The 3DS is finally becoming the system we all hoped it would be at launch. The eStore is going strong, the library of games finally includes some solid must-have titles, and system updates are frequent and actually include huge system upgrades. Tonight the much awaited 'November' firmware update hit. I say 'November' because that's when it was originally slated to be released, however it was delayed until today. I managed to catch wind of this update via twitter, only minutes after it was released. I finished the download a few minutes ago and explored the new features, and this is what I found:
The first thing I noticed upon resetting the system after the update, was a new app called "Nintendo Zone". The app requires you to agree to a new TOS, and promptly lets you know there is no Nintendo Zone nearby. It does promise that there are thousands of these so called Nintendo Zones scattered throughout the country, and they allow for a myriad of activities. These include: "Watching 3D videos, exploring games, accessing special offers & promotions, downloading demos, and more". I would venture to guess this feature will only work in specific places, such as retail stores. Basically, it's a glorified way to advertise to us, the consumers. I have to admit I'm a little curious to see how this all will work. I may try to hunt down one of these elusive Nintendo Zones and get back to you on what they actually do.
The second feature I went to check out was the 3D video recording feature. It works exactly the same as taking photos, only you push a video button on the screen to switch between photo, video, and a new stop motion recording mode. It's a neat idea, but the image quality still leaves much to be desired.
The final feature that was updated was the Street Pass functionality. The biggest change was adding spot pass functionality to street pass, creating a simpler way to meet new Mii's. This is especially nice if you live in a rural area and have no hope of ever running into someone else with a 3DS. They've also added some new pieces to Puzzle Swap, and updated Find Mii.
This update is the biggest one since the E3 update that opened up the eShop and browser. The new features are all fun and useful. In addition to all of this, the eShop is currently down for maintenance. Hopefully this means something for the Ambassador program, but we'll just have to wait and see. If you have a 3DS, start the download now! This update is huge and will take a while to complete. Now go play some games!
The first thing I noticed upon resetting the system after the update, was a new app called "Nintendo Zone". The app requires you to agree to a new TOS, and promptly lets you know there is no Nintendo Zone nearby. It does promise that there are thousands of these so called Nintendo Zones scattered throughout the country, and they allow for a myriad of activities. These include: "Watching 3D videos, exploring games, accessing special offers & promotions, downloading demos, and more". I would venture to guess this feature will only work in specific places, such as retail stores. Basically, it's a glorified way to advertise to us, the consumers. I have to admit I'm a little curious to see how this all will work. I may try to hunt down one of these elusive Nintendo Zones and get back to you on what they actually do.
The second feature I went to check out was the 3D video recording feature. It works exactly the same as taking photos, only you push a video button on the screen to switch between photo, video, and a new stop motion recording mode. It's a neat idea, but the image quality still leaves much to be desired.
The final feature that was updated was the Street Pass functionality. The biggest change was adding spot pass functionality to street pass, creating a simpler way to meet new Mii's. This is especially nice if you live in a rural area and have no hope of ever running into someone else with a 3DS. They've also added some new pieces to Puzzle Swap, and updated Find Mii.
This update is the biggest one since the E3 update that opened up the eShop and browser. The new features are all fun and useful. In addition to all of this, the eShop is currently down for maintenance. Hopefully this means something for the Ambassador program, but we'll just have to wait and see. If you have a 3DS, start the download now! This update is huge and will take a while to complete. Now go play some games!
