Discussion
Secured an OG 3DS during Japan Trip for $105
Originally, I was aiming for the OG 3DS XL but the prices I saw were way higher than expected based on what I’d seen online. During the first half of my trip in Osaka, I checked out multiple Hard-Off and Hobby-Off stores. The XL models were going for around ¥41,000 ($260 USD) which felt pretty overpriced to me (tho I couldn't tell if overall market prices had spiked or if I was just hitting tourist trap shops). The selection in Kyoto wasn't any better, so I decided to hold off.
Things completely changed during the second half of my trip in Tokyo when I visited a Hard-Off in a local mall in Kamakura (Ofuna Mall). I was in absolute heaven. It was literally in the middle of nowhere with no tourists and only locals. Nobody spoke English but Google Translate did its job.
The prices here were much better than anything I saw in Akihabara or Osaka. Original 3DS units ranged from ¥16500 to ¥22000. The ¥16500 unit was a red model listed with slight screen discoloration and a missing stylus, while the other ones were almost scratch-free.
I spent about 30 minutes deliberating before asking to test the ¥16,500 one. To my surprise, it was basically flawless in-person. The minor discoloration was barely noticeable, especially considering the ¥7,000 savings. When I asked if they sold replacement styluses separately, the store assistant was kind enough to just give me one for free! Since it was the best deal I'd seen all trip, I pulled the trigger immediately and walked out paying ¥16,500 ($105 USD).
Back at the hotel that night, I went straight to work modding it. Since it was a JPN region model, I region-changed it to USA, loaded up a few games, and fell in love with it. It might not be the XL model I originally set out to buy, but I couldn't be happier with how it turned out!
That looks beautiful. I like the fact that any colors looks great on the OG 3DS, I have a blue one and I bought for RM350 or $85 and love every second of it. Something about the Japanese version I like more than the English one.
Damn that sucks. I thought when they release varities of colours they would be available world wide. But yeah, I can't find a single cobalt blue 3DS on the used market here, it's either red, the light blue or aqua blue.
Edit: Found one, I don't know that colour is actually rare or what.
Rare on this side of the world, but more common where it was released.
Because the 3ds is region locked, to play eu 3ds games on it it needs to be modded. DS games are region free.
I repair consoles and i am always looking for these, as well as purple, i collect 3dss and mine is a bit messed up on the top cover. Haven't found one in excellent condition to replace it with.
Kinda weird 3DS is region locked but not DS. I sorta want to get another 3DS, the New 3DS non XL because the OG screen is small but I can manage but playing VN games or dialogue heavy games, the tiny screen becomes really annoying to read and some DS games are just bad since it feels compacted.
Good luck with you finding the blue and the purple one. Also do you have the picture of your messed up 3DS? I'm curious how it looks like.
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u/Fed_Bureau_Investin 2h ago
Imo. OG 3ds at 100 is valid. N3dsXL sub 225. Mannnn where did they gooooo