Give them games and they will come… well free games that is. The 3DS Ambassador Program already seems to be working its magic. Over the last couple of months 3DS handhelds have been finding their way to used game shop shelves, but over the last couple of weeks have found new homes in the pockets of Japanese citizens.

It isn’t a coincidence. While new system sales continue to dip, the purchase of used 3DS handhelds has more then doubled since the recent announcement. How can this be? It’s smart shopping! Think about it, if you can find a functional used 3DS, you for one get an already decent discounted price, on top of that you will also gain access to the free game promotion. If you search hard enough and find a 3DS for roughly $200 used, you are actually saving $50 more then those who purchased the system new, and you are still receiving the free game benefits.

The spike is being attributed to price cuts by used games retailers as well as interest in taking advantage of the free games being offered prior to the official price shift. Clearly Nintendo’s announcement is having an impact already, even prior to it taking effect. Time will tell if consumers react strongly to the lower price of new 3DS systems as well.