Less than two weeks remain before the Japanese grab hold of the New 3DS. Not a moment too soon, I'd say. Despite a strong software lineup, unit sales for the portable have slowed down significantly since last year. A proper refresh is needed to get consumers excited again, along with an equally exciting television campaign.
Above is the latest commercial advertising the myriad faceplates that can be used on the standard New 3DS (faceplates are not compatible with the New 3DS XL). The commercial is headlined by J-pop princess Kyary Pamyu Pamyu, whose colorful antics have even attracted fans out in the West. Using her fashion powers, she gives the entire Nintendo cast a makeover — Link gets a dapper top hat, Yoshi becomes a sailor, Bowser gains a pair of Weezer glasses, and Luigi looks ready to steal your lunch money. There's no way this doesn't sell a boatload of consoles.
In addition to the faceplates, Nintendo is also releasing a line of OS wallpaper themes which will compatible with all 3DS models, not just New 3DS. Nearly 50 will be available at launch, featuring first- and third-party characters alike, and will run between 100 and 200 yen (just under a buck or two) each. Check the list below to see what will be on the menu. Hopefully, we'll have access to all these when New 3DS arrives in America next year.
Youkai Watch – 200 yen
Monster Hunter 4G (#1) – 200 yen
Monster Hunter 4G (#2) – 200 yen
Luigi – 200 yen
Yoshi – 200 yen
Mario – 200 yen
Peach – 200 yen
Mario characters (woodgrain) – 200 yen
Mario characters (felt print) – 200 yen
Black x White stripes – 100 yen
BlazBlue: Clone Phantasma – 100 yen
Mario (NES) – 200 yen
Hanafuda color – 200 yen
Black x White dots – 100 yen
Gold x White dots – 100 yen
Animal Crossing (office) – 200 yen
Animal Crossing (village board) – 200 yen
Animal Crossing (Nooking Junction) – 200 yen
Animal Crossing (Able Sisters Mabel) – 200 yen
Animal Crossing (Able Sisters Able) – 200 yen
Black x White checkered flag – 100 yen
Escape Adventure: The Black Fog of Demise – 100 yen
Zelda: A Link Between Worlds – 200 yen
Pink x White stripe – 100 yen
Gold x Black stars – 100 yen
Yellow x Purple stars – 100 yen
Simple clear color set Vol.1 – free
Simple color set Vol.1 – free
Rosalina round and round – 200 yen
Mario round and round – 200 yen
Peach round and round – 200 yen
Bowser round and round – 200 yen
Aqua blue squares – 100 yen
Mario mushrooms – 200 yen
Okiraku series – 100 yen
Blue x Yellow large dots – 100 yen
Pink x green large dots – 100 yen
10 different Azure Striker Gunvolt themes – ranges between 100 and 150 yen
