Iwata apologises to early 3DS adopters

Nintendo CEO and president Satoru Iwata has posted an apology letter to those who purchased a 3DS before its imminent price drop.

According to GiantBomb's translation of the letter, which was posted to Nintendo Japan's website, Nintendo is "keenly aware" that early adopters "may feel betrayed".

"The situation has changed greatly since we originally launched the 3DS," Iwata explained.

"We decided it was necessary to take this drastic step in order to ensure that large numbers of users will continue to enjoy the 3DS in the future. If the software creators and those on the retail side are not confident that the Nintendo 3DS is a worthy successor to the DS and will achieve a similarly broad [user] base, it will be impossible for the 3DS to gain popularity, acquire a wide range of software, and eventually create the product cycle necessary for everyone to be satisfied with the system."

Iwata thanked 3DS owners for their support multiple times over the course of the letter, emphasising their "importance" to Nintendo.

"We know that there is nothing we can do to completely make up for the feeling that you are being punished for buying the system early," the letter continued, before making reference to the 3DS Ambassador Program.

Interestingly, Iwata also made mention of Super Mario 3D Land and Mario Kart 7's releases at the end of the year, apparently all too aware of fan clamour for these missing launch titles.

Thanks, GameInformer.