3DS or a WiiU?

[DudeistBelieve]

The Xbox One is satisfying my gaming itch, but I'm kinda whistfully missing the old Nintendo staples of Mario and Zelda. So I'm wondering what one to get... I can't afford both.

both versions have Smash Bros... the 3DS has the pokemon games, which are fun... but WiiU has Splatoon and Mario Kart which I think would be fun to play online, and the earthbound games...

 

[Hades]

The 3ds have the bigger library and does not have the looming threat of being ditched hanging over its future. On the other hand I do think that the fewer Wii U titles are much better then the 3ds ones. Mario 3d world, Tropical freeze, Hyrule Warriors, Bayonetta and Smash bros are all games that dominated their years for me to a far greater extend then the 3ds games did.

 

[Hairless Mammoth]

Um... how about the WiiDS U? (AKA, wait for details on the NX to come out? Then decide whether to jump in on one of the current systems, or wait for their prices to drop, or just wait a little more for the new system that might have full/partial backwards compatibility with either or both older systems.)

But if you must have one now, I'd say the 3DS. A Link Between Worlds (probably the best portable Zelda), Luigi's Mansion 2, Bravely Default, Hyrule Warriors: Legends, and the 3D remakes of the N64 Zeldas are some games I can think of that are worth checking out. You can also play original DS cartridges on it, in case you missed out on that generation and want to try any of those games without waiting for Nintendo to put them on the Wii U's eShop (which is slooooww to get new titles). Both systems have Shantae: the Pirate's Curse (an excellent sidescrolling Zelda-like game) on their eShops. In fact, it's at half price until December 2 (IIRC) in North America.

The Wii U does have titles that you won't see on a portable system for years, so it's up to you really. But remember what Hades noted above. The Wii U is in trouble. We may see another holiday season without the NX, or next year it may push the Wii U (or even the 3DS if some of the rumors are true) to the side. That's great if you want a cheap system, not so great if you want new games to come out for that system later.

 

[Hero of Lime]

The 3DS is the safer bet, you will find many amazing games on the system. My highest recommendations being Fire Emblem Awakening, A Link Between Worlds, Pokemon Omega Ruby/Alpha Sapphire/X and Y, and the remakes of Ocarina of Time and Majora's Mask. Smash 3DS is great, but if you are considering a Wii U, Smash U is the better version. Mario Kart 7 on 3DS is great too, but Mario Kart 8 on Wii U is excellent.

For the Wii U, the aforementioned Smash and Mario Kart are the best in their respective series. I HIGHLY recommend Splatoon, if you've wanted a very unique online shooter, Splatoon is the way to go. I adore that game. Aside from those three, Pikmin 3 is great if you have any interest in the series. Mario 3D World is pretty awesome, Mario Maker looks great, I haven't gotten it yet.

Wind Waker HD is the best way to play that game if you really liked the original, and you have Twilight Princess HD to look forward to. If you love Zelda, Hyrule Warriors is a lot of fun just for the crazy fan service alone. We also got confirmation that Zelda U will in fact come out on the Wii U, so you are guaranteed to get that as well.

Again, it's up to whether you want to take a safe route with the 3DS, or be risky with the Wii U. The Wii U is risky because the NX may come fairly soon, and will hopefully be backwards compatible. I really want more people to give the Wii U a chance, so I'll suggest you pick it, but I understand if you may feel apprehensive about it.

 

[Cold Shiny]

WiiU has bigger and better games, but it also has alot LESS games.

So what do you want, 3DS has tons of great games, while the WiiU has fewer games, but those fewer games are better.

You can get a WiiU with smash and splatoon for 250$, which is a total steal.

 

[xaszatm]

The Xbox One is satisfying my gaming itch, but I'm kinda whistfully missing the old Nintendo staples of Mario and Zelda. So I'm wondering what one to get... I can't afford both.

both versions have Smash Bros... the 3DS has the pokemon games, which are fun... but WiiU has Splatoon and Mario Kart which I think would be fun to play online, and the earthbound games...

Honestly, it depends on what games you want.

You should take a good look at both libararies, both what appears here and what will be coming in the future. Don't just look at games you must have but also at games you might buy once you get the console. That usually helps me decide on console purchases. As for the systems.

Asides from the games you mentioned, the 3DS is currently the JRPG king. Dragon Quest, Bravery Default, Fire Emblem, Etrian Oddessy. On the WIi U, some of the best Action games, Bayonetta 2, Wonderful 101, have been released there. Maybe your preferences could help push you towards one or the other?

EDT: Also, even if the Wii U suddenly stop being supported, there is a enough of a backlog for you to enjoy. Then again, I'm of the opinion that the NX isn't coming out in 2016 despite every gamer seemingly convinced its only a few months away with no proof.

 

[Rebel_Raven]

I recommend the New 3ds series with amiibo support. XL if possible.Better futureproofing and better performance, and reverse compatibility. Large, portable library, I think it has mario Karts.

I don't know what i'd do without mine. ... probably play a lot of cellphone games. :/ lol

 

[Windcaler]

I would recommend the 3ds over the WiiU for the same reason I bought the 3DS. Its got better games. Granted if you're deeply invested in the Mario and zelda franchises (I am not) your milage may vary. However for me the big choices were Fire emblem awakening, Bravely default, Monster hunter 4 Ultimate, and Shin Megumi Tensei: Devil Survivor 2 Record breaker (all great games IMO).

For me, WiiU didnt really have anything to draw me in and thats why I dont really recommend the console to this day

 

[Elvis Starburst]

I'd have to vote 3DS as well, for the fact it has a bigger more varied library. But, the Wii U has some amazing titles on it, so it all depends on what you want out of a system. Though, there is one thing I haven't seen mentioned here... If you were to get the 3DS, the NEW 3DS is the only option in my opinion.

Benefits: Better processor, better graphical capability, higher frame rate in newer games optimized for it, better 3D, better online connectivity and download speed, Amiibo support, 2 extra buttons and the much useful C-Stick... Even if there's only Xenoblade exclusive for it, the optimizations made for the platform are wonderful and more than make up for it. Monster Hunter 4 looks better and plays MUCH smoother on a New 3DS, compared to the normal 3DS, for example. Well worth it for that sort of thing alone

 

[DudeistBelieve]

Anyone know anything at all about when they'd announce the new system?

 

[Artina89]

I don't have a WiiU, but I have a 3DS and that has satisfied any lingering nostalgia for Mario, Zelda and Pokemon that my PS4 can't do anything for. I am currently playing Devil Survivor 2: Record breaker, which is a good game if you like RPG's, not to mention it has the remakes of Majoras mask and Ocarina of time if you have a yearning to play those games, and A link between worlds is reminiscent of a link to the past, it also has the added benefit of being backwards compatible with Nintendo DS games as well.

 

[Scarim Coral]

Depends what you want, a portable console or just using the console in your own home.

In saying so I just owned a 3DS as I view the WiiU had fewer good games to buy (Mariom, LoZ, Splatoon, Wonderful 101, Bayonetta 2 and Xenoblade Chronicle X).

 

[Hairless Mammoth]

Anyone know anything at all about when they'd announce the new system?

I think Ninty said they weren't releasing any more details until E3. If you do decide to wait to see if the NX has full backwards compatibility (negating the need to buy an older system), it might be a while.

All we have for now are rumors that the NX might be a home console/portable hybrid, may tie into mobile games somehow, could come out sometime in 2016, and likely will have some form of B/C with whatever it replaces. There is even a reasonable rumor floating around that, if the NX is a new home console and hits shelves in 2016, Zelda Wii U will be released on both Wii U and NX (just like Twilight Princess). So, it's up in the air on what NX really will do.

I still suggest to go with the 3DS, or New 3DS, for now. You have a perfectly fine current gen home console, why not get a portable with a vast library? As noted above, Wii Us will still be around for years to come, no matter what the next year or two hold for it.

 

[CaitSeith]

The 3DS have more Mario and Zelda games available than the Wii U (unless you count the Virtual Console) and they are pretty good. The 3DS also has a Mario Kart game (older than the Wii U version) and Xenoblade Chronicles (you need the New 3DS for that one though).

Anyone know anything at all about when they'd announce the new system?

Not really. Assuming they announce its official name in the next E3, it'll probably be released by 2017 and have enough games to consider buying it by 2018.

 

[Hero of Lime]

Anyone know anything at all about when they'd announce the new system?

My guess, the earliest would be E3 2016, latest would be sometime in 2017. I would be totally fine if the Wii U lasted for another two years, but I think Nintendo will be getting the NX out by 2017, possibly earlier. We have no idea how long Nintendo wants to keep the Wii U alive. Due to the less than stellar sales, it's not crazy to think its life span will be shorter than most other consoles.

I know you are the one who started this thread, so I get that you want as much info on when the next console comes out. However, if you can track down the Smash/Splatoon Wii U bundle, I think it would be worth the risk. Even if the NX interests you, you could just wait a few years to upgrade, and still get a lot of use out of the Wii U in the meantime.

Either way its all up to you. I really like both consoles, each one will scratch whatever Nintendo itch you have.

 

[AzrealMaximillion]

If you like JRPGs, get the 3DS. It's got some of the best ones. The Wii U just does not get the support outside of first party titles that it needs.

 

[TheTygre]

Adding to the general consensus of the 3DS. The Wii U has some great titles, but a limited library, and even now it doesn't get as much love.

 

[DudeistBelieve]

I've gone ahead an ordered a Nintendo 3DS off amazon. It's bundled with Super Mario 3D Land... a family member laid down the hint that a WiiU may be a christmas present for me, but if not I think I'll pick it up in a months time when my credit card is finally paid off. I had a Nintendo 2DS for a little while until the damn thing broke in my back pocket. Child proof my ass.

Anyone reccomend me some 3DS games? If were talking JRPG, is there anything like Final Fantasy 9? Like purely turn based stuff with a good story?

Is the VC on the WiiU as good as it was on the Wii? That's another chunk of the reason I want it is to play old NES games and finally get to play Earthbound.

 

[FPLOON]

Anyone reccomend me some 3DS games? If were talking JRPG, is there anything like Final Fantasy 9? Like purely turn based stuff with a good story?

Is the VC on the WiiU as good as it was on the Wii? That's another chunk of the reason I want it is to play old NES games and finally get to play Earthbound.

All's I got is Project X Zone, Persona Q, any 3DS Pokémon game, and Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance for 3DS and The World Ends With You and Pokémon Black/White (with sequel) for DS based on my personal collection of [3]DS titles...

Other than that, as far as I know, the Wii U's VC is okay... enough to get the "general" NES fix, I guess...

 

[Hairless Mammoth]

I've gone ahead an ordered a Nintendo 3DS off amazon. It's bundled with Super Mario 3D Land... a family member laid down the hint that a WiiU may be a christmas present for me, but if not I think I'll pick it up in a months time when my credit card is finally paid off. I had a Nintendo 2DS for a little while until the damn thing broke in my back pocket. Child proof my ass.

Anyone reccomend me some 3DS games? If were talking JRPG, is there anything like Final Fantasy 9? Like purely turn based stuff with a good story?

Is the VC on the WiiU as good as it was on the Wii? That's another chunk of the reason I want it is to play old NES games and finally get to play Earthbound.

Ouch. Yeah, Nintendo sort of dropped the ball by using a single screen (probably the exact same panel as is used in the Wii U's gamepad, just to be cheap). That makes the 2DS less resilient to flexing.

If a Final Fantasy-like game is what you want, especially more traditional feeling like FF9, then Bravely Default (and its upcoming sequel) is a clear choice. I haven't played much of it yet, but I hear nothing but praise for it. Everyone says it is more FF than the last few FFs.

For other games, everything posted above sounds good. I doubly recommend A Link Between Worlds and Shantae and the Pirate's Curse (remember, still on sale for $10 until Dec 2). They are two of the best games on the 3DS. At least you are off to a good start with 3D Land. I bought that used as an impulse and enjoyed it far more than I thought I would.

Sadly, the Wii U VC seems to be slowing down somewhat. Some argue it never really took off. It isn't quite what the Wii's VC was at this respective age in the Wii's life.[footnote]Despite it being out for the better part of a year on the EU eShop, Metroid: Zero Mission hasn't been released on the NA eShop. It's infuriating for this Metroid fan that more people don't get to try it. It's non-linearity also would work great for Mii-verse posts.[/footnote] It's a miracle they even released Earthbound Zero Beginnings. Although, there is still plenty that might interest you. Just search for lists for both Wii U and 3DS VCs.