Nintendo Badge Arcade, known in Japan as Badge Torēru Center, is a freemium application developed by Nintendo for the Nintendo 3DS, allowing players to customize the 3DS home menu with badges. The game launched in Japan in December 2014, and worldwide in November 2015. Gameplay consisted of playing arcade crane-like games in hopes of acquiring badges, the games main collectable. Badges were usually themed around other Nintendo properties, and once collected could be used to apply in the 3DS' HOME Menu. In addition to being decorative, some badges had special functions to them, such as launching applications and were compatible in other software as well. In June 2017, it was announced that updates to the service would be discontinued, although the service itself is still operational.
Gameplay
Nintendo Badge Arcade takes place in an arcade filled with machines known as badge catchers, each containing badges based on various Nintendo franchises such as Super Mario, Animal Crossing, The Legend of Zelda, Splatoon, and Pokémon which are reorganised regularly. The arcade is hosted by a pink, anthropomorphic rabbit character called Arcade Bunny, who always greets the player, and often introduces promotional events. The badge catchers are viewed from a 2-D side-on perspective. Similar to real-life claw machines, players must move the catcher's crane using a button, pick up badges, and try and drop them off into a prize pit. They can accomplish this by simply picking them up, or use other techniques such as pushing them or causing landslides. Some badge catchers use alternate means of obtaining badges. The hammer crane knocks badges to the right, the bomb crane blasts badges away in all directions, and the rod crane uses an extendable arm to move the badges. Any badges that the player obtains can be placed on the Nintendo 3DS' HOME Menu, with certain badges able to launch some of the 3DS' built-in applications. Most badges can also be used as decorations for the Swapdoodle messaging app. First-time players begin the game with five free plays, after which they must purchase additional plays via the Nintendo eShop. Special themes for the HOME Menu, and one set of badges based on Arcade Bunny, can also be unlocked by purchasing enough plays during certain periods. Once per day, players can use the Practice Catcher to practice catching dummy badges. Players earn a free bonus play for every ten dummy badges they collect, plus additional plays should they uncover a bonus badge. Additional plays may also be offered to the player through occasional events. In theory, it is possible to have up to seven free plays in a single day, albeit chances of this happening are very slim. All activities require a constant online connection.
Legacy
Arcade Bunny appears in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate as an assist trophy.
