Should I buy a 3DS or wait for switch 2?

[gavriel]

Hi everyone, I created this account because this forum is focused on animal crossing

I got ACNH on the pandemic and I liked the franchise, however there was many flaws that bugged me, either way I never played new leaf and I was curious if its even worth buying a 3DS to play animal crossing (the same reason why I bought a switch on the pandemic was because the fuss about acnh)
I know that 3DS online services closed, how does that affect the game? Can you still visit dream villages?

Im kinda scared if the A.C on switch 2 disappoints again =/, yes ACNH has a very good customization but it feels like its just a decoration game sometimes instead of taking care of an island and interacting with your villagers

 

[KittenNoir]

I personally like the 3DS cause I find there are heaps more games on that device that I enjoy playing a lot more than some games on Switch.

 

[Yoshi155]

Welcome to the site!

To answer your question of how it affects the game, not by much. You obviously can’t visit towns or do anything with other people unless it’s locally, and that does include dream addresses, but it’s mostly unchanged. I’m not at all a NH hater and definitely hold it in a little bit higher regard than a lot of fans seem to, but I do think that New Leaf is superior and if you prefer villagers to the decorating aspect, it’s probably the game you’d want to play. I would say to wait for the Switch 2 and AC 6, but in that time, the price of a 3DS could go up. If you really think you’re going to like New Leaf, and you only want that game and no other 3DS games (personally, I think you might be able to find other games on it that you like), then I would say buy it. If not, then wait.

 

[himekirako]

I know that 3DS online services closed, how does that affect the game? Can you still visit dream villages?

if you're a completionist then there's some achievements that aren't possible to complete anymore, and sadly dream addresses are no more ( ´･･)ﾉ(._.`)

you could always get new leaf / a 3DS if you know you'll really love it and you'll get your money's worth or you can wait until switch 2 / next animal crossing game comes out to see how it is (๑•᎑•๑)

 

[Halloqueen]

We don't yet know when the next Animal Crossing game will release. It could be soon after the Switch 2, it could be a year or two out.

I'd say that if you want to experience New Leaf and any other 3DS games that might interest you, you might as well pick up whatever model of 2DS or 3DS you can get your hands on and a copy of the Animal Crossing New Leaf: Welcome amiibo version of the game. Just be sure to do your due diligence and make sure that the 2DS/3DS works properly and isn't being sold for parts or whatever, as that's a thing that people do. Compare online prices with any used game stores that might be around your area that might be selling a 2DS or 3DS and go for the best deal you can.

Another factor for consideration is what other games you might be interested in for the Switch 2 and your financial situation, whether you can save up for the Switch 2 if you get the 2DS/3DS now. Additionally, consider how urgently you want to acquire a Switch 2 if Animal Crossing isn't immediately on the horizon. If you can swing both, might as well do both. Ultimately up to weighing your own personal factors to determine this.

 

[Rainy.Nights]

3DS has so many great exclusives I still play it. Yes all online servers have shutdown, but local multiplayer and even streetpass still works, good luck getting streetpasses in 2025 though. It's hard to say will happen with the Switch 2. Ultimately it's up to you to decide, but I would say owning a 3DS is worth it.

 

[Midoriya]

I'd say the 3DS is very much worth it, it has an amazing library of games and a lot of said games have immense replayability value. I don't think the 3DS eShop is still functional though? Someone correct me if I'm wrong. So it might be difficult to obtain certain games, but still overall very much worth it.

 

[Rainy.Nights]

I'd say the 3DS is very much worth it, it has an amazing library of games and a lot of said games have immense replayability value. I don't think the 3DS eShop is still functional though? Someone correct me if I'm wrong. So it might be difficult to obtain certain games, but still overall very much worth it.

You can redownload games you already own but not buy new ones. And yeah there were lots of download only games.

 

[Midoriya]

You can redownload games you already own but not buy new ones. And yeah there were lots of download only games.

Ah yeah, that's what I thought it was. Thank you for confirming. Was about to open my 3DS and double-check myself.

 

[Reginald Fairfield]

I do recall a Pokemon game needing an early patch so autosave didn't brick the console, but yes. Kid Icarus Uprising has been called the funnest way to get carpel tunnel, by a youtube video. Weird controls, but fun game.

 

[gavriel]

I'd say the 3DS is very much worth it, it has an amazing library of games and a lot of said games have immense replayability value. I don't think the 3DS eShop is still functional though? Someone correct me if I'm wrong. So it might be difficult to obtain certain games, but still overall very much worth it.

Im looking forward to it, theres a lot of the "cozy" genre on 3DS apparently - the only game genre I could care lol.
My biggest problem with NH is that its an ISLAND so of course its going to be limited and you will end up putting everything into the nookphone, meaning the town and shops will go away. Theres many aspects to NL I think it makes a healthier gameplay, like villagers moving out if you didnt play for a while, unlike NH you basically hold them hostage lol - People come and go so I think this is a good feature honestly.

 

[Captain Jigglypuff]

I think it depends on how easily you can get a used 3DS and games. Some games are harder to get than others and honestly the New 3DS is the model you should get due to it being able to use micro SD cards and you don’t need to worry about finding an adapter like you do with the original models.