In the world of Gundam, Char Aznable stands out.
The charismatic villain and ace pilot has a lot of fans. With his “Red Comet” color scheme (inspired by the Red Baron), and distinctive mask and helmet, he is also a memorable anime character.
Naturally, many companies have cashed-in on this, with Char Casio watches, Char bicycles, a Char Toyota, and Char Meiji Almond Chocolate.
Nintendo made several Char’s Customized editions, including a Char GameCube, and a 3DS.
So, what is Char’s Customized edition of the Nintendo 3DS? Is it more than just a red console?
Char’s Customized 3DS Product Images and Overview
Nintendo released the 3DS in 2011. It replaced the similar Nintendo DS. But the newer console is backwards-compatible with most DS game cartridges.
The 3DS was followed by the 3DS XL (a large-screen version) in 2012. Eventually, the 3DS was replaced by the Switch in 2017.
Like the DS, the 3DS features a dual screen. The 3DS also has 3D features (hence the name).
Nintendo released Char’s edition of the 3DS in December 2011. It’s also known as Char Senyo Nintendo 3DS (or シャア専用ニンテンドー3DS).
You can translate the word senyo as “custom,” “exclusive,” or “personal.” It’s kind of silly to think of playing with Char’s “personal” 3DS. (Does he know you borrowed it?).
However, he was known for his customized mobile suits — most famously, Char’s MS-06S Zaku II. Ergo, this is Char’s Customized Nintendo 3DS — or Char’s Edition for short.
Although Char has been around since the first episode of Gundam, Char’s Customized 3DS ties-in to SD Gundam G Generation 3D, a 2011 strategy-RPG game from Bandai Namco.
When the limited edition came out, Gundam fans were understandably very interested — if disappointed that it was Japan-only. It’s still considered “absolutely distinct.”
Char’s Customized Nintendo 3DS Product Details & Images
- The SD Gundam G Generation 3D 3DS game
- Charging cradle and adapter
- Manuals
- AR card set
Char’s Customized Nintendo 3DS
The shiny, red 3DS is certainly eye-catching, and very appropriate for Char. The outside of the clamshell features three versions of Char’s shadowy silhouette, and a gold Zeon logo.
There’s also a quote by Char, channeling his inner Sun Tzu: “In war, to keep the upper hand, you have to think two or three moves ahead of the enemy. — Char Aznable.”
When you open the clamshell, the console itself is red on the bottom half and black on top. The controls and dual-screen display are the same as with a standard 3DS.
Note: The Japanese text at the bottom of the 3DS says to “please use the dedicated AC adapter. It contains a wireless module with the Technical Conformity Mark.” This mark shows that it meets Japanese regulations.
There is also a reminder to recycle: “after use, return to a recycling partner store.”
SD Gundam G Generation 3D
When you open the box, the Gundam game is the first thing you see. The cover artwork features Char and his rival, Amuro Ray, against a background of many different mobile suits.
SD Gundam G Generation 3D is part of the G Generation series of strategy-RPG games. Confusingly, G Generation is not related to the Mobile Fighter G Gundam anime series. Instead, the game features mobile suits from across the Gundam universe (up until the game’s release in 2011).
“SD” refers to the “super deformed” art style of the game.
Note: The Japanese text at the bottom includes the copyright (“Sotsu, Sunrise, MBS”) and publisher, Bandai Namco Games, Inc. It also states that the game includes bonus “special cards.”
Charging cradle and adapter
The charging cradle and adapter are the same as with any 3DS. The console can be docked in the cradle, which will turn off when charging is complete.
However, the 3DS can also be plugged in directly to the AC adapter.
Manuals
Because Char’s Customized 3DS was Japan-only, the instructions are in Japanese. If you don’t want to translate, you can find English-language manuals online. However, you may find that the Japanese illustrations are worth it just for the cute/ weirdness factor.
The manuals include the Nintendo Technical Support Center’s “Navi Dial” phone number. (“Navi” indicates a toll phone service in Japan.) You should also find an ad for Club Nintendo.
AR card set
Like all 3DS consoles, Char’s Customized 3DS comes with a set of AR (Augmented Reality) cards. The 3DS camera can read the cards to create augmented reality images.
In addition to the regular AR cards, the console includes special double-sided AR cards for Gundam Try Age/ SD Gundam G Generation 3D. (Try Age is a card-based Gundam arcade game.)
Box Art
The artwork on the top of the box is very similar to the art on the 3DS itself. The box is labeled Char’s Customized Nintendo 3DS Premium Box.
The lengthy text on the front side of the box is a safety warning. It reads in part, “To parents: Please read this if your child will be using this product.”
It goes on to warn that the 3DS features 3D images, includes “software that connects to the internet,” and that “you can download and purchase software, etc.”
The box recommends that parents switch the 3DS to 2D, because 3D images can have “a negative effect on the development of their eyes.” Parents can also set parental controls to “restrict access to the internet,” and use “i-Filter for Nintendo 3DS,” a free internet filtering service. Parental controls can also be set “to prevent your children from using your credit card.”
It also warns that SD memory cards are small, so “don’t let small children swallow them accidentally.”
The back of the box features screenshots from the SD Gundam G Generation 3D game. A list on the upper left names the contents — a 3DS, dedicated charging cradle, AC adapter, dedicated touch pen (attached to the unit), 2 GB SD memory card, six AR cards, Easy Start Guide, instruction manual, warranty card, SD Gundam G Generation game, and two special double-sided Gundam AR cards.
Underneath that, the box shows that the console is compatible with 3DS software, and DS/ DSi software, but not Game Boy Advance. It states that “only software for Japan can be used. Software for overseas cannot be used.”
Below that is a long written warning about 3D images, ending with “if you feel tired or unwell, stop using the product immediately, and take a rest.”
The white box at the bottom contains information about the Gundam game, including an address for Bandai Namco.
The text 0n the right advertises the game. It boasts “a huge gathering of Gundam all-stars! The latest in the ‘G Generation’ series is finally here!”
Also:
- “This 3D image is monstrous!”
- “Can you collect them all?”
- “Battle scenes filled with plenty of character cut-ins!”
- “The battle unfolds in a dynamic, three-dimensional way with 3D images!”
- “All the aces from Gundam are here!”
- “Develop and collect mobile suits from past generations!”
The box lists all of the Gundam series featured in the game, including Mobile Suit Gundam, Char’s Counterattack, Mobile Suit Victory Gundam, Mobile Fighter G Gundam, Turn A Gundam, Gundam SEED, Gundam Unicorn, Model Suit Gunpla Buildings Beginning G, and G Gundam AGE.
The side of the box contains more warnings, including:
- “Please be sure to read the instruction manual carefully before use, and use it correctly.”
- “We cannot guarantee the opeartion of devices not approved by Nintendo, or content not licensed by Nintendo.”
- “Unapproved content may be deleted by updating the system’s functions.”
- “This product may only be sold in Japan, and commercial use and rental are prohibited.”
Recent eBay Listings
Because Char’s Customized 3DS is a rare item, mint condition or sealed boxes will sell for a premium price in the secondary market.
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On eBay: We recently found the console for as low as $160. However, the premium box can sell for $1,345.52. eBay
Market Demand Insights
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Limited Edition: Nintendo only produced a small number.
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Custom Design: The red design makes it visually appealing.
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Crossover Appeal: It attracts both Nintendo 3DS collectors and Gundam fans.
If you’re a Nintendo fan, check out this awesome Japanese version of the Breath of the Wild Switch Collector’s Edition.
