3DS

 

Nintendo’s “Game Changer” – The 3DS

The Nintendo 3DS is Nintendo’s newest offering to the handheld market. The device was first revealed in a press release by Nintendo on March 23, 2010. Originally planned to be revealed at E3, Nintendo confirmed its existence earlier than expected as a preemptive measure against information leaks about the product. The press release surprised the gaming industry as it confirmed the existence of this fabled device, and it stated that the next Nintendo handheld had a 3D screen that doesn’t require glasses. Following this announcements, no concrete or official information was released by Nintendo until Electronic Entertainment Expo 2010 (or E3 for short). Here, Nintendo officially showed off the 3DS to the public for the first time, detailing hardware and software. This is also the first time the press got to play the 3DS. Many titles were announced at and after the press conference, and many announcements were made about the hardware itself that were previously unknown, such as the ability for the 3DS to take 3D pictures.

Feature Breakdown

3D display without the use of glasses – The Nintendo 3DS will be the first mass-market gaming system to utilize a 3D display with the need for any special glasses. Not only is this exciting, but this is the 3DS’s main selling point (as you can clearly see by the name). Only the top screen is used as a 3D display.

Backwards compatible with the Nintendo DS and DSi – The 3DS will be able to play all your old DS, DSi, and DSi enhanced games, so keep them! Nintendo has also confirmed it is possible to transfer to DSiWare games you have purchased to the 3DS.

Take pictures in 3D – The 3DS has three cameras in total, all three of them with .3 megapixel resolutions. Two of these cameras are on the outside which allow you to take 3D pictures. There is one camera on the inside allowing you to take 2D photos.

3D movies on the go – Nintendo has revealed that you will be able to watch 3D movies on the go with the 3DS.

Portable Miis – You can create and share Miis on your 3DS! With all new hair, clothes, and facial features, the Miis are now better than ever. You can even take picture of yourself and the device will create a Mii for you. If you have a Wii, you can download the Miis of your Wii so that you have them with you on the go!

A whole library games in the palm of your hands – The 3DS has an eStore where you download original games and content. In addition, the 3DS has a virtual console where you can buy Gameboy and Gameboy Color games.

Augmented reality - Now you can play games and take pictures using augmented reality. The 3DS comes with an AR card in which characters, monsters, pets, objects, and more become real when looking through the 3DS camera. By putting an AR card on a table or in the palm of your hand, you can take a picture of it and the Mii will appear where the card is.

The Games

Gamers care most about games. It’s a good thing then that 3DS has a strong lineup of first and third party games. Here are some standout titles that you might be interested in.

  • Kid Icarus: Uprising | Nintendo | 2011
  • The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D | Nintendo | 2011
  • Resident Evil: Revelations | Capcom | 2011
  • Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater 3D | Konami | 2011
  • Super Street Fighter 4 3D | Capcom | 2011
  • Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance | Square Enix | TBA
  • Starfox 64 3D | Nintendo | 2011
  • Professor Layton and the Mask of Miracle | Level 5| 2011
  • Dead or Alive: Dimensions | Tecmo Koei | 2011
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