While perusing Amazon Warehouse, I found a cheap *new* Nintendo 3DS, the "normal" sized not XL model. Looking to upgrade from my 2DS I quickly purchased it, only later to realize that this was a Japanese Import and not a US model, which I guess only comes in the Animal Crossing Iteration so far. I'm sure we've all operated on the "Buy First, Ask Questions Later" method, and easy returns if I was too dumb to do anything with it from not being able to read Japanese so kept the order.
When it arrived (on a Sunday, no less) it was basically Brand New! I'm wondering if it wasn't a "dinger" model as the box edges are a little bent as you can see but nothing inherently awful. Looks like all the papers are there, the AR Cards still sealed and the 3DS was in the foam bag/package. (the top faceplate was also separate in a bag, not pictured because I attached it already lol)
I had a little bit of a problem setting it up at first (accidentally updated the firmware, oops, but it turned out not to be an issue), but luckily importing this model was a common occurrence on account of it not shipping right away with the XL models to the US, so there was a lot of documentation on setting up the eShop and etc. Thankfully all the menus are the same as well and I copied off of my 2DS when needed.
After all that kanji, I somehow managed to get the homebrew launcher installed via the youtube app in order make it Region Free so I can play my current collection of 3DS games. Not sure what imports to get yet or anything, will probably just look over a list of english friendly 3DS imports first, and check out a few demos of games that come out before the US versions.
I also street passed myself from my 2DS account. Seems kind of awkward lol.
I'm not sure what I'll eventually end up doing with this after I play around with it for a little while. I basically just bought it as an upgrade to my 2DS and was looking at the normal sized model over the XL, for whatever reason. The imports are cool and all but I can easily just put Homebrew Launcher on a US model. Kind of silly but the fact I have to restart streetpass is the most upsetting, and I do have a digital Pokemon X copy on my US Account so we'll see. Might try to eventually trade this straight up for someone who's actually interested in imports and hopefully upgraded from a *new* 3DS to a different LE model. All in all I'm happy with the purchase though, just coming in at slightly over $100, a steal for any *new* 3DS regardless of model or region.
