I waited in line at the mall yesterday at 8:30am to get my Nintendo 3DS and let me just say it was well worth the wait, the cost, and the months of having it on reserve! It’s awesome!
I was immediately impressed with the 3D effect, which is, of course what makes this device so revolutionary. I predict the 3DS is the start of a coming stream of consumer-level, glasses-free 3D technology. I can just imagine how this technology will be applied to computers, mobile phones, iPods, and beyond. The 3DS offers a volume control-like slider that allows you to adjust the strength of the 3D effect. I would say that at the maximum level, objects appear to dip into the screen (as if you’re looking through the 3DS) about one inch, and pop out of the screen at a couple centimeters, close to an inch. But don’t underestimate it – it’s really amazing!
I only bought two games since I wasn’t crazy about the 16 launch titles. I got PilotWings Resort, a title I’ve never played before, and Super Monkey Ball 3D. I’ve played SMB on almost every gaming platform available.
The 3DS has a 3D camera, though right now the pics can only be viewed on the 3DS until more products take advantage of the file format. Nonetheless the 3D pics are pretty cool. Many of the features of the 3DS will be released in coming software updates (online downloads), such as the Virtual Console, meaning we’ll be able to play popular SNES games from the past! I have not tried all the built-in features/games yet.
I created a Mii in my likeness, much the way I have already done on my Wii. I posted pics below. The augmented reality (AR) feature is especially cool, allowing you to play games that appear in the real world, and place your Mii in the real world, as if virtual characters existed on countertops and couches. My imagination is running wild with ideas about possible ways to apply this AR technology.
Overall I’m really happy with the 3DS and I feel like it’s just the beginning; the upcoming software features and new game releases are very exciting. I only have two complaints: 1) The battery life is horrible, usually lasting maybe 2 hours with the 3D at maximum, and 2) Eyestrain develops relatively fast after about an hour of constant play. I initially felt a bit nauseous, but I think it’s passed. The cons are heavily outweighed by the pros, however.
