It’s that time once again, in which dorks across the nation are lining up around the block for the latest and greatest (supposedly) in game playing hardware. But those who are not might be in the dark as to what the hell is going on, or simply unclear of a few things. Well, sit back and let us fill in the blanks at is it pertains to the Nintendo 3DS.
So what’s the deal exactly?
The deal, to be precise, is the most recent addition to Nintendo’s long of handhelds, the Nintendo 3DS. It’s very much like their most current platform, the DS/DSi, which has two displays, with the bottom one being a touch screen that one interacts with a stylus primarily, though there are traditional button inputs as well. But the key selling point is how the top screen, as the name indicates, displays three-dimensional visuals, all without the need for 3D glasses.
Seriously?
Seriously. The thing really works. That initial sensation of “whoa” is simply indescribable; you’ll feel like a kid again. Too bad there’s some drawbacks to the 3D visuals…
Like?
For starters, it sucks up a lot of battery life. Only about three or four of continual use if you have 3D effects on; there’s a slider that controls the depth of the 3D graphics, to the point that one can simply have everything be regular old 2D. This also allows Nintendo to address with any potential health risks.
Come again?
This is an area in which little is known about, but it’s been argued that prolonged exposure to such visual trickery might screw up little children's vision, whose eyes are still developing. Nintendo hasn’t been very upfront about all the possible ramifications, which only makes sense given that kids are their primary customer base. In their defense, not enough research has been done in this realm. Truth be told, everyone’s eyes are getting worse because we’re all spending almost all of our waking moments staring at a display a few inches across from their nose, big or small.
There’s also the issue if you’re an adult and your sight sucks to begin with; after about half an hour on my end, my eyes began to ache, as have others. The only common bond has been that we all have really heavy prescriptions. Though it might have just been whatever I played that was the culprit; different games employ 3D differently.
Speaking of, how are the games?
Truth be told, the launch line-up is nothing to get too excited about. The titles that hold the most promise, which include Kid Icarus Uprising, whatever new Super Mario game is in development, and the 3D remake of Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time are still many months away.
Instead, we’ve got Super Street Fighter 4 3D Edition, which everyone says is great… for a handheld fighter, Piltowings Resort, which like previous installments is a decent experience for sure, but still more of a tech demo, Steel Diver, a tactical side-scrolling submarine game that again is mostly a means to show off the system’s gyro sensor and that’s about it, plus Ghost Recon Shadow Wars, a turn-based strategy game that everyone is call the best title of the initial line-up.
Oh, and don’t forget Nintendogs + Cats, which will be many dude’s convenient excuse to get the system early (“My girlfriend really wanted that game”).
What about this gyro sensor?
Hey, I forgot to touch upon the other neat things the 3DS can do. Built-in is a 3D camera, which allows one to take pictures in three dimensions! Which, in tandem with the gyro, allows for alternate reality experiences. Included with the system are a bunch of cards that one points and shoots at with the camera, which created game-like elements to appear onscreen (as demonstrated in this post). Some simply show off the power of the system, others unlock mini games.
Only a few are available at first, but as you use your system (or simply carry it around; the system can detect movement, much like that one recent Pokemon game, by counting footsteps), others will be unlocked. The alternate reality stuff is all something the iPhone was supposed to take the lead in, but it never really took off for a number of reasons, with the main in my mind being that Nintendo simply excels at such endeavors.
Can I play my old DS games on it?
Yes, all older DS software is backwards compatible, but there’s a catch. Because the screen sizes and resolutions are different, your older games are going to look either small, with plenty of black filling up the space, or when stretched out to fill up the extra space, all overblown and frankly not that great looking. So if you’re picky about such things, you might want to hold onto your system.
That was my plan; I have a DSi and I’ve downloaded a bunch of titles. There’s no way to transfer those onto the new system, is there?
Actually, in a somewhat surprising move, Nintendo has announced that one will be able to move games from one piece of hardware to another, though the details have yet to disclosed.
Is there going to be it’s own kind of downloadable game service?
Yup, though it too is not quite ready from primetime just yet. In addition to 3DS specific micro-games, handheld gamers are finally getting a Virtual Console of their own, as folks will be able to experience (via Nintendo Points of course) classic Game Boy and Game Boy Color titles. No word on Game Boy Advance games just yet, which would be a shame if it didn’t happen, considering how many cool games are on that end, plus the hardware is more than capable.
Oh, and there’s also going to be a Netflix streaming app, but like most everything else, you’re going to have to wait for it.
So, are you getting yours this weekend?
Nope.
Why not? You seem somewhat sold on the system.
I am, but I’m waiting. First off, there aren’t quite enough “must have games” in my book. Ultimately, I am not a fan of the hardware; look too bulky and awkward looking, similar to the original DS to be honest. I’m simply waiting for the inevitable redesign.
Now, Nintendo has gone on record to state that there’s not going to be a facelift anytime soon. Yeah, right. Then again, why would they state anything otherwise? Folks like Apple can be more open about the next version of the iPhone or iPad coming down the pipeline because those are productivity devices; some folks need one right here/right now and cannot afford to wait for a few extra bells and whites. Meanwhile, we’re talking about a video game system, one that will be primarily purchased by parents, whom Nintendo cannot afford to piss off so flagrantly.
Though many will be upset by the piss poor battery life, which Nintendo is already hard at work trying to fix (at least I’m assuming). One thing I forgot to mention is how the system comes with a dock, similar to the iPhone or iPad (though unlike Apple, which likes to really nickel and dime its users, Nintendo is providing theirs for free). This is to encourage one to constantly have their system charged up while not in use, but that’s great if you’re always going to be home. If you’re like me, always on the go, to the point of always keeping the AC adapter handy, since there’s always an outlet somewhere, the dock is just an extra plastic piece of burden.
So I shouldn’t get one as well?
I didn’t say that. It’s never been easier to be an early adopter. K-Mart is offering an instant $25 saving off any game when you purchase the system in store, Target is offering up to $50 if one trades in a working DS system towards the purchase of a 3DS, while Wal Mart is offering $100 for your old system (it’s even been reported that they’re willing to accept up to two units at once, for $200 off the new system, which is pretty wild). Which all makes Amazon’s instant $25 credit for those who pre-ordered a 3DS though them look absolutely pathetic in comparison.
… So there you go! Please let us know if you're getting one, and if so why, as well as if not, along with reasons on that end.