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FIFA 14 On 3DS Is A $40 Roster Update
Nintendo has released a press release that details the features of FIFA 14 on the 3DS. The news comes by way of the company's European division, but the information has implication around the globe for the world's most popular sport.
"FIFA 14 Legacy Edition delivers unmatched authenticity that reflects the current football season with updated kits and rosters but no updates to gameplay or game modes," according to the press release. The title will be sold in the eShop for $39.99. There is currently no retail listing.
The United States version of the Nintendo Download newsletter makes no explicit mention of the lack of updates. The full text of the entry in the newsletter that we received follows.
"FIFA 14 - FIFA 14 is the most authentic soccer game on Nintendo 3DS with more than 30 licensed leagues, 50 real-world tournaments, 500 authentic clubs and 12,500 players wearing official kits. Play traditional 11 versus 11 matches or free your game in epic 5-v-5 street matches with full-3D effects. Compete as a real-world superstar or re-create yourself in-game. Download FIFA 14 on Sept. 24."
Our Take
This is the second year in a row that EA has decided to sell a full-price title with no noticeable improvements. I can't help but come back to the fact that new CEO Andrew Wilson was in charge of the sports division through this period and, before that, head of FIFA.
This is smart for finances, but terrible for consumer relations. If it weren't for Nintendo in Europe (not even here in the US) stepping in, consumers would have no way of knowing what "Legacy Edition" means. It's unethical to release a title like this at full price without fully disclosing the lack of changes (especially when all the press EA is pushing out focuses on the upgrades on other platforms).
I would hate to be the person unwittingly picking up this game on 3DS (and apparently Vita, too) hoping for an upgraded game on the go. Nintendo Europe made the right call disclosing the nature of FIFA 14 on its system, and I hope it goes as far as to include that in the eShop description, too.
As for Nintendo here in the US, you should be following suit. Do the right thing.
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