PixlBit

I've gotta go Julia, we got cows!

Excuse the terrible intro, I was just having a bit of fun.

Anyway, this'll be my only intentionally 3DS centric issue of the podcast, but of course I'll be covering things as time passes, just like normal.

I sent in email using Walmart's web submission form, letting them know that the locations Market Manager helped me sort things out. I filled in the form with all my personal information and everything. A different store manager called me back today and said they didn't accept BOGO-types of deals for their price-matching stuff. I literally had to refer him to the exact link of the policy up there for him to believe me about the case. I also don't think he realized that in what I wrote in, my issue was resolved. Really, I'm not entirely certain he read the whole thing, to be fair.

The "Aqua Blue" units have the blue ocean down, Nick.

Kind of like Mario Kart, the handling of the karts is a little stiff unless you use the R button. Rather than actual drifting, the kart essentially turns incredibly sharply at this point, and if you turn for long enough, you can get a boost. The mechanic has its own unique learning curve, but can be very effective if used right.

No online play, just single-card multiplay and multi-card multiplay. Nothing with StreetPass, either.

Edit: Wow, I completely overlooked the actual ability to drift by tapping the b button (brake) in the middle of a turn. It's far less effective than using the R button unless it's a very brief turn.

Somewhere, a trumpet is heard.

Ladies and gentlemen, our first 3DS game review. I just wrote up one of Super Monkey Ball 3D, once it goes through the process, we'll have it available. Expect something from me about Super Street Fighter IV 3D Edition sometime soon, too. Combat of Giants: Dinosaurs 3D is the last game on my list for now, but if time permits, a review for that title could pop up, too.

Hooray!

Wait, now, I didn't say that I thought there was light interest in my town! The Wal-Mart had light interest. The GameStop had at least 60 preorders! In this area, that's a gigantic twist from the Wii launch, where most stores, including GameStop, had less than 20. I think most people excited about the device went to GameStop and preordered, which allocated units to store the week before launch, likely sending 3DSs to where they were needed most. The GameStop reported having over 80 units, which is massive for Gainesville, considering at the Wii launch, interest didn't really spike for the console until a few days after launch, and the thing was still sold out from low numbers.

I'd say Nintendo just provided a ton of launch units. I do agree it'll become a lot more popular when people get to try the system hands-on and see the 3D effect themselves. Were you in NPR or NY for the Wii launch, Nick? I don't recall.

No, wait, you can have up to 500, perhaps, and there's about the number I suggested before... I'll look into the definite number soon.

Looks like there's 500 possible figures, much more than my research indicated. Wow!

People who didn't follow this will get to relive the experience. In the coming day or two, I'll be writing a little bit to cover the launch at both GameStop and Wal*Mart here in Gainesville.

Anyone want to guess which one won?