What's a gaming thing you've always wanted and NOW you're gonna get it

[foxmosis]

For context, here's my answer which this experience made me curious about what other people might be into.

For years I've wanted a 3DS capture card (which I'm just gonna shorten to 3DSCC going forward) because I want to make videos on the 3DS and while I've grown more fond of just-filming-the-screen-guerilla-style over the years, it would be really nice to have some direct footage.  In the past I've messed around with Citra to decent-enough results and honestly just figured it would be more reasonable to use just that rather than invest the money in a 3DSCC.

Then I realized I wanted to do a Super Smash Bros. video so I gotta do multiplayer and I don't think Citra can do that so I can now justify this purchase.

To an extent at least, I've seen some used 3DSCC units go for pretty high prices on eBay and I say "No." to that.  This place still makes the kits, where they can install it for a fee or just me the parts, however there's a few hang ups with this.  The only model they work on is the New 3DS XL, which is not a model I have so in addition to the installation cost I would also have to hunt down a New 3DS XL.  And on top of that this is done in Australia and I'm an American which means I'm assuming I'd have to pay even more to get it over there.  Alternatively, they can just send me the board and I can install it myself.  But skillwise that installation looks like it's punching above my weight, and I'd rather not risk damaging a very expensive purchase.  Thankfully they have a forum where sometimes people will post their old units looking to sell them.  So I'm gonna keep checking that place out but I figure if I get to June of next year with no luck, I'll just spend the extra money on sending them a device myself.

But yeah, the big reason I haven't grabbed this for years is because of the costs and the somewhat niche-use for it, but I'm saying screw it!  I've wanted this for like a decade!  I'm just gonna do it!  I know a 3DSCC is maybe a bit of an unconventional thing to seek out, but is there anything like this for you?  Something you've wanted for ages and this topic is convincing you to throw caution to the wind and just do it?  I'm curious to the what it is and the why there was a hold up!

[TheFrugalGamer]

A while back I made a post in my blog about an R36S (Android gaming handheld) that I picked up, and it was absolutely this sort of purchase for me. I had put it off for a long time, but would read through handheld reviews voraciously. I had always assumed that I just wouldn't play it that much, and it would collect dust after a week or so. Some of them can get really pricey, and I didn't want to drop more than a hundred on a device that basically just emulates things the way I can on my phone.

But as I've gotten older, it becomes more difficult to play on phone screens and use touch controls that don't have any feedback. I also don't have the reflexes that I used to, so playing on original hardware--while I still do that frequently while I can--is difficult with faster paced games, and save states can make a huge difference for me. I ended up dropping the money on the R36S because it was cheaper than most offerings, and I really wanted the original DMG shape that it had.

I'm happy to say I was wrong about losing interest in it. That was several months ago and I still play the CRAP out of the thing. I've discovered a lot of systems and games that I wasn't even aware of, mostly because it emulates so many systems, and it's been a ton of fun. 100% do not regret my purchase.

I hope you end up feeling the same way about your capture card! It sounds like it will fill a specific niche that other devices haven't, so I'll bet you'll end up having a lot of fun with it.

[grilledmint]

Hey, good luck with 3DSCC! btw what do you think about ArticBaseServer? It's not as good as capture card of course but sounds pretty good as temporally/test solution (I didn't try it myself yet but heard a lot of good stuff)

About the topic. It actually already happened a month ago - I'm waiting for my DSi right now!   Since I have New 3DS XL and want to buy Ayn Thor(modern android handheld with dual screen) it was hard to validate this purchase. Especially because in place where I am now it's really hard to get stuff from ebay so I need to do extra steps. But DSlite/DSi was my childhood dream, I really wish to own them. So when friend ask "do you need something from USA?" I decided to ask them to receive some package from ebay hehe. Wanna use it for ds games and photos.
Still wanna DSlite tho but since it's pure for the collection it's harder to convince yourself  but when I'll get opportunity I'll remember this topic and maybe finally get it 

[foxmosis]

But as I've gotten older, it becomes more difficult to play on phone screens and use touch controls that don't have any feedback. I also don't have the reflexes that I used to, so playing on original hardware--while I still do that frequently while I can--is difficult with faster paced games, and save states can make a huge difference for me. I ended up dropping the money on the R36S because it was cheaper than most offerings, and I really wanted the original DMG shape that it had.

Major cheers to that, especially in regards to save states.  I'm older and have less time but also less patience for older games and the occasional brutal unforgiving nature they can have sometimes.  I'm not like totally abusing the save states to cheese things, I just don't want to have to do the entire game over if I lose to the boss here lol

Also kinda cool to hear good things about that device, I've always been a bit skeptical of products like this but I'm glad to hear you're getting some real mileage out of it!  Honestly I might have to keep my eyes out as well, I love gizmos.

Hey, good luck with 3DSCC! btw what do you think about ArticBaseServer? It's not as good as capture card of course but sounds pretty good as temporally/test solution (I didn't try it myself yet but heard a lot of good stuff)

I have not heard about ArticBase!  I think I'll actually have to play around with that at least a little bit, looks interesting.  Thanks for bringing it to my attention!

And I also kinda wanna grab a DSi, mostly because I never had one and it feels like a missing "gap" in my knowledge as far as Nintendo consoles go.  Like the 3DS is one of my favorites of all time but I feel like I'll appreciate it more after getting some hands on experience with the DSi.

[grilledmint]

And I also kinda wanna grab a DSi, mostly because I never had one and it feels like a missing "gap" in my knowledge as far as Nintendo consoles go.

There are some advantages on DSi over 3DS actually! You may notice that ds games on 3DS are a little bit blurry. It's because these consoles have different resolutions and 3DS do not pixel-perfect scale (you may force it tho with, I think, pressing "start" while booting the game. But it'll not look good with black borders + I think it still may look a bit off on not-2DS because different technology for 3D-screens). So peeps on youtube always recommend DSi XL for truly perfect DS games experiences
And, which I tested by myself, the dsi camera app actually has better quality/functionality then the 3ds camera app! I think it's because of the 3D effect for photos. But here is actually an easy fix since you can use the dsi camera app on 3ds.

So, it’s still not “must have” but those facts may help to validate this purchase (for me I just to scary use my 3DS in public places for photos so want dsi for that. But pixel-perfect DS games also are nice bonus)