Longtime Nintendo 3DS Collector Explains Why He’s Skipping the Nintendo Switch 2

Nintendo’s legacy of handheld consoles continues to inspire passionate collectors and fans worldwide.

One striking example is Junichiro Nakagawa, a 51-year-old Japanese enthusiast who has amassed a remarkable collection of 15 Nintendo 3DS consoles.

Despite the widespread anticipation for the Nintendo Switch 2, Nakagawa has affirmed he will not be purchasing Nintendo’s next-generation hardware, opting instead to continue enjoying his extensive 3DS library. **A Commitment to Classic Handheld Gaming** Nakagawa’s decision is rooted in years of dedication to Nintendo’s portable platforms.

In his earlier gaming years, he enjoyed consoles such as the PlayStation 2 and the Nintendo DS.

However, Nakagawa decided to make the Nintendo 3DS his final dedicated gaming system at age 31.

As a result, he consciously chose not to invest in later consoles, including the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, or PlayStation 5.

"When I settled on the 3DS, I knew it would be my last console.

I haven’t had any desire to follow newer hardware releases since then," Nakagawa explained in a recent interview. The only exception came in 2023, when Nakagawa purchased a Nintendo Switch specifically to play 'Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake,' a highly anticipated title not available for the Nintendo 3DS.

Apart from this, he remains steadfast in his loyalty to the legacy platform. **The Enduring Appeal of the Nintendo 3DS** For Nakagawa, the Nintendo 3DS stands out for its backwards compatibility, extensive eShop library, and robust selection of physical and digital remakes.

He likens his relationship with older games to how individuals’ tastes in music often remain anchored to their formative years.

"The games that meant the most to me a decade ago are still the ones I remember most fondly and enjoy today," he shared. His impressive collection of 15 functioning Nintendo 3DS consoles is not an act of simple accumulation, but a carefully considered strategy against the wear and tear that naturally affects aging hardware.

Nakagawa recounts that after years of regular use, his first system developed persistent issues such as malfunctioning buttons and dead pixels.

Fearing the dwindling availability and rising prices of the Nintendo 3DS following its discontinuation in Japan in 2020, he secured a reserve of units to ensure he can continue enjoying his favorite titles for years to come. **A Reflection of Enduring Devotion in the Nintendo Community** Nakagawa’s story underscores the intense connection some players maintain with specific eras in gaming history.

The closure of the Nintendo eShop for 3DS and the end of console production have caused prices for secondhand units to soar, making dedicated collectors like Nakagawa increasingly rare and resourceful. As Nintendo looks to the future with the upcoming Switch 2, the enthusiasm of collectors like Nakagawa demonstrates the enduring appeal of classic platforms.

It's a testament to the lasting legacy of the Nintendo 3DS in gaming culture—a legacy that, for some, is irreplaceable even in the face of next-generation innovation.

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