Nintendo 3DS PES 2020: A Blast From The Past?

Hey guys, let's take a trip down memory lane and revisit a title that might not be on everyone's radar: Nintendo 3DS PES 2020. Now, before you start thinking I've gone totally bonkers, hear me out. While the 3DS might seem ancient history in the ever-evolving world of gaming, there's a certain charm to exploring this handheld version of PES 2020. This article will dive deep into this hidden gem, covering its gameplay, features, and overall experience, and see if it holds up today. So, grab your 3DS (if you still have it!), and let's kick off this nostalgic journey!

The Nintendo 3DS and its Gaming Legacy

Alright, before we jump into the game itself, let's quickly reminisce about the Nintendo 3DS. Released in 2011, this handheld console was a revolutionary piece of tech at the time. Its claim to fame? The glasses-free 3D display, which was a pretty mind-blowing experience back then. Remember those early demos? Super Mario 3D Land, anyone? The 3DS also had a surprisingly extensive library of games, catering to a wide range of genres and players. From Pokémon to The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D, it had something for everyone. And let's not forget the StreetPass functionality, which made it a social experience as well, allowing players to connect and share data with others who were nearby. The Nintendo 3DS was a handheld console that sold over 75 million units worldwide. It's a testament to the console's popularity and the impact it had on the gaming world. The dual screens offered unique gameplay possibilities, and the system's portability made it a perfect companion for gaming on the go. Even now, the Nintendo 3DS remains a beloved console with a dedicated fanbase, and its legacy is a strong one.

The 3DS's lifespan, however, wasn't without its challenges. The initial launch price was a bit steep, and the early 3D effect wasn't always well-received. Some people found it caused eye strain. Despite these hurdles, Nintendo adapted and improved the console over time, releasing the 3DS XL, the 2DS, and the New 3DS, which offered enhanced processing power and improved features. The Nintendo 3DS paved the way for the Nintendo Switch, which, in some ways, is a spiritual successor. The Switch took the best aspects of the 3DS – portability and a diverse game library – and improved upon them with better graphics, more processing power, and a home console experience. The Nintendo 3DS will always be remembered as a crucial step in the evolution of handheld gaming. Now, let's see how PES 2020 holds up on this iconic handheld!

Diving into PES 2020 on the 3DS

Okay, let's get down to the nitty-gritty: PES 2020 on the 3DS. What can you expect from a football (soccer, for our non-European friends) game on a handheld console of this era? The 3DS version of PES 2020, also known as Pro Evolution Soccer 2020, wasn't a ground-breaking title by any means. It was more of a scaled-down version of its console counterparts. However, this doesn't automatically make it a bad game. Actually, it offered a decent football experience on the go. The controls were adapted for the 3DS's unique setup. Players used the circle pad for movement, the face buttons for passing and shooting, and the touch screen for certain menu interactions. Remember, the 3DS didn't have as many buttons as modern controllers, so the gameplay was simplified to accommodate the hardware. The graphics, naturally, were a step down from the PS4, Xbox One, or even the PC versions. But it still managed to capture the essence of the sport. The player models were less detailed, and the stadiums were less immersive. But they were good enough to make it a great football game. The animations, while not as fluid as on other consoles, were still adequate for gameplay. The 3D effect, if you were a fan of it, added a little extra depth to the game, making the matches more engaging. Overall, PES 2020 on the 3DS delivered a respectable, scaled-down football experience that was fun to play.

The game featured a selection of teams and leagues, though not as extensive as the versions on more powerful consoles. You could play exhibition matches, enter tournaments, and manage a team in a simplified version of Master League, PES's career mode. These modes made the game a good option for quick bursts of play while on the move. The gameplay itself was, in many ways, an improvement compared to other football games in the early years of the 3DS. It was responsive and relatively easy to pick up and play. For a handheld game, the gameplay was impressive. The AI was competent enough to provide a decent challenge. It wasn't perfect, and you'd find some of the AI quirks, but overall, it made for enjoyable gameplay. Given the limitations of the hardware, Konami did a pretty good job. It was a well-crafted, enjoyable experience for 3DS owners who were football fans. It showed what could be achieved on the platform. It was a testament to the skill and ingenuity of the developers. Now, let's see how PES 2020 compares to the other football titles on the 3DS.

Comparing PES 2020 with other football games on the 3DS

Alright, let's see how PES 2020 stacked up against its rivals on the 3DS. While the console wasn't exactly overflowing with football games, there were a few others in the mix. The biggest competitor, as always, was FIFA. EA's FIFA series has always been a major player in the football gaming world, and the 3DS was no exception. However, due to licensing issues and different development teams, the FIFA titles on the 3DS didn't always match the quality of the console versions. The gameplay was often considered clunky, and the graphics were sometimes less than ideal. In contrast, PES 2020 had a somewhat smoother gameplay experience and a more streamlined presentation. It felt a little more polished. Both games, however, faced the limitations of the 3DS hardware. It resulted in compromises in terms of graphics and features. The FIFA series might have had some licensing advantages, giving it a wider range of official teams and leagues. But PES 2020 often provided a better gameplay experience, even if it wasn't the flashiest game on the market.

It is hard to declare a definite winner between PES 2020 and FIFA on the 3DS, since it came down to personal preference. Some players preferred FIFA for its official licenses and recognizable teams. Others might have favored PES 2020 for its smoother gameplay and the more refined feel of the control. It is also important to consider the other football games that were available on the 3DS. There weren't a ton of other options, but the market share was there. Other games tried to get into the market, but the games didn't gain a lot of traction. They were also not as well-received as the flagship titles. Comparing PES 2020 to the other football games on the 3DS, it's clear that it was a solid contender. It offered a respectable gameplay experience and managed to capture the essence of football on a handheld platform. It might not have been perfect, but for fans of the sport on the go, it provided a good option. It was definitely a good game to have in your collection, especially if you were a fan of football games. So, how did the game hold up in terms of its overall experience?

The Overall Experience and Legacy of PES 2020 on the 3DS

So, what's the final verdict on Nintendo 3DS PES 2020? Does it hold up as a worthwhile experience in 2024? The answer, as with many retro games, is complicated. If you're looking for a cutting-edge football simulation with stunning graphics and a massive amount of features, then this isn't it. The 3DS version of PES 2020 was a product of its time. It was built around the limitations of the handheld hardware. But, if you appreciate a fun, portable football game and have a nostalgic fondness for the 3DS, then it's worth checking out. The gameplay is relatively solid, and the simplified approach makes it accessible for quick bursts of play. The 3D effect, though not essential, adds a bit of flair to the matches if you enjoy using it. The game is a fun experience. Despite the scaled-down nature of the game, it still manages to capture the essence of football. The game's legacy isn't quite as large as the console versions. But it remains a solid entry in the series, especially considering the constraints of the 3DS platform.

Now, how is the game still accessible? If you want to play PES 2020 on the 3DS today, it might require a bit of effort. The game is available on the used market. Since the 3DS eShop has closed down, you won't be able to purchase it digitally. So, you'll have to rely on physical copies. If you're a collector or just a fan of retro gaming, it can be a rewarding experience to track down a copy of the game. It is a good opportunity to dive back into a title that might have been overlooked. The 3DS remains a beloved console. So, if you're looking for a fun football game to enjoy on the go, then give PES 2020 on the 3DS a try. It may surprise you. You might find yourself enjoying the charm and simplicity of this retro title. It is a blast from the past.

In conclusion, Nintendo 3DS PES 2020 is a good entry in the series, despite its limitations. It provides a fun, scaled-down version of the game that you can enjoy on the go. The nostalgia factor is high if you were a 3DS owner back in the day. The game's legacy may not be as extensive as some other titles, but it remains a worthwhile experience for fans of the series and retro gaming enthusiasts. It's a reminder of a time when handheld gaming was still king and when football games could be enjoyed anywhere, anytime. So, if you're looking for a trip down memory lane, fire up your 3DS and give PES 2020 a try. You might just find yourself scoring a goal of nostalgia!