The future of handheld gaming introduces the Nintendo 3DS, due for release in the UK in March 2011. It seems like the there is no stopping Nintendo from racing head first into all the latest and greatest technology has to offer.
The main focus on this device obviously being its 3D capabilities, I was very sceptical about how it would translate. But after extensive research I’ve found that the overall impressions are very positive indeed. It gives a feeling of depth that expands into the back of the screen, and even comes with a depth slider, so you can adjust the effect to your liking. Games can even be played in 2D and look better than they ever have before with the higher resolution.
While the 3DS is not very unlike its predecessors, it does have a few new features other than the naked-eye 3D gaming. Not only does it have a new analogue stick that makes gaming smoother and easier, but now also has two screens, a smaller touch screen on the base and the all-new larger, wider screen on the top with a higher resolution of 800×240 pixels. Although the 800 has been split for the 3D effect, allocating 400 pixels to each eye, it’s still better resolution than the previous portables.
The 3D now also has 2 cameras on the front that take 3D pictures, which are said to be very impressive. But the actual cameras themselves haven’t been upgraded, which is a little disappointing.
It is also more social and connected than ever before. You can click the home button at anytime and it will automatically pause your game, and take you to the home menu where you can access a number of great features such as the internet browser, your friends list or music.
You can download classic games through the Nintendo eShop and enjoy a variety of new games like Face raiders where you can paste your own face into the game and use the motion sensor for hours of entertainment.
Overall it is said to be a very comfortable and incredibly impressive experience. And not having to wear glasses to get this amazing experience takes you into another world of entertainment. Where, you can enjoy the effect of being absorbed, without being blinkered.