I was able to buy a 3D on the 24th of December and it arrived today. 

In total I paid:
- 269 dollars for the console
- 49 dollars for shipping
- 58 euros for tax import in the Netherlands

In total the console cost me around 335 euros

I already had two NSO controllers, but unfortunately those don’t work with the 3D, so I had to buy other two blueretro adapters to be able to connect them. Each cost me 18 euros.

While I wait for those to arrive, I bought an 8bitdo 64 for 39 euros, but I will return it when the adapters arrive.

To play games, I got the Summercart 64 for 44 euros.

In total, that’s around 410 euros (excl the 8bitdo control) for playing N64 games. Which is alright since I not only chose to pay this but I also know that I can easily get my money back by reselling it if I ever feel remorse.

The console arrived today, in the box there was a yellow sign saying I should update it. 

I downloaded the update file, put it in the SD card and turned it on. An orange light started blinking. I thought it was the yellow light that meant it was updating, but it wasn’t. No image on the screen either. 

Turns out not every power brick works with it. I was using Nintendo Switch 2’s charger and this is not powerful enough apparently.

Got an adapter, used the original brick, and finally it started updating. Now the light is yellow, the controller ports are blinking one after the other. The console resets, still no image on the screen. 

Turns out the HDMI cable from the Nintendo Switch 2 is also not compatible. I try the Nintendo Switch 1 cable and it works. Go figure… I didn’t want to have go through the hassle of moving my TV to plug a new cable, but I did it anyway.

Now I’ve got image. The console works fine. Games play well. I’m happy. But that bad start really broke down the magic. 

Took me around an hour to figure everything out. A premium console that costs more than a PS5 shouldn’t have such a bad onboarding UX. At least games look fantastic on it. Not sure if it was really worth it though.

Not the best consumer experience getting started with the 3D