Pretty lame reasons to think it will flop. No handheld (that I can name) has ever had achievements so why does it matter now? And sure the short battery life is disappointing but we don't know how true those rumours are yet.

Only way I see it failing is if its too expensive, i.e. Over $300. 

January 13, 2011 - We learned a lot of new information concerning the 3DS at Nintendo's event in Japan a few days ago. Launch date, pricing of the hardware and the games as well as some unique features besides the much touted 3D effect that doesn't require the use of special glasses. With this in mind, analysts started to speak up their minds and Sebastian Kramer from the market research firm NTH* happened to be very blunt about the current state of Nintendo's next generation handheld: "The 3DS went from hot to not in a matter of days."

What led him to this conclusion? Well, he explains it quite well: "Nintendo seems to be very comfortable with the 3DS, a little bit too much for my taste. Since we can't expect Sony's PSP2 to launch before the end of this year, Nintendo probably thinks it can get away with annoyances like friend codes. They don't seem to be interested in creating a proper online experience."

"Another key feature they are missing is an overarching achievement system like the ones you can find on the Xbox 360 or PS3. Our research indicates that modern gamers rather play a mediocre game with achievements than a great game that comes without those."

Those sure are some harsh words, but who are we to question the data of an experienced analyst? Kramer continues: "There's also the issue of low battery life which is three to five hours for 3DS games, although it has yet to be confirmed under which conditions specifically those numbers apply. Normally I wouldn't jump to conclusions, but in Nintendo's case I gladly make an exception. They messed up big time."

The bad news don't stop just here, the 3DS will also be region locked. Despite all of this, it should be noted that the 3DS still offers a very promising lineup of games with virtually every important third party publisher supporting Nintendo's portable console right out of the gate. However, Sebastian Kramer is quick to debunk the importance of software: "I have to agree with my colleague Michael Pachter, the 3DS might be a tough sell to parents, because it doesn't come with a phone."

*NTH (Now that's hardcore) is a fictive market research firm that collects its data primarily from internet message boards.

My big question is does anyone take these monkeys seriously ... I wonder how these people stay in business ... looks more like these people just look at the lattest fads and roll with it. There was no analysis in any of this. If I ran these firms, these people would be fired long ago.

My big question is does anyone take these monkeys seriously. First, who buys games just for "achievements?" I don't thinki these people exist. Why? Because achievements add nothing to a game. Heck, this is disproven by the fact that some of the biggest games this generation have not had achivements (Mario Bros, Mario Kart, Wii Fit, World of Warcraft, Minecraft. Wii Sports, the list goes on).

Also love the "I wouldn't normally judge the product to early, but it's Nintendo, so I'll do it anyway." You just told everyone reading this that your not objective. I wonder how these people stay inm business. I don't want someone managing my financial decisions because they are nothing more than a fanboy. I'd take the good people on this site before a bafoon.

Lastly, "it's not a phone?" Yes, and the DS became the best selling system ever because it was a phone. It looks more like these people just look at the lattest fads and roll with it. There was no analysis in any of this. If I ran these firms, these people would be fired long ago. All they are doing is hurting the reputation of my firm. They are better to just shut their mouths.

My big question is does anyone take these monkeys seriously. First, who buys games just for "achievements?" I don't thinki these people exist. Why? Because achievements add nothing to a game. Heck, this is disproven by the fact that some of the biggest games this generation have not had achivements (Mario Bros, Mario Kart, Wii Fit, World of Warcraft, Minecraft. Wii Sports, the list goes on).

Also love the "I wouldn't normally judge the product to early, but it's Nintendo, so I'll do it anyway." You just told everyone reading this that your not objective. I wonder how these people stay inm business. I don't want someone managing my financial decisions because they are nothing more than a fanboy. I'd take the good people on this site before a bafoon.

Lastly, "it's not a phone?" Yes, and the DS became the best selling system ever because it was a phone. It looks more like these people just look at the lattest fads and roll with it. There was no analysis in any of this. If I ran these firms, these people would be fired long ago. All they are doing is hurting the reputation of my firm. They are better to just shut their mouths.

Those are harsh words, you risk hurting that brilliant analyst's feelings, he's a sensitive guy (hint no. 1: read the fine print at the bottom of the OP. hint no. 2: look at what I bolded).