nintendo have opted for a new plan. Keep those already invested keen and get more people on board at the same time. Obviously Nintendo have been rather quiet on the software front lately but for us loyal fans they really have something new and exciting up their sleeves.

Nintendo is lifting the tap on a new 3DS Ambassador program designed to keep us sweet during price drop time. If you actually work it out properly those of us who purchased the console (and got online) before the price drop are actually getting the better end of the deal.

As part of the new Ambassador program, early interest will be rewarded with 20 free downloadable games --10 NES titles and 10 Game Boy Advance games too. The NES releases will be made available to the Ambassadors free before they go on sale in the eShop to the general public (at normal price) and the GBA games will be exclusives for us too, at least for the time being. This is actually quite a good deal considering the games on offer themselves are past classics. Of course, there are some of us that already have these games before but the freedom to use them wherever we like with our new pocket console is a very welcome addition. Obviously Nintendo didn't have to do anything for us really but they don't really want the backlash I'm sure.

This offer is actually very worthwhile as all those games together are worth more then the discount of the price drop. NES games go for around £3.00-£5.00 on the Wii and assuming the GBA games got for a little bit more (£8.00 or £9.00) then you really are getting a bargain.

As someone who bought the 3DS at launch, I'm thrilled that Nintendo is rewarding me and many others for our patience and support with this exclusive program. The 3DS has had a rough start but things are really starting to look up. 

Nintendo are looking to release Star Fox in September followed by the 3D Super Mario World and Mario Kart, hopefully before the end of the year. The Ambassador program is just what we need to reinvigorate this new handheld's life.

I, for one, will find it hard to regret my decision to purchase at launch when I'm jumping between Metroid Fusion and the original Legend of Zelda on my new handheld.

What do you think of the 3DS Ambassador program? Are you one of the Ambassadors yourselves? What games do you hope get included when the final lists are released?