Written by Sean Garrett
Do you want to be able to take entertainment with you when you leave your home? Portable gaming systems have allowed gamers to enjoy themselves whereever they go. Ever since the invention of the Game Boy system, Nintendo has been on the cutting edge of portable gaming, and now they have released there newest portable system: the Nintendo 3DS.
The Nintendo 3DS was release March 2011 and is a brand new system taking many of its features from the previous system: the Nintendo DS. The biggest feature they add to this new system (as the name suggests) is a screen that creates 3 dimensional image without the traditional 3D glasses. Like the DS, the 3DS claims fun wherever you go, now with a new added depth of game play, and a one of a kind visual experience meant to immerse the player in the game world.
There are two screens much like the original 3DS. The top screen of the new system has an enhanced resolution giving it more pixels than even the visually stunning PSP. The bottom screen on the 3DS is also a touch screen, giving games the this added dimension pioneered in the original Nintendo DS.
Seeing the 3DS for the first time, it is hard not to be wowed by it. The 3D view is unique and visually appealing. Overall, however, the 3D element of the games don’t add anything to the game-play. This is not to say that it doesn’t add anything to the experience. The 3D effect adds to the detail of the environment and the feeling that you are in the game. In regards to the 3D effect there have also been some infrequent issues with players having eye-strain and headaches from playing in 3D, but it should be said that the 3D effect can be turned down, or off completely.
The 3DS is sure to be a delight to anyone who has enjoyed similar products (such as the PSP, Nintendo DS, or Game Boy Advance). The 3DS promises the same sorts of games, but with new stunning effects, and a generally better gaming experience. In addition original DS games are compatible with the 3DS (although your old games won’t be in 3D!).
With a price of $249.99 the cost for the 3DS is a little excessive, especially when you consider console gaming systems such as the Xbox 360 and the Wii are in the same price range.
The 3DS comes in aqua blue or black, and includes a sytlus, a recharger, a 2GB SD memory card, and an operational manual. Overall it is a great buy for gamers, but you might seriously want to consider holding off on buying it until the price comes down, and they come out with more big games for it (as it is still fairly new).