Nintendo 3DS - A Review

The evolution of gaming consoles continues with the release of the Nintendo 3DS. No longer the domain of expensive TVs requiring chunky glasses to be worn the Nintendo 3DS is sure to revolutionise hand held gaming for years to come. Being a 3D sceptic I was not expecting much of the console considering it to be another gimmick but after seeing, feeling and sensing the Nintendo 3DS I must say I am more than convinced. The quality of the vision, which can be adjusted, is amazing and when playing first person games it is impressive to consider that the 3D effects are coming from something so small. Features which are sure to impress are the:   1. 3D slider enabling the user to adjust the impact or intensity of the 3D effect. By turning it completely off the  gamer can play 3D games in regular 2D; 2. Motion and gyro sensors which follow the moves of the gamer, and 3. Backwards comparability allowing original DS games to be played. The console itself is no different than the Nintendo DS that we, and our kids, have become familiar with.  The release price is a competitive $349 which, while slightly higher than the normal DS, is consider worth the increase given the significant technology jump. One issue Australian retailers will face will be the US price which is some $100 less making it extremely attractive for Australian consumers to purchase direct from the states.  So for those parents who recently purchased DS' for kids over Christmas I am sorry to say I know what you will be buying again this Christmas. If the queues at the demonstration launch at EB games in Melbourne are anything to go by Nintendo has a gold mine in it's possession. For further information: www.nintendo.com