Monday, October 28, 2013

A few photos of (and thoughts on) my gold Pokémon Center 3DS LL

How did I spend my weekend? Well, besides doing a bit of catch-up work and playing some ping pong with my husband, I spent it setting up my shiny (literally) new 3DS LL.

OK, so I did more than just set it up. I also downloaded a few demos as well as an actual game or two. Oh, and I played a good number of minutes of the game that was included with this sparkly handheld, Pokémon X.

I'll share my initial thoughts on Pokémon X in a couple of days. In this post, though, I want to focus on the hardware and its packaging--both of which can be seen in the following photo.


I have to say, I'm pretty fond of the front of this system's packaging. OK, so it could be more dramatic--you know, covered in gold leaf or something--but it's still very much a looker in its current form (in my opinion, of course).



As for its backside: well, it's, uh, informative? Utilitarian is another word I'd use to describe it. Regardless, it's probably safe to say I'm not going to while away the hours staring at this portion of the handheld's box.



One thing that disappoints me about the Pokémon Center 3DS LL's packaging is that it displays little of the charm that's plastered all over the system itself. For example, why don't the end flaps, one of which can be seen below, feature a few playful silhouettes of frolicking Pokémon?



Thankfully, there are plenty of silhouettes of frolicking Pokémon on the actual hardware--which is far more vibrant (and shiny) than it appears in the following snapshot.



The back of the hardware is nice, too, although it doesn't quite match the splendor of its counterpart around the corner (thanks in large part to the annoying block of text that likely has to be featured on all such devices).



Finally, here's a shot of its interior. Yep, it's black. In fact, this part of the system looks just like every other 3DS LL or XL you've ever laid eyes on--there are no gold accents or trim or even silhouettes of frolicking Pokémon to be found. Damn it.


Actually, I'm completely OK with that, as such accents likely would be a distraction in the end--and, really, who needs that when you've got awesome games like Pokémon X, Sayonara Umihara Kawase and Taiko no Tatsujin: Chibi Dragon to Fushigina Orb to play?

See also: 'Reason #407 I could be considered an 'eccentric' (aka bat-sh*t crazy) gamer: I recently bought a gold Pokémon Center 3DS LL'

38 comments:

Zaphod65 said...

It looks great. Did you use a system transfer to move everything from your other 3DS or is this an alternate machine for you?

Kevin Bowling said...

That looks amazing! You'll have to share this one's Friend Code as well! (I need more people to battle and get more Friend Safari's :P)

Zach said...

Ah! That looks great—I expected it to have a matte finish, but I think I like the gloss! I actually really adored that about the first model of the 3DS. Nice swag!

thegaygamer.com said...

I could transfer stuff without erasing Pokemon X, Terry, but I don't want to, as I want this to be an alternate system.


Actually, I'm not sure I could transfer stuff now that I think of it--unless I transferred it from another Japanese 3DS....

thegaygamer.com said...

OK, I'll let you know, Kevin. I don't even know this one's FC at the moment, to tell you the truth. Guess I'll have to look it up!

thegaygamer.com said...

Thanks, Zach! Actually, the system's even shinier than it appears in these photos, which is kind of crazy. Honestly, I wish it were matte, as the shininess makes me want to wear gloves when I use it, but I'll probably get over it eventually...

Zaphod65 said...

You'll have to post your alternate friend code for Pokemon-trading goodness. :)

Kensloth said...

I would be interested in a FC too, if you feel like it. I think I have about 4 friends on my 3DS hehe. I'm playing Pokemon Y and would be happy to trade with anyone.

thegaygamer.com said...

I will, don't worry! Or at least I'll share it with folks I want to trade with, at least :)

thegaygamer.com said...

OK, I'll let you know, Ken! I'll certainly want to trade with folks, esp. since I only have X.

Chalgyr said...

That looks like a great little system there. Does the shiny surface seem to grab fingerprints on the darker spaces, or not too bad?


Glad you're enjoying your new console. I need to dust mine off. My 3DS hasn't gotten a lot of mileage since I beat Shin Megami 4.

thegaygamer.com said...

Yes, the darker spaces (on the exterior) definitely grab fingerprints, Chalgyr. It's not as bad as my solid-colored OG 3DS, but it's worse than my matte NA XL, that's for sure. Which is why I kind of wish this one were matte as well. Not that I'm complaining!


Also, yes, you need to dust off your 3DS and give it a go again. Surely there are games you've yet to play that you could stick in there? Personally, I don't think I'll be done playing with it until 2020, at least :)

Monster_Hunter2882 said...

If you want I can give you my Friend Code as I'm also looking for more people to battle with and Friend Safaris to access.

Monster_Hunter2882 said...

I'd also wouldn't mind having the FC of your new 3DS LL. Having a lot of friend safaris doesn't sound bad.

Monster_Hunter2882 said...

I bet this 3DS looks even better in person.

Monster_Hunter2882 said...

If you haven't figured out what your Friend Safaris have your 2DS one is an ice type one with snover and sneasel while your other one is a dark type with vullaby and crawdunt.

thegaygamer.com said...

Are you talking to Terry or me, Sam? Because I have no idea what you're talking about here!

thegaygamer.com said...

Share away, Sam!

thegaygamer.com said...

OK, I'll let everyone know shortly...

thegaygamer.com said...

It does, Sam. Or at least I think so. It's very ... shiny and vibrant.

Kevin Bowling said...

I'd love to have it! Mine is 2707-1608-7576

Kevin Bowling said...

Sorry for starting this, Bryan. Haha.

Zaphod65 said...

Mine are (3DS) 2449-4633-4258 and (2DS) 3754-7564-8676.

Zaphod65 said...

Cool. I was wondering what I was offering people. Thanks, Sam. :)

thegaygamer.com said...

Oh, that's what he was talking about? Ha!

thegaygamer.com said...

No worries, Kevin--it was going to be a topic of conversation no matter what, I'm sure!

thegaygamer.com said...

Thanks, guys. I'll share mine later! (And add yours, too, of course.)

Kevin Bowling said...

Added both!

Monster_Hunter2882 said...

OK my FC is 0387-9291-5022.

Monster_Hunter2882 said...

Sorry about that Bryan I forgot how weird Disqus can be when putting posts in order.


As for Your Friend Safari on your other 3DS it's an ice type with Delibird and Bergmite. One problem with Friend Safari is that you can't check what your own safari has or even what type it is.

Monster_Hunter2882 said...

If you want Kensloth you can add me, my FC is 0387-9291-5022.

Kensloth said...

Sweet! Mine is 1134-7183-5058.

Kensloth said...

Added the rest of the codes here too, for anyone else who wants to add me.

Chalgyr said...

I was amazed at how grubby I made our Wii U look due to the glossy black finish, which is why I thought of that with your 3DS. I just unboxed it and updated it before putting it away for Christmas, and in that brief time I felt like the FBI could profile me after each and ever digit.



And yeah, I definitely need to get back to it. 'tis the season to finally try out Luigi's Mansion 2. I've just had that ever-growing backlog of games I am working through lately keeping me on my PS3 and Xbox instead of my poor, neglected handhelds. :( hehe

Justin Difazzio said...

Did you get a Japanese copy of Pokemon X? Or are they region free, since you can set any language?

thegaygamer.com said...

The system came with a copy of Pokemon X already installed on the menu screen, Justin. So, all I had to do was figure out how to select "English" as an option. Actual cart versions of the games aren't region-free, by the way--or so I've read!

Kensloth said...

I read on Tinycartridge that Farewell Umihara Kawase is coming to the US eshop next year. Looks pretty cool!

thegaygamer.com said...

Yep! Put a good few hours into it over the last few days, and I'm definitely enjoying it. Hopefully it'll be released at a good price point outside of Japan ($20 would be amazing).