Home Menu Folders:
This is something people have been wanting for a long time on the Wii and I can't honestly blame them. (hint: it's not too late Nintendo) My 3DS screen was getting quite cluttered especially with all the demo and video titles. Overall this is a great implementation with the minor quibble that it automatically names the folder then you have to go back to edit.
How's mine now? I'm too lazy to post a screenshot, so here's the basic idea:
- Cartridge Launcher (don't think you can move it), eShop, Settings
- Mutant Mudds and Swapnote for easy access.
- Folders: Demos, Videos, System (all the other 3ds "stuff") and finally a generic one to collect the rest of my eShop games.
I can see this leading to an overly-clean/folderized layout, but is that such a bad thing? I really like this feature and the ability to keep things on one screen. Having the option of customizing the icon size per folder is also cool.
eShop:
There doesn't seem to be anything major, but I do like the dual-row layout and the fact that it sets us up for DLC and patching. I guess the recommendations section may be helpful, though I can't say I ever use that sort of thing much. One cool thing is that they featured Jools Watsham in a "Pro Pick" feature.
The other item I didn't see mentioned much is the new QR code scan under Settings. I guess is this their first step into faster purchasing, but I'd rather just buy via computer. Then again, maybe they're going to use it for something else.
3D Updates:
Apparently CaveStory is getting an update to replace the DSiWare version which adds 3D and many features/content that were already in other versions such as WiiWare and CaveStory+ on Steam. Since I've held off on every other version to date I'm pretty excited about this news. Ok, sure, they already have the code and art assets so it's not a huge leap and adding 3D is probably going to create some buzz and drive sales. From a strictly selfish standpoint I'm fine with that and will be purchasing.
Another interesting update is for Might Switch Force which apparently adds some content, adds a retry feature and improves 3D. All in all very cool and while I've held off on this game so far, it's certainly on my radar. Possibly a bit higher now.
That's all I've noticed at the moment and will be updating this post if I find anything else.
What are you thoughts on the firmware and game updates?
