Nintendo has just announced the 3DS, a brand new hand-held system that will release before March 2011 in Japan. There aren’t a ton of details so far because they’re looking to unveil it this year at E3. (Look at that! A Nintendo Press Conference that will be worth attending? It’s been years!)
The things we do know- the system will somehow allow for glasses-free 3D, and be compatible with all DS and DSi software. It will apparently feature “significant improvements in wireless communications speed and battery life”, and the screen will be no larger than 4 inches. The game will apparently come with a “3D joystick” that contains a force feedback mechanism. They’re also looking to see about employing an accelerometer into the system so that games can be played by tilting the system.
It’s pretty bizarre how they decided to announce this now, just a tiny bit before the release of the DSiXL, the ultra-large DS that looks pretty sexy. But they probably figure people will buy anything they put out at this point rather than waiting, and they’re probably right.
FULL DISCLOSURE: I still own a Virtual Boy, Nintendo’s failed red and black 3D system. It’s not something I’m incredibly proud of, but I’ve received many headaches while playing some Teleroboxer and Mario Clash over the years. Hopefully the 3DS ends up being something more than a gimmick and developers learn to fully utilize the system and create innovative games, much like they have with the DS.
Via Nikkei
5 comments
Curious to see how this works. I still remember playing the Virtual Boy and good lord did that thing have issues. The only comfortable way to play it was to lay on your back and set the head piece on top of your face. Oh and don't move or else it will fall off. Who the hell designed that thing? For now, this is just another gimmick from Nintendo. Blow me away at E3 and you have my attention. PS FIX THE DAMN IMAGE VERIFICATION! or start excepting members to the forums. I have entered this damn code 15 damn times. damn.
Sounds kinda neat in an abstract way, but will 3D be worth it on a 4 inch screen?
P.S. The CAPTCHA is severely fucked. I have to keep submitting over and over again in Firefox and Chrome
It will probably look something like this, and this is using an existing DSi, but check it out as it seems kind of cool that the effect even translates through video of it:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h5QSclrIdlE
Is this anything new? The iPhone/iPod Touch already demonstrates a 3D effect by using the device's built-in motion sensor. Check out the app WordFu. The big question is if Nintendo can provide some innovative software for this device, where the 3D is actually essential to the gameplay, and not just a gimmick.
I love the Virtual Boy!!! Sure, it's largely a failure, but it's the first mass market "VR" product and therefore has historic significance. And the Mario Tennis game is FUN.
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