Gamers thinking of buying the Nintendo 3DS are in for a pleasant surprise. Starting from today (Aug 11), the starting retail price of the handheld will be slashed from S$399 to S$249. While Nintendo has announced that current 3DS owners in North America, Japan and Europe will get 20 free games from the online eShop with its ‘ambassador programme’, there is currently no details nor confirmation of a similar programme in Singapore. The eShop isn’t available in Singapore. However, its Singapore distribution company, Maxsoft, has said they are working with Nintendo on a local Ambassador Programme for early adopters here, said Mr Aaron Yip, spokesperson for Maxsoft. Meanwhile, Maxsoft advises local 3DS owners who have bought their sets before Aug 10 to register their details and 3DS serial number now at www.maxsoftonline.com/3dsregistration.html. Only registered 3DS sets will be eligible for the local Ambassador Programme when it is rolled out. Registered owners will also receive updates on the Ambassador Programme when it is available.